Scaling Fitness Through People, Technology, & Leadership With Chris Smith
Release Date: 08/04/2026
Hyper-Personalization & The Psychology of Training With Steve Barrett
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Steve Barrett, an educator, product developer, and specialist in fitness experience design. Drawing on three decades of global experience, Steve helps the fitness industry understand the science of exercise, the psychology of behavior, and the future of fitness. His practical insights challenge conventional thinking and have helped shape how coaches, facilities, and technology work together to build confidence, improve performance, and create lifelong participation in exercise. Steve currently leads Global Fitness...
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Winning Sales & Marketing Strategies With Alan Leach
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Alan Leach, CEO and Director of Sales and Marketing at West Wood Club in Ireland. Alan has spent 35 years in the fitness industry, with deep expertise in sales management, sales training, digital marketing, direct marketing, and business growth. Alan is a former Chair and Director of the Health & Fitness Association (HFA). He was only the second non-U.S. chair in the organization's 50-year history, and he is a member of the Global Health and Fitness Alliance (GHFA). With a background in marketing, he has a proven...
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The Human Revolution: Fitness, Purpose, & The World We Choose To Build With Bryan O'Rourke LIVE From Fitness Brasil
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his presentation, “The Human Revolution: Fitness, Purpose, & The World We Choose to Build” live from Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 in São Paulo. Technology is rewriting what it means to be human. Bryan makes the case for the fitness industry's role in that moment and why it matters more than we think. An overview of Bryan’s talk on The Human Revolution: Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: One Powerful Quote: 49:26: “We cannot sacrifice our future at the altar of unrestricted technology.” 4-10...
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Chaos To Connection: Rethinking Fitness For A World That Needs Us With Bryan O'Rourke LIVE From Fitness Brasil
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote, "Chaos To Connection: Rethinking Fitness For A World That Needs Us," recorded live at Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 in São Paulo. Bryan lays out a practical case for how operators and innovators can build businesses that meet people where they actually are. With technology rewriting what it means to be human, he argues that the fitness industry has a larger role to play in this moment than most of us realize — and explains why it matters. An overview of Bryan’s talk on Chaos To Connection: Check out...
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Trends, Technology, & The Long View With Frank van de Ven
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Frank van de Ven to the show. Frank recently retired as Chief Commercial and Chief Marketing Officer of Life Fitness, closing out a nearly three-decade run with the company that took him from EMEA Marketing Director to General Manager of Life Fitness Benelux, Managing Director for Continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and ultimately Vice President International, with responsibility for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Born in the Netherlands and a veteran of Philips and GE Plastics before...
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The Truth About AI, Data, & Your Business With Dave Wright
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Dave Wright to the show. Dave is the Founder and Owner of MYZONE, a wearable technology and social platform that rewards effort in physical activity. MYZONE is ideal for boosting member retention in health clubs, building communities across networks, and aggregating data for an employer, sports team, school, or gym. Dave's background spans being a multi-club health club owner and the owner of Creative Fitness Marketing (CFM), a global company with offices in the UK, Australia, and North America that has served...
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Simplify The Work & Amplify The Impact With JJ Creegan
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes JJ Creegan to the show. JJ is the Principal at Creegan Co., a firm that helps founders, operators, and investors scale multi-unit consumer brands. Over the past two decades, JJ has partnered with founder-led and private equity-backed businesses to take concepts from launch through institutional scale — growing brands to 100+ locations and leading global networks of 1,500+ sites that generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue. His focus is on value creation through revenue growth, retention, and customer...
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Scaling Fitness Through People, Technology, & Leadership With Chris Smith
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada. Over the past several years, Fitness World has experienced significant growth across British Columbia and is now entering its next phase with a $50 million national expansion strategy. The plan includes new corporate-owned locations and the launch of the company's first franchise program—an important milestone that reflects both the brand's momentum and the continued evolution of the fitness industry. Chris has spent more than 25 years in the fitness...
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Private Equity Trends Shaping The Fitness Industry With Jeremy Hirsch
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Jeremy Hirsch, Head of Franchise & Multi-Unit Services at Houlihan Lokey, a leading global investment bank. Houlihan Lokey is recognized for providing independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments, with expertise spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and valuation advisory services. In this conversation, Bryan and Jeremy explore the latest trends shaping private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic business...
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Affirmation vs. Information: Rethinking Fitness Leadership With Chris Stevenson
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Chris Stevenson to the show. Chris is the Founder of , a consulting firm that helps health clubs, studios, parks and recreation departments, and fitness professionals reach their goals through speaking, workshops, and customized services. In this conversation, Bryan and Chris share observations from the field and explore technology, longevity, and the human side of the industry. Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: One Powerful Quote: 11:30: “Sometimes I think...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada.
Over the past several years, Fitness World has experienced significant growth across British Columbia and is now entering its next phase with a $50 million national expansion strategy. The plan includes new corporate-owned locations and the launch of the company's first franchise program—an important milestone that reflects both the brand's momentum and the continued evolution of the fitness industry.
Chris has spent more than 25 years in the fitness industry, witnessing its transformation from a niche offering into an essential part of how people live, work, and prioritize their health. Throughout his career, he has focused on building accessible, high-quality fitness experiences, developing strong teams, and creating scalable business models designed for long-term success.
In addition to leading Fitness World, Chris has founded and scaled several complementary businesses, including the Personal Training Institute of BC and TRAIN by FW, the company's boutique fitness concept. He also serves as CEO of All Things Fitness & Wellness (ATFW), where he is known as the "Mayor of Smittyville"—a video-first podcast and content platform exploring the real conversations fitness professionals have about leadership, careers, and life inside the gym.
In this conversation, Bryan and Chris discuss Fitness World's growth strategy, technology adoption, the importance of human capital, and the leadership principles shaping the future of the fitness industry.
Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18
Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: https://www.fitnessbrasil.com.br/fitness-brasil-expo-2026/
One Powerful Quote:
8:49: “Don’t under appreciate human capital.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
4:09: Chris shares his career journey and the growth story behind Fitness World Canada.
8:10: Bryan asks Chris which industry trends are currently being underestimated.
12:17: Chris discusses how technology has influenced both his leadership approach and business strategy.
15:03: Chris explains the most common mistakes organizations make when adopting new technology.
17:53: Chris concludes with his advice and key takeaways for fitness industry leaders.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-1874138/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/