Episodes

  • Episode #521: From NASA to ASENSEI-Steven Webster on Digital Transformation in Fitness

    Episode #521: From NASA to ASENSEI-Steven Webster on Digital Transformation in Fitness
    Oct 2 2024

    Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, selling his first company to Adobe and working with customers including NASA, Nike, and the NFL.

    Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His multifaceted knowledge spans movement recognition, coaching intelligence, artificial intelligence, and athletic intelligence. Webster and host Pete Moore explore his early passion for computers sparked initially by his Dad (an electrical engineer) to eventually founding ASENSEI, a company specializing in movement recognition technology for fitness and healthcare.

    We uncover Steve's insights on enhancing consumer engagement, solving real-world problems through AI, and the future of interactive training technology. This is a deep-dive into the convergence of fitness, technology, and business innovation.

    Key themes discussed

    • ASENSEI: Movement recognition company for various applications.
    • AI coaching potential to scale being digitally demonstrated.
    • Athletes training with consumers in real time.
    • Solve frustration to validate business funding needs.
    • Building on existing AI is an industry standard practice.
    • Customer experience tests show high net promoter scores.
    • Trade shows are arsenals for success strategies.

    A few key takeaways:

    1. Holistic View of Digital Transformation: Webster emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in the HALO space. Drawing parallels with successful digital shifts in ecommerce and financial services, he underscores the necessity for both legacy and pioneer brands to integrate advanced technologies to stay competitive.

    2. Martial Arts Influence: Webster shares how his background in martial arts strongly influences his approach to coaching and technology. Martial arts not only offer physical benefits but also emotional and behavioral improvements. This translates into his work with ASENSEI, where movement recognition technology enhances fitness and health applications.

    3. Asensi's Technology Implementation: The episode focuses a lot on ASENSEI's movement recognition technology and its practical applications in fitness and health. Initially applied to indoor rowing, the tech has expanded to meet the demands of home workouts. Examples include using cameras for analyzing exercises to prevent injuries and using AI to interpret and improve physical activities.

    4. AI and Coaching Synergy: Webster clarifies that their technology is designed to complement, not replace, human coaches. The AI serves as a "copilot," capturing user movements and providing real-time feedback based on expert coaching insights. This ensures the technology enhances the coaching experience rather than detracting from the human element.

    5. Legacy Brands and Market Evolution: The discussion around how legacy fitness brands are leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences is especially noteable.

    Click here to download transcript.

    Resources:

    • Steven Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwebster
    • ASENSEI: https://www.asensei.ai
    • Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
    • Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
    • HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

    Connect With Us:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
    Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    33 mins
  • Episode #520: The 9 Shifts-Deekron Krikorian's Framework for Ultimate Health and Wellness

