Fitt Insider

Today I'm joined by Chip Hawkins, Founder and Chairman of Wahoo Fitness — a fitness technology for indoor cycling and endurance training.

In this episode, we discuss Wahoo's evolution from a single product used to track cycling stats to an indoor bike trainer and now a variety of devices and accessories for endurance athletes. Chip also talks about his approach to product development and the importance of staying innovative. Plus, we look at the opportunities and challenges in content, software, and building a fully integrated platform.

More from Fitt Insider

Fitt Insider is a newsletter and podcast on the business of fitness and wellness.

Join industry-leading operators and investors by subscribing: http://insider.fitt.co

Let's talk about the business of wellness…

My guest today is Cecile Gasnault, the Brand Director at Smile Makers, which is a revolutionary sexual wellness brand that is completely reimagining the female pleasure category. Launched in 2012, Cecile joined the team to support Smile Makers digital growth and help educate, inform and de-stigmatize a once very taboo subject. We talk about exactly how they’ve done this. 

In this episode, Cecile talks us through the strategy behind reframing the conversation around sexual pleasure, and how talking to buyers from retailers like Selfridges, Urban Outfitters and Saks has transformed over the last 6 years – from awkward to empowered… and how that is being reflected in consumer conversations too. We also discuss opportunities in the market, and how sexual wellness fits into the $4.5 trillion wellness industry. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

- The go-to legal firm supporting the wellness industry Bird & Bird

- The software booking experts serving gyms, spas and salons worldwide, Mindbody

Find out what trends are driving the growth of the wellness industry in our 2021 Consumer Wellness Trends Report. 

To find out how Welltodo can help you grow your business and support your career objectives, head to welltodoglobal.com today.

Today I'm joined by Bryan Myers, the President & CEO of [solidcore] — a Pilates-based boutique fitness brand with more than 70 locations across the US.

In this episode, Bryan talks about transitioning into the CEO role earlier this year. Then, we discuss COVID's impact on the business, raising new capital to support expansion, and [solidcore]'s digital partnership with Equinox+. Bryan also shares his approach to building culture and persisting through the pandemic.

More from Bryan

Bryan is the President & Chief Executive Officer for [solidcore] boutique fitness and a trained [solidcore] Coach. In his role as CEO, Bryan is responsible for setting and executing strategy focused on growth and building a strong, inclusive, and nationwide community of clients and employees.

Prior to joining the [solidcore] team as COO in 2018, Bryan was a member of the leadership team of sweetgreen, the national leader in the healthy fast-casual category. He joined sweetgreen in 2014 as Director of Finance and, over the course of 4 years, wore many hats including his final role as VP of Development, helping the company grow from a regional chain of 22 restaurants to 90 locations nationally. Bryan began his career as a consultant for The Boston Consulting Group, providing strategic advice to Fortune 500 companies on topics of growth, organizational design, and operational transformation.

When Bryan isn't sweating it out on [sweatlana], you can find him immersed in the many, amazing performance venues in the DC area. Bryan is also passionate about finding ways to give back to the community and currently serves on the Board of the Ridley Scholars Foundation, an organization that provides financial and mentorship support to high-achieving African-American students.

In 2020, Bryan was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a Minority Business Leader honoree.

More from Fitt Insider

Fitt Insider is a newsletter and podcast on the business of fitness and wellness.

Join industry-leading operators and investors by subscribing: http://insider.fitt.co

Let's talk about the business of wellness…

Michael Kuech and Kristel de Groot are the Co-Founders of Your Super, and in what has been an action-packed 6 year entrepreneurial journey, they now sell their plant-based superfood mixes in more than 60 countries around the world. Inspired by Michael’s personal battle with cancer, Your Super was launched to help people reduce their risk of chronic illness and live a healthier life. 

