Sunil Gupta, Harvard Business School professor, says that Bezos’s obsession with the customer and insistence on long-term thinking are approaches that other companies and senior executives should emulate.
More speed requires more skill. Retail jobs, traditionally high in stress and low in pay, are now more challenging—and rewarding—under this new hybrid of physical and digital shopping.
"Have fun. The game is a lot more enjoyable when you’re trying to do more than just make money."
The former Zappos CEO's legacy lives on in the entrepreneurs he has inspired and the industry he has changed.
Nir Eyal answers explains the Hook Model--a four-step process embedded into the products of many successful companies to subtly encourage customer behavior. Through consecutive "hook cycles," these products reach their ultimate goal of bringing users back again and again without depending on costly advertising or aggressive messaging.
HindeSight | No. 50
How Jeff Bezos Built One of the World’s Most Valuable Companies Sunil Gupta, Harvard Business School professor, says that Bezos’s obsession with the customer and insistence on long-term thinking are approaches that other companies and senior executives should emulate. Listen now. Target Sales Just Shocked Wall Street—Here’s How CEO Brian Cornell Did It More speed […]
I sit down with Matt Beaudreau, host of The Essential 11 podcast, and talk about how my ignorance and a lack of prior experience in the industry actually lent itself to be one of the reasons Orion and I found success.
Business growth is not constant. There are hiatuses along the way, and if we don’t see the bigger picture, we can get lost in the patches of shade and twists in the road. The key is to keep focused with the right mindset and growth strategies in our arsenal.
It takes a certain type of person to be an entrepreneur. Do you agree with this list?
A revolutionary guide to becoming a master influencer in the age of distrust, through the cultivation of character-building habits that are essential to personal growth and sustained business success.
Become Authentically Persuasive
HindeSight | No. 49
Life of the Beverage Industry I sit down with Matt Beaudreau, host of The Essential 11 podcast, and talk about how my ignorance and a lack of prior experience in the industry actually lent itself to be one of the reasons Orion and I found success. Listen now. 4 Mindset and Growth Strategies to Help […]
Recently, due to the fires ripping up and down the west coast, Aaron’s entire home and property was burned to the ground, leaving 3 generations of his family homeless. Despite that, Aaron's personal life philosophy and approach to hardship is allowing him and his family to find peace amidst the chaos.
Have you ever looked at your to-do list at the end of your day only to find it longer than when you started? Time blocking is a great way to plan an efficient day of getting stuff done.
The Hall of Famer developed a critical entrepreneurial skill during his 15-year football career: the ability to thoroughly study and prepare.
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Oprah Winfrey shares insights from thought leaders during her Super Soul Tour.
HindeSight | No. 48
Finding Peace Amongst the Chaos Recently, due to the fires ripping up and down the west coast, Aaron’s entire home and property was burned to the ground, leaving 3 generations of his family homeless. Despite that, Aaron’s personal life philosophy and approach to hardship is allowing him and his family to find peace amidst the […]
One of the many valuable business lessons Orion and I learned in 2020 is that all the stress testing of a business cannot predict blackswan events. Businesses need to fortify their foundations by galvanizing their most loyal evangelists to survive these once in a lifetime events.
Even the finest omni-channel distribution strategy won’t protect your business from the swift impact of a global pandemic shutting down the country.
This year’s closures of gyms and health clubs took an enormous toll on our brand but what saved us is the very nature of how we launched LIFEAID Beverage Co. in the first place – a direct to consumer sales model we continued to nurture even after our retail sales outpaced our e-commerce. And when the gyms closed, our brand loyalists really stepped up to support LIFEAID by shifting their purchases with us, to online.
Approaching March 2020, we had already doubled our retail doors from the prior year and were successfully selling LIFEAID beverages in grocery, drug and convenience stores, independent and chain health clubs, cafes, at sports events, military bases, airports and via e-commerce and even in international markets. We had a diversified, omni-channel model. And we still got nailed with the spring’s lockdowns.
Some highlights from this year’s highs and lows, follow. And thank you to our focused, talented team in Santa Cruz and around the country, and our supportive distribution and retailer network. We have been fortunate to thrive in many ways in 2020 and it’s made us a stronger team and a stronger business and brand entering 2021.
