Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawn Clifford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shawn, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The turning point in my life came when I found myself at 325 pounds, feeling disconnected from who I was and who I wanted to be. It wasn’t just about the weight—I knew something had to change, and that change had to come from within. That realization set me on a journey of self-discovery through fitness.

Losing 125 pounds wasn’t just a physical transformation; it was a complete shift in how I saw myself and my purpose. Along the way, I learned that the real power of fitness isn’t just in the workouts or the nutrition plans—it’s in the mindset and the clarity you gain when you understand the “why” behind what you’re doing.

That moment inspired me to pursue a career in coaching. I realized my true purpose was to serve others by helping them find their own “why behind the why.” It’s not enough to just tell someone how to train or what to eat—you need to guide them in discovering the deeper motivations that will sustain their journey. Empathy and support are key in that journey and what I feel is often missing from the fitness industry.

Now, my approach to coaching focuses on more than just physical results. I help people connect with the emotional and personal drivers behind their goals, creating meaningful, lasting change. That pivotal moment in my life wasn’t just about transforming my body—it was about finding my mission to help others transform their lives, too.

Shawn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As the facility leader at Aion Training in Pasadena, I guide a 40+ training studio dedicated to longevity-based movement training. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace health and fitness as a lifelong journey, not just a short-term goal.

What sets Aion Training apart from most gyms is our focus on the journey, not just the destination. While many fitness facilities emphasize temporary results or quick fixes, we take a deeper approach, prioritizing sustainable health and strength that lasts a lifetime. We recognize that every client’s path is unique, and we meet them where they are with empathy and understanding, guiding them to overcome obstacles and rediscover the joy of movement.

At Aion Training, we believe fitness is about more than physical strength—it’s about accountability, honesty, and embracing the imperfect nature of personal growth. We help our clients become stronger than the excuses that hold them back, cultivating the discipline to show up for themselves consistently.

By focusing on the bigger picture, we help people deepen their capacity to live the life they want, prioritizing health and fitness as a cornerstone of fulfillment. Through intentional, movement-based training, we provide the tools and support for lifelong strength, resilience, and freedom to fully engage with the life they love.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most critical factor for succeeding in the fitness industry is empathy. It’s easy to focus on the technical side of coaching—programming, biomechanics, nutrition—but true success in helping clients create lifelong change comes from understanding that every person’s journey is unique.

Empathy allows you to meet people where they are, without judgment, and create a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported. Being present with your clients, treating each interaction as an opportunity to understand their needs, challenges, and motivations, is what builds trust and fosters meaningful connections.

Clients don’t just need a coach who tells them what to do; they need someone who listens, who adapts to their individual journey, and who helps them uncover their “why” behind their goals. When you approach each client with compassion and patience, you help them not only achieve their fitness goals but also transform their relationship with health in a way that lasts a lifetime.

Ultimately, it’s not just about sets and reps—it’s about helping people feel capable, confident, and supported on their journey to becoming the strongest version of themselves. Empathy and presence are the foundation of that process.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with decentralized leadership. As a leader, my role isn’t to dictate every decision but to empower each team member to grow beyond their on-floor responsibilities. This means giving them ownership, trusting their abilities, and encouraging them to step into leadership roles of their own. When coaches feel that their contributions matter and their potential is recognized, they’re not just motivated—they thrive.

I also believe in creating an environment where failure is not only allowed but encouraged as part of the learning process. True growth happens when people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. By focusing on the process rather than perfection, we help our team members develop resilience and confidence, which translates directly to their work with clients.

Leadership also carries the responsibility of cultivating the next generation of coaches. We’re not just building a team for today; we’re stewards of the future of the fitness industry. This means creating pathways for aspiring coaches through mentorship and programs like internships with local community colleges. By actively seeking out and providing opportunities for underrepresented communities, we help diversify the industry and enrich the experiences available to both clients and professionals.

Sending the elevator back down isn’t just an obligation—it’s a privilege. When we invest in developing others, we not only build stronger teams but also contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and empathetic industry. High morale comes from a sense of purpose, and for us, that purpose is creating a legacy of growth, leadership, and opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aiontraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiontraining/