Early in my fitness career, I got certified in pre and postpartum training—a weekend course with broad guidelines like "you're cleared to work out six weeks after having a baby." Then I had my own daughter, and that timeline? Completely unrealistic. I developed a pelvic condition so painful I couldn't walk for weeks. The training I'd done for others didn't prepare me for my own experience.
What happens when the plan you made doesn't match the reality you're living?
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Siegel, a licensed professional counselor who made the unexpected decision to put her thriving therapy practice on hold to become a full-time mom. Natalie's story mirrors my own in many ways—challenging the "bounce back" mentality that permeates both fitness and business culture. It's a conversation every entrepreneur needs to hear.
The winding path to purpose – How Natalie went from PR to working in schools to finding her calling in mental health counseling, specializing in body image, eating disorders, and complicated family dynamics
When "should" doesn't serve you – The moment Natalie realized she couldn't show up 100% for her therapy clients while navigating her son's unexpected health challenges and her own experience of early motherhood
The business skills they don't teach you – Why specialized professionals like therapists, personal trainers, and coaches are experts in their craft but often unprepared for running a business
Making the hard call – How Natalie navigated disappointing clients, battling guilt, and ultimately trusting her gut despite external pressure to "have it all"
Tuning out the noise – My conversation with Natalie offers practical advice for distinguishing between what you think you should do and what you actually need to do for your mental health and family
Not all seasons of business look like growth, scaling, and building an empire. Sometimes the most courageous entrepreneurial decision is to step back, trust your instincts, and honor where you are—even when it doesn't match the timeline you set or the expectations others have for you. This applies whether you're a fitness professional, wellness coach, therapist, or any service-based business owner.
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Guest Info: Natalie Siegel
Socials: www.instagram.com/kneadtotalk
Consistency in fitness and consistency in finances have more in common than you think. In this episode, I sit down with Ally Ecklund, Founder and Financial Advisor at Zestiny Wealth, to explore how the habits that keep us physically healthy mirror the financial habits that build lasting wealth.
We discuss why showing up for your money matters just as much as showing up for your workout, how financial stress impacts your family and relationships, and the practical steps business owners can take to move from hoping things work out to actively building financial security.
Ally shares her holistic approach to wealth management, including financial planning strategies, investment management basics, and proactive tax planning tips that can help entrepreneurs and individuals with a zest for life take control of their financial future.
What we cover:
About Ally Ecklund:
Ally is the Founder and Financial Advisor at Zestiny Wealth, a holistic wealth management firm specializing in financial planning, investment management, and proactive tax planning.
https://www.youtube.com/@zestinywealth
Website: https://zestinywealth.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zestinywealth/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyecklund/
LinkedIn again: https://www.facebook.com/zestiny.wealth
Hitting 10,000 steps became an obsession—but what about the health benefits that don't "ding" on your Apple Watch? In this episode, we explore why the most meaningful measures of business success often go uncelebrated and how to stop letting external validation define your worth as an entrepreneur.
If you're working incredibly hard but don't have the flashy wins to show for it, this episode is for you. We dig into the invisible metrics that actually indicate you're building something sustainable: client impact, authentic connections, consistency, and personal growth that never shows up on a P&L statement.
Through personal stories about closing a 9-year gym business and struggling with identity beyond a job title, we challenge the narrow definition of success that social media perpetuates. You'll learn why separating your identity from your business model matters, how to recognize wins that don't come with external validation, and why your "spotters"—the people who really know you—are essential for maintaining perspective.
Submit your Hey Coach questions to: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
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Make It Yours: From Following the Workout to Programming Your Own, with Dr. Catlin Tucker.
One-size-fits-all approaches dominate corporate gyms and traditional classrooms—not because they work, but because they're easier to manage.
I left my personal training job at a big NYC gym chain because I was tired of cookie-cutter programming, corporate micromanagement, and audits from managers who knew nothing about my clients' goals or injuries. The leap to open my own gym was scary, but necessary—because giving every client the same workout isn't just lazy, it can be dangerous.