    Episode #520: The 9 Shifts-Deekron Krikorian's Framework for Ultimate Health and Wellness
    Sep 25 2024
    In today's episode, host Pete Moore welcomes (for his second appearance on HALO Talks) Deekron Krikorian--formerly known as the Fitness DJ--and currently a new author, fitness professional specializing in those over 40, and a seasoned entrepreneur. He shares how his father's rugby background created a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Transitioning from a corporate career to promoting customized, curated fitness music for professionals, Deekron's prior company "Motion Traxx" grabbed over 100,000+ listeners monthly, leading to powerful brand partnerships. He's since authored a new book focusing on the "9 shifts"—a holistic system addressing the Mind, Body, and Life challenges that many of us face, especially as we get older. Deekron and Pete delve into crucial topics including deception in 'healthy snacks' marketing, the significance of 'imperfect actions' for high achievers, and balancing data-driven fitness coaching with personal accountability. Deekron also discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and personal development in achieving lasting health and wellness. On the power of emotional intelligence, Krikorian opines, "The one thing I've benefited from even more, I would say, than my business school experience was the personal development work I did to understand how I'm wired, to understand my emotions, thoughts, feelings, where are they coming from, and how do I shift them so I could get out of things that other people struggle with. Things like self doubt, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, self criticism, shame, all these things that we go through as human beings. There's not enough emphasis on understanding that and gaining emotional intelligence." Key themes discussed Challenges for over-40s: Mind, body, life categories.Specialize in mindset coaching, public speaking, holistic solutions.GLP drugs: Weight loss, smoking cessation, appetite reduction.GLP-1 agonists may cause long-term digestion issues.Clients graduate, reconnect, and new ones join.Personal development surpasses business school for growth. A few key takeaways: Holistic Coaching Approach: Deekron's unique coaching philosophy centers on a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and mental factors. His method, as outlined in his book, involves tackling challenges related to the mind, body, and life in a structured 3x3 system, which he believes is key to sustainable wellness and personal growth. Imperfect Actions Over All-or-Nothing Mentality: High achievers often fall prey to the all-or-nothing mentality, where they neglect exercise if it can’t be "perfect." Krikorian encourages focusing on "imperfect actions" like shorter, more frequent walks, which can be more achievable and still significantly beneficial for overall health. Personal Development and Emotional Intelligence: One of the critical aspects of Deekron's coaching is the emphasis on personal development and emotional intelligence. He advocates for understanding one's emotions and habits to drive behavior change. His book serves as a tool for self-help and personal growth, encouraging readers to introspect and change from within. Scaling Through Relationships and Technology: Deekron doesn't aim to build an empire but rather to nurture meaningful, personalized relationships with his clients. He underscores the importance of technology in scaling his coaching model, through training and certifying coaches who can replicate his approach and maintain the same level of personalization with clients. Long-Term Health Over Quick Fixes: In discussions about weight loss drugs and other "quick" solutions, he cautions against the allure of such shortcuts and highlights their potential long-term side effects. He advocates for building mental strength and discipline and prioritizing sustainable health practices over temporary fixes. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Deekron Krikorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deekron/The Healthy Higher Performer: https://www.theinpowermentco.com/ The Nine Shifts: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Shifts-Mind-First-Method-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CRYHM6GW Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    30 mins
  • Episode #519: BrainLit and Healthy Indoor Environments-Insights from Kyle Harris on Light Science

    Episode #519: BrainLit and Healthy Indoor Environments-Insights from Kyle Harris on Light Science
    Sep 4 2024
    In today's episode, we dive into (a relatively new field in the US) the fascinating world of 'healthy/performance lighting' with Kyle Harris. Join host Pete Moore as they explore Brainlit technology, a Swedish company that creates healthier indoor environments by mimicking the natural spectrum of sunlight through advanced LED modulation. Kyle and Pete discuss expanding partnerships with major sports teams like the Sacramento Kings, tackling market challenges, and the impressive patent portfolio that underpins Brainlit's revolutionary approach. We'll also touch on the technology's journey into various markets, the quantifiable benefits for athlete performance and overall wellness, and the future-proof nature of lighting solutions making waves in the US sports sector. Inspired by Tord Wengren, one of the team behind behind Bluetooth and a platform expert from companies like Samsung and Huawei, Brainlet aims to revolutionize indoor lighting. Under Kyle’s influence, the company focuses on modulating and controlling LED lights to replicate the perfect sunlight spectrum indoors. This innovative approach not only creates healthier work and living environments but also aligns with the natural ways in which sunlight energizes and keeps people focused, reminiscent of the benefits our ancestors experienced. This technology has been used in Europe for quite a while and has recently starting gaining traction in the states. Harris states, "Companies that we work with, the professional teams especially, tell their players, 'We have installed for your benefit lights that make you recover better, sleep better, that can energize you before a game and decompress you post game.' I would say, conservatively, there's a 10 year difference in the understanding of light tech and health and wellness between Europe and the US to some extent, and how they look at light. Because of we come out of the Nordics, there's a much better understanding of the power of light." Key themes discussed Entering new markets and educating resistant leaders.Exercise benefits, lighting impact on athletes, ROI.Light system enhances health, wellness in various environments.Future-proof design allows for continuous evolution.Challenges in light tech and market traction.Investment in new sports facilities for next generation.Custom health solutions for optimal indoor environment. A few key takeaways: Brainlit Technology and Its Benefits: Brainlit specializes in creating healthy indoor environments by modulating LED light to mimic the natural sunlight spectrum. This tech offers significant health benefits including improved productivity, better sleep patterns, and reduced sick days. Strategic Partnerships in Sports: Brainlit has formed partnerships with major sports organizations, including the Sacramento Kings and others. These collaborations demonstrate the effectiveness of their technology in enhancing athletes' performance and overall wellness, further expanding their reach to the English Premier League and other major leagues. Market Education and Challenges: One of the prominent challenges discussed is the necessity of educating architects, construction teams, and potential clients about the benefits of healthy lighting. Communication and timely implementation remain key barriers, especially in new builds and the fragmented school district market. Holistic and Future-Proof Solutions: Brainlit offers versatile and adaptive lighting systems that cater to specific facility needs, such as providing optimized lighting during unconventional hours and for jet lag mitigation. Their solutions are designed to be future-proof, with remote accessibility management to allow for ongoing upgrades. Enterprise and Support Staff Focus: Beyond targeting athletes, Brainlit is emphasizing an enterprise solution that supports not only players but also coaches and support staff. This broader approach helps create a holistic wellness environment for everyone involved, and positions them as a comprehensive solution in various vertical markets including health clubs, sports, and studio markets. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Kyle Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleharris/ Brainlit: https://www.brainlit.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    30 mins
  • Episode #518: Beyond the Gym-Exploring Cities with Michael Riordan's City Fit Tours

