ON THE COVER Feature Story
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s the anchor for CTV Edmonton News at Six for 12 years, and 20 years in media, Carrie was always comfortable with being in the public spotlight, knowing that image, along with smarts and drive, go a long way in the world of media. Along with husband Stephen, who is founder and president of the Luxus Group – a successful company that offers luxury vacation properties, development and more – this dynamic duo already knew the importance of looking after themselves to become successful in life. But in the past few years, Carrie and Stephen have taken that general sense of well-being to the next level of fitness. “One thing we never compromise on is our health and our exercise. Because once that deteriorates, we deteriorate so it’s always a number one priority: it’s just a way of life for us now,” says Carrie. “Even when I am not feeling well, or I have a cold coming on, I’ll always drag my butt to the gym
because after that workout and that boost of endorphins I feel better. It gives me a clear head and helps me function better through the day. I always say that exercise is my magic elixir,” she adds. And for both Carrie and Stephen, starting the day off early with an hour of morning exercise is vital to their success in life. “If we don’t [exercise], it feels like we are sacrificing our day, because we are less focused and our productivity goes down,” says Stephen. And with various business, charity and community commitments, being focused is essential for the power couple. Since leaving CTV a year ago, Carrie has started her own consulting business, and has also continued being a much sought after public speaker and facilitator, as well as being more involved as a principal with the Luxus Group, with husband Stephen. Besides their hectic business schedule, both are heavily involved in the community.
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Both Stephen and Carrie are co-chairs of the Glenrose Courage Gala, while Carrie is the chair of the Stollery Women’s Network, is the honourary chair for both the CIBC Run for the Cure and the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, and is also involved with the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, the Zebra Foundation and Kids with Cancer, among many others over the years. Stephen also sits on the Stollery Hospital board, and has taken over running the Tee Up For Tots, a charity golf tournament once managed by Kevin Lowe and Sam Abouhassen, and helped raise over $1 million last year for the Stollery. He is also on the exploration committee for Northlands to decide what to do with Rexall Place once the new downtown arena is built. “This community is our community and we have to take ownership of it. We always felt that if we want to see improvements [to the community] then we have to get involved. Instead of saying ‘this needs to be done, or
WELLNESS | SPRING 2015