Episode Summary: "Bold Moves, Solid Wins: Overcoming Fear, Leading with Authenticity, and Growing"

Take Command: A Leadership Podcast, hosted by Joe Hart of the Dale Carnegie Flagship Podcast, features an inspiring conversation with Ann Mahlum, a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. In this episode, released on April 8, 2025, Ann delves into her journey of overcoming personal adversity, building impactful organizations, and leading with authenticity. This detailed summary captures the essence of their engaging dialogue, highlighting key insights, discussions, and conclusions.

1. Overcoming Personal Adversity

Ann Mahlum begins by sharing a pivotal moment from her teenage years that shaped her resilience and leadership style. At [00:45], she recounts how her father's severe gambling addiction disrupted her family life, leading to her mother's decision to kick him out. This upheaval ignited Ann's anger and determination to redefine her identity.

"I became a runner and got pretty obsessed with how metaphorical the lessons were with running and taking things one step at a time, pushing forward." — Ann Mahlum [04:20]

Ann explains how running became her sanctuary, teaching her to navigate challenges and prepare for future endeavors. This period of personal growth laid the foundation for her future leadership roles.

2. Founding Back on My Feet

Transitioning from personal turmoil to social impact, Ann discusses the inception of her nonprofit, Back on My Feet, aimed at combating homelessness through running. Initiated around [05:00], Ann noticed the homeless individuals outside a shelter she frequented and saw parallels between their struggles and her own experiences.

"Running is a power that transformed me, made me feel invincible. I wanted to use that to help others gain the same empowerment." — Ann Mahlum [05:50]

She meticulously structured the program, emphasizing emotional well-being and community support over mere financial assistance. This approach proved successful, enabling individuals to find jobs and secure housing by rebuilding their self-esteem and discipline.

3. Transition to Solid Core Pilates

After six and a half years of running Back on My Feet, Ann felt the urge to pursue a new challenge, leading her to found Solid Core Pilates. In [15:04], she narrates her discovery of Pilates and her realization of its untapped potential. Investing her entire life savings of $175,000, Ann opened the first Solid Core studio in Washington, D.C., embodying a "burn the boats" mindset to ensure unwavering commitment.

"If I had a little bit of a nest egg, I probably would have been like, screw this." — Ann Mahlum [19:10]

Her dedication paid off as Solid Core grew into a nationwide boutique fitness brand with 100 locations and high-profile clients, eventually being sold for approximately $90 million.

4. The Influence of Dale Carnegie Principles

Throughout the conversation, Ann emphasizes the profound impact of Dale Carnegie's teachings on her leadership philosophy. Introduced early in her life, she frequently references key principles from "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

"Seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. That one is the hardest one, but it's the most valuable for me." — Ann Mahlum [13:00]

She integrated these principles into her organizations by fostering authentic relationships, remembering clients' names, and creating environments where individuals felt valued and respected. This approach not only built strong teams but also cultivated loyal clientele.

5. Building a Winning Culture

Ann attributes much of Solid Core's success to her unwavering commitment to company culture and transparency. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, she maintained open communication with her team, prioritizing honesty and collective resilience.

"Transparency, authenticity, and winning are my core values. They kept us aligned and motivated even when the odds were against us." — Ann Mahlum [23:00]

Her decision to double down on physical studios instead of pivoting to digital platforms during the pandemic exemplifies her strategic thinking and faith in her brand's unique value proposition.

6. Navigating Challenges and Embracing Fear

A recurring theme in the episode is Ann's perspective on fear as a catalyst for growth. At [06:30], she articulates her belief that fear signifies an opportunity for personal development rather than a deterrent.

"Fear feels the same as growth, and it's up to us to decipher that." — Ann Mahlum [05:20]

This mindset empowered her to make bold decisions, such as leaving a successful nonprofit to venture into the fitness industry, underscoring the importance of facing fears with gratitude and intentionality.

7. Personal Fitness and Wellbeing

Ann's dedication to fitness extends beyond her professional life, serving as a cornerstone for her mental and physical well-being. She shares her daily routines, which include beach volleyball, gym sessions, and a disciplined diet, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between personal health and professional success.

"Moving my body is non-negotiable. It sets the tone for my entire day and keeps me cognitively sharp." — Ann Mahlum [30:18]

Her holistic approach to health underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care to maintain high performance in all aspects of life.

8. Embracing Technological Advancements and AI

In discussing the future, Ann touches upon the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing fitness and business operations. She notes her investment in AI-driven fitness technologies and recognizes AI's potential to provide personalized health plans and streamline business processes.

"AI is going to permeate everything, from healthcare to fitness, creating more personalized and efficient solutions." — Ann Mahlum [38:00]

9. Future Endeavors and Empowerment

Looking ahead, Ann is focused on empowerment through podcasts, public speaking, investing, and personal life milestones, such as family planning. Her commitment to sharing her experiences aims to inspire others to harness their potential and navigate their unique challenges.

"Positive self-talk worked for me for years, preparing me mentally to step into my roles with confidence." — Ann Mahlum [40:10]

10. Final Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Concluding the episode, Ann offers pivotal advice emphasizing the power of positive self-talk and leveraging one's unique circumstances to achieve success.

"Talking to yourself in positive manners is really, really powerful. Utilize your unique circumstances to drive your personal and professional success." — Ann Mahlum [40:16]

Notable Quotes

• "Fear feels the same as growth, and it's up to us to decipher that." — Ann Mahlum [05:20]

• "Seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. That one is the hardest one, but it's the most valuable for me." — Ann Mahlum [13:00]

• "Transparency, authenticity, and winning are my core values. They kept us aligned and motivated even when the odds were against us." — Ann Mahlum [23:00]

• "Talking to yourself in positive manners is really, really powerful." — Ann Mahlum [40:16]

Conclusion

In "Bold Moves, Solid Wins," Ann Mahlum exemplifies the essence of Dale Carnegie's leadership principles through her authentic, transparent, and resilient approach to building successful organizations. Her journey from personal adversity to entrepreneurial triumph serves as a testament to the transformative power of leadership grounded in genuine human connection and unwavering commitment. Listeners are left with valuable insights on overcoming fear, fostering a positive culture, and leading with authenticity to achieve sustained success.