In this episode, Michael and Kristel share their journey of a bootstrapped start-up, why a ‘what’s the worst that could happen’ attitude allowed them to dream big and get started, and how a spontaneity has allowed them to grow at their own pace. We also hear some incredible tips on launching a product-based health brand, hiring great people, and why they wish they hired a leadership team sooner. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

- The go-to legal firm supporting the wellness industry Bird & Bird

- The software booking experts serving gyms, spas and salons worldwide, Mindbody

Find out what trends are driving the growth of the wellness industry in our 2021 Consumer Wellness Trends Report. 

To find out how Welltodo can help you grow your business and support your career objectives, head to welltodoglobal.com today.

Today I'm joined by Mark Mullett and Ashley Mills, the co-founders and co-CEOs of obé — a premium digital fitness platform offering live and on-demand workouts.

In this episode, Mark and Ashley explain how their background in talent management and experience at CAA led them to start obé. We discuss the role of content, community, and instructors on the platform, as well as the company's plan to host in-person events. And we talk about obe's new $15M funding round that included CAVU Venture Partners, Athleta, WW, and Samsung NEXT.

Fitt Insider also invested in obe's latest round. We're excited to support the company as they continue to expand the platform.

More from Mark and Ashley

Mark is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of obé, a premium at-home fitness platform that offers live and on-demand workouts. An entertainment industry veteran, Mark has spent 10+ years representing television's top talent and content creators across different platforms. Mark began his career at William Morris Agency on their television and lifestyle team before accepting a position at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2014. He has worked with household names such as Dr. Oz and Nick Cannon, multimillion dollar brands such as Bethenny Frankel's SkinnyGirl and content creators such as Machete, while working closely with content providers such as Bravo, Food Network, and Fox.

Ashley is the Co-Founder of obé, a premium at-home fitness platform that offers live and on-demand workouts. An entertainment industry veteran, Ashley spent the last 10+ years representing television's top talent and content providers across network and digital platforms. Ashley began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and eventually came to lead the lifestyle talent department, where she was responsible for recruiting top talent, building out television and digital platforms and overseeing endorsement and licensing businesses.

Mark and Ashley spent the greater part of their careers selling programming to a millennial-minded consumer, developing a deep understanding of what she values. As exercise fanatics, they quickly realized a large portion of this demographic was being underserved in the fitness category. This consumer wanted access to varied, premium fitness experiences led by the best talent in the business that didn't come with a Park Avenue zip code or price tag. Mark and Ashley set out to democratize the boutique fitness experience for a captive audience, while emphasizing accountability and community as key elements for a workout routine. obé was born in March 2018.

More from Fitt Insider

Fitt Insider is a newsletter and podcast on the business of fitness and wellness.

Join industry-leading operators and investors by subscribing: http://insider.fitt.co

Let's talk about the business of wellness…

My guest today is Simon Duffy, the Founder of one of the UK’s largest male grooming brands, Bulldog Skincare and most recently, disruptive oral care brand, Waken Mouthcare.

In this episode, Simon and I talk about his vast experience in innovation within the consumer brand space and why Simon feels like it’s the role of the innovator to challenge big, lazy, brands. Plus we’re diving into a critical question that Simon says all entrepreneurs should ask themselves when they spot a gap in the market.. And that is ‘is there a market in the gap?’. We also talk about demystifying over-complicated consumer products and the impact of simple, beautiful brand packaging when it comes to effective marketing.

A true disruptor, Simon is full of practical advice for anyone thinking about innovating in a stagnant market – including when to challenge convention, and when to stand apart.

Thank you to our sponsors:

- The go-to legal firm supporting the wellness industry Bird & Bird

- The software booking experts serving gyms, spas and salons worldwide, Mindbody

Find out what trends are driving the growth of the wellness industry in our 2021 Consumer Wellness Trends Report. 

To find out how Welltodo can help you grow your business and support your career objectives, head to welltodoglobal.com today.

Today I'm joined by Eric Roza, the owner and CEO of CrossFit.

In this episode, Eric shares his vision for the company's future. We cover the role of technology, growing the CrossFit Games, and new initiatives across eCommerce, direct-to-consumer fitness content, and healthcare. We also discuss the obstacles he's facing as he tries to turn around the embattled brand. Plus, Eric talks about how a cold email and handshake deal led to him taking over the company.