In hindsight, 2020 has been an educational and transformative year because we’ve been forced to look at everything so differently and so much more decisively than in past years. We’ve never taken our success for granted, but we all know we don’t look at success with the same level of scrutiny we apply during tougher times. Closing out, we hope 2020 brought you more highs than lows and a clearer picture of what your goals are personally and professionally in 2021. Stay strong, and happy new year.
One of the many valuable business lessons Orion and I learned in 2020 is that all the stress testing of a business cannot predict blackswan events. Businesses need to fortify their foundations by galvanizing their most loyal evangelists to survive these once in a lifetime events. Even the finest omni-channel distribution strategy won’t protect […]
What has been the biggest thing you’ve learned from your time on the team so far?
If you can only choose one, what would you say your favorite event/memory has been so far?
This one is tough, there are SO many fond memories with the LIFEAID team. The retreats may be some of the best memories I'll ever have, there's just something about being in a secluded area with all of your colleagues that will really just stay with you. "The first rule of LIFEAID retreats: you don't talk about the retreats" lol
How has your role shifted in 2020 and what is one skill you learned that you’re grateful for?
What is your favorite LIFEAID product and why?
Outside of work, you play in a Mariachi band. How long have you been doing that and what is your motivation?
What do you love most about music?
The people want to know about your adorable cats. Tell us about them.
We may be biased, but at LIFEAID, we really do have some of the best people on our team and Tamar is no exception. If you saw us at Wodapalooza in Miami earlier this year, she was the fearless leader behind that activation. While her role has (temporarily) shifted due to events being cancelled in […]
For Mother's Day this year, we launched our Mothers of Fitness community to celebrate the strong women in our midst. Part of the intention of this group was to allow mothers to share their experiences, offer advice to other women in their shoes, and just have a place to gush over something they all have in common--the love of motherhood and health and fitness.
You can join the party here.
Katie Dial, one of our awesome group 'Momerators' shares her fitness story and her experience with motherhood.
How did you become interested in fitness?
I was always athletic growing up…I played soccer and did track, and was on the competitive swimming and diving team through middle and high school. I worked out fairly often prior to having kids but life happened and I let myself get pretty inconsistent after getting married and my first pregnancy loss. Then, six years later, I had my oldest son, who was very healthy thankfully. Six years after that, I had my second baby and I felt like three pregnancies had taken their toll on my body.
I first started working out consistently about three months after my youngest son was born. I had never done CrossFit but immediately loved the constantly varied workouts and training, I saw results almost immediately. Tannon is 4-years-old now and I’ve lost 35 pounds and gained an entirely new career as a fitness coach and trainer. I love sharing fitness content to help inspire and encourage other moms as well. I’m finishing up my CFL1 Coach’s certification course and regularly working out at my home box as well as posting an occasional online Instagram workout video to help motivate the other moms in the community.
What inspired you to start posting on Instagram and sharing your journey?
I felt a need to share my fitness journey from post pregnancy until now because I no longer recognized my body in the mirror. I struggled with low energy and weight gain. I felt determined to regain my confidence and health for my sons and myself, to be honest. So, I wanted to help inspire other mothers who are too afraid to speak up, but out there struggling with their own self image and body confidence. Also to pass on the healthy tips and eating habits that have been game changers for me. My trainers and coaches have poured infinite amounts of time and energy into training me andI feel a responsibility to pay that forward to others.
What has been the most challenging part of juggling work, fitness, and motherhood?
Staying organized and on schedule! I started thinking to myself, "What area/task is going to be the ultimate disappointment if you don’t complete it? What are the PRIORITIES for the day or week?" Then, I focus on crushing those things first! Every week brings new challenges and changes. I've had to learn to focus on my goals and let things that won’t matter long term go. I try not to get too caught up in worrying about everything being perfect and I try to ALWAYS keep an appointment book and weekly schedule no matter what to help me stay organized.
What is your favorite part about being a mom?
I can’t pick just one, but watching the boys love each other and have a close bond is pretty special to see. It gives my heart so much joy to see them laughing and playing together. There are so many things about my boys I love so much. I can’t believe they’re mine! They melt my heart with their sweet questions and I try to always be there for them.
Do you have any advice for other moms that are thinking about starting or need help continuing their fitness journey?
Keep Grinding No Matter What. Never Give Up! Keep a short term goal attainable daily and weekly to help encourage small changes that ultimately add up to big victories.
