Ready. Aim. Empire.

As studios invest heavily in creating beautiful sanctuaries and upscale environments, what ultimately matters to flourish is clear purpose, real community and smart leadership.  Get a candid look at how that plays out with Khetanya Henderson, founder of KKRU, in Episode 708: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Khetanya Henderson.* Make a difference: build where you're needed most and can give back  Get creative with capital: tell everyone, leverage community and pop-ups  Design for experience: prioritize how clients feel over aesthetics every time Nurture relationships: support vulnerability, check in often, personalize outreach Win with mindset: keep reaching up, embody strength + joy, grow thoughtfully With creativity, energy and thinking outside the box, anything is possible. Dig deep, reframe obstacles as opportunities and look at the big picture. Inspiration awaits in Episode 708. Follow Khetanya on Instagram at @khetanya.  *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Jo

Pilates studios may be proliferating globally, but many may not make it. Amidst fierce competition and growing homogenization, profitability is the exception, not the rule.  Join me and Andrea Speir, founder of Speir Pilates, for a frank chat about building a thriving business in Episode 707: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Andrea Speir.* Evolve to engage: increase accessibility for the modern client with smart programming Invest in your assets: train and mentor your team, offer opportunities & career paths Lock in culture: live by and protect your values, standards & community Break free: stop renting clients from aggregators and create ways to build true loyalty Practice patience: scale slowly and steady to maintain focus and traction  Success isn't luck—it's methodical. Talk to industry experts, network with business owners and ask someone to mentor you. Get real-world insights in Episode 707. And follow Andrea on Instagram at @andreaspeir.  *Recorded live at The Pilates

Are you carrying the culture, energy and emotional weight of your studio by yourself? Many owners feel frustrated that hourly employees don't seem truly committed to the business.  Alina Cooper has you covered in Episode 706: Beyond the Paycheck: How to Turn Hourly Staff into Engaged Team Members, where she highlights five ways to get your team invested.  Promote purpose: show how work directly impacts clients and the business Recognize & reward: specifically acknowledge and celebrate great work   Invite accountability: give staff a voice, request feedback and act on input Let them level up: create micro-growth opportunities that build skills and confidence  Paint the big picture: share goals, wins and challenges to facilitate ownership It's not just about money. Fair play is the floor—not the ceiling—on motivation. Connecting and valuing staff moves them beyond just clocking in and out. Get intentional with Episode 706.  Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to

For many studios, February is the busiest month of the year. What you do (or don't do) then determines whether January's surge becomes sustainable growth or fizzles out by spring. Lisa Taylor and I lay out the essentials to capitalize on natural momentum and set the stage for what's to come in Episode 705: What to Do in Your Business in February. Bring your A-game: deliver incredible experiences to convert well Make it easy: streamline pathways into membership with simple offers Stress test: prepare your team, operations and systems to handle greater volume Seed high-ticket opportunities: tease retreats, teacher trainings and challenges Crunch the numbers: check your budget, review projections and plan staffing  Y'all, don't just ride the wave in February. Dial in, fire on all cylinders and hit your stride. Follow our practical checklist in Episode 705 to maximize your growth and take leaps ahead. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio

Switching studio software seems like a clean reset. But many owners don't realize the real cost is beyond financial—it's time, energy, staff training and member experience friction. You have to go through this process to fully understand it. In Episode 704: The Hidden Costs of Switching Studio Software, Matt Hanton and Caroline Plambeck key in on the essentials. Finding a match: research, meetings, demos and contract reviews with providers Enduring the wait: operational downtime, transferring data, rebuilding automations Managing the unexpected: feature gaps, workarounds and new integrations Retraining your team: new systems, processes and troubleshooting Easing the transition: addressing member questions, issues and frustration Changing software can be a strategic move. Just take your time, do your homework, expect headaches and remember short-term pain, long-term gain. Episode 704 is your heads-up. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their stud

Choosing studio software shouldn't feel like a gamble—but for many owners, it does. The wrong platform can work against you: draining time, frustrating staff and creating friction for members. Don't make a decision without tuning into Episode 703: How to Choose Your Fitness Studio Software in 2026, where Heather Garrick and Conor McGarry break down the essentials.  Pressure-test reporting: ensure your data is accurate, accessible and decision-ready Optimize efficiency: evaluate how many clicks it takes to sell, book or check-in Customize capabilities: choose a fit for your model, formats, scheduling and growth Check marketing depth: understand how leads, automations and attribution work Plan for scale: verify it supports more offerings or studios without future migration Your software shapes your studio's day-to-day, growth and future. So do your homework, ask questions and test-drive several options. Kick off this critical process with Episode 703. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio o

