Fitness + Technology

This week, Bryan serves as a panelist at CanFitPro's World Fitness Expo. He is joined by CEOs and other industry leaders to discuss the future of fitness technology. Discussion topics include how technology can be used to improve peoples' lives and how it can be used to entice people to exercise and embrace wellness. The experts share their insights from decades of work in the field and what they believe the future holds for the industry. Panelists include Bryan O'Rourke, CEO of Vedere Ventures and founder and CEO of Integerus; Paul Bowman, CEO of Wexer Virtual; Mike Leveque, COO of MYZONE; John Ford, CEO of eGym North America; and Len Fridman, co-founder and CEO of WellnessLiving. Steve Groves, CIO & VP at GoodLife Fitness, hosts.

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging.  A leading expert on the health and well-being of older adults, Colin debunks myths surrounding the 50 and over crowd, particularly when it comes to tech savvy and their economic potential: Not only do adults over 50 make up half the number of all total adults, they also spend half of the money spent by adults altogether. ICAA, in addition to challenging preconceived notions about aging, works to connect like-minded organizations and professionals who share the same beliefs. They are also the driving force behind Active Aging Week, which occurs during the last week of every September and encourages older adults to stay active, healthy and engaged.

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Jim Paro, Founder of Operate Fit, to the show. Operate Fit is a platform designed to help community-focused organizations modernize how they manage their operations. By replacing paper forms, scattered spreadsheets, and manual processes with centralized digital workflows, the platform helps facilities save time, reduce operational risk, and maintain compliance. In this conversation, Jim joins Bryan to discuss the operational challenges many facilities face today, why digitizing workflows is becoming essential for safety and compliance, and how better systems can help organizations run more efficiently while focusing on delivering great member experiences. One Powerful Quote: 17:03: "If we hadn't adjusted our course based on feedback and things we learned from our customers, I don't think we would be as successful." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:04: Jim begins the conversation by sharing his professional background and his experience working with YMCA organizations. 5:44: Jim discusses the differences in innovation and technology adoption between commercial, for-profit organizations and nonprofit entities. 7:33: Jim introduces Operate Fit and explains how the platform was developed as a technology solution designed specifically for nonprofit organizations. 9:30: Jim expands on the functionality of Operate Fit, highlighting its practical applications and operational benefits for nonprofits. 13:41: Jim outlines some of the most significant challenges nonprofits face when adopting new technologies. 16:44: Jim concludes by sharing key insights and advice for listeners on leadership, innovation, and technology adoption in mission-driven organizations. Bullet List of Resources: https://operate.fit/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimparo/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Sunil Saha back to the show. Sunil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Perkville, a customer rewards and referral platform that integrates with e-commerce, point-of-sale, membership, and scheduling systems to deliver a seamless experience that drives engagement, referrals, and long-term loyalty. In this conversation, Sunil joins Bryan to explore member engagement strategies, gamification, system integration, and the evolving role of technology in strengthening customer relationships across the fitness industry. RSVP for FITC Reception: https://fitcmeetupreception.rsvpify.com One Powerful Quote: 20:42: "If you get too removed, then you start to lose insight on what's really important for the business." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:18: Sunil discusses the opportunities and challenges surrounding the practical application of technology within fitness operations. 8:04: Sunil talks about common execution hurdles and the shared barriers enterprises face when implementing new systems. 14:56: Bryan and Sunil discuss the future of the industry, capital allocation, and the evolving ROI of operational transformation. 20:19: Sunil shares key takeaways and strategic advice for operators navigating technology adoption. Bullet List of Resources: https://info.perkville.com/ https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show-schedule Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunilsaha/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Melissa Rodriguez, a market research leader in the fitness industry. Melissa has worked with organizations including HFA and Mindbody and has conducted numerous independent research initiatives. She recently founded her own firm, Datagonist, where she combines practitioner experience with research leadership to deliver strategic insights to the industry. Datagonist focuses on market dynamics and consumer behavior across the fitness and wellness landscape, providing data-driven insights that help operators, technology companies, equipment suppliers, and industry stakeholders better understand their markets and make informed decisions. Most recently, the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FITC) engaged Melissa and Datagonist to conduct a comprehensive research report on the U.S. marketplace, examining the evolving relationship between technology adoption and membership trends. In this conversation, Melissa joins Bryan to unpack the findings and discuss what they mean for the future of fitness. RSVP for FITC Reception: https://fitcmeetupreception.rsvpify.com One Powerful Quote: 12:51: "The fitness club is a well-being hub now. It's not just a place to exercise." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:13: Bryan opens the discussion with Melissa, outlining the scope and objectives of her research. 5:56: Bryan and Melissa dive deeper into key findings and the nuanced insights within the report. 8:47: Melissa shares her perspective on technology adoption in light of the data revealed in the study. 10:15: Melissa speaks on the barriers to entry for "never-members" and the industry's persistent enjoyment gap. 12:48: Melissa talks about rethinking and redefining what a fitness facility represents in today's marketplace. 14:05: Melissa highlights the most surprising finding from the research. 17:13: Melissa shares her contact information and how to learn more about Datagonist. Bullet List of Resources: https://datagonist.kit.com/datagonist Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissarodriguezmba/ Melissa@exerciseboston.com https://x.com/exerciseboston https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke presents his webinar, "Adopting Proven AI Management Tools in Your Gym Operation," alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. This in-depth session explores how fitness operators can implement practical AI solutions to streamline staff workflows, personalize member experiences, optimize marketing and sales performance, and improve retention and profitability. Bryan and Pablo break down which AI tools are delivering measurable results today, how to integrate them into existing systems, and how to responsibly scale AI across both single-site and multi-site operations. Designed for gym owners, executives, and industry professionals, this session provides actionable insights to help transform AI from industry hype into meaningful operational impact. One Powerful Quote: 29:27: "Another mistake is thinking that the customer journey is only to improve retention." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:10: Bryan opens the discussion with Pablo on adopting AI tools today and addresses the confusion many operators face regarding real-world applicability. 12:19: Pablo outlines practical implementation strategies and highlights where operators are successfully deploying AI in sales, lead conversion, operations, and analytics automation. 17:45: Bryan and Pablo discuss high-impact use cases, particularly automating repetitive tasks to improve efficiency and consistency. 23:00: Bryan and Pablo speak on applying AI across the customer journey and mapping touch points to enhance personalization and engagement. 31:44: Pablo speaks on if humans are better than AI with emotional intelligence. 36:00: Pablo speaks on why many operators fail to properly map their customer journey and how AI exposes operational gaps. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitness-kpi.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Steffie Bryant to the show. Steffie brings a strong background in gym operations, sales, and currently serves as President of Keepme.ai, an AI-powered sales and marketing CRM platform designed specifically for the fitness industry. Since its launch in April 2019, Keepme.ai has expanded globally, supporting hundreds of fitness clubs in driving member acquisition, engagement, and retention. In this conversation, Bryan and Steffie explore the evolution of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on agentic AI, autonomous agents, and the broader market implications of these emerging technologies. Together, they discuss how agentic tools are being deployed, what their adoption means for fitness operators, and how AI-driven systems are reshaping workflows, roles, and career trajectories across the industry. One Powerful Quote: 14:41: "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission at times." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:35: Bryan introduces Steffie's professional background and her journey from gym operations to leading a global AI platform. 6:00: Bryan and Steffie discuss agentic AI tools and their practical applications within fitness businesses. 10:49: Steffie shares insights on deploying agentic tools and their implications for competitive marketplaces. 12:35: Steffie has a forward-looking conversation on how AI adoption will transform jobs and organizational structures. 14:16: Steffie offers career advice and strategic guidance for professionals navigating rapid technological change. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.keepme.ai/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffie-bryant-0b577271/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke shares his recent webinar, "Strategies For Implementing Data Solutions For Gym Chains," presented alongside Pablo Viñaspre, Founder and CEO of FitnessKPI. This in-depth session examines proven strategies for successfully implementing data solutions across multi-site gym operations. Bryan and Pablo discuss how operators can adopt and scale analytics to improve member retention, enhance pricing strategies, and uncover new revenue opportunities. Designed for multi-site executives and industry leaders, this conversation provides practical, actionable guidance to help transform data into consistent, measurable business performance. One Powerful Quote: 15:58: "Focus beats sophistication always."  