We react to Don Faul stepping down as CrossFit CEO and talk through what leadership churn really changes for affiliates and everyday CrossFitters. We also challenge gym owners to stop waiting for HQ to fix everything and start winning the only battle that matters: how people feel when they walk through the door. 

• Don Faul’s exit and why the timing lands during the Open 
• What CrossFit HQ improves under Faul including affiliate communication 
• The tough metrics Open participation down and affiliate count shrinking 
• Old school CrossFit culture versus business realities like fee increases 
• Missed strategic bets including Hyrox and better media storytelling 
• Outlast as a CrossFit adjacent model that brings new people in 
• How to market CrossFit to younger adults without losing the message 
• Story driven content that fights the “CrossFit is dangerous” stereotype 
• Why affiliate owners and coaches control retention more than HQ 
• The service mentality test greeting drop ins and building real community