Setting a goal to become a CEO is one thing. Actually becoming one is a whole different ball game.

In this episode of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, I speak with Barry McDonald, CEO of NovaFit, an Australian owned distributor of world class fitness equipment. Barry has spent more than 20 years shaping the health and fitness landscape in Australia through national leadership roles with brands such as Matrix Fitness Australia, Jets Australia and Goodlife Health Clubs.

Barry shares how his early life in housing commission, constant school changes and junior footy coaching shaped his view of leadership as service. He explains why he always tried to behave “one role up” throughout his career, and how that mindset helped him move from sales and general management into the CEO role.

We discuss:

• The childhood moment he realised he loved leading
• Two very different mentors who shaped his CEO style
• The uncomfortable shift from peer to CEO with the same team
• The real price you pay to sit in the CEO chair
• How NovaFit doubled revenue and tripled profit in two years
• Why true culture is built on discipline, honest conversations and genuine care
• How AI is extending service and member experience in the fitness industry

If you enjoy this conversation, please follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with a leader or emerging leader in your world.

To learn more about my work on leadership, culture and business growth, search for “Gary Ryan” and “Organisations That Matter” online, and connect with me on LinkedIn.

Learn more about CEO Barry McDonald and Novofit

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If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan

Join host Gary Ryan on Moving Beyond Being Good as he sits down with Paul Cowan, the visionary founder of Cowan Air and Cowan Doors. After 34 years in business, Paul reveals how he built a multi-million-dollar enterprise that puts choosing clients and delivering unparalleled service at its core. Learn how Paul turned early hardships into strength, developed proprietary software to drive accountability and efficiency, and fostered a culture where quality and respect shape every interaction.

From rejecting low-margin contracts to creating a flexible yet disciplined workplace, Paul shares pragmatic leadership lessons and the power of saying no to grow sustainably and profitably. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, discover how to build a high-performance business, keep your team aligned with vision, and maintain a lifestyle balance.

Learn more about Gary Ryan and Organisations That Matter here.

Learn more about Gary's SCALEFAST Program for small to medium sized business owners in Australia and New Zealand that he co-hosts with Alison Wheeler here.

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If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan

In this Episode 199 of the Moving Beyond Being Good podcast, host Gary Ryan interviews Justin Fuller, an Australian entrepreneur living in Atlanta, who has built a successful timber manufacturing business in China. The conversation explores Justin's unique journey, the challenges of cross-cultural communication, and his recent endeavor of creating a volleyball tournament that serves as a cultural exchange between American high school students and Chinese university teams. The discussion highlights the importance of personal growth, the impact of business success on community, and the lessons learned through this extraordinary experience.

Learn more about the documentary here

Connect with Justin Fuller on LinkedIn here

Learn more about Evolution Industries

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Book a free online coffee chat with Gary here

If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan