For this executive spotlight, Club Solutions sat down with Juliet Lim, the CEO of Transaction Services Global (TSG), to talk about her experiences in the fitness industry.
How did you start in the health and fitness industry?
JL: I’ve been a devoted gym member for years and experienced different fitness trends. Lately, I’ve been maintaining my gym schedule and taking spin, Pilates and cross-fit classes at studio-style gyms. Now I’m working in the health and fitness industry, I’ve been visiting gyms and studios with a new business eye.
When did you become CEO of TSG? What drew you to the brand?
JL: I joined TSG in June this year and am very excited. After working at Honeywell’s Industrial Automation and Control Division, Fender Musical Instruments and an aircraft parts manufacturer — a diverse variety, I know — I started working for a payments and software company in 2003 and have continued in the industry.
I was impressed by TSG’s market leadership in all its geographies and its deep domain expertise in the health and fitness software market. I also knew TSG would drive toward a market leadership in the United States. As we have solutions for clubs and studios of all sizes, we’re able to offer a solution that is the right fit for each client.
You’re the only female CEO in the club software category — what advice could you give to other female leaders looking to break into executive roles?
JL: Try to get experience in as many areas of the business as possible. Working with cross-functional teams or on projects that overlap business functions helps broaden skill sets, improve communication, build networks and gives a broader view of how all the pieces of a business fit together.
For me, this often meant volunteering for extra work or being part of a team when nobody else would, but it was worth it. These experiences have paid dividends as my levels of responsibility have grown. Networking is also key — keep in touch with people you’ve worked with and participate in opportunities to learn about emerging trends and issues.
What trends are you seeing in software or payments that clubs should be aware of?
JL: Clubs are continuing to focus on the member experience while trying to streamline operations for their employees. They’re using data and analytics more frequently to enhance decision-making and investment choices. As with other industries, I think the focus on making data translatable and usable will grow.
What is your vision for TSG’s future?
JL: To use our considerable expertise in integrated gym management software and billing and payment services to become a market leader, helping health and fitness clients grow their revenue and better serve their members.
To achieve this, TSG will have to be a technology leader and act as a business partner, rather than a vendor. Our heritage in the health and fitness industry positions us to do this well.