    Episode #518: Beyond the Gym-Exploring Cities with Michael Riordan's City Fit Tours
    Aug 27 2024

    Michael Riordan, a fellow New Yorker and entrepreneur, shares his journey in building a unique fitness tourism business. We'll dive into how his personal experience and professional background as a personal trainer inspired him to create immersive, wellness-focused tours for travelers and business people visiting the city.

    While in Hawaii, he was faced with the decision of either running on a treadmill or exploring outdoors, he chose the latter and embarked on a beach run that turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of his life. This moment of clarity inspired him to integrate more local and immersive activities into his routine.

    Back in his professional life, he noticed a recurring theme among his clients, who often traveled to fun destinations for work but rarely got to experience the local culture. Michael became a staunch advocate for blending fitness with business and/or adventure travel, encouraging clients to explore and enjoy their surroundings, no matter where their travels took them.

    Riordan states, "The identity of the the Fit Tours business is that we are actually a tour company with a fitness twist as opposed to a fitness company with a tour twist."

    Key themes discussed

    • Embrace local experiences & keep up your fitness while traveling for work.
    • Fit Tours offers a combination of unique fitness and city exploration.
    • Strategic partnerships and filling classes for entrepreneurs.
    • Balancing cost and sustainability for fitness tours.
    • Recruited dynamic, engaging tour guides for events.
    • Competitor collaboration led to successful new business entity.

    A few key takeaways:

    1. Innovative Business Concept: Riordan identified a niche in the market by providing fitness-focused tours for travelers. This stemmed from his own experiences and frustrations with traditional gym routines while traveling.

    2. Target Audience and Value Proposition: The primary target audience includes both leisure and business travelers who want to maintain their fitness routines while also experiencing local sights and culture. This dual-purpose offering provides an immersive wellness experience unique to each city.

    3. Effective Team Building: Riordan found success by hiring actors and performers as tour guides. These individuals not only had the fitness focus he needed but also brought an energetic and engaging dynamic to the tours, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

    4. Adapting and Expanding: During the pandemic, Riordan expanded to Chicago by acquiring a local running tour company at no cost, demonstrating resourcefulness and strategic growth. This move was facilitated by his connection with the former owner's similar vision and goals.

    5. Merging for Better Outcomes: By merging Fit Tours NYC with City Running Tours to form City Fit Tours, Riordan and his partner combined their strengths and resources. This allowed them to share the workload more effectively, with Riordan focusing on business development and his partner on operations.

