We were lucky to catch up with Justin Randolph recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

Back when I was a young actor pursuing my dreams in the vibrant heart of New York City, fate led me to secure a day job at an advertising agency. This wasn’t just any ordinary gig; it turned out to be a role I held for over 12 transformative years. At the helm of this agency was a remarkable woman named Sharon Callahan. Reflecting on those years, I often pondered the synchronicity that brought our paths together.

My journey as Sharon’s executive assistant, and later holding other high-ranking positions within the company, was nothing short of exhilarating. She stood as a titan in her field, commanding respect from clients and peers alike. Sharon was the go-to for everything – from steering major client projects to captivating audiences in speaking engagements. Amidst the whirlwind of her demanding schedule, I found myself entrusted with the intricate task of managing her bustling calendar.

The allure of Sharon’s time was palpable; everyone clamored for a sliver of it. I witnessed firsthand the jubilation of those fortunate enough to secure a moment with her, as well as the disappointment when plans had to shift due to her globetrotting commitments. Yet, amidst her demanding schedule, Sharon possessed an unparalleled gift – the ability to meet people where they were.

She didn’t just excel at navigating tough conversations; Sharon embraced challenges head-on. But what truly left an indelible mark on me was her generosity. Despite the demands of her own bustling agenda, she graciously accommodated my passion for acting, allowing me to take brief leaves of absence for gigs close to my heart. Her door remained open, a testament to her belief in my contributions.

Only with time did I realize the profound impact Sharon had on me, especially as I ventured into entrepreneurship. Observing her masterful orchestration of both personal and professional spheres, I gleaned invaluable insights into effective business management. At its core, business is about people, and Sharon’s adeptness at placing individuals in the right roles with finesse was a lesson in itself.

I’m filled with gratitude, not just for the opportunity Sharon afforded me to pursue acting years ago, but also for the timeless lessons she imparted, unbeknownst to her. These lessons, carried forward into my own ventures, serve as a testament to her enduring influence.

Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself and Sol Seek. My journey into the yoga industry stems from a deep-seated passion for holistic wellness and a profound belief in the power of yoga to transform lives. Over two decades ago, I embarked on my yoga journey, initially as a student seeking personal growth and healing. Inspired by the profound impact yoga had on my own life, I pursued certification as a yoga instructor, driven by a desire to share the transformative benefits of yoga with others.

At Sol Seek, we pride ourselves on fostering a warm, inclusive community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to practice, connect, and evolve. Our studios, located in Manhattan Beach and Santa Barbara, serve as sanctuaries for self-discovery and empowerment. Through a blend of traditional yoga practices and innovative techniques, we offer a range of classes tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

Our services extend beyond physical exercise; we aim to address the holistic well-being of our students, guiding them on a journey of self-exploration and inner peace. With a teaching style characterized by humor, authenticity, and compassion, I am committed to creating a nurturing environment where individuals can explore their practice with confidence and curiosity.

What sets Sol Seek apart is our unwavering dedication to our students’ growth and empowerment. We believe in meeting individuals where they are on their journey and providing the support and guidance they need to thrive. Our classes are not just about physical postures; they are opportunities for personal transformation and self-discovery.

One of the aspects I am most proud of is our ability to cultivate a sense of belonging within our community. Seeing individuals from all walks of life come together, united by their love for yoga, is truly inspiring. Whether it’s through our community events, workshops, or retreats, we strive to create spaces where individuals can connect authentically and support each other on their path to wellness.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients and followers to know about Sol Seek is that we are more than just a yoga studio; we are a hub for personal growth, connection, and empowerment. Our mission is to inspire individuals to live their best lives, both on and off the mat. Whether you’re seeking physical strength, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, Sol Seek is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

When it comes to growing Sol Seek, we’ve explored various paths, including both acquisitions and starting from scratch. Our journey began with the acquisition of our first studio, which provided valuable lessons in studio management and operations. However, each approach has its own unique challenges and considerations.

Acquiring an existing studio can offer certain advantages, such as an established client base and infrastructure. However, it’s essential to approach such acquisitions with caution. We found that there can be resistance to change from both clients and staff who are accustomed to the studio’s existing practices. Balancing the desire for innovation with respect for the studio’s legacy can be a delicate process.

On the other hand, starting a studio from scratch provides the opportunity to build from the ground up, aligning every aspect with your vision and values. This approach allows for greater flexibility and creativity in shaping the studio’s culture and offerings. However, it also requires significant investment and patience as you establish your presence in the market.

Ultimately, the decision between acquisition and starting fresh depends on various factors, including your vision for the studio, market dynamics, and available resources. Both approaches have their merits, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

For those considering studio expansion, I would encourage careful consideration of the pros and cons of each approach. It’s essential to maintain a respectful and inclusive approach, acknowledging the contributions of existing clients and staff while striving to innovate and evolve.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and nurturing high morale is an ongoing journey, one that I actively engage in every day. The key principle I’ve learned is the importance of maintaining regular connection with your team members. In the hustle and bustle of running a business, time can easily slip away, and weeks may pass without realizing we haven’t checked in with our team.

Taking a moment to connect on a personal level, asking about their day, their families, or simply showing genuine interest in their well-being can make a significant difference. People want to feel seen and valued, and these small gestures of acknowledgment can go a long way in boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.

Additionally, I’ve found that expressing appreciation through thoughtful gestures can be incredibly impactful. Whether it’s through gift cards, bonuses, or simply words of encouragement, these acts serve as tangible reminders that their contributions are valued and recognized. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where every team member feels appreciated, supported, and motivated to do their best work.

While I continue to refine my approach to team management, staying connected and expressing appreciation remain foundational principles that I prioritize in nurturing a positive and productive team environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.solseekyoga.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/solseekyogamb AND instagram.com/solseekyogasb
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sol-seek-yoga

Image Credits
Rian Basilio aka Lovetraffiker