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:04: Bryan opens the discussion by reframing data as a business decision challenge — not a technology project but an operating model transformation. 10:20: Bryan and Pablo address the paradox of "more data," highlighting common implementation pitfalls, governance challenges, and the tendency to focus on reporting errors instead of driving action. 15:33: Bryan and Pablo discuss the importance of focusing on the key drivers that materially impact outcomes. 22:01: Bryan and Pablo speak on finding the balance between company-wide consistency and local autonomy with avoiding over-governance that slows execution. 27:12: Pablo outlines a realistic game plan for data implementation that prioritizes action and measurable results. 34:21: Pablo shares his three core takeaways: addressing technology limitations, maintaining focus, and committing to action. 36:45: Bryan closes with his perspective on the future of data implementation and forward-thinking leadership within the fitness industry. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitness-kpi.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back strategic advisor Pete Moore, Managing Partner at Integrity Square. Pete and his firm specialize in supporting passionate entrepreneurs, high-growth companies, and experienced executives by connecting them with the right sources of capital. At Integrity Square, Pete leads efforts in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor sectors. During this insightful conversation, Bryan and Pete explore business strategy with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and the current dynamics of the capital markets. They also discuss what today's operators need to be paying close attention to in order to stay competitive and capitalize on emerging opportunities. One Powerful Quote: 26:05: "Master the business that you currently own." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:47: Pete shares insights on the current state of mergers & acquisitions and private equity within the fitness and wellness industry. 14:26: Pete offers his predictions for the future of the industry. 20:31: Pete speaks about why some brands are failing to innovate and slowly adopt technology. 25:59: Pete leaves listeners with final pearls of wisdom and key takeaways for operators and entrepreneurs. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.halotalks.com/pete-moore/ https://www.integritysq.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back industry veteran Carrie Kepple. Bryan and Carrie share a professional relationship spanning over 15 years, including their time serving together on the IHRSA Board of Directors. Carrie is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council and a distinguished leader in the global fitness industry, having worked with prominent organizations such as Gold's Gym International and Les Mills. Her expertise lies in club operations, and she is the visionary behind Styles Studios, a pioneering fitness concept that combines four boutique studio experiences in one location. In this conversation, Bryan and Carrie dive into technology stacks, boutique fitness models, and the evolution of hybrid fitness concepts. One Powerful Quote: 12:03: "Don't get distracted by the shiny new toy. Stay in your lane." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:00: Bryan opens the discussion with Carrie's background and the creation of Styles Studios. 6:00: Carrie outlines her top three challenges with tech stack integration. 8:39: Carrie shares her insights on tech stack complexity and the high cost of switching systems. 11:09: Carrie emphasizes the importance of mapping the entire user experience for operators. 15:06: Carrie explores how AI tools can streamline the onboarding and member journey. 21:02: Carrie closes with impactful advice for fitness operators and tech innovators. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.stylesstudiosfitness.com https://www.soundhound.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-kepple-414a555a/ https://twitter.com/CarrieKepple https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his webinar, "Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues," alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. The session explores how data and digital tools are reshaping fitness business performance, with a focus on practical, real-world application. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving member retention, optimizing pricing strategies, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through smarter use of analytics and technology. Designed for operators, managers, and industry professionals, this webinar provides a clear framework for making more informed decisions and driving measurable, sustainable growth. You can view the webinar deck here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/using-data-technology-to-drive-revenue-fitness-kpi-12-25-webinar/284677394 One Powerful Quote: 32:48: "So deciding which moments in the customer journey or in the customer experience I can fully automatize and in which ones I have to go fully human to bring that value." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:46: Bryan opens the webinar by outlining the agenda, followed by Pablo introducing Fitness KPI and its role in data-driven decision-making for fitness operators. 8:58: Bryan and Pablo discuss why data proficiency is becoming a core organizational competency across the fitness industry. 11:50: The conversation turns to how leading enterprises are using data insights to improve the quality and speed of decision-making. 15:02: Bryan and Pablo explore the challenge many organizations face in extracting real value from AI, despite lagging in the development of critical AI capabilities. 18:57: Pablo identifies the most significant sales revenue opportunities currently available to fitness clubs. 23:31: Pablo highlights brands that are setting the standard for excellence in data insights and analytics execution. 29:01: Bryan and Pablo discuss the future evolution of technology stacks for fitness operators. 34:58: Pablo shares what he believes is the single most important mindset shift required to fully leverage data and technology. 37:40: Pablo explains how operators can translate data into concrete operational actions and meaningful KPIs. 42:25: Pablo provides software recommendations for effectively managing and centralizing data. 45:20: Pablo outlines the key barriers and concerns organizations face when implementing data and technology solutions. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitness-kpi.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Vic Kurs, Senior Technology Advisor at Qodeca. Vic leads sales strategy, partnerships, and client success for Qodeca, a firm specializing in custom software and consulting for the fitness, sport, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience across SaaS and health club operations, he helps organizations streamline workflows, enhance member engagement, and accelerate growth through integrated, data-driven digital solutions. Today, Vic joins Bryan to discuss practical technology adoption, the realities operators face with complex tech stacks, and how to build a smarter digital strategy for the future. One Powerful Quote: 13:03: "Before any business moves into the AI space, it is absolutely crucial to fix the basics and to put that right." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:33: Vic shares his background in technology and fitness, and the core challenges operators face in adopting new solutions. 7:52: Vic discuss short-term versus long-term thinking, execution pitfalls, and the switching costs associated with legacy systems. 12:42: Vic talks about the importance of infrastructure design and the operational challenges of automation. 17:02: Vic speaks on the biggest opportunities for improving technology adoption across the industry. 21:40: Vic shares his perspective on the shifting future of SaaS models in a world increasingly shaped by agentic AI. 32:03: Vic offers closing insights and practical advice for operators navigating digital transformation. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.qodeca.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkurs/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote, "European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 And Beyond" live from the SC Fitness Annual Convention in Portugal. Bryan shares the spotlight for what's next in the European fitness market and the key differentiators needed for successful operators. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to expand your perspective and prepare you for what's ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/european-fitness-market-trends-2025-bryan-orourke-keynote-sc-fitness-conference/284499398 Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/fitc-innovation-award-2025 One Powerful Quote: 11:51: "The quality of your thinking determines the quality of your life." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 6:57: Bryan opens by emphasizing thinking big as the first major trend. 15:54: Bryan discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping the growth of the European fitness market, highlighting the importance of leaders distinguishing between strong ideas and effective execution. 19:14: Bryan expands on the role of capital as markets scale and mature in response to continued industry growth. 21:13: Bryan addresses evolving customer expectations, noting the growing demand for both digitization and human connection in the fitness experience. 30:01: Bryan examines current technology, AI hype cycles, and their implications for the industry. 37:03: Bryan reflects on the importance of people and collaboration, underscoring the theme of working together to achieve greater impact. 45:05: Bryan concludes by summarizing the key points from his talk. Bullet List of Resources: https://elementgyms.pt/ https://www.solinca.pt/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Uday Anumalachetty, Founder of Bright Medical Wellness, to the show. Uday is on a mission to redefine the health and wellness landscape by making transformative treatments—such as GLP-1 medications—more accessible to those who need them most. Motivated by his personal journey with weight challenges and the life-changing impact of GLP-1 therapies, Uday took the leap into entrepreneurship to build a service that not only improves access to these medications, but also prioritizes education, post-consultation care, and ongoing support. In this conversation, he shares his insights, vision, and personal experiences with Bryan, offering valuable perspective on the evolving intersection of healthcare and fitness technology. Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/fitc-innovation-award-2025 Register for Bryan's upcoming webinar Data & Technology to Drive Club Revenues:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_80ylSZ-TQGCe6hdkOhc7pw  One Powerful Quote: 20:07: "In order to make that recurring revenue stable, you have to able to innovate, but do it incremental steps that actually influences that customer journey real time." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:56: Bryan opens the conversation by asking Uday about the inspiration behind starting Bright Medical Wellness. 5:19: Uday discusses the future of transformative medications and their potential in the wellness space. 7:10: Uday speaks on how Bright Medical Wellness is shaping the future of fitness and wellness services. 9:38: Uday shares his perspective on how different components of fitness and wellness can be more effectively integrated. 11:57: Bryan and Uday discuss the challenges of technology adoption in health and wellness and the realities behind industry hype cycles. 19:21: Uday closes by offering valuable advice and key takeaways for listeners navigating their own fitness and wellness journeys. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.brightmedicalwellness.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productgeek/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Lindsay Vastola to the show. With a rich background spanning corporate management and entrepreneurship, Lindsay brings a dynamic perspective to leadership and professional growth. Through her engaging keynote presentations, professional development workshops, and thought-provoking conversations, she empowers professionals to reach their full potential. As the founder of VastPotential, Lindsay helps organizations cultivate exceptional employee experiences and enhance performance through innovative staff development and vision-driven leadership education and coaching. In this episode, she joins Bryan to explore transformational leadership, the role of technology, and the discipline required to drive organizational success. One Powerful Quote: 24:45: "Leadership is an endurance sport. You are never there." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:16: Bryan opens the conversation by asking Lindsay to define transformational leadership and explain its importance. 7:04: Lindsay discusses why this style of leadership is increasingly vital in today's evolving workplace. 9:35: Lindsay outlines common productivity challenges teams face in achieving consistent performance. 12:21: Lindsay shares proven strategies she has implemented to help teams overcome these challenges. 16:13: The discussion turns to organizational culture, where Lindsay expands on Bryan's comments about fear as a limiting factor. 19:53: Lindsay examines how technology is reshaping transformational leadership and influencing collaboration within teams. 25:38: Bryan and Lindsay dive into the concept of discipline and the focus leaders must maintain to achieve lasting impact. 31:49: Lindsay offers her final thoughts and actionable recommendations for listeners seeking to elevate their leadership approach. Bullet List of Resources: https://vast-potential.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-vastola/ https://x.com/LindsayV_BP https://www.lindsayvastola.com/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Brian Holmes, CEO and Founder of AI Front Desk. With hiring, training, and retaining frontline workers becoming increasingly challenging, AI Front Desk offers innovative artificial intelligence solutions that handle complex business tasks directly. By reducing dependence on traditional staffing models, the company helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Brian joins Bryan to discuss his company's approach and the practical impact these solutions are having across the industry. One Powerful Quote: 32:05: "Yes you can get to where you want to go. You just won't get there as fast as you want." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Bryan opens the show by sharing Brian's entrepreneurial background. 8:42: Bryan asks Brian about the key lessons that led to the founding of AI Front Desk. 13:47: Bryan discusses the timeline behind launching AI Front Desk. 17:09: Brian addresses common misconceptions about agentic AI. 20:22: Brian outlines some of the core functions that AI Front Desk can perform. 25:33: Brian highlights the biggest challenges organizations face in adopting the technology. 31:20: Brian imparts his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://aifrontdesk.com/ Guest Contact Information: brian@aifrontdesk.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-holmes-0a448566/ https://x.com/BrianAIFrontDsk https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote presentation delivered live at FitLife's Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan's slide deck, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-fitlife-club-network-keynote-seattle-2025-bryan-orourke/283944575 One Powerful Quote: 16:54: "Clarity is a superpower." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an introduction to the major trends shaping the fitness industry and their impact on its future direction. 17:38: Bryan shares the opportunities and challenges that will define the next five years in fitness and wellness. 18:48: Bryan discusses the capital and financial shifts in the marketplace. 27:02: Bryan speaks on bridging the digital and physical gap through humanized experiences. 37:06: Bryan talks about business models that are driving innovation in health and fitness services. 44:12: Bryan highlights what's real in understanding the technology and AI hype cycle. 56:46: Bryan explains why people and trust are the most valuable assets today. 1:06:50: Bryan summarizes how translating strategy into execution can lead to meaningful change. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitlifeclubs.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Chris Edwards, Founder and CEO of TriCore Wellness. TriCore focuses on the integration of technology, health data, and professional coaching to deliver comprehensive wellness solutions for individuals, employees, and organizations. Chris joins Bryan to discuss his business model and share valuable insights on current trends in integrative coaching and wellness services. One Powerful Quote: 7:51: "You have to unlearn before you can relearn." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:23: Chris and Bryan discuss how TriCore supports fitness operators by identifying business challenges and creating solutions that drive opportunities. 10:07: Bryan and Chris talk about exploring the unique challenges and emerging opportunities in wellness service products. 12:57: Bryan and Chris talk about addressing the disconnect between traditional fitness education and the evolving needs and expectations of modern consumers. 15:53: Bryan asks Chris why there hasn't been a fresh perspective on identifying and addressing service gaps in the fitness industry. 20:11: Chris shares closing thoughts and actionable advice for listeners navigating the future of wellness services. Bullet List of Resources: https://tricorewellness.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-edwards-367094196/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. As a key architect behind Life Time's transformation into a comprehensive healthy lifestyle company, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of wellness, the role of leadership in culture and innovation, and strategies for advancing health span and performance.  Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with insights from one of the industry's most influential leaders. One Powerful Quote: 25:57: "We have two lives, and the second one begins when we realize we only have one." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:04: Bryan opens the conversation with an overview of Jeff's extensive background and career journey. 4:33: The discussion turns to market bifurcation, as Bryan asks Jeff about evolving consumer demands and value delivery. Jeff explains how Life Time has strategically scaled to meet these shifting dynamics. 8:46: Bryan and Jeff explore the role of customer personas and how these insights influence alignment across the entire organization. 11:54: Jeff highlights emerging trends in health and wellness and shares how Life Time is innovating to meet these demands through enhanced service offerings. 17:00: The conversation delves into biotechnology and its growing influence on extending health span and optimizing performance. 20:16: Jeff discusses how Life Time maintains a strong cultural foundation while operating at scale, emphasizing the importance of human connection in large organizations. 24:37: Jeff concludes with key takeaways and lasting insights for listeners, offering wisdom from his decades of leadership in the industry. Bullet List of Resources: https://jeffzwiefel.com/ https://www.lifetime.life/ https://hbr.org/2008/07/putting-the-service-profit-chain-to-work Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzwiefel/ https://x.com/JeffZwiefel https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the platform, ECDESIGN is transforming how fitness and commercial environments are imagined and brought to life. Tune in as Richard shares insights into the power of design, his business philosophy, and how intuitive planning tools are shaping the future of space visualization in the fitness industry. One Powerful Quote: 18:31: "There are no shortcuts." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:51: Bryan asks Richard about the origins of ECDESIGN and what inspired him to launch the business. 5:25: The conversation shifts to Swedish design and how it influenced Richard's journey into the fitness industry. 7:15: Richard explains how design expectations have evolved and what users now look for when using ECDESIGN. 8:26: Bryan and Richard explore how gaming principles have influenced modern design tools and the role of technology in that transformation. 13:21: Richard shares his approach to leadership, organizational management, and his core business philosophy. 16:20: Richard offers closing thoughts and shares key insights for listeners from his entrepreneurial experience. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.ecdesign.se/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gronberg/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163