Join an accomplished panel of senior fitness leaders as they reflect on the mentors, moments, and career pathways that shaped their journeys to the top, the seismic shifts that have changed how they lead, and where tomorrow's fitness leaders will come from. As the industry faces its next decade of change, this session tackles a critical question: how do we build talent pipelines that develop strategic, board-ready leaders rather than just exceptional operators? Whether you're an aspiring executive or a seasoned professional, you'll leave with career inspiration, practical insights into leadership pathways, and a clearer vision of the roles that will shape our industry's future.
Love Recruitment
Lawrence co-founded Love Recruitment in 2015 and Love Childcare Recruitment in 2021 and is the CEO of both. Lawrence is a specialist in recruitment and loves bringing great candidates and great businesses together. Lawrence's key focus is providing the vision for the company and the growth.
Lawrence’s background is in the fitness industry, working within a start-up called Solutions Health and Fitness before moving to Esporta for many years. After working within recruitment for nearly 5 years, Lawrence launched Love with Abhi Lakhina.
Towards the end of 2022, Lawrence also launched and hosts the Love Your Career Podcast, designed to help candidates with their careers and businesses learn recruitment tips from industry professionals telling their stories. Lawrence is also passionate about climate change and businesses doing more to support these causes. We plant trees with every placement we make, it is called Share The Love. Lawrence also sits on UK Active’s Supplier Council after being elected this year.
Fitness First
With 25 years industry experience Marc has worked his way from Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist to his current position as CEO of Fitness First where he leads business strategy with a major focus on people, brand and marketing. |
Lift Brands
CEO EMEA at Lift Brands, leading the growth and performance of the Snap Fitness network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Founder of TRIB3 and winner of the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Over the past 30 years, I have built, scaled and transformed businesses across fitness, leisure and marketing, launching more than 550 locations and creating brands that deliver sustainable growth for franchisees, investors and shareholders.
My passion is helping people and businesses unlock exponential potential through leadership, innovation, franchising and operational excellence. I believe great businesses are built by great people, strong cultures and a relentless focus on customer experience.
Places Leisure
| Belinda’s journey with Places Leisure began in 2024, adding a new dimension to our collective expertise. With extensive experience and leadership acumen, Belinda has made her mark in hospitality and customer-focused service delivery organisations. Belinda’s integrity, ethical decision making, and strong values means she enjoys uniting people and believes in inspiring a service culture which puts our customers at the heart of everything we do. Outside of work, Belinda and her husband prioritise an active and healthy lifestyle, with a passion for walking and running. Belinda also has a passion for singing and is a member of her local choir. For Belinda, a healthy community means fostering environments where individuals can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. |
Kore
A high performing Board Executive with extensive experience across the leisure and wellbeing industry, dealing with complex contractual relationships in both the public and private sectors. 20+ years of experience impacting positive organisational outcomes through change management, project delivery and developing high performing teams.
More recently, embarked on a change management programme reviewing digital systems and customer touch points across the organisation with the aim of simplifying the customer journey and making our wide range of services easily accessible.
