Yves Preissler is the founder of YP Business Consulting. Yves is leading a team of professionals who bring a wealth of global expertise in providing fitness turnkey solutions for commercial, residential, hotel, and large-scale home gyms. The YP team guides investors, developers, and business owners through all the stages required to complete a successful project: Market / competitive studies.
Running a business in today's fast-paced, ever-evolving world requires more than traditional leadership qualities. It demands a keen sense of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight. As we approach 2025, the business environment is becoming increasingly complex, characterized by technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and a global economy that continues to face uncertainty.
To navigate this landscape effectively, leaders must hone attributes that have stood the test of time while embracing new skills that align with modern challenges. Resilience, foresight, empathy, and adaptability remain essential, but their application requires a refined and deliberate approach. Success in 2025 will depend on operational efficiency and an executive's ability to inspire confidence, build trust, and manage stress with composure.
Resilience – The foundation of long-term leadership
Resilience remains the cornerstone of effective leadership. In an era where economic, technological, or environmental disruptions are inevitable, resilience enables leaders to confront challenges head-on and emerge stronger.
Research by Deloitte found that 60% of executives view resilience as the most critical factor in navigating today's volatile markets. The fitness industry offers a compelling example of resilience in action. The global fitness market contracted by over $15 billion during 2020–2021, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). Yet, many businesses adapted by leveraging technology, introducing hybrid memberships, and transforming physical spaces to meet new health and safety standards. These businesses didn't just survive; they redefined their value propositions to thrive in a changed world.
Leadership insight
Build resilience by fostering a culture of preparation and adaptability within your organization. Encourage teams to embrace change and provide them with the tools and mindset to pivot effectively when faced with adversity.
Foresight – Anticipating and preparing for change
Foresight is the ability to anticipate opportunities and challenges before they materialize. It's not about predicting the future but analyzing trends and making informed decisions to position your organization for long-term success.
A recent report by McKinsey highlighted that companies with a strong focus on foresight are 33% more likely to outperform their peers. In the fitness industry, foresight has driven the rapid adoption of wearable technology, which is projected to become a $150 billion market by 2026 (Fortune Business Insights). Forward-thinking leaders in this space have embraced recovery-focused offerings such as infrared therapy and mental health services, aligning their strategies with the growing consumer focus on holistic wellness.
Leadership insight
Regularly assess industry trends, emerging technologies, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities for innovation. Develop a strategy that aligns these trends with your organization's mission and long-term objectives.
Empathy – The key to building meaningful connections in business
Empathy is no longer a "soft skill" but a business imperative. Empathy allows leaders to connect authentically with employees, customers, and stakeholders in a world where relationships drive loyalty and trust.
Research from Harvard Business Review indicates that organizations with empathetic leadership experience a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and a 21% improvement in employee retention. Empathy is particularly important in the fitness industry. Consumers often navigate personal health challenges or insecurities, and creating a welcoming, supportive environment can significantly impact member retention and satisfaction.
Leadership insight
Foster empathy by actively listening to feedback, engaging with employees and customers on a personal level, and prioritizing their needs in your decision-making processes. A people-first approach strengthens trust and loyalty.
Adaptability – Navigating an era of constant change
Adaptability has emerged as a critical leadership trait, particularly in the face of rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics. Leaders who can pivot effectively and guide their organizations through change are better positioned for sustained success.
Gartner research reveals that 70% of organizations prioritizing adaptability report improved growth within a year. For the fitness industry, the shift toward hybrid models exemplifies adaptability. Integrating in-person and virtual experiences has become a standard expectation, and businesses that have embraced this transition are reaping the benefits of increased member engagement and diversified revenue streams.
Leadership insight
Cultivate adaptability by fostering an organizational culture that values flexibility and continuous learning. Encourage teams to experiment, iterate, and refine their approaches in response to new challenges and opportunities.
Managing stress – The hidden key to executive performance
Amid the pressures of modern business, the ability to manage stress is a distinguishing factor for top-performing leaders. Chronic stress impairs decision-making and affects team morale and organizational health.
According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of professionals report workplace stress, which significantly impacts productivity and well-being. In leadership, regulating one's emotional state is critical for maintaining clarity, composure, and focus. Leaders who prioritize mental and physical well-being set the tone for their organizations, promoting resilience and high performance across teams.
Leadership insight
Incorporate stress-management strategies into your routine. This might include regular physical activity, mindfulness practices such as meditation or breathwork, and setting boundaries to ensure adequate rest and recovery. By modeling these behaviors, leaders inspire their teams to prioritize wellness.
What is changing, and what remains constant?
What is changing
Technology: The proliferation of AI and automation is reshaping business operations, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and personalization.
Consumer expectations: Today's consumers demand convenience, transparency, and solutions tailored to their unique needs.
What remains constant
The value of relationships: Business continues to be built on trust and connection, whether with customers, employees, or partners.
The importance of vision: While tools and tactics evolve, a clear mission and strategy remain the foundation of effective leadership.
The business landscape in 2025 will reward leaders who combine timeless qualities with the agility to adapt to modern challenges. Resilience, foresight, empathy, and adaptability will remain the cornerstones of effective leadership. However, success will also require focusing on personal well-being and stress management to navigate the complexities of today's fast-paced world.
Whether you are leading a multinational corporation or a boutique fitness business, leadership principles remain universal: invest in people, embrace innovation, and approach challenges with courage and composure. The leaders who embody these traits will achieve success and inspire others to do the same.
Yves Preissler, Founder & CEO YP Business Consulting
Yves Preissler is the founder of YP Business Consulting. Yves is leading a team of professionals who bring a wealth of global expertise in providing fitness turnkey solutions for commercial, residential, hotel, and large-scale home gyms. The YP team guides investors, developers, and business owners through all the stages required in a successful project: Market / competitive studies, feasibility analysis, detailed financials, location sourcing, concept design, design/ project development, project management, recruitment, sales, marketing, and operations.