Y'all, most boutique fitness studio owners don't have to hustle harder. What they do need? Smart systems and processes that maximize efficiency and productivity so they can stress less. Step one is Episode 702: Top 5 Studio Management Tools That Actually Save You Time with Business Coaches Matt Hanton and Conor McGarry. Do yourself a favor and tune in. Weekly data recaps: templated reports to keep your finger on the pulse  Structured accountability: regular check-ins and clear expectations to prevent fires Customer service scripts: pre-written responses that speed up communication  Team comms: weekly updates that reduce confusion and increase ownership Mission, vision, values: your North Star to inform decisions and performance issues Your work ethic isn't broken. With the right tools, you can do more in less time, enjoy greater clarity and consistency and focus on leading and growing. Episode 702 gets you started. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take contro

701: AI & Automations for Boutique Fitness

700: The New Era of Studio Membership Models

If you're feeling the pressure now—rising costs, louder competition and members who seem harder to please—you're not alone. So let's peek at some powerful trends in a few regions.  Join Conor McGarry, Pricing Team Captain, and me for a flyby of what's hot in Africa, LatAm and North America in Episode 699: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 3. Obsessing over brand feel: creating an emotional experience clients crave Designing outside the box: innovating freely in markets without archaic studio norms Exploring new territory: breaking ground in markets outside legacy fitness hubs Adding a personal touch: differentiating with music, dance, hospitality & more Nurturing healthspan: adopting wellness, recovery and personalized services Across the globe, studios that know who they serve, how they feel, and why they matter are building successful brands while opportunities abound! Grab some inspo in Episode 699.  Catch you there. With grit and gratitude, Lisé   LINKS: https://studiogrow.co/ https:

In boutique fitness, it's easy to be fully consumed by your studio—or the competitors nearby. Shift your perspective periodically to the landscape around the world to gain novel insights. Catch Episode 698: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 2, where Heather Garrick and I highlight the cool innovation and evolution playing out in Asia and Europe. Investing in education: driving growth through instructor training & development Leading locally: forming partnerships and adapting concepts regionally & culturally Making a statement: using bold branding and memorable experiences to stand out Unleashing creativity: innovating formats, adding brands and streamlining buildouts Navigating challenges: addressing aggregators & market complexity in Europe  Capitalizing on the massive opportunity in these huge regions, smart brands are becoming increasingly intentional, strategic and visionary. Episode 698 paints a promising picture. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio ow

When you're head-down running all the things in your studio, exploring beyond your walls may be off your radar. But peeking at the global industry evolution can spark ideas for your business. So Heather Garrick and I are filling you in on exciting innovations unfolding in the boutique sector in Episode 697: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 1.  Leading with the experience: designing every touchpoint with stellar service Mastering luxury: curating exclusivity and exceeding high expectations Learning from hospitality: hiring selectively and training to provide 5-star service Prioritizing personalization: gaining individual insights to prescribe custom solutions Reimagining delivery: using tech and positioning to cultivate novelty  The industry today is emphasizing much more than workouts—like community, connection and creativity—which will stimulate growth globally. Enjoy a fresh perspective in Episode 697. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to tak

Y'all, when you're running a business, it's easy to get buried in the daily grind. But being head-down in all the details can mean working harder instead of leading smarter.  So join Alina Cooper to explore the value of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and accountability in Episode 696: It Starts With You: The Self-Aware Leader's Edge. Build emotional fluency: know your triggers and manage your feelings  Take ownership: ditch blame and model behavior you want your team to mirror Reflect regularly: acknowledge triggers, growth moments and leadership wins Invite feedback: ask for—and accept—honest input from your team  Set the emotional temperature: show up consistently with clarity and core values  When you lead yourself well, everything else follows. Your team performs better, your clients feel it and your brand becomes magnetic. Pause to look inward in Episode 696. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their

Amidst an unstable, unpredictable economy, it's critical that your studio has its books in order. Of course, proactive financial strategies are smart business practices in any economic season. Fortify your financial backbone with budgets, expense cutting, retention boosting and scenario planning with Coach Matt Hanton and me in Episode 695: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 3. Befriend your budget: identify fixed and flexible expenses; know your numbers Cut the fluff: find and drop any expenses that don't make—or save—money Optimize everything: tighten schedules and make your space work harder  Keep them coming: dedicate money and time to nurturing and retaining members Map out contingencies: plan and prep for best, worst and realistic outcomes  Plus, maintain cash flow and cash reserves, invest wisely and protect your profits. Episode 695 helps you master and monitor your numbers to keep your studio stable and strong. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take cont

