Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsay Marks . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lindsay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
I had just hit my 1 year mark coaching for Orangetheory Fitness when the regional trainer of OTF San Diego signed up for my class to provide feedback and to review my growth as a coach. He was taking notes to make sure my coaching skills were meeting expectations but his real focus was the way I was connecting with members in class and staff before, during and after class. We had a sit down meeting post class to go over his notes and observations. The feedback I received was overwhelming in such a positive way. He was blown away, mentioning I am someone to look out for, overall so pleased with my coaching success and how I can command and capture a room of 50 people. This feedback was a huge confidence boost and I knew it would only continue to make me a stronger coach and person overall. Just a short while later, a Head Coach position popped up, members, managers, studio staff and the regional trainer encouraged me to apply. I had nothing to lose so after multiple interviews I nailed it and was promoted to Head Coach. I now had to manage a team of coaches, support a studio manager, studio staff and continue to successfully run and grow a fitness studio. It felt a little overwhelming at first and I absolutely did have some nerves stepping into the role. I knew I had to make a game plan if I wanted to be successful. I wanted a positive and welcoming experience out of the gate. There are many hats a head coach must wear including attending monthly leadership meetings with other studio head coaches. I will always and forever cherish this one meeting in particular. The topic was creating connections as a leader. We watched a video by an inspirational speaker, Simon Sinek. The quote that I wrote down and still carry with me today is “Taking care of those in your charge.” There are millions of leadership styles but knowing your leader has your best interest, supports you and ultimately wants to see you succeed in all ways is simply one of a kind. Everything changed for me in that moment and my execution of the head coach role. I wanted to create trust throughout the coaching team to work together and know genuinely everyone is making an impact on the members in and out of the studio but doing it TOGETHER as a team! That year our studio won ‘Studio of the Year’ over 13 other studios in the San Diego area. I was on cloud 9 and this award was the cherry on top knowing that everything we as a team were upholding to our studio was worth it. It is not always about being in charge, it is about listening, supporting and creating unity. I still stand by this today and feel confident the change of your mindset as a leader has led me to success and where I have landed today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have now been a part of the fitness Industry here in San Diego for close to 11 years. I made the BIG scary leap from the corporate world. I was miserable and I just knew there was more out there for me, I just had to figure it out and that I did! I felt confident I was meant to serve, create change and lead by example.
A little backstory.
About 11 years ago, I started hosting events with local restaurants doing the marketing leg work for them as a great way to attract customers, create a sense of community and boost business. I knew that getting in front of people and providing an amazing dining experience with local restaurants was crucial for building a loyal customer base and a loyal following for me as well. It gave me the confidence I needed as I was succeeding at a very fast rate. During this time, the media was taking an interest in me. I had a 2 page spread in the SD Reader, I was interviewed by Tim Pyles of 94.9FM, local news followed me around during events and this is just to name a few. While all this was happening, I was incorporating a variety of fitness into my routine making sure to take care of myself. Pilates, Crossfit and Orange Theory all became a part of my routine. I fell in love with Pilates so much that my favorite instructor at the time pulled me aside to inquire if I would ever be interested in teaching pilates … well the rest is history really. After putting myself through a pilates certification program, I have now been teaching Pilates for 10 years. I also auditioned to become a coach at OrangeTheory. I was a busy woman but I was happy because everything I was doing was exactly what I was meant to be doing! I had proven to myself that anything is possible but it takes courage, determination, blood, sweat and tears. Within the last 11 years, I have successfully created a personal training pilates business, was promoted to Head Coach at OTF within the first year of coaching and have coached and helped thousands of people reach their goals. FEELS DAMN GOOD! Entering the fitness industry has allowed me to make a positive impact throughout the San Diego community and truly change peoples lives. It has provided me an opportunity to lead by example and inspire others to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. I have been able to create ever lasting relationships by being my authentic self. I have created a rich network and following that in turn has pushed me to give back even more.
With the determination to continue to help others, last year led me to start a new business venture in nutrition. I have successfully started a macro nutrition coaching business, FUELGOOD. I hit the ground running and instantly have proven to be successful with the network and following I have built over the years. I have helped clients reach goals they never thought possible not only by understanding the value of counting macros but taking it an extra step further to provide in depth knowledge and education on all things encompassing nutrition. The ins, the outs, the good and the bad. Longevity is the goal, not just a quick fix. I want nothing more than the best for everyone. There is nothing better than to feel your best self – to FUELGOOD. I aim to continue to work hard and lead by example. My goal is to continue to make an even bigger impact here in San Diego and take what I know and be able to expand outside of San Diego to a much larger demographic coaching nutrition and fitness! I am confident in my personality, enthusiasm and my will to always seek out wins and success no matter how small. I am so excited for what the future holds!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
2 words – MY ENERGY!
I have been told for years from first time guests to my loyal following that my energy is contagious. People from all walks of life want to work hard in class or on themselves because the energy is genuine and not to mention, fun! I strive to bring positive, powerful and motivating energy that people need to succeed in and out of a workout space. I have never called what I get to do, work, I have to pinch myself from time to time to remind myself that this is reality and that I do not have to do this, I genuinely am lucky to get to do this. People show up for me and I will always be here to show up for them. How can you call work, work, when what you do is a total blast and ultimately rewarding.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Simon Sinek – inspirational speaker! Books, youtube videos, quotes, you name it, I follow it! One of a kind inspiration and action.
Contact Info:
- Website: letsfuelgood.com
- Instagram: morecookiesplz
Image Credits
Cue The Media, Candice Franklin