In boutique fitness, success is measured in more than bookings and waitlists. The real differentiator lies in leadership. Exceptional managers and executives don’t just run studios; they transform them into growth engines, driving both revenue and culture. Here’s why investing in the right leadership talent is your ultimate performance strategy.
The 2024 BFS State of the Industry indicates a correlation between revenue + manager presence
Revenue doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It flows from a strong culture. When leaders inspire trust, set high standards, and keep teams motivated, you see the impact in member retention, referrals, and upsells. The best studio managers can switch seamlessly between reading the numbers and reading the room.
The boutique model thrives on leaders who take full accountability. A strong manager doesn’t wait for head office to intervene; they solve problems before they escalate, balancing operational detail with commercial foresight. Look for candidates who talk about their work with ownership language: “my studio, “my team,” “our members.”
Sales targets are important, but in boutique fitness, trust fuels growth. Exceptional leaders coach their teams to make every member feel seen, turning conversations at the front desk into renewals, retail sales, and glowing word-of-mouth.
Studios scale when leaders multiply capability. That means nurturing instructors, mentoring team leads, and celebrating small wins that fuel momentum. Leaders who develop others create a bench of talent ready to step up, which keeps the studio resilient and growing.
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Q&A: Hiring Leaders Who Drive Studio Success Q: How can I tell if a candidate thinks like an owner? |
Hiring for this calibre of leadership requires more than box-ticking. It’s about finding individuals with the rare ability to:
In boutique fitness, you don’t just hire managers, you hire multipliers of culture, revenue, and growth. Get this right, and the studio doesn’t just perform; it thrives.
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Hiring a studio manager in boutique fitness is about more than filling a role. It’s about finding someone who can deliver commercial results, build a thriving culture, and turn your studio into the heartbeat of the community. To get there, you need the right interview questions; ones that uncover more than a polished resume. 📑 Here are 10 powerful questions to help you identify your next exceptional studio leader. |
Lucy Adey – Managing Partner, Good Soul Hunting
Lucy Adey is the Managing Partner at Good Soul Hunting, a boutique recruitment agency dedicated to building leadership teams that shape the future of health, wellness, and longevity. She partners with some of the most dynamic brands in the industry, including JETSET Pilates, Orangetheory Fitness, Barry’s, [solidcore], and Sweat440, helping them scale while staying true to their purpose.
Lucy’s career began in law, after earning bachelor’s degrees in law and psychology. She practiced employment law at an international corporate law firm before moving into talent acquisition, where she led the New Zealand legal recruitment practice for a global recruitment agency. For over a decade, she worked in HR leadership roles within the health and wellness industry across the US and UK, gaining firsthand experience in building teams and cultures that thrive. With this unique blend of legal, recruitment, and HR expertise, Lucy brings both rigor and empathy to executive search. Known for her sharp insights, practical approach, and ability to spot the perfect match, she works closely with US-based founders, investors, and executives.