Team Yates Perth XVenture Family Challenge Interview

Australian Families To Star In Positive, Trans-Tasman TV Series Debut

A new series premiering on Australian screens on 24th March 2019 puts family units to the ultimate test in a range of exciting and unique challenges. With $25,000 up for grabs the XVenture Family Challenge TV series features 16 families (2 adults and 2 teens) from across Australia and New Zealand and is set to air on Channel 10 in Australia and Three in New Zealand.

After the success of the inaugural TV series in New Zealand in 2018, XVenture were excited to open up the opportunity to Aussie families in the second series.

Hosted by Network 10's Kate Freebairn and award- winning New Zealand Musician, Jason Kerrison, in the first series of its kind to air in Australia, the energy-fueled show is the ultimate Trans-Tasman clash of the families. Inflatables, virtual reality, drones and a Grammy award- winning songwriter make for the ultimate melting pot of fun, entertainment and competition. Family teams need to work together to build trust, communicate and collaborate quickly in order to be successful.

Whilst the series is fast- paced and action packed, there is a deep purpose for its creation. XVenture Family Challenge Series Creator and Director, Mike Conway says, "During the teenage years there are so many changes facing a young person. If we can provide opportunities for them to develop emotional agility and resilience they'll build closer relationships and have a much greater chance of success in life. The series provides the opportunity to do this with their family in a safe and supportive environment." Mike is renowned for his unconventional and passionate approach in creating cutting-edge individual and team development programmes globally.

"It's been such a wonderful experience spending time with families from all parts of Australia and New Zealand. Our production team experienced first-hand how these family teams evolved over the course of the challenges. Improved communication, collaboration and most importantly trust were at the heart of their transition", said Mike Conway, who is an Honorary Professor at University of Wollongong and also currently the Emotional Agility and Mind Coach for Australia's National Soccer Team and Sydney FC.

Tune in to 10 on Sundays from 24th March 2019.

Presented by ecostore, XVenture Family Challenge is created, developed and produced by global experts in learning, leadership and team development, XVenture. XVenture is a group who is dedicated to creating rich learning, leadership and media content solutions designed to create Winning Minds in business, elite sport, schools and universities. The XVenture Family Challenge TV Series was born out of the recognition that creating an environment where families can learn and grow together is a positive way to develop Emotional Agility, Resilience and Leadership for greater success in life.

Interview with Jaimee Yates, Team Yates Perth

Question: What is the XVenture Family Challenge?

Jaimee Yates: It's a TV show where 16 different families from NZ and Australia compete against each other in family building games and activities. It's also about family team work and respecting that we are all different. It's all about knowing where our strengths are and where we have opportunities to grow.


Question: Why did your family decide to participate in XVenture Family Challenge?

Jaimee Yates: Our uncle messaged mum saying 'this had the Yates family written all over it'. He knows us well! We did it as something we could experience together as we are always up for a challenge - making family memories!

Question: Can you tell us about the challenges your family competing in, on the show?

Jaimee Yates: I can't tell you too much you'll have to watch the series… I can tell you that in some of the challenges we (my brother Kai and I) had to show mum and dad how to do it. Mum was nervous on one of the challenges because she hadn't even seen the technology we were using before! All the challenges we had to physically do something, but it was actually more about thinking through how do to it, staying calm and who would be good at what… and quickly.


Question: What did you learn about each other whilst on XVenture Family Challenge?

Jaimee Yates: That we all have our strengths and weaknesses. My family can bring the fun and laughs even when things don't go to plan like the greenhouse!


Question: How did XVenture Family Challenge build trust and communication within your family?

Jaimee Yates: It made us build trust as we had to trust the person who we felt had the best strength for that challenge. We had to trust them to take the lead. We also learnt that communication played a big part in the challenges as they involved all four of us. I think our family has good communication skills; we talk a lot about lots of different things!


Question: Will you be watching your episode? What are you most looking forward to seeing?

Jaimee Yates: YES! I am most excited about looking at how it all comes together on TV and seeing the great families that we meet on the way again.


Interview by Brooke Hunter