    Click here to download transcript.

    Resources:

    • Michael Riordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-riordan-97a1167
    • City Fit Tours: https://fittoursnyc.com
    • Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
    • Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
    • HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

    Connect With Us:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
    Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    26 mins
  • Episode #517: Chris Craytor on Innovative Strategies for Health Club Growth and Member Retention

    Episode #517: Chris Craytor on Innovative Strategies for Health Club Growth and Member Retention
    Aug 20 2024
    Chris Craytor took on a significant challenge when joining the board of IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. At a time when raising funds was particularly difficult, Craytor played a key role in steering the organization towards a stronger focus on advocacy, education, and research. With the strategic hire of Liz Clark as CEO, Craytor helped pivot IHRSA—now known as the Health and Fitness Association—towards these critical areas. This shift was underscored by the COVID pandemic, which signifcantly heightened awareness among club operators about the importance of advocacy. Craytor envisions increased efforts to influence state-level legislation, recognizing that many crucial battles for the industry are won and lost at the local level. Chris and host Pete Moore discuss a range of topics crucial to the fitness industry, including managing member relationships, especially within the Medicare Advantage community, and the critical role of customer retention. Chris shares his innovative approach to business by addressing personal and professional challenges and emphasizes the significance of strong leadership. They also explore the ever-evolving landscape of health insurance, exercise and its impact on long-term health, and the importance of preventative care covered by groups like Medicare and Medicaid. Chris also highlights the rapid growth in insurance-based memberships and the challenges and solutions provided by Welld Health, a leading software platform connecting health clubs to healthcare payers. Key themes discussed Discussing importance of active voter participation and issues.ACAC founded with inclusive, community-focused approach.Layering AI in medical data for reimbursement.Software companies require 5-year SaaS agreements.States for ACAC business expansion in 36 months.Clean database, streamline member files, reduce rejection.Popular programs offer competitive advantages in business. A few key takeaways: 1. Medicare Advantage Programs and Revenue Potential: Health clubs can significantly benefit by targeting the Medicare Advantage community. Large chains have the potential to generate millions of dollars monthly through these programs. 2. Customer Retention and Leadership: Effective customer retention efforts are crucial for clubs. Finding the right individual within the club to manage these efforts can make a significant difference. The role of a Chief Revenue Officer was highlighted as potentially beneficial for improving accounting processes and overall efficiency. 3. ACAC's Inclusive and Comprehensive Approach: Chris shared insights into ACAC Fitness and Wellness, which operates on a larger format with high-end amenities. Their approach to inclusiveness, medical programs, physician referrals, and partnerships with doctors and hospitals sets them apart. The emphasis on tracking member outcomes and offering first-class service above their middle-market price point further highlights their differentiation. 4. Health and Fitness Advocacy: The rebranding of IHRSA as the Health and Fitness Association underscores a new focus on political advocacy, education, and research. Project 435, for example, aims to have a club captain advocating for health clubs in each of the 435 congressional districts, showcasing the importance of grassroots advocacy within the sector. 5. Challenges and Benefits of Health Insurance Integration: The podcast also shed light on the integration of health insurance with fitness clubs, particularly the challenges around eligibility verification, member management, and reconciliation. Software platforms like Welld Health play a critical role in reducing rejection rates and bad data, ultimately saving significant revenue for clubs. The ability to run long-term medical programs via partnerships with YMCA's and medical centers further illustrates the evolving landscape of preventative healthcare coverage. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Chris Craytor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-craytor/Welld Health: https://www.welldhealth.com/solutions ACAC: https://acac.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    34 mins
  • Episode #516:Jill Kinney on Medical Fitness Centers and Active Wellness Innovations

    Episode #516:Jill Kinney on Medical Fitness Centers and Active Wellness Innovations
    Aug 14 2024
    Host Pete Moore is joined by an industry pioneer and long-time friend Jill Kinney, currently the Founder/Chairman of Active Wellness. They deep dive into the ever-evolving landscape of fitness for the senior population, focusing on Jill's innovative work with Active Wellness. She shares her insights on redefining fitness centers, especially within healthcare systems and senior living communities, through the creation of Activate—a high-touch, personalized wellness program which are transforming traditional spaces into profitable, consumer-facing wellness hubs. Drawing from a rich background in developing, owning, and operating fitness clubs, Jill has successfully melded her expertise to create distinct, consumer-focused models within the industry. Kinney states, "I don't think the health care systems or hospitals per se, really understand marketing. Most of the folks that we've dealt with felt like their medical fitness center was somehow or another going to be so unique that it would have no competition . . . and there's there's nothing further from the truth . . . what we've done is taken our branding, marketing, and sales skills and turned these businesses around, so they're profitable. They're generating 18 to 25% EBITDA returns." Key themes discussed Challenges of managing hospital real estate assets.Personalized wellness program with brain training, recovery, and E-Gym.Excitement for real estate investment opportunities and models.Opening up facility to public feedback. A few key takeaways: 1. Active Wellness is a fitness and wellness management company that provides a unique twist through two distinct models: -Active Wellness Centers: These are similar to medical fitness centers but with a profitability and business focus, making them more consumer-facing and competitive. -Activate Program: A turnkey, approximately $2,000,000 solution with a small footprint (5,000-10,000 square feet), integrating personalized wellness and fitness programs featuring high-tech and data-driven approaches. 2. Hospitals and healthcare systems often underestimate the importance of sales and marketing, especially when it comes to running fitness centers. Active Wellness steps in to turn these facilities into profitable, consumer-friendly wellness centers that attract members and operate with commercial efficiency. 3. The Activate program includes a variety of personalized services such as personal health coaching, registered dietitians, and specialized equipment like eGym for tailored fitness plans. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach encompassing fitness, recovery, and even brain training. 4. Activate centers generate significant financial returns (28%-35% ROI on invested capital starting from year 2) and transform previously cost-center amenities into profitable entities. 5. Although initially targeted at seniors and independent living communities, the program's appeal is broadening to a younger demographic. Active Wellness plans to scale up, aiming to have around 20 Activate locations in the near future, with a longer-term goal of expanding to 50-100 locations. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Jill Kinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkinney/Active Wellness: https://activewellness.com/ Buck Institute: https://www.buckinstitute.org/ E-Gym: https://egym.com/us Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
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    24 mins
  • Episode #515: Transforming Healthcare-Cyrus Massoumi's Journey from Zocdoc Founder to Dr. B Innovator

    Episode #515: Transforming Healthcare-Cyrus Massoumi's Journey from Zocdoc Founder to Dr. B Innovator
    Aug 6 2024
    Host Pete Moore had a sit-down at the Health & Fitness Association 2024 trade show in Los Angeles with Cyrus Massoumi, the visionary founder behind Dr. B, a revolutionary telemedicine platform. Pete chats with Cyrus about his journey from founding Zocdoc to his passionate pursuit of affordable, how the name came about, remote healthcare solutions through Dr. B, and more. They also discuss how COVID has transformed medical interactions and highlight the critical role of exercise in managing medical conditions. Massoumi offers insightful perspectives on utilizing FSA and HSA dollars for fitness expenses and shares how Dr. B's partnerships with fitness brands are making healthcare more accessible. You'll learn about the importance of letters of medical necessity, the compliance landscape of telehealth, innovative ways to maximize healthcare benefits, and how this can complement your fitness journey. Massoumi is driving a holistic approach to wellness and pushing the boundaries of healthcare, ensuring it meets the needs of both insured and uninsured individuals. He states, "Our goal is not just to offer letters of medical necessity to fitness club members, but also to be health care partners for all of these gyms and fitness studios that are interested in making that leap and understanding what that looks like, and how do you do it in a responsible way and make sure that you can really make people's lives better more holistically." Key themes discussed Starting and growing Zocdoc.Enable health account payment method for members.Regulations needed to curb destructive conduct from other bad actors in this space.Health savings accounts rising due to high deductibles.Initial misunderstanding, now promoting HSA and FSA.Be disciplined, use resources, make an impact. A few key takeaways: 1. Dr. B, founded by Cyrus Massoumi, is a telemedicine platform focused on providing affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for COVID-19 patients and the uninsured. It emphasizes remote care, making healthcare services more reachable during and beyond the pandemic. 2. Massoumi highlights the crucial role of exercise in preventing and managing medical conditions. The opportunity to use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for fitness-related expenses is underlined, promoting healthier living through financial incentives. 3. Dr. B positions itself to make healthcare more accessible through the issuance of letters of medical necessity for FSA and HSA use. This allows members to use pretax dollars for medical expenses, reducing the overall cost burden and encouraging preventative care. 4. The company has seen immediate demand from the fitness industry and focuses on collaborating with fitness brands of all sizes. This partnership is designed to promote holistic health by integrating medical necessity letters into fitness services, which can be redeemed using FSA and HSA funds. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Cyrus Massoumi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-massoumi-58330b Dr. B: https://www.hidrb.com Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
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    28 mins
  • Episode #514: Speir Pilates Approach to Community, Wellness, and Studio Growth with Andrea Speir and Liz Polk