My guest, Dr. Catlin Tucker, faces the same battle in education. A bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and 2010 Teacher of the Year, Catlin has written eleven books on blended learning and personalized education. She holds a doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University and trains educators worldwide.
In this episode, we discuss why standardized systems fail diverse learners, what it takes to break free from rigid structures, and how to create more personalized, sustainable, and student-led experiences—whether in the gym or the classroom.
Topics covered: personalized learning, blended learning, student-led education, fitness programming, leaving corporate jobs, entrepreneurship in fitness, educational innovation
Guest Info: Dr. Catlin Tucker
X: @Catlin_Tucker,
Insta: @CatlinTucker,
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catlin-tucker-7033b531
Your network isn't just nice to have — it's your belay partner in business. The higher you climb, the more you need people you trust holding the rope.
In this episode, I sit down with Judy Murdoch, founder of Marketing Root Work, who specializes in helping transformation-focused small business owners connect with their ideal clients through word-of-mouth and referral marketing.
Judy doesn't just cover the nuts and bolts of marketing — she helps entrepreneurs tackle what she calls "shadow gremlins": the scary stories and limiting beliefs that get between you and the business you're meant to build.
If you've been climbing solo or struggling to leverage your network effectively, this conversation will show you how your strongest spotters are already in your corner.
Guest Info: Judy Murdoch, Owner, Marketing Root Work
Newletter: https://judymurdoch.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judymurdoch/,
It’s pretty well known that if you typically train at sea level, running a race at altitude feels a lot harder.
I had almost the opposite experience. I live in Denver—so I train at high altitude—and whenever I’d visit my family in LA, down at sea level, I felt unstoppable. My endurance was amazing, and I swear my mile time dropped from ten minutes to nine—impressive, I know.
But when I hit the gym, lifting weights suddenly felt heavier. My numbers dropped, and it completely threw me.
In business, it’s kind of the same thing. We can feel strong and confident doing our market research in familiar territory—but what happens when you’re ready to expand… maybe even take your business international?
Today, we’re going global - my guest is Julie Lawrie, CEO & Co-founder, Amplifyo. Amplifyo solves the disconnect of marketing activities from business & financial goals. Their software leverages AI to enhance productivity in marketing while keeping human touch intact, and automates campaign creation + content development, as well as providing on-demand next step ideas + strategic planning.
Guest Info: Julie Lawrie
Website: https://amplifyo.com/
Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawrie/
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Email leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com for discount code!
Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
What do one-woman cabaret shows in New York City have to do with entrepreneurship? More than you might think.
Back when I was producing my own shows, I did everything—concept, production, promotion—and every single time, my body forced me to stop. The day before opening night, I’d get sick. It was my first big lesson that you can’t hustle your way through without recovery.
In this episode, we’re talking about why business owners need recovery days just like athletes do—and what happens when you skip them.
I’m joined by Zehra Ashary, founder of Offbeat Outlook, a business coach who helps health and service-based businesses grow without burning out. She teaches owners how to build loyal clients, train empowered teams, and put systems in place so the business runs smoothly—even when they step away.
Guest Info: Zehra Ashary
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/offbeatoutlook_/
https://www.youtube.com/offbeatoutlook
LET'S CHAT!
Subscribe to my Substack!
http://www.leslieboyce.substack.com
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You know how, in fitness, we all have those movements that just feel right?
Maybe you’ve got explosive power and love a good sprint.
Or maybe you’re the endurance type — steady, consistent, could run for hours.
When you lean into what your body naturally does best, things come more easily.
The same goes for your business story.
Instead of blending in or trying to sound like everyone else, what if you leaned into what’s already yours — your experiences, your quirks, your background, your why?
We’re going to talk about how your personal story can be your biggest differentiator — the thing that helps you connect, attract, and grow — just by being you.
