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THE OFFICIAL OWP NEWSLETTERNOV 16 | I s sue #8

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THE WIRELESSN OV 1 6 | I ss u e # 8

I n a sea of crazed fitness fanatics, thrill-seekers and mud-soaked,

brave competitors, is a team of 18 VPL & Optus employees – fighting their way through 10km of military-style obstacles to show their upmost commitment to breaking the traditional client relationship barriers.

The team of NSW-based employees trained regularly over 8 weeks in preparation for the event, but nothing could prepare them for the sweaty combination of mud, sludge and slime that was enough to perturb even the toughest of competitors during the mini-marathon.

Coining themselves the Optus/Visionstream Dream Team, the crew of 18 came together in a corporate social responsibility initiative in August this year, seeking an opportunity to grow the professional relationship between the two companies.

The Optus Wireless Project has

encountered many challenges and successes over the tenure of the project. Over the course of regular management meetings, effective communication was recognised as a key element in reaching mutual success. This discussion acted as the catalyst that inspired many of the employees working on the project to step outside their comfort zones and partake in one of the world’s fastest growing events.

The Tough Mudder event is proud to proclaim its focus on teamwork and comradery, where the challenge isn’t centered around finish time, but ensuring each participant makes it safely over the finish line.

From the very start, where a hoarse announcer chants in unison with a kneeled, pledging crowd, “I vow to help my fellow Mudders, let no Mudder get left behind!” to the supportive signage plastered around the course

– Tough Mudder is certainly an event guaranteed to leave every participant both elated (and exhausted) with their team achievements.

The Optus/Visionstream Dream Team successfully made it across the finish line, managing to stick together throughout the entire course and using a variety of strategies to work towards their inevitable success.

“Seeing the passion in our team, I think we should next look to targeting the 18km challenge”

From heaving through thick sludge, crawling alongside struggling participants – the team were spurred on by both their work comrades and strangers pulling them through the tumultuous event. A euphoric and near-unrecognisable group collapsed

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into a heap at the finish line, after enjoying a refreshing beverage and proudly sporting their Finisher attire.

Both Optus and VPL staff speak highly of the experience, noting a genuine relationship improvement between the two companies.

“I would definitely do it again,” says Muhammed Essam, RF Engineer in the New South Wales team, “I have always been into workouts but attending Tough Mudder training sessions was surprisingly challenging. Seeing the passion in our team, I think we should next look to targeting the 18km challenge”.

Optus Project Manager, Sunil Khunger says it was the team’s motivation and support that got him across the finish line.

“The Tough Mudder event and training was my first ever team building activity in Australia," he says, "I have gained a very close relationship with the other team members during the training sessions and final event. I would like to join the same or similar activity in the future to make my relationship stronger with other team members.”

It seems that some of the team are still scrubbing off the grime from the event, with one participant exclaiming, “I had mud in orifices I didn’t know existed!”

Overall, the event was a huge success and the team have created bonds beyond any kind of regular corporate relationship. Many individuals are continuing along their fitness journey by attending training sessions each week, and already signing up for next year’s event.

Congratulations to all those who participated.

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