What is the common success factor between the business of fitness and real estate?
In this week’s episode of the "Taking Care of Business" podcast, our COO; Carl Allsopp had an engaging conversation with his special guest, Cyrus Rustom, who’s the co-founder of Boxica. The episode was a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, shedding light on the remarkable journey of Boxica and its innovative approach to fitness.
A passionate reunion and a business adventure
The podcast episode began with a warm welcome as Carl enthusiastically introduced Cyrus Rustom, emphasising the personal impact Cyrus had on his life over the past few months. This introduction set the stage for an insightful conversation filled with valuable business and life lessons.
The intersection of sports and business
Carl and Cyrus delved into the significance of sports in the business world. They highlighted how qualities such as competition, discipline, disappointment, and consistency, which are integral to sports, can play a vital role in achieving success in any business endeavour.
Boxica's inspiring journey
Cyrus shared the inspiring story of Boxica's inception. It all started when he left his previous business and embarked on a quest for a fresh concept. While in London, he gained inspiration from various fitness concepts, but it was his collaboration with Lee, his business partner, that directed his energy and passion towards creating something extraordinary.
Through extensive research in cities like New York and Amsterdam, they identified a trend centred around making boxing accessible to the masses. They sought to transform boxing from a male-dominated, intimidating environment into an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Boxica has grown exponentially, surpassing the million-dollar revenue mark and expanding to offer a wide range of fitness services.
Building a thriving community
Carl praised Boxica for its unique ability to build a strong sense of community among its members. He explained how his wife, who had previously disliked exercise, became addicted to Boxica's inclusive and friendly environment. The discussion emphasised the magical quality of fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within a fitness community.
Overcoming challenges and taking risks
Cyrus shared the challenges Boxica faced, especially during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty and fear, they persevered and expanded their offerings, taking calculated risks to open new units and adapt to changing circumstances. Their journey underscored the importance of strategic decision-making and adaptability in the face of adversity.
From commando to entrepreneur
The podcast also touched on Cyrus's personal journey, from being a Royal Marines commando to becoming an entrepreneur in Dubai. His transition highlighted the power of determination and the pursuit of dreams, even in the face of daunting challenges. The story illustrated how unexpected life events can lead individuals down unexpected but ultimately fulfilling paths.
The move to Dubai: Running towards success!
Carl and Cyrus discussed the common theme of people moving to Dubai either to escape something in their home countries or to chase new opportunities. The conversation delved into the personal motivations behind such decisions and the transformative experiences that often result from them.
Choosing the right location
The hosts explored the importance of location in the success of a fitness business. Cyrus emphasised the significance of proximity to where people live and ensuring accessible parking facilities as key factors in choosing Boxica's Studio City location. He discussed how selecting the right location was crucial in building a thriving fitness community.
Engaging with the community
The conversation also highlighted the value of word-of-mouth marketing and genuine relationships with customers in building a fitness community. Cyrus and Carl emphasised the role of strong customer relationships in enhancing business success.
Summer Shred and mental discipline
Cyrus introduced the Summer Shred program, designed to help individuals lose fat and achieve their fitness goals. He emphasised the importance of mental discipline and consistency in achieving lasting results. Carl shared his personal experience with the program and how it helped him not only physically but also mentally.
The commando qualities in business
The podcast concluded with a discussion of the four commando qualities that Cyrus learned during his time in the Royal Marines: courage, determination, unselfishness, and cheerfulness in adversity. These qualities were paralleled with the skills and mindset required for success in the world of business, highlighting the valuable lessons Cyrus brought from his military background.
Tune in to the podcast here.