My guest today is Michael Newborn, Co-Founder & CEO of The Second Act, a mission-driven brand that focuses on stories of courage, community, connection, grit and purpose, as well as an AI-powered platform called trysam.ai that helps people reach their personal or professional goals by helping them connect with their perfect coach. Both are centered around the importance of human connection.
Guest Info: Michael Newborn
Website:
Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelnewborn/
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Website: www.leslieboyce.com
Email: leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
Newsletter: https://leslieboyce.substack.com/
In this week's solo episode, I get vulnerable and real about operating a business while grieving the loss of my mom earlier this year.
Most gyms let you put your membership on hold when life happens — whether you’re injured, traveling, or just need a mental or physical reset. It doesn’t mean you’re quitting. It means you’re giving your body space to recover so you can come back stronger.
Business is no different. When grief or big life challenges hit, pushing harder isn’t always an option — and it definitely isn’t always smart. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to create space for yourself when life interrupts your plans, and why giving yourself permission to pause is not just okay, but sometimes the most sustainable business strategy you can choose.
Website: www.leslieboyce.com
We all love a good challenge — 30 days of workouts, no excuses, big results. But what happens when the challenge ends? That same “all-in” energy we bring to fitness often shows up in business, too — we sprint hard, burn out fast, and wonder why we can’t sustain the pace.
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to build sustainable momentum — not the kind that crashes after the challenge ends, but the kind that grows your strength (and your business) over time.
My guest, Anjeanette Carter, CEO of Stratis Media, helps founders and CEOs grow their personal brands through powerful LinkedIn strategy and ghostwriting. She’s also a mentor and newsletter writer who teaches freelancers and solopreneurs how to earn more while working less — by focusing on systems, sustainability, and strategy that actually last.
If you’ve ever gone all-in on your business only to hit a wall later, this episode is your reminder: consistency doesn’t mean doing everything — it means doing what matters, again and again.
Website: Leslieboyce.com
Email: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
Guest: Anjeanette Carter, Stratis Media
10-Minute LinkedIn Fix Here:
Socials:
If you’ve ever wrapped up a CrossFit, OrangeTheory, or F45 workout, you know the scoreboard moment — everyone posts their time, their reps, their results. It’s motivating, it’s competitive…and sometimes, it’s humbling. But what if instead of letting competition divide us, we used it to collaborate and grow stronger together?
In this episode of The Fitness of Business, we explore how collaboration can be the ultimate growth strategy — in and out of the gym. You’ll learn how to partner with peers in your industry without losing your edge, ways to spot opportunities that elevate everyone, and why lifting others up might just be the fastest way to level up your own business.
Website: Leslieboyce.com
Email: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
Guest Info: Kathy Waite, Co-Founder of WE Development
Website: www.waiteendurance.com
Socials:
The Perfectionist Mindset: Why “Just Right” Conditions Never Come in Business
In this episode of The Fitness of Business, we dive into the hidden weight of perfectionism and how it shows up for entrepreneurs. From waiting for “perfect conditions” before starting (whether it’s running again or launching a business idea) to constantly comparing ourselves to where we used to be, perfectionism can feel like discipline…but often keeps us stuck.
I'm joined by Sam Field, therapist, consultant, and founder of Field Therapy, whose work focuses on connection, nourishment, and collective care. Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I’ll start when…” or hesitating to launch until everything looks flawless, this conversation will remind you: progress matters more than perfection.
Guest Info: **
Sam Field
Website: samfieldtherapy.com,
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/fieldtherapy/
Email: leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
Website: www.leslieboyce.com
In this episode, we explore why being too close to your business is like trying to coach yourself through a brutal high intensity workout - you can't see your own form breaking down when you're just trying to get through the last round. Discover how seeking feedback from trusted and credible resources, while facing realistic demands (not just what you want to hear), creates the emotional distance needed to make clear, strategic decisions. Learn why removing emotional attachment from your business choices doesn't mean caring less—it means creating space and healthy boundaries for the objectivity that unlocks real opportunity and sustainable growth.