    Episode #514: Speir Pilates Approach to Community, Wellness, and Studio Growth with Andrea Speir and Liz Polk
    Jul 31 2024
    Today we're diving into the Pilates/boutique fitness world with two incredible guests, Liz Polk and Andrea Speir, Co-Founders of Speir Pilates. We explore how Liz and Andrea have transformed their love for Pilates into a thriving business that not only promotes health and wellness but also fosters community and inclusivity. Liz and Andrea share their journey, from leaving corporate careers, including Liz's decade at Netflix, to building a brand known for its welcoming atmosphere and thier collaborative spirit with other businesses. We'll discuss their strategies for maintaining high-quality instruction, the importance of a strong entrepreneurial management team, and their innovative use of technology to enhance member experience. These two women have created something unique. Speir Pilates is not just about fitness, but about creating a supportive, family-like culture and pioneering unique events from bachelorette parties to influencer classes. There's something here for any business owner in the HALO space! The episode is packed with insights on adapting to change, building community, and the pivotal role of partnerships in business success. "We don't really do we don't do free offers," states Liz. "You're getting high quality instruction from people who are certified in something complex, which is a little different than a Spin class. This highlights the value we place on providing expert guidance over free alternatives." Key themes discussed Seeking input, asking questions, open to learning.Discussing Pilates locations, equipment, growth, and uniqueness.Select talent and instructors who embody the brand.Diverse delivery methods expand Pilates instructor opportunities.Customer experience modeled after hospitality industry.Investment advice: Build a strong management team! A few key takeaways: 1. The partners emphasize the importance of building a strong community within and beyond their 4 walls. They engage in collaborations with peer studios and complementary fitness modalities like boxing to create supportive and cohesive fitness experiences. This fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among clients. 2. Liz's journey from a corporate background to Co-Founding Speir Pilates highlights the value of adaptability and being open to pivot when necessary. The duo’s ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as during the COVID-19, showcases their entrepreneurial resilience and innovative approach to overcoming challenges. 3. Andrea underscores the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, making Pilates accessible to a broader audience without the need for "exclusive invitations." This aligns with their vision of creating a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of fitness level or background. 4. Speir operates with a hospitality mindset, ensuring that clients feel expected and cared for from the moment they step into the studio. This includes personalized services, gathering client information to enhance their experience, and optimizing relationships to foster a sense of community and belonging. 5. Their choice of locations and the aesthetic design of their studios play a crucial role in the business model. By selecting blank new construction spaces and considering neighboring tenants, Liz and Andrea ensure that each studio offers an optimal client experience. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Andrea Speir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-speir-65742610a/ Liz Polk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmpolk/ Speir Pilates: https://speirpilates.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
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    29 mins