Every month, Club Solutions sits down with an industry expert to share in their wealth of knowledge. In the September issue, the conversation features Missy Moss, the corporate director of operations for Orangetheory Fitness.
1. What was your first job in the fitness industry?
My first job in the fitness industry was working at the front desk rotating between two athletic facilities at Nike Global World Headquarters. I am so thankful for this experience, because it taught me how it’s important to understand the work your team does every day. “Go to Gemba” — A.K.A., the place where the real value-creating work gets done in your organization.
2. What do you love about the fitness industry?
Hands down the people. It’s the people who churn and burn to provide a healthy and friendly environment for our members. And let’s not forget about our members who come in every day, happy to get their sweat on.
3. What drew you to Orangetheory Fitness (OTF)?
When you work for a powerful, emotional brand like Nike, you learn the value of emotional intelligence. I have studied fitness brands for years and what OTF provides to its members every day inspires me to drive personal and professional performance.
4. What do you love the most about your new role at OTF?
One day a friend who still works at Nike called and asked, “How do you like working for OTF?” I replied, “It’s fast and furious and I like the rush.” Professionally, this has been the best move I could have made, yielding my growth and knowledge to continue to contribute in an impactful way.
5. What is a key to OTF’s success?
Innovation is the key to success in our disruptive state of the industry. OTF’s foundation is innovation. You could say we obsess about innovation. And we have leadership who all share the same values to continue to push to evolve the brand.
6. What’s a trend in the industry that’s caught your eye?
Healthcare integration into our space will become more mainstream, bridging the gap between insurance companies, healthcare providers and technology companies. Watch out pharmaceutical companies — the sport and fitness industry is the cure for healthy lifestyles.
7. Who is someone you look up to and why do you look up to them?
I will give mention to two individuals who continue to shape me both personally and professionally.
Jim Worthington is undeniably the hardest working, selfless individual I have ever met. He is changing the world one day at a time. Jim inspires me to work harder for what is right and is the only person who can make me cry, besides my mom.
I have had the privilege to know Bryan O’Rourke for many years. Bryan is a geek for disruption and the challenges many companies are facing in light of personalized automation. He is one of the biggest contributors in seeing my potential and has provided me with thought-provoking conversations. He was the first person I reached out to and asked, “What about OTF?”
8. If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Fight hard and harder. Never give up. When you fight for what you believe in, you will find it was worth fighting for. Nobody likes being uncomfortable, but you must seek it. Surprise yourself.
9. What’s your favorite leadership book?
Too many to list. I often have meaningful conversations with leaders and intently listen to keywords or messages. Many times I will pull out my phone and take notes on what I am learning to reference back to at a later time.
10. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am truly an introvert. I crave my alone time to think, read and absorb as much as I can. I know this surprises people as I can be known as a socialite. But if I had the option, I would pick alone time over being in a social setting.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