Guest Info
Website:https://www.recentertherapeuticmassage.com/
Socials:
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Submit "Hey, Coach" questions to: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
Website: www.leslieboyce.com
Episode Description
Brace Yourself! In this episode, we’re talking about why building your business without core values is like training with a weak core — if your foundation is shaky, everything else wobbles too. You might get by for a while, but eventually you’ll stall, struggle, or even have to start over. We’ll cover a simple formula for defining your non-negotiables, why saying “no” creates space for the right “yes,” and how niching down builds the kind of core strength that lets you handle bigger challenges with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Tips & Ideas
🧠 What I Now Tell My Clients (and What I Wish I’d Known)
If you’re already in too deep:
Send your "Hey, Coach" questions to: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
In this episode, we explore why rigidly focusing on one outcome is like never varying your workout - you'll plateau and miss strengths you didn't know you had. Discover how regularly measuring results and honestly assessing where you've been, where you are, and what customers actually want creates the flexibility needed for sustainable growth. Learn why strategic pivots aren't abandoning your core - they're using that strong foundation to adapt, scale, and unlock potential that tunnel vision leaves on the table.
My guest is Chelsea Foy. Chelsea is the founder and editor of lifestyle brand Lovely Indeed. Having started in 2010 as a blog, the brand has now expanded to include content creation, speaking engagements, courses, and books. The Lovely Indeed brand is known for its fun, approachable, colorful feel, and focuses on easy ways to add more joy to the everyday.
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Website: www.leslieboyce.com
Email: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
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Guest Info: Chelsea Foy, Lovely Indeed
Website:https://lovelyindeed.com/
Socials:
Not every workout is for every body. And not every social media platform is for every business. So, how do you know where you should show up to reach the customers you want?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about why being on every social media platform isn’t a smart strategy, how casting a wide net dilutes your ROI, and how to choose the marketing “workout” that’s right for your business based on your audience and goals.
My guest today is Corine Ingrassia, a content marketing strategist with over 16 years of experience creating content that converts.
She is known for her ability to “see the forest for the trees”—building social-first, personal brands by seamlessly blending creative storytelling with data-driven strategies.
From developing compelling social content to leveraging podcasting as a powerful marketing tool, Corine has helped dozens of entrepreneurs, and industry experts build strong authentic personal brands by crafting content that isn’t just seen or heard—but remembered.
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Website: www.leslieboyce.com
Email: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
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Guest Info: Corine Ingrassia
Website:www.corineingrassia.com
Socials:
Download the Creating Client Avatar Worksheet here!
Imposter syndrome plagues even the most qualified, educated and experienced of entrepreneurs - it’s not just you! Have you ever walked into a gym, feeling super motivated to workout and then see it’s full of people with rippling six packs lifting obscene and intimidating amounts of weight? It’s completely understandable that you’d feel like an imposter and slip quickly into comparison mode.
In this episode, we confront every entrepreneur's inner critic: that nagging voice asking "Why should people work with me?" and "Am I really qualified for this?" Discover how shifting your mindset to focus on your unique strengths rather than comparing yourself to others, combined with consistently putting in the reps, builds the confidence to speak and operate with genuine authority.
Our guest is Dr. Carolynn Francavilla, board certified physician in Obesity Medicine, founder of Green Mountain Partners for Health and Colorado Weight Care and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Obesity Medicine Association. We discuss her experience with imposter syndrome both as an entrepreneur and how she helps her patients deal with it.
Learn why imposter syndrome fades when you stop measuring yourself against everyone else's business wins and start building your own track record of small, consistent victories.
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Website: www.leslieboyce.com
Email: Leslie@thefitnessofbusiness.com
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Website: www.DrFrancavilla.com
Socials:
The Fitness of Business is a weekly podcast where I help overwhelmed entrepreneurs break free from cycles of second-guessing and train for the entrepreneurial marathon through expert insights, tactical strategies, and real-time coaching from someone who's been in (and is still in) your shoes. Your business IS personal - I'll spot you through the tough sets and help you break through business plateaus so you can thrive, not just survive, your entrepreneurial journey.