Rogue Business with Rochene H.

This one’s for the business owner who’s already successful, but knows something’s off. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of where I go and what I look at when I start working with a high-performing client who’s doing all the “right things” on paper… but still feels stuck inside their business.⁣

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We’re breaking down:⁣

→ Why your financial breathing room might be tighter than it should be⁣

→ What your P&L and tracking sheets really reveal (or don’t)⁣

→ The disconnect between your reality and your perception, and how that messes with growth⁣

→ And why true business harmony only happens when your systems and self are working together⁣

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things but still feel stuck in the churn—this is the episode that will change how you look at your own business.⁣

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"You can’t just have good numbers and a shit life. Or feel flowy and be broke. Business harmony means both need to be true."⁣

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[00:00] Why this episode matters⁣

[02:20] First move: profit & loss, tracking sheets, red flags⁣

[07:15] Cash flow, stability, and the hidden emotional toll⁣

[10:50] Matching hard numbers with lived experience⁣

[13:00] Why successful owners still feel broke⁣

[16:00] Rebuilding structure that creates safety and satisfaction⁣

[18:45] What people get wrong about service based business stability⁣

[21:20] Perception audits: how clients actually feel vs. what’s real⁣

[25:10] Systems vs. self: pulling both worlds into alignment⁣

[29:40] Real life harmony: a message that hit Ro hard⁣

[32:10] Business is meant to feel stable, strong, and fulfilling, at once⁣

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If this one cracked something open, come hang with me over on Instagram @rocheneh and tell me what landed. Better yet, go look at your own numbers after this. Let’s build the kind of business that actually holds.

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

I’m diving BTS, again. This time with a whole new lens. It’s been over a year since I sold the gym and walked away from a business I spent 10 years building. I was great at gym ownership. But now that I’m out? I see everything differently.

This episode is the real unpacking, what I got right, what I never saw while I was in it, and what I’d do completely differently if I ever opened another facility. From identity grief and open tabs to automation, systems, and why most gym owners are burning out, this one’s for the past version of me, and for every gym owner trying to build something that doesn’t break them.

"I was vibrant when I walked away—but I didn’t realize how much energy I was still leaking just by holding tabs open that didn’t belong to me anymore."

[00:00] The view from 12 months out

[05:40] Following my nose; brand, messaging, and reading humans

[11:30] Logical brain & strength block thinking in business

[17:45] Why I thrived in gym ownership; and why I left

[24:10] The weight of being visible vs the beauty of anonymity

[30:32] Tabs, energy leaks & the real reason I sold

[36:50] If I opened a gym again: automations & non-negotiables

[42:28] Identity grief and dismantling “gym owner”

[48:12] What I got right: team, systems, and scaling without me

[54:40] In person spaces matter

[59:25] Why gym ownership needs rock solid marketing

[01:04:00] Final thoughts, depth, truth, and what I’ll always stand for

I’m breaking the silence. It’s been six months since I recorded solo. I dismantled everything I built over a 10 year career. Sold the gym. Let go of a professional identity and made the bravest (and hardest decision) of my life professionally. This episode is raw. It’s the behind the scenes of what really goes down when you outgrow your old success and step into something that actually fits.

It’s about business, identity, grief, space, and finally claiming what’s next.

"Fitness was only one chapter. The rest of the story? It’s still being written, and it’s gonna be bigger, bolder, and more grounded than ever."

[00:00] Breaking the silence

[04:35] Selling the gym & identity grief

[09:40] Outgrowing fitness and stepping into Founders

[16:15] Why surface level biz advice doesn’t cut it

[21:32] Personal shifts & choosing anonymity

[35:45] Visibility vs validation

[42:10] A new mission, new clients, same conviction

[48:00] Wrapping up, this next season is different

If this episode cracked something open, come hang with me @rocheneh

In this episode of Rogue Business, I’m chatting with Bec Potalej, owner of Lioness Performance, a female-only gym and online coaching platform. Bec’s journey from dreaming about gym ownership as a teen to leading a thriving business is packed with grit, lessons, and real talk. We dive into scaling, managing yourself as a leader, and keeping it human when things get messy. This one’s for anyone wondering what it really takes to build something meaningful in the fitness industry—no fluff, just the real behind-the-scenes.