How do you take time for yourself? Any favorite self care activities?
Time management is a total key. One thing I always try to make time for is getting my lashes done. Its a very small thing but that time is when I just relax completely and it helps me to feel confident in and out of the gym, with or without makeup. Part of my quality self care time IS being in the gym and working out. I just feel 100% better when I’m in a balanced flow with exercise and nutrition.
How have you been coping with this crazy year in regards to COVID and having young kids?
2020 has been the year I truly realized how important staying healthy and active is. I realized just how important CrossFit and my community is to me. I went to an empty dark gym and did home workouts for months and stayed consistent. Even during the shutdown we posted at home workouts and me and our boys swam in the pool almost everyday. I realized how much I loved being healthy and helping others start healthy habits. I just finished my coaching certification and can’t think of a better way to end this year.
Are you watching any good TV shows or movies now that you want to share?
I loved watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. I'm always trying to be more organized and she helps so many people.
What are some goals you have going into 2021?
One personal goal is to travel more in 2021. I loved Europe and want to go back to see more of it. Another goal is reaching more followers on Instagram to help others and promote healthy habits, coaching and fashion blogging more consistently. I would LOVE to take my boys to Disneyland when we go out of Phase 2.
Do you have any products or services (for you or your kids) that you can't live without or are essential to your everyday routine?
FITAID, Lush KARMA soap/perfume, coffee anytime, LOTS of workout activewear...NOBULL trainers, I wear them almost every workout.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of fitness?
I’m a hairstylist and own a salon and also share fashion blogging on Instagram and Facebook for Rewardstyle/Liketoknow.it. Basically anything helping others to look or feel better about themselves! Everyone at the gym jokes about life makeovers with me, I love helping people look good!
For Mother’s Day this year, we launched our Mothers of Fitness community to celebrate the strong women in our midst. Part of the intention of this group was to allow mothers to share their experiences, offer advice to other women in their shoes, and just have a place to gush over something they all have in […]
With the second phase of the CrossFit Games happening this weekend, we spoke with CrossFit HQ’s commentator and analyst, Tommy Marquez, to get his take on the Aromas based, streamlined version of the 2020 Games. With the spectacle of the coliseum stripped away, Castro has taken us back to the birthplace of the fittest on earth. Check out our interview below for Tommy’s insight into what might take place out at the Ranch.
FITAID: In terms of coverage and presentation of the Games, what challenges and opportunities did the purely online format of the first phase present? How have the lessons learned in phase one informed the media team's approach to the final phase of the Games?
Marquez: The biggest challenge was creating relevant media covering the event in what was as close to as real time as possible. In a time where media coverage, and everything involving sports is centered around instant results, instant feedback, and live action coverage, the logistics of stage one simply couldn't allow for that to happen so crafting coverage in a way that felt as close to that as possible was tough. It did provide an opportunity to get creative and find ways to emulate coverage or analysis without the typical timelines.
FITAID: Much of the spectacle of the Games has been stripped away (coliseum, fans, etc). What impact do you anticipate that having on the athletes? How do you intend to keep the excitement levels high for those of us watching from home?
Marquez: There's a certain level of gamesmanship that comes with competing on the biggest stage of any sport that will be missing this year. The elements of atmosphere like the energy of the crowd and the spectacle of the arena can amplify or shrink an athlete's performances. The pressure exposes elements - good or bad - of their mental game and competitive spirit. While it will certainly look and feel different, the competition at the Ranch won't be completely devoid of these types of tests, so to keep the excitement level high, it will be important to identify and highlight the unique and new ways that the competition in Aromas will test the athletes mental resolve and ability to adapt to the moment. We may not ever get a moment like this again, so it's important to remind the viewership of that because that alone is exciting in a certain way.
FITAID: On the men's side there are a fair amount of new faces in comparison to the previous year's leaderboards. Who is the standout amongst the new crowd?
Marquez: The biggest standout by far for me is Justin Medeiros. He's the only rookie in the field and he's made quite the splash already. At only 21 years old he has a tremendous career ahead of him but he's carried himself with the poise and mindset of someone a decade older than him. In his first year on the big stage he's already won a Sanctional (the Filthy 150 in Ireland), and has already earned himself a top 5 finish at the Games and a potential podium spot. Since the Games left the Ranch in 2010, the only men to podium in their Rookie years were Rich Froning, Josh Bridges, Mat Fraser, and Patrick Vellner. Granted Justin still has to earn his way into that group this weekend but that would be some amazing company right there.