More from Fitt Insider

Fitt Insider is a newsletter and podcast on the business of fitness and wellness.

Join industry-leading operators and investors by subscribing: http://insider.fitt.co

Let's talk about the business of wellness…

My guest on the podcast today is Kat Pither, the Founder of Yogi Bare, which is an eco-friendly yoga mat and accessories brand. It’s a business that was built during quite a dark chapter in Kat’s life, and she’s sharing exactly how startup life gave meaning and purpose to her day to day – and has seen her go on a powerful personal journey of self-discovery. 

In this episode, Kat shares her personal experience of dealing with severe anxiety and how the philosophy of yoga supported her recovery. We hear about the fundamental importance of finding the right mentors, not being afraid to admit when you don’t know the answers, the challenges associated with sustainable packaging and manufacturing, what happens when you receive a letter to cease and desist, and why Kat made a decision to use the brand’s recent 900% growth (during COVID-19) to support friends, yoga teachers, and studios. 

Find out more about Yogi Bare’s Sustainability Diary - an open and honest account of all the brand is doing to be, and do better.

Thank you to our sponsors:

- The go-to legal firm supporting the wellness industry Bird & Bird

- The software booking experts serving gyms, spas and salons worldwide, Mindbody

Find out what trends are driving the growth of the wellness industry in our 2021 Consumer Wellness Trends Report. 

To find out how Welltodo can help you grow your business and support your career objectives, head to welltodoglobal.com today.

Today I'm joined by Chloe Steinberg. Chloe is a partner at Sapphire Sport, a venture capital platform investing in companies powering the next generation of consumers.

In this episode, we talk about Chloe's experience at Equinox, where she led Equinox Ventures. We discuss Gen Z's approach to wellness, including a broader shift toward a healthier lifestyle. And Chloe shares her framework for separating fads from sustainable health and fitness businesses.

More from Chloe

Chloe Steinberg is a partner at Sapphire Sport, where she focuses on investing in early-stage companies shaping the future of consumption. Chloe has deep industry expertise in the health & wellness sector, stemming from her 5+ years as an operator and investor with the Equinox Group of Brands. During that time, Chloe launched and led Equinox Ventures, the group's investment arm focused on high-performance living. She also supported Business Development & new business incubation, including the launch of Equinox Media in 2020.

Earlier in her career, Chloe cofounded Vayner Capital in partnership with Gary Vaynerchuk and was a member of the investment team at Insight Venture Partners, where she focused on consumer tech and enterprise software investments. Chloe is deeply passionate about people doing work they love so in her free time, she founded and runs ExclusiveJobs, a not-for-profit, bespoke talent placement network in the consumer sector.

Chloe graduated magna cum laude from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she played varsity lacrosse. She was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Venture Capital in 2020. A Baltimore native, Chloe now resides in Westport, CT with her husband and son.

More from Fitt Insider

Fitt Insider is a newsletter and podcast on the business of fitness and wellness.

Join industry-leading operators and investors by subscribing: http://insider.fitt.co

My guest today is Josh McCarter, the CEO of Mindbody, an organization that really needs very little introduction. Mindbody is the global leader in business management software empowering gym, spas and salons worldwide to reach consumers more efficiently. It’s a company that has a profound vision to empower more people to engage in wellness more often through technology. In this conversation, Josh and I talk about how Mindbody has navigated enormous growth over the years, and in his role as CEO, how he leads, taps into future trends, leans into the experiences that customers are having on the ground, and especially how the Mindbody team have done all of this in the face of a global pandemic. We talk about transitioning to remote work, driving innovation, the new omni-channel approach to digital consumption of wellness services, and what the future holds for the wider industry. 

This is a fascinating episode – especially if you’re currently building and scaling a business in this space

Thank you to our sponsors:

- The software booking experts serving gyms, spas and salons worldwide, Mindbody

Find out what trends are driving the growth of the wellness industry in our 2021 Consumer Wellness Trends Report. 

To find out how Welltodo can help you grow your business and support your career objectives, head to welltodoglobal.com today.