Key Takeaways:⁣

Scaling with Intent: Growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about staying aligned with what you want and creating a business that truly serves your people while lighting you up.

Detachment Without Disconnection: Learn how to balance caring deeply about your business without letting feedback or bad days crush you.

Know Your Why: Building a business, especially a gym, comes with challenges, but staying anchored to your vision keeps you moving forward.

Evolving Leadership: You can’t scale your business without evolving as a person. What worked before might not work now—be ready to shed old habits and embrace growth.

"You can learn any skill in business, but the real challenge is managing yourself through the mess and the magic."

[00:00] Intro: Meet Bec Potalej, the brain behind Lioness Performance

[03:05] The dream of owning a gym: From treadmills to reality

[06:36] Facing doubt and navigating limiting beliefs

[09:27] Why you need discernment when listening to advice

[12:24] The best and hardest parts of running a business

[19:13] Managing people: The joys and challenges of a service-based business

[24:50] Scaling lessons: Learning to let go and adapt

[31:16] Business is simple on paper, but humans make it complex

[37:57] Advice for coaches dreaming of gym ownership

[42:33] Redefine sneak peek: What Bec’s bringing to the table

If this episode hit home for you, get ready to see Bec live at Redefine on November 23rd—where she’ll be diving deeper into scaling, staying true to your vision, and challenging the norms of the fitness industry.

Follow Bec on Instagram @lionessperformance and keep an eye on their exciting rebrand for 2025. And if you’re vibing with this episode, drop a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep these conversations flowing.

In this episode of Rogue Business, I bring you a raw, no-filter conversation with Sam Dengate, the powerhouse behind T-Generation Gyms—a fitness space dedicated to inclusivity, accessibility, and serving the trans and neurodiverse communities. Sam’s journey from facing discrimination in traditional gym spaces to creating a gym that breaks the mold is packed with insight and fire. We dive deep into the gaps in the fitness industry, toxic spaces, and why building safer, accessible environments is a must—not just a buzzword.

If you’re ready to get real about what it means to lead and actually serve people, Sam’s story will make you question the status quo and push you to do better.

Key Takeaways:⁣

Purpose-Built Spaces for Real Inclusion: Sam’s mission isn’t about just running a gym; it’s about challenging the norms and creating a space where marginalised communities can feel safe and thrive.

Safer Spaces Start with Humility: Building a safer space means consulting with your community, listening to their needs, and continuously evolving—without letting ego get in the way.

Accessibility is a Non-Negotiable, Not an Afterthought: From the way a gym is physically designed to how trainers engage with clients, making fitness accessible requires more than good intentions—it demands action and investment.

Owning Your Gaps and Asking for Help: Creating inclusive environments means acknowledging where you lack knowledge or experience and actively seeking out guidance to bridge those gaps.

Quote: "If you want to make a real difference, stop focusing on the top 1% and start building spaces where everyone feels they belong."

[00:01] Introduction to Sam Dengate, owner of T-Generation Gyms

[02:30] Sam’s journey: Overcoming discrimination to build a gym for all

[05:51] Experiences in traditional gyms and exclusionary practices

[10:15] Why coaches need to confront their own issues to truly serve others

[13:29] Redefining safer spaces and removing barriers

[18:45] Accessibility challenges in the fitness industry

[22:29] Creating inclusive gym environments from the ground up

[28:19] Finding and focusing on the underserved members of the community

[31:17] Long-term sustainability in the fitness industry

[33:57] Sam’s upcoming talk at Redefine: Changing the narrative on leadership and community

If this conversation sparked something in you, be ready to redefine what leadership means in fitness. Follow me on Instagram @rochenehawley for more insights on building a truly inclusive and impactful business. And if you’re hyped for more real talk, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—let’s keep pushing the conversation forward.

In this episode of Rogue Business, I’m joined by the incredible Kara Huynh—an industry vet with 13 years in the game, no filter, and a knack for real talk. We dive into her journey from an unconventional start to becoming a connector and leader who’s reshaping what leadership in fitness looks like. Kara’s story highlights how deep empathy, brutal honesty, and a relentless love for people are non-negotiables in her work.

If you’re tired of the superficial side of fitness, Kara’s insights on leadership, connection, and the power of understanding your ‘why’ will hit home. Trust me, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about shaking up their approach and leading with purpose.

Key Takeaways:⁣

True Leadership is Empathy and Honesty: Leading isn’t about pretending you have it all together; it’s about creating a safe space, meeting people where they’re at, and being radically honest with your team and clients.

Ask More ‘Why’ Questions: Surface-level goals aren’t enough. Digging deep into a client’s ‘why’ can be the difference between short-term results and long-term transformation.

Connection Over Ego: Whether it’s with staff or clients, leadership in fitness is about making people feel seen, respected, and valued. Drop the ego and show up as your real self.

Consistency in Values: A strong leader and community make sure their values are consistently represented—whether that’s through keeping phones off the floor, staff following through, or members feeling respected.

Quote: "The best leaders don’t separate themselves from their team—they’re right there, creating a culture that’s authentic, empathetic, and honest."

[00:01] Introduction to guest Kara Huynh

[01:10] Kara’s journey: From young rebel to seasoned connector

[06:35] Kara’s early struggles as a female strength coach

[10:01] Leadership’s impact on gym culture and community

[15:04] Signs of strong leadership in gyms and fitness spaces

[20:43] The importance of empathy in leadership

[25:20] Why digging deep into the “why” matters in coaching

[32:34] The evolving purpose of fitness: Beyond weight loss to real impact

[37:02] Final thoughts on where the industry needs to head

If this episode hit home and you’re ready to go deeper on what it means to lead with intention and empathy, follow me on Instagram @rochenehawley for more no-BS business and leadership insights. And if you’re vibing with the show, a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify goes a long way to help spread the word.

In this episode of Rogue Business, I’m cutting through the noise and breaking down what it really takes to get leads in your health and fitness business—and spoiler alert, it's not about mindlessly posting more. We’re talking specifics: what to do when your lead generation is in a slump and why posting more of the same isn’t the answer. I'm pulling back the curtain on the essentials of lead generation and how to identify if you have a real lead issue or if your content just isn’t connecting.

If you're tired of feeling stuck with no leads coming in and you’re ready to take control of your business growth, this episode has the hard-hitting advice and actionable strategies you need to turn things around.

Key Takeaways:

Lead Generation Essentials: Knowing your lead generation should be dialed in within two to three weeks. Waiting longer? You’re in risky territory. Create content and market like you know you can replace any client loss quickly.

Frequency and Quality of Content: Posting more without a purpose is pointless. Check your posting consistency and, more importantly, the quality. Are you just posting to post, or are you showing up with content that connects?

Ideal Client & Brand Depth: Generic content won’t cut it. Your ideal client should feel like your content was made just for them, like you’re speaking to them on a personal level. Specificity in brand and ideal client work makes your business a magnet for the right people.

Direct, Strategic CTAs: Don’t dance around with vague call-to-actions (CTAs). Be clear and straightforward, but make sure what you’re putting out is surrounded by the real stories and energy that capture interest.

Messaging that Hits Home: It’s not just about what you’re saying—it’s how you’re saying it. Your message should feel like it’s coming from a close friend who gets it, not a generic marketer. Get real, get specific, and watch your engagement climb.

"If your business isn’t bringing in leads in three weeks, it’s time to make some moves. Doubling down on the same content won’t fix it—you need to get intentional, strategic, and damn clear on who you’re talking to."

[00:00] Introduction – Waking up stagnant lead generation

[03:12] Setting a lead-generation time frame

[07:21] Checking content quality and frequency

[12:14] Ideal client work and brand identity

[18:45] Direct, actionable CTAs

[24:35] Getting the messaging right

[29:05] Wrapping up – the importance of control over lead flow

If this episode shook something loose and you’re ready to dive deeper into what’s going to move the needle in your business, follow me on Instagram @rochenehawley for more strategies and insights. And if you're getting value from the show, drop a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps this message reach more serious business owners.