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! If you've ever looked at your red-hot competitors and wondered about their secrets to success, we've got you. Spoiler: it's not money, tech…or magic.  Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Rachel Prairie break down the simple, smart moves that create momentum in Episode 694: What Other Studio Owners Are Doing That You Are Not.  Share the why: host regular team meetings to build communication and buy-in Sell with soul: train your team to connect naturally and ditch pressure tactics Treat them right: onboard well and share opportunities to maximize retention   Guard your time: block hours to think big picture, plan ahead and get out of the weeds Track and tweak: scrutinize your data, refine and experiment without fear You don't have to overhaul everything. Start by excelling in the basics: know your numbers, empower your team and lead with clarity rather than chaos. Episode 694 is your overview.. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to

Good news: economic downturns don't have to mean disaster for your studio. In fact, with the right messaging and moves, you can turn uncertainty into opportunity. In Episode 693: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 2, Coach Matt Hanton and I tackle growth strategies that can position your studio to excel while everyone else is playing defense.  Reframe the message: emphasize value—fitness is an investment, not a luxury Tout value: compare your offer to pricier experiences like dinner and concerts Hit the 5 kinds of wealth: exercise feeds the mind, body, wallet, time and relationships Be greedy for growth: look for acquisition, talent and market share opportunities Diversify your stool: add new revenue legs, like retail or events, to steady your base Economic slumps don't have to mean shrinking ambitions. Trade fear for faith and take a proactive approach to come out ahead of the curve. Episode 693 lays out your roadmap. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take contr

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! If your studio has become your social life, creative outlet and full-time emotional ecosystem, you just might be barrelling toward burnout.  You're definitely not alone. In Episode 692: Is Your Social Life Your Studio?, Coach Caroline dives into practical ways to reclaim your energy, identity and joy outside of your business.   Spot the signs: honestly evaluate if your mood rides on client feedback or team drama Redraw boundaries: schedule non-studio hours—and protect them like gold Refill your tank: do something purely for joy and refreshment, not ROI Let go (a little): trust your team to manage, even if it's 80% of the way you'd do it Reconnect and revive: resurrect who you were before you opened your doors A thriving studio starts with a thriving owner. Investing in your life outside of your studio allows you to show up better and lead stronger in it. Get after this all-important effort in Episode 692. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owner

Today's economic and geopolitical volatility can cause uncertainty even among the best business plans. Focus on what you can control in your studio to navigate these waves.  Join Business Coach Matt Hanton and me in this series for in-the-trenches insights on how to stay steady in the storm, starting with Episode 691: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 1.  Be the best: cultivate operational excellence in every experience Invest in impressions: train your front desk staff to provide 5-star touchpoints Slip into their world: connect beyond the studio thoughtfully, personally and digitally  Retain your A-team: develop and reward your superstars to maintain loyalty  Lead with heart: foster clarity and confidence for your team and members Keep in mind that even when the world wobbles, people still crave and prioritize health, well-being and belonging. Discover how your studio can nurture all three in Episode 691. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! Clients who rave about you are marketing gold. When they bring in their friends or family members, they're already pre-sold and more likely to convert.  Turn your members into your best sales team with Alina Cooper and Heather Garrick in Episode 690: Everybody's Talking About You: Harnessing the Power of Referrals.  Simplify the ask: keep it easy, clear and one-step so referrals are no-brainers Reward everyone: make it a win-win so the referrer and the friend feel great Show it off: promote the referral program in studio, on socials and everywhere  Time it right: ask members for referrals during that post-class buzz Always incentivize: track, thank and recognize members—fast and personally  Pick a month, plan a campaign, brief your team and measure what happens. This may become your favorite marketing tool, with big potential. Capitalize on the opportunity with Episode 690.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take contr

People aren't coming to your studio for your Reformers, your music or your plush towels. They're craving memorable experiences and genuine connection to keep them coming back.  If your member experience is off, everything is off. Join Alina Cooper and me for Episode 689: How to Turn Your Studio Around -- Part 3 to ensure you're exceeding expectations.  Adopt fresh eyes: inspect your studio, add new touches, make small changes   Interact intentionally: make eye contact, use names, recall personal details Practice small acts of kindness: delight members with thoughtful, low-cost gestures  Watch your words: regularly reassess and refine messaging to appeal to your ICA Sell strategically: start small, test, tweak, track and scale marketing that works   The studios that fail are those that stop trying. Make sure you're bringing fresh energy, heart and clarity to your business so it remains alive and compelling. Explore how in Episode 689.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've