Top Takeaways From My Interview with Catherine Hansen Farid

I have always loved speaking to people. It is one of the greatest ways to acquire new information and learn from real-life experiences. Every time I sit down for a conversation with individuals who have made a mark in the fitness industry, I get so many interesting insights. These are extremely valuable whether you are trying to get your venture off the ground, are currently in the ‘struggle’ phase,? or are looking for inspiration to make your next big move.?

My interview with Catherine Hansen Farid, the chairperson of ICREPS was truly thought-provoking. Her strong and positive personality rubs off on you, even if you watch the podcast through a screen. Sitting before her and just talking to her about her incredible journey of building the fitness industry in the UAE from almost nothing is definitely an experience that I will cherish for a long time.?

Now, let me just rewind and take you through some of the most important takeaways from this interview that will definitely help you on your entrepreneurial journey.?

If you have the passion, you can create your own opportunities

One of the many reasons why Catherine is considered a formidable figure in the fitness industry is because of the unique and, quite frankly, challenging tasks that she took upon herself from the very beginning of her journey.?

Today, she is an important name in the fitness industry in the UAE and the world over. But, when she started 28 years ago, it was a different story. There was no concept of a commercial gym back then and the only ones available were within hotels. However, the world was moving towards group fitness and new options, leaving the people in Dubai hungry for more. Now, here is where you identify the mark of a great leader. Catherine identified this opportunity and decided to draw from her decade-long experience prior to this, working in countries like England and Australia. She built a loyal following using the available resources, teaching group classes in these hotels, and working as a personal trainer. She even had members of the royal family as part of her clientele.?

Something that she mentioned while narrating her journey really struck a chord- “If you truly have passion, people see that.” And it was her passion that got her the offer to start a commercial gym in a summer palace that belonged to the then Sheik of the UAE. This was the beginning of the transformation of the fitness industry in the UAE.?

Her travels across the globe also helped her incorporate new ideas like fitness testing from the USA and introduce programs like Les Mills, 23 years ago!?

If you have the passion, you can create your own opportunities

One of the many reasons why Catherine is considered a formidable figure in the fitness industry is because of the unique and, quite frankly, challenging tasks that she took upon herself from the very beginning of her journey.?

Today, she is an important name in the fitness industry in the UAE and world over. But, when she started 28 years ago, it was a different story. There was no concept of a commercial gym back then and the only ones available were within hotels. However, the world was moving towards group fitness and new options, leaving the people in Dubai hungry for more. Now, here is where you identify the mark of a great leader. Catherine identified this opportunity and decided to draw from her decade-long experience prior to this, working in countries like England and Australia. She built a loyal following using the available resources, teaching group classes in these hotels, and working as a personal trainer. She even had members of the royal family as part of her clientele.?

Something that she mentioned while narrating her journey really struck a chord- “If you truly have passion, people see that.” And it was her passion that got her the offer to start a commercial gym in a summer palace that belonged to the then Sheik of the UAE. This was the beginning of the transformation of the fitness industry in the UAE.?

Her travels across the globe also helped her incorporate new ideas like fitness testing from the USA and introduce programs like Les Mills, 23 years ago!?

Choose an industry that excites you, money will follow

It is important to note the landscape in the UAE when she started this journey. It was not only a challenging industry, but you have to keep in mind that she is also a woman with great ambitions. Not the best combination back then. But, she kept coming back because of one thing, and one thing only- her passion for the industry. She loved her job and was motivated by the idea of making a difference in the lives of others.?

So, if you are in a place where waking up in the morning and heading to work does not excite you, you may want to rethink the industry that you are in. Once you have found that one thing that keeps you excited, finding ways to build a successful and sustainable career is not easy, but it is definitely fun and will push you to do your best.?

Build a strong network?

One of the things that Catherine talks about throughout this interview is the importance of networking. And, I can tell you from personal experience, and really common sense, that people need people to thrive. If you think that you can do it all on your own, you are headed towards a path of complete burnout. But more importantly, it could be a complete waste of your true potential.?

For Catherine, her consistent approach towards building her following back in the day is one of the primary reasons for her success. Even at the event, you could see her talking to people, listening to their ideas, and exchanging views.?

But, to build a strong network, you should be open to putting yourself out there. With Catherine, she is not one to be sidelined in any conversation. She has great conviction in her abilities and knowledge and is always keen to express herself. And, most importantly, she is never intimidated. It is one of the many reasons why she became a woman in leadership even when the opportunities were limited back then in the UAE.?

For the women reading this blog, the interview will definitely leave you inspired. Go watch it now!?

Be truthful to what you are doing?

Integrity is one subject that we discussed in great detail during the interview. There is a quote by the American Politician, Alan Simpson that I would also like to repeat here:?

“If you have integrity, nothing else matters. And if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters”

What we spoke about is never making compromises on what you are doing and always being true to yourself and your work. Now, let me remind you that the role of Chairperson of the ICREPS is a voluntary one. Still, when you approach Catherine for work or collaborations, you will see her giving her best. About five years ago, when I approached her about my own training program, she was stern about maintaining the standards that she had set. Even in saying that, she reflected great confidence in her work and dedication to her role.?

Remember, if you have integrity, you will never be intimidated. And the vice versa is also true- and a definite hurdle in your journey.?

Catherine’s commitment and belief in what she is doing ensures that no one is left behind. Whether it is her peers or the learners who want to benefit from REPs, she ensures that everyone is taken care of.?

Get.Things.Done

Need I say? Your actions speak for themselves. Stop procrastinating. Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way. If there is one thing that you can see throughout Catherine’s journey is that she had ideas. Then, she did what was needed to put those ideas into action.?

This led to the first commercial gym, REPs UAE, the REPS Awards, her role as the Chairperson of ICREPS, and a thriving fitness industry in the UAE. She mentions that when she puts her name behind something, she gives it her all. This is something that you need to practice as an entrepreneur. You are the boss. But, you also have a responsibility towards your team, your clients, and your own goals. So, when you don’t put your words into action, you are not only letting others down but yourself too.?

Don’t be afraid to speak your mind?

Whether it is your contemporaries, your peers, your employees, or the people in a position of higher power than you- you should never be afraid to speak your mind when you know you are right. Or, when you believe in something strongly. Of course, you may not always be right but getting your thoughts out there will help you learn and grow.??

Catherine mentions how it is important to listen to everyone but to also be true to your own beliefs. I think this is a very important trait as a leader as it sets the tone for your relationship with your team and everyone that is part of your journey.?

Collaboration leads to standardization

If you are part of the fitness industry, you know that it is extremely competitive. This is true at any level. But, what Catherine said during the interview is important to note. The reason that most of us are in this industry is that we have a collective goal to better the health and well-being of society as a whole. So when the goals are collective, the efforts must be collective too. This is where the power of collaboration comes into the picture.?

When she took on the role of the Chairperson of ICREPS, she was aware of the fact that ICREPS had a powerful voice. But, she believed in listening. Taking ideas from registers in different countries and collaborating with organizations like WorldActive is, according to her, the way forward to ensure that the best practices and standards are followed in the fitness industry the world over.?

Closing Thoughts

I would like to close with the most important thing that Catherine talks about- being authentic. Through the failures and even the peaks of your success, go back to being your authentic self. Remind yourself about why you are doing what you are doing and trust me, you will be on your way to success.?