In this episode of Rogue Business, I'm cutting through the bullshit about growing a profitable business. So many of you are out here thinking you have a lead generation problem when, in reality, it's a retention issue. I'm laying out how to figure out where you actually need to focus. Plus, I'm spilling the tea on how two gyms went from stuck in the mud to skyrocketing revenue in just a few months.⁣

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This is about zeroing in on what really matters, nailing those retention strategies, and getting laser-focused on what's gonna move the needle. If you're sick of the constant hustle with no real results, this is the episode you need to hear.⁣

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Key Takeaways:⁣

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Lead Generation vs. Retention: It's not about just getting more clients. Sometimes it's about not losing the ones you already have. If you're just shoveling new leads into a leaky bucket, you're wasting your damn time. Plug the holes first.⁣

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Retention Strategies: It's about real quality care and knowing your clients inside and out. Catching issues before they blow up, regular follow-ups, and being on top of their goals is what keeps people around.⁣

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Doubling Down on Lead Generation: Stop scattering your efforts. Find out what's already bringing in leads and go all in on that. Instagram, word of mouth, challenges—whatever works for you, milk it for all it's worth.⁣

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Stay Focused and Relentless: Staying on track is hard when you're tempted by every new shiny idea. But it's the discipline of sticking to what works that separates the successful from the struggling.⁣

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Consistency is Key: This is about showing up and doing the damn work consistently. No magic tricks—just repeating what's proven to get results, over and over.⁣

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"Chasing novelty in your business will kill your business. Doubling down on what moves the needle is where the growth happens."⁣

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[00:01] All things money and how to actually grow your business⁣

[02:19] Why your mindset around money matters more than you think⁣

[07:01] Real talk: Two gyms breaking through revenue ceilings⁣

[09:26] The real issue: Lead gen or retention?⁣

[11:43] Getting serious about retention strategies⁣

[14:05] How to focus your lead generation efforts⁣

[16:31] Staying focused and avoiding distractions like the plague⁣

[18:55] Setting new baselines and keeping the momentum going⁣

[21:16] Why business growth is more predictable than you think⁣

[26:02] Growth as a compound effect—how to crack the code⁣

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If this episode gave you the kick you needed, and you're ready to get real about where your focus needs to be, head over to Instagram and follow me @rochenehawley for more no-BS business insights. And if you're vibing with the show, drop a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps get this message out to more baddies like you.

In this episode of Rogue Business, I’m diving into how to dominate in a commercial gym and grow your business in that environment. We’re talking about getting damn good at your craft, finding your niche, and mastering the core training principles that set you apart. But it doesn’t stop there—I’m also breaking down why making yourself known in the gym, building solid relationships with staff and members, and creating valuable content are non-negotiables. If you're looking to thrive in a commercial gym setting, this episode is your roadmap.⁣

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Key Takeaways:⁣⁣

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Craft Mastery: Get good at your craft and master the core training principles. ⁣

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Find Your Niche: Double down on what you do best and carve out a niche that sets you apart in the gym.⁣

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Make Yourself Known: Don’t be a stranger—build relationships with the gym staff and members to establish your presence.⁣

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Content Creation: Content fucking matters—it reinforces your brand and attracts clients. Make sure you're creating valuable content regularly.⁣

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Being Approachable: How you conduct yourself matters....⁣

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Low-Risk Opportunity: Take advantage of the low-risk opportunities in commercial gyms—they're right at your fingertips.⁣

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“There is a world of fucking opportunities in commercial gyms with low risk that is just at your fingertips.”⁣

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[00:00] Introduction and Overview⁣

[11:29] Mastering Your Craft and Finding Your Niche⁣

[21:33] Making Yourself Known in the Gym⁣

[29:21] Creating Valuable Content⁣

[35:25] Professionalism and Approachability⁣

[38:31] Putting Yourself Out There⁣

[42:21] Unlocking the Potential in a Commercial Gym⁣

Call to Action:⁣

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Follow me on Instagram @rochenehawley for more no-BS business strategies. And if you’re vibing with the show, drop a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.⁣⁣

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