Connecting the Dots by The Collective

In this episode, we unpack the realities of women's health and leadership , examining why systemic challenges persist and how industry leaders are pushing for real change. Our guests, Mohammed Iqbal (CEO, SweatWorks) and Tracy Emmanuel (Healthcare Growth & Strategy Leader), bring their expertise from healthcare, technology, and wellness to highlight where the gaps exist, why they matter, a...

🎙️ We're Dropping Episode #12: Building Better Systems for Leadership in Health 🌐 This pop-up podcast reimagines business through the lens of sport and a female perspective. Each episode pairs guests from diverse sectors and geographies to uncover insights that address challenges, unlock opportunities, and deliver game-changing results. Our latest episode, "Building Better Systems for Le...

This episode brings together Rachel Young , Business Development Director at Myzone, and Mike Telem , Co-Founder of ChemTai, for an insightful discussion on leadership, gender diversity in the fitness and tech industries, and the power of sport in shaping careers. Hosted by Grace McNamara , the conversation explores how early experiences in sport influence leadership styles, the role of technology...

What happens when global leaders in sport, fitness, and investment sit down to connect the dots? In this episode, Grace McNamara is joined by Emma Mason Zwiebler (CEO of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry) and Ross Stewart Campbell (Founder of Beyond Active) to discuss why physical activity is not just a public health issue—it’s a business-critical imperative. Together, they explo...

In this episode, Grace McNamara hosts Julie Ann James and Bryan O’Rourke to explore the intersections of franchising, business strategy, aquatics, and leadership. They provide a deep dive into franchising, leadership, and the potential of aquatics in health and fitness. Julie Ann and Bryan share real-world insights on business strategy, industry shifts, and cultural adaptation, making this a must-...

In Episode 9, Grace McNamara welcomes Melanie Berry, co-founder of Her Spirit, and David Van Daff, Vice President of Industry Development at NASM, for an inspiring discussion on the intersection of fitness, leadership, and health. Together, they explore the transformative power of sport, the barriers women face in achieving physical activity, and innovative solutions to address global inactivity....

From grassroots efforts to global impact, Kathleen and Dave share their journeys in transforming how people approach movement and wellness. Kathleen dives into her passion for making physical activity accessible in schools, including a programme that's scaled to over 12,000 schools globally. Dave discusses the evolution of MyZone, a wearable fitness technology that rewards effort over ability,...

In Episode 7, Grace McNamara connects with two inspiring entrepreneurs, Alicia Dedigama of Ripple Club and Ben Wilkins of Goodboost, to explore how they revolutionise health and rehab through aquatic therapy. Alicia shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic knee pain and launching Ripple Club, which transforms underutilised hotel pools into vibrant hubs for fitness and rehabilitation. Ben...

Grace McNamara is joined by Dr. Lou Atkinson and Owen Tarrant to explore innovative ways to address barriers in fitness and health. Together, they discuss creating inclusive, evidence-based fitness spaces, targeting underserved demographics like women and older adults, and reshaping the narrative around fitness and health outcomes. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in leadersh...

🎙️ Episode 5: Leadership, Alignment, and Purpose with Sade Akindele, Dr. Lou Atkinson, and Jennifer Halsall 🌐 In this episode, host Grace McNamara is joined by Sade Akindele , Dr. Lou Atkinson , and Jennifer Halsall for an in-depth exploration of leadership development and personal growth. The discussion centers on the LEAD program , a six-week evidence-based course designed to help participants...

In this episode, we delve into the unique professional and personal journey of Shaherah and Mark—a powerhouse couple navigating leadership, healthcare, and life as a team. Shaherah shares her unconventional career path, from computer engineering to founding Research Lifecycle Solutions, a company focused on advancing life sciences. Mark reflects on his transformative journey, including overcoming...

Grace hosts Dr. Amy Bantham and Dr. Johann Iserthal in this episode, two leading voices in physical activity, youth sports, and public health. Together, they explore the critical challenge of physical inactivity among children and its long-term societal impact. They discuss the alarming statistics around physical literacy, including how 90% of children cannot perform fundamental movement skills li...

In this episode, Grace hosts Sara and Shaden, leaders in the fitness and wellness industry, to discuss their career journeys, cultural insights, and the evolving role of women in business, especially in Saudi Arabia. They share personal stories of resilience, career pivots, and the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the Middle East and beyond. The conversation highlights the importan...

In this episode of Connecting the Dots , titled Unlocking Female Consumer Trends: Data Insights for the Fitness Industry , Grace McNamara hosts a dynamic conversation with Susanne de Schepper , co-founder and COO of The Collective, and Utku Toprakseven , a data-driven innovator in physical activity and health. Together, they explore how the fitness and wellness industry can better understand and s...