The gym and fitness industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with more women stepping into leadership roles and contributing in groundbreaking ways. This evolution has brought fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and valuable insights, challenging the traditional male dominance in the field. Among these trailblazers is Shraddha Sheth, Head of Business & Operations at Gold’s Gym India. Her influence in the fitness sector, from spearheading innovative fitness programs to transforming business strategies, is shaping the future of health and wellness in India.
From Nutritionist to Industry Leader
Shraddha Sheth’s journey to becoming a prominent leader has been defined by diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
- Mentorship and Inspiration: Shraddha’s career was significantly influenced by a female CEO who encouraged her to explore new avenues and master them. Starting as a clinical nutritionist at Reliance Hospital, she transitioned to Gold’s Gym, where she initiated a successful weight loss program that not only helped clients lose a collective 750 kilograms in 8 weeks but also transformed into a profitable venture. This experience bolstered her confidence and emphasized the importance of monetizing expertise and building trust with customers.
- Overcoming Challenges: Shraddha faced several hurdles on her path to success. At Gold’s Gym, she had to quickly adapt to roles involving sales and customer experience management. Despite varying market performances, she remained determined, re-strategizing to achieve the highest profitability in the history of Gold’s Gym India.
- Building Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Shraddha Sheth believes that effective leadership hinges on creating motivated teams. She recognized the need to enhance the soft skills and confidence of personal trainers, crucial figures in the fitness industry. By learning their language and improving communication, she fostered a supportive environment where trainers could thrive, leading to long-term business success.
Leading the Charge
Joining Gold’s Gym India, Shraddha Sheth was driven by a mission to make the brand synonymous with fitness across the nation. Her efforts, which began with managing company-owned clubs, have now expanded Gold’s Gym’s presence to 90 cities across 24 states in India, as well as in Bangladesh and Nepal. This growth has been supported by a robust franchise network and a focus on luxurious facilities, top-tier trainers, and ongoing customer engagement. With over 22 years dedicated to the brand, Shraddha’s leadership has been instrumental in Gold’s Gym becoming a household name in fitness.
Gold’s Gym’s Strategic Vision
Gold’s Gym aims to be the leading fitness brand in India, committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional trainers, and strong customer relationships. The company continuously seeks to expand its reach, encouraging partners to open multiple gyms and developing certified trainers to deliver outstanding fitness results.
Key Company Pillars:
- People: Gold’s Gym focuses on building sustainable careers for its employees and supporting its partners through a structured SOP framework.
- Products: The brand invests in top-of-the-line equipment and continuous education to ensure its trainers are always improving.
- Geographies: Gold’s Gym strategically expands into diverse markets, catering to a broad range of customer bases.
Boosting Fitness Awareness in India
One of the major challenges in the Indian fitness industry is the low penetration of fitness habits, with less than 1% of the population regularly engaging in fitness activities. Shraddha has been at the forefront of efforts to shift consumer mindsets, promoting health awareness through engaging activities and expanding access to fitness facilities. Despite obstacles, including a post-pandemic decline in fitness motivation, her initiatives aim to make regular gym visits a more integral part of customers’ lives.
Navigating Gender Bias in Leadership
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Shraddha Sheth has faced unique challenges, including overcoming gender stereotypes, balancing her professional and personal life, and earning respect and authority in her role. Her journey has been marked by resilience and a commitment to breaking barriers, with strong support from mentors and family. Shraddha’s leadership style emphasizes emotional intelligence, which she believes is key to earning respect and building strong relationships.
Gold’s Gym: Setting the Gold Standard
Under Shraddha’s leadership, Gold’s Gym India has become the fastest-growing master franchise in the global network, contributing 25% of its worldwide presence. It is also recognized as the most successful international gym chain in India, thanks to its strategic approach to pre-sales and creating welcoming, community-focused fitness centers. The brand’s remarkable expansion across India, as well as in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlights its strong market presence and commitment to growth.
Insights and Lessons from Shraddha’s Leadership Journey
Shraddha’s experience as a woman leader in the fitness industry has provided her with valuable insights into building customer loyalty, empowering her team, and driving the brand’s vision. By fostering strong connections between customers and employees, she has helped create the largest base of loyal members who serve as brand ambassadors. Her focus on collaboration, networking, and continuous learning has positioned Gold’s Gym as a global leader in health and wellness.
The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Gold’s Gym is adapting to evolving consumer needs by introducing digital fitness solutions and expanding into micro markets. The brand aims to increase its presence to 200 clubs within the next three years, creating numerous job opportunities and further driving fitness awareness in India. Shraddha’s vision for the future is deeply rooted in a purpose-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of transforming lives, nurturing careers, and contributing to India’s growth and development.
After 22 years at Gold’s Gym India, Shraddha Sheth is embarking on a new journey, with plans to launch a fitness education marketplace. This platform will be a one-stop destination for aspiring trainers, managers, and industry professionals, offering coaching, certification, and job placement services. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as Shraddha continues to break new ground in the fitness industry.
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