About the Guest: Amy Boone Thompson is the CEO and Owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, a trailblazer in the wellness industry, and Chair of World Active. With over two decades of experience in fitness leadership, Amy has worn every hat, from personal trainer to executive leader. Her mission is rooted in making health and movement accessible to all, and she leads with authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Steve Mellor reconnects with returning guest Amy Boone Thompson for an energizing conversation on leadership, personal growth, and shaping the future of fitness. Amy opens up about what it truly means to be “growth ready,” the challenges and decisions that come with leading a 300,000-member global organization, and why blending authenticity with agility is her leadership superpower. She also shares how writing her first book taught her to lead with gratitude, and why that practice is transforming how she shows up for her team and herself.

Takeaways:

• What it means to be “growth ready” in life and business
• The power of curiosity and the dangers of ego-driven leadership
• Blending personal and professional identities in lifestyle industries
• How empathy became Amy’s superpower as a leader
• Making bold, sometimes unpopular decisions in service of innovation
• Leading with intention, especially during industry-wide transformation
• Global leadership through World Active and WHO partnerships
• Gratitude as a leadership practice
• Aligning passion and purpose for long-term impact
• Amy’s vision for the future of IDEA and inclusive fitness

Links & Resources:

• IDEA Health & Fitness Association: www.ideafit.com
• Amy Boone Thompson on Instagram: @amyboonethompson
• IDEA World 2025 in Sacramento: July 17–19, 2025

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This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...