This one’s been a long time coming. I had employed staff for nine years, and now, on the other side of gym ownership, I see the whole picture clearly. In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most common (and messy) questions I get from clients:

Can I actually be friends with my staff?

We’re talking leadership duality, blurred boundaries, emotional capacity, favouritism, and what it actually takes to hold a powerful, productive relationship while still being able to lead a team. If you’re managing people, or plan to, you need to hear this.

"You don’t need brick wall boundaries, but if you can’t hold duality, you’re not ready to lead."

[00:00] Why this conversation matters more than ever

[02:24] Small teams, proximity, and natural closeness

[04:45] What actually makes staff friendships messy

[06:58] Avoidance, emotional capacity & when things blur

[09:03] Duality is everything, can both people hold it?

[11:29] Friendship vs favouritism, what your team sees

[13:51] Boundaries, flexibility, and avoiding the “cold wall” trap

[16:08] What to do when performance slips but friendship stays

[18:32] Final thoughts: pro relationship with structure