Addressing Toxic Leadership in the Fitness and Wellness Industry

In this episode of Well Run, Annie Adragna tackles the problem of toxic leadership in gyms, health clubs and wellness businesses. From fear-based managers who rely on intimidation to leaders who hide behind “false harmony,” these patterns hurt staff morale, increase turnover, and create hidden revenue leaks.Drawing on 23 years of experience in luxury fitness and wellness management, Annie explains why EQ leadership in the fitness industry is no longer optional — it’s the foundation of profitable, people-first growth. She shares practical leadership strategies that improve retention, boost employee engagement and directly impact your club’s bottom line.You’ll learn how to:Recognize fear-based leadership behaviors that cost you moneySpot “false harmony” and how it undermines trust and performanceShift toward high EQ leadership that creates a thriving workplace cultureAsk the right questions, acknowledge meaningful contributions, and build systems that support both people and profitIf you’re ready to elevate your leadership approach and fix the cultural issues that silently drain revenue, this episode is your playbook. Annie also introduces a free tool — the Revenue Leaks Quiz — to help fitness and wellness operators uncover profit drains and strengthen long-term business sustainability.Send us Fan MailOasis Consulting Firm People-first consulting for luxury health clubs, boutique studios, spas and recovery centers. We help you grow revenue, improve retention, and build teams that last. Founded by Annie Adragna, 20+ years in leadership and executive recruiting across top brands like Life Time, Equinox and Midtown Athletic Clubs.Work with us: oasisconsultingfirm.co (find ways to work together, schedule a 30-minute call with Annie and grab some free resources there)Connect:Email: [email protected]: @oasis_consulting_firmLinkedIn: Annie AdragnaAbout Annie: Founder of Oasis Consulting Firm and host of Well Run Podcast. Consultant, strategist and executive recruiter focused on people-first operations and profitable growth.