“Keep showing up” is the mantra that’s guided Amanda Broughton through the last three years. From winning a national relay title during chemotherapy to ongoing treatment, her story is about consistency, connection and sheer determination.
In the video below, Amanda explains:
“Even if you’re not the best version of yourself, waiting for the perfect time means missing out. That’s why it’s important to show up and seize every opportunity."
How do you stay resilient, when faced with either a personal or professional challenge?
“I’ve always set clear goals for myself. It’s a trait I got from running, a hobby I’ve had for 15 years, and I take the same approach with all aspects of my life."
“Small habits and small goals can add up to make a big impact. When I run, I challenge myself to finish or to beat my time. When I invest, I challenge myself to save a little more each month. And, in 2023, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I challenged myself to just get through each day, then each week, then each month."
“I’m now 600 days into my treatment and I’ve had 59 medical procedures. Without small goals, reaching these milestones could have felt overwhelming. My goal throughout my treatment was always to achieve my minimum viable day – like the concept of a minimum viable product, it’s the minimum amount you’re happy with achieving in one day."
“For me, that was to eat a healthy breakfast and “keep showing up” to work or social gatherings so I could always connect with at least one person. If you have a small goal, any large task or daunting situation feels a lot more manageable.”
What does “keep showing up” mean to you?
“In early 2025 I fractured my elbow two weeks before competing in a 100-mile relay race. I’d been training with my team for months, and although my arm was sore, I knew I had to show up for them. I ran almost 50km (31 miles), and I’m so glad that I did. I proved to myself that I can find a way to do hard things despite setbacks."
“During my cancer treatment, it would have been easy to give up on my running hobby. Instead, I kept showing up – running when I could and walking when I couldn’t – and I have no regrets. I even managed to win a national relay race when still receiving chemo – an achievement I am hugely proud of!”
What inspired you to be so open about your personal cancer story?
“When faced with any challenge – running a race, designing a creative campaign, receiving medical treatment – I try to learn from those who’ve done it well before me. With a cancer diagnosis, it’s normal to think about worst-case scenarios. But reading positive stories about others’ success and recovery was hugely motivating."
“Throughout my treatment, I also learned I can’t control everything. What I can control are the moments that I find happiness. I didn’t appreciate this until faced with my cancer diagnosis. And I wanted to share this mindset with colleagues and others facing life-changing challenges too.”
What impact has sharing your story had on you, and those you work with?
“My manager was one of the first people I told about my diagnosis and she was instantly in my corner. When you receive any news about your health, it’s hard to think straight. But my manager made me feel so supported from the start."
“As a team, we structured the week so that I was able to do simpler, admin tasks on days when I was tired from chemo. Brainstorming and creative thinking were scheduled for the days furthest from my treatment. I’m passionate about what I do, so these adjustments helped me continue to make an impact in the office."
“By sharing my story with colleagues and coming into the office when I could, I also realized it’s OK for your goals to shift after a cancer diagnosis. I stopped waiting to ‘beat’ cancer and started living with it. Focus on what you can control, show up for yourself, and seize the day!"
Ready to embrace the extraordinary?
If you believe you have the makings of an FNZer, we’re eager to meet you.
