I am delighted that the fitness industry is thriving, and in this podcast interview with Amy, she shared how she went from being a trainer to becoming the owner of IDEA, starting from humble beginnings. Amy Boone Thompson, the owner and chief executive officer of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, has had a three-decade career as a fitness professional, wellness advocate, international presenter, and industry activist. She has held various roles throughout her career, from practitioner to executive to owner, and she leads with a focus on connection, service, and purposeful impact. Amy’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her extensive experience as a business and media executive, serves as the catalyst for her award-winning leadership.
During her college years, Amy was an athlete, playing basketball and volleyball. After graduating with a major in Physical and Health Education, she was uncertain about her career path. Amy started as a typical trainer, juggling multiple jobs. She worked as an assistant strength and conditioning coach and also trained as a massage therapist.
Reflecting on her past, Amy recalls being immersed in hard work and challenging schedules without a clear direction of where she was heading. However, her passion for what she did and her ability to connect with people were the factors that led to her success. Whenever she attended expos or events, Amy made it a point to meet as many people as possible and foster relationships. She would engage with individuals at each booth, not with the intention of making purchases, but to make others feel cared for.
Eventually, Amy’s business mentor and her husband encouraged her to either acquire the IDEA business or start her own venture. Initially, she believed that IDEA lacked the environment and investment required for long-term success and growth. However, considering its 40-year history, Amy realized that it was the right time for her to take charge and that she was the ideal person to acquire IDEA. So, she made the request.
IDEA underwent a year-long transition to modernize and update the platform, ensuring it aligned with the current needs of fitness professionals. As the industry has evolved, IDEA aimed to provide professionals with the necessary business acumen and resources for success.
IDEA offers the following:
- A resource platform with liability insurance for individuals in their businesses.
- Medical insurance (the first initiative Amy implemented for IDEA), including dental plans. These plans are designed for independent professionals, employees, and facilities, separate from commercial-owned facilities.
- IDEA plays a role in the healthcare continuum, contributing to disease prevention.
- IDEA does not certify fitness professionals but collaborates with certifying agencies, including universities, to incorporate activities in schools.
The IDEA Health & Fitness Association event will take place in Los Angeles, California, from July 12th to 16th, 2023. The event promises to be life-changing and career-enhancing, reigniting passion and helping attendees discover their true potential and purpose.
Key points discussed in this episode include:
- Connecting your passion to your paid employment.
- Being in your happy place and living your best self often leads to opportunities.
- Putting yourself out there, meeting people, and nurturing relationships.
- Inspiring every person to lead a healthier, fitter life.
- Maintaining forward progress, constantly challenging yourself, and taking moments to step back and evaluate your progress.
Listen to this episode of the Overcomer’s Podcast, where Amy shares her journey from being a trainer juggling multiple jobs to becoming the CEO and owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association. She is a trainer who has a passion for her work and took the leap to lead an organization.
To connect with Amy Boone Thompson:
For more information about IDEA Health & Fitness Association:
Visit our website at overcomerspodcast.com for more inspiring episodes of the Overcomer’s Podcast. You can also find us on popular platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Highlights from the episode:
1:53 – 3:37
Amy, Owner and CEO of IDEA shares how she got started in fitness, how she worked 5 jobs which included being a one on one trainer doing split shifts
6:53 – 7:32
Amy shares what it was like coming from a family of 10 children
9:01 – 10:18
Amy shares how filling out multiple applications for the IDEA Leader of the Year Award allowed her to assess the progress she was making, how she was doing professionally and ask herself if she was doing a good job contributing to both the industry and her community
17:27 – 19:24
Amy shares how she got the opportunity with IDEA that led to the opportunity to buy IDEA and how she literally jumped out of her seat at the chance to become the owner of IDEA
19:49 – 20:59
Amy shares about her first time at IDEA world where she was an attendee sleeping 4 to a hotel room because she had no money to attend.
21:40 – 23:18
Amy shares why she felt called to take ownership of IDEA. She shares a powerful thought “If not me then who and if not now then when”
23:25 – 25:15
Amy shares her vision for the future of IDEA and how IDEA helps fitness professionals with liability, medical and dental insurance
27:11 – 28:58
Learn about the best fitness shopping extravaganza ever.
30:40 – 31:48
Who should come to IDEA? Everyone. Over 80 countries will be represented and all that is required to attend is a passion for fitness
34:22 – 34:58
Listen to how IDEA is at the forefront of change for our industry and how IDEA is having a global IMPACT
36:59 – 37:46
When you come to IDEA, come to party and workout. Amy says “You will have enough fun to last 12 months until we do it again”
38:24 – 39:43
Amy shares that she is most passionate about pillars and values of Inspiring the World to Fitness
40:19 – 41:00
When is IDEA happening and how can people sign up to be part of it. And be sure to use our special discount code giving you $100 off
41:23 – 41:53
Amy shares how her story can be your story. She says “Everyone has the same potential”
41:35 – 42:26
Great advice from Amy on connecting passion to purpose and getting that fire in your belly