From HR to High-Fives: Shannon Fitzgerald’s Journey to Flexibility and Fun

If you have ever felt like you are trying to juggle a dozen glass balls while riding a unicycle on a tightrope, then you and Shannon Fitzgerald have a lot in common.

Before she became the Ready Steady Go Kids owner of the franchise regions in Lane Cove, Carlingford, and Thornleigh, Shannon was living the corporate dream: or, as she’s happy to admit with refreshing honesty, the corporate struggle.

As a single mum to three young children, Shannon was working in the high-stakes world of Human Resources. On paper, it was a solid career. In reality? Shannon felt like she was dropping the ball everywhere.

"To be honest, I felt like I was doing a really crap job at everything," Shannon says. "I was working in HR, I had three very young children, and I’m a single mum. I was finding it hard to do anything right and to give my work and my kids enough of my time."

It’s a sentiment that resonates with so many parents. The constant tug-of-war between a demanding career and the desire to be present for every school drop-off, every sports game, and every milestone. With her kids about to start school, the anxiety was mounting. How could she balance the rigid hours of corporate life with the unpredictable needs of three school-aged children?

The answer came from a memory of her kids’ local multi-sport classes.

Taking the Leap into a Sports Franchise

Shannon’s kids (who are now 15, 13, and 13) had all participated in Ready Steady Go Kids when they were younger. She knew the program worked, she knew the brand, and she knew the joy it brought to families. As a self-described "sporty" family, the idea of a sports franchise wasn't just a business opportunity; it was a lifestyle alignment.

When she saw the advertisement for an RSGK franchisee, her interest didn't just spark: it took off. She reached out to the owner, and the wheels began to turn.

"The main reason that attracted me to RSGK was that it would offer me flexibility," Shannon explains. "I love working with children, I love the business, and I love keeping kids active."

Deciding to invest in a kids franchise is a big move, especially when you are the sole provider for your family. But for Shannon, the risk of staying in a corporate cycle was far greater than the risk of starting her own business. She traded the HR manuals for bats, balls and sports cones... and she hasn't looked back for a second.

The Reality of Franchising: Working "In and On" the Business

Shannon is the first to tell you that franchising isn't a "get rich quick" scheme or a hands-off investment. It requires grit, determination, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Owning a kids activity franchise means balancing the administrative side: marketing, finding venues, and managing coaches: with the hands-on joy of being on the court. It’s about building a community, ensuring that every session runs smoothly and that every child feels seen.

Despite the stress of the "behind the scenes" work, the payoff for Shannon is in the hours she gets back with her own children.

"It has definitely given me the flexibility with my kids," she says. "I can attend their school functions, watch their sports, athletics, and dance. I can drop them off and pick them up at school: even though they’re older now. I can work the business into the times that work for me."

Why RSGK Stands Out in a Crowded Market

In a world full of after-school activities and weekend club sport, Shannon believes Ready Steady Go Kids has a "secret sauce" that others lack. The most obvious advantage is the variety. While many programs focus on a single sport, RSGK introduces children to 10 different sports.

"For me, that was the main reason I chose RSGK for my own kids as pre-schoolers," Shannon recalls.

But it’s more than just the sports. It’s the consistency. Because classes are held indoors, they are never cancelled, providing a reliable routine that children (and parents!) crave. Shannon also highlights the importance of the structure and the relationships built with the coaches.

"The consistency with coaches, routine, and structure is one thing that kids thrive on. We do that well," she says.

This structured environment allows for those tiny but monumental shifts in a child’s development.

"I love watching the kids grow and develop," Shannon says. "I especially love seeing them achieve something they thought they couldn't do. I get to have lots of hugs and high-fives."

Leadership and the ELC Incursion Space

While Shannon is modest about her achievements, her impact on the Ready Steady Go Kids network is impossible to miss. She has become a leader in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) incursion space, taking the RSGK program directly into childcare centres and preschools. This allows even more children to benefit from the program during their normal daycare hours.

Her dedication to excellence and her ability to tackle challenges head-on have made her a standout franchisee.

Danie O'Connor, Franchisor, sums it up perfectly: "Shannon is someone who is always up for a challenge: she just gets everything done and strives to be better all the time. Her leadership in the ELC incursion space has been inspirational to the network and it was an honour to name her as Franchisee of the year in 2025."

It’s a huge endorsement, and one that feels spot on. Shannon’s honest, roll-up-your-sleeves approach has not only helped her build a successful business, but also made her a go-to leader within the RSGK community."

Life Outside RSGK

If you're looking for Shannon outside of work hours, you’ll likely find her... at a sports field.

"My life at the moment revolves around my kids and their sports," she laughs. "I manage multiple soccer teams, attend their games, volunteer for different things, and try to be there to assist my elderly parents."

It’s a busy life, but it’s a life she chose: one built on her own terms. For Shannon, the transition from HR to RSGK wasn't just a career change; it was a life-saving shift toward work-life balance.

"I love watching the kids and their sport and right now, for me: that’s all I need. Eventually, it will be time for me, but while they want me around, I’m theirs!"

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Shannon’s story is a testament to what happens when you prioritise what matters most. She took a leap of faith, backed by a proven system, and created a career that supports her family rather than draining them.

If you’re looking for a way to escape the corporate grind and find a role that brings joy, movement, and flexibility into your life, a sports franchise might be the answer. Like Shannon, you could find that the best part of your "workday" involves high-fives, hugs, and helping the next generation of kids find their confidence.

As Shannon says: "Do your homework! Understand what’s involved, be realistic about the hard work, and make sure it’s the right fit for your family."