FITAID: Obviously, Mat & Tia are the reigning champions several years running. Of the athletes that have moved on to phase two, who do you think poses the biggest threat to their continued dominance and does the new format of the Games itself help or hinder that effort?
Marquez: The body of work that Mat & Tia have compiled leads me to believe that this format will only help them. Everyday they train head to head, champion vs champion, in a smaller, more close-quarter environment like they'll see at the Ranch, only with better competition pushing them. As far as the biggest threats I think there's.a short term, and a long term answer for each. Short term, Noah Ohlsen and Katrin Davidsdottir pose the biggest threat, their pedigree and experience make them more at home standing shoulder to shoulder with them than anyone else. Long term it has to be Haley Adams and Justin Medeiros. They're so skilled at such a young age, and they have plenty of time to continue to improve and fine tune plus they have great teams behind them.
FITAID: What do you think are the inherent advantages and challenges of having a limited field in the final events? In the past, while there have always been people ahead on the leaderboard there was always a chance for a comeback. Will an athlete pulling away at the beginning diminish the excitement of the Games?
Marquez: The advantages will be that the athletes have a clearer picture the whole way through of what needs to be done in each event. There's only one heat, and your entire group of opponents is right in front of you and you don't need to worry about an outlier from an earlier heat, or in the mass start events (bike, swim, run, etc.) someone getting squirrely and taking you out. That same element is also a disadvantage if you're far behind or underperforming and the gaps mid-workout or overall are wide. With bigger groups you can set mini goals and chip away by passing one athlete here, another one there, along the way to get to your goal, but even though the point spreads are bigger, you could be staring at 100+ point gaps that FEEL much larger than they are, and hurt the psyche a bit. I fully expect Mat or Tia (or both) to pull away, and just like Regionals or Games past, the race for the podium is where the excitement will be assuming that there's actually a race there.
FITAID: Depending on the trajectory of the pandemic, the 2021 Games could be executed in a variety of different ways. Is CrossFit HQ already considering some of their options for next year?
Marquez: Both the new CEO and Owner Eric Roza, and Director of Sport Dave Castro has stated that they are considering options and working to build a season that is flexible enough to push forward through the pandemic restrictions should they continue while still providing plenty of competition and entertainment options for fans and athletes so season still feels complete and legitimate. Since the sale of the company, the demeanor and spirit within the community and sport has been reinvigorated so I have full faith that 2021 will be great.
At the core of the CrossFit Games it serves as a proving ground for elite fitness, regardless of the amount of fans watching or grandeur of the coliseum. With Tommy Marquez at the commentator helm, this year’s innovative Games format will be sure to excite both new and OG CrossFit fans. Be sure to check out who is chosen as the Fittest as the ten finalists throw down at the Ranch this weekend.
With the second phase of the CrossFit Games happening this weekend, we spoke with CrossFit HQ’s commentator and analyst, Tommy Marquez, to get his take on the Aromas based, streamlined version of the 2020 Games. With the spectacle of the coliseum stripped away, Castro has taken us back to the birthplace of the fittest on […]
Reposted from original article online at Games.CrossFit.com | Sept. 10, 2020
Starting Thursday, Sept. 17, at 3:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. GMT, CrossFit will go live from its studio in California to guide fans through an action-packed weekend of competition. Tune in for live updates on event results on Games.CrossFit.com.
Niki Brazier and Sean Woodland will keep you informed as scores roll in and standings are released on the CrossFit Games Leaderboard. Guest analysts and hosts from around CrossFit’s global community will join the pair throughout the weekend.
Recordings of the athletes’ full workouts and additional coverage will be released throughout the weekend.
Follow the live shows on the Games website or through the CrossFit Games Facebook, Games Instagram, or the new CrossFit Games YouTube account to stay up to date on breaking news and competition highlights.
You can also keep up with your favorite Games athletes through their individual Instagram pages.
The 2020 Reebok CrossFit Games will take place in two stages: 1) an online competition in athletes’ home countries from which the top five men and top five women will advance and 2) an in-person finals in California to compete for the titles of Fittest Man and Fittest Woman on Earth.
For the first time, the final stage of the CrossFit Games will begin in CrossFit affiliates around the world. The top 20 women and top 20 men from the Open leaderboard along with the 10 women’s and 10 men’s qualifiers from Sanctionals will compete in a virtual competition beginning Friday, Sept. 18.
Each event can be performed only one time. Once an athlete finishes an event, they may not attempt it again. There are no restarts. The workout must continue to completion once the timer begins.
More than US$500K in prize money is on the line for athletes placing in 20th through sixth place in stage one.
The top five men and top five women will advance to compete in person for up to US$1.3 million, with the Fittest Man on Earth and Fittest Woman on Earth earning US$300K each.
Related: Which Athletes Benefit Most in the Online Format?
A list of required equipment has been emailed to the 2020 Games athletes and CrossFit affiliates. Athletes are required to have the following equipment:
Required support equipment:
The wait has been long, but it is almost time for the 2020 Reebok CrossFit Games! Keep checking Games.CrossFit.com for more information as the competition nears.
The above article is reposted directly from original content found at Games.CrossFit.com.
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You can follow along on Instagram for updates on FITAID athletes who are competing this weekend: @fitaid
> > > Stay well.
Reposted from original article online at Games.CrossFit.com | Sept. 10, 2020 Starting Thursday, Sept. 17, at 3:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. GMT, CrossFit will go live from its studio in California to guide fans through an action-packed weekend of competition. Tune in for live updates on event results on Games.CrossFit.com. Niki Brazier and Sean Woodland will keep you informed as scores roll in […]
Dear Affiliate Owners—
As many of you within the fitness community know, during June of this year our brand took a stand against gross missteps by our longtime partner, CrossFit®, and announced the withdrawal of our sponsorship for the 2020 CrossFit Games.
Since that time, we have been in active dialogue with the new CrossFit leadership including Eric Roza, to understand how CrossFit will address needed improvements to policy, attitude and direction, and we are confident positive change is underway. There is an exciting new chapter ahead for CrossFit and its partners, one that emphasizes respect, a strengthened and aligned community, greater humility and needed inclusivity.
We believe in new beginnings and have been impressed enough by what we’ve seen over the past two months, so we have decided to return as a partner of the 2020 CrossFit Games.
As longtime CrossFit partners, Orion and I feel their company is heading in the right direction. As a partnering voice, we will be doing our part to help them rebuild and continue to deliver on promised changes.
We encourage all CrossFit partners, affiliates and members to ask the hard questions of the brand’s new leadership so you can make your own decision, like we did, about if and how you want to support CrossFit in the future.
If you wish to contact Orion or me about why we felt it was the right time for LIFEAID to reinstate our support, please email us (or DM me on Instagram at @aaronhinde). We’d love to hear from you and offer whatever insights we can.
Thank you,
Aaron Hinde and Orion Melehan
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash.com
> > > Live well.
Dear Affiliate Owners— As many of you within the fitness community know, during June of this year our brand took a stand against gross missteps by our longtime partner, CrossFit®, and announced the withdrawal of our sponsorship for the 2020 CrossFit Games. Since that time, we have been in active dialogue with the new CrossFit […]
Life gets a little heavy sometimes for us all, that's why it's vital to find the joy in your life daily — whether it's by using a gratitude journal, meditating, or listening to podcasts like these.
Forbes magazine shares the resilience of how LIFEAID co-founder Aaron Hinde & his family have handled losing their home in the recent CZU Lightning Complex wildfires.
LIFEAID co-founders Aaron Hinde & Orion Melehan share an open letter (written to affiliates) with the public, explaining their decision to re-partner with CrossFit for the 2020 CrossFit Games.
"The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively."
This recent article on Inc.com shares top productivity tips to help you execute at a much higher level, daily.
Quickly discover ways to jump-start a new healthy lifestyle with this FREE online program.
Jay Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, shares the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk to help you train your mind for peace and purpose every day.
Learn more about his book here.
9 Positive Podcasts That Will Put A Smile On Your Face Life gets a little heavy sometimes for us all, that’s why it’s vital to find the joy in your life daily — whether it’s by using a gratitude journal, meditating, or listening to podcasts like these. Check out the podcast list here. ‘I’m Not A Fire […]