Leadership Lessons from Fitness World VP Nastasia: Strategies for Executive Success

All Things Fitness and Wellness

In today's episode, we welcome Nastasia, the Vice President of Fitness Services at Fitness World Canada. Her story, like many industry executives we've featured, is marked by a deep-rooted passion for fitness and a belief in the transformative power of the industry.
Nastasia's journey began as a lifelong athlete, but she encountered unhealthy habits during college. Diagnosed as pre-diabetic in her early twenties, she knew she had to make a change. Despite her doctor pushing medication, Nastasia chose diet and exercise as her first line of defense. Overcoming gymtimidation, a personal trainer helped her make significant progress, which ultimately sparked her passion for the industry.
This passion led Nastasia to pursue a career in fitness, despite initial skepticism from her parents, who didn't view the gym as a viable career path. Starting as a personal trainer, she has climbed the ranks over her 16-year career in the fitness industry.
Throughout her career, Nastasia has achieved impressive milestones. She has trained, developed, and promoted over 500 personal trainers, 65 field-level managers, and 10 above-club managers. Her teams consistently achieve above-average retention rates for both members and clients, and high margins in personal training. Nastasia also trained Olympic athletes for the London 2012 games and was named an IHRSA Rising Star in 2017.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nastasia brings a heartfelt and personal perspective to her leadership style. She shares how her battle with breast cancer significantly changed her approach to leadership and life. This experience has given her a unique insight into resilience, empathy, and the importance of holistic wellness. Throughout the episode, Nastasia offers valuable leadership advice for helping the new generation of trainers and managers excel in the fitness industry.
Nastasia’s story exemplifies what we often hear from industry executives on the podcast: a deep-rooted passion and belief in the work they do, reflected throughout their lives. Her journey from overcoming personal health challenges to becoming a leading figure in the fitness industry is both inspiring and instructive for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field.
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0:00- Fitness industry leadership with a VP of Fitness Services at Fitness World Canada.
7:16- Personal training career progression and industry insights.
13:42- Cancer diagnosis and its impact on personal growth.
18:05- Personal growth after cancer treatment and return to leadership role.
22:44- Resilience, mental and physical wellness, and leadership growth.
28:10- Balancing career and personal growth with a focus on self-care and intentional living.
33:41- Prioritizing human connection in fitness industry leadership.
38:06- The importance of authenticity and fun in leadership.
44:56- Gender diversity in leadership roles in the fitness industry.
53:09- Career growth, letting go of what's holding you back, and the power of individual stories.