Making the Right Moves – Career Lessons from Alex Lewis
A successful career isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about making the right moves at the right time. Alex Lewis, Head of Operations at Oxygen Free Jumping, has built his career by taking calculated steps, prioritising people, and embracing every challenge with a solutions-driven mindset.
From early roles in David Lloyd, LA Fitness, and Pure Gym to helping integrate new sites into Oxygen Free Jumping, Alex Lewis has developed a clear, strategic approach to career growth. His journey offers invaluable lessons for job seekers looking to progress, pivot, or develop their leadership skills.
On the Love Your Career Podcast, hosted by Lawrence Everest, Alex Lewis shared his career philosophy, his approach to leadership, and the lessons that have shaped his success. Whether you're looking for promotion, job satisfaction, or a clear career path, his insights are packed with actionable takeaways.
1. A Career That Makes Sense
When asked whether he has loved his career, Alex Lewis had a refreshing answer:
📌 His career has always made sense—each role was a logical next step, rather than a random move.
📌 He has built his career by design, not by accident, ensuring that every job developed new skills and prepared him for the next step.
💡 “I worked out what I wanted to do early on, and every role I’ve taken has been a strategic move towards that goal.”
For job seekers, this is a powerful takeaway: Think long-term. Make sure each job adds value to your overall career story.
2. Growth Comes from Doing the Next Job Before You Have It
One of the biggest lessons Alex Lewis shared is that career progression doesn’t happen by waiting for a promotion—it happens by taking on aspects of the next job before you officially have the title.
📌 Be proactive. Start taking on tasks and responsibilities that are above your current role.
📌 Make yourself visible. Managers notice people who go beyond their job description and actively look for ways to contribute.
💡 “When I was promoted, it never felt like a huge jump—I was already doing parts of the role before it was officially mine.”
For job seekers, this means actively preparing for your next step while excelling in your current role.
3. Don't Chase the Money—Chase the Right Role
Many professionals make career decisions based on salary alone. Alex Lewis took a different approach.
📌 He chose roles based on skill development and long-term opportunity, rather than just salary increases.
📌 He was strategic in ensuring that each role built his experience and credibility, making future career moves easier.
💡 “If you chase the money, you may end up in a job that doesn’t fit your long-term goals. Chase the right role, and the money will follow.”
For job seekers, this means thinking about what a job will do for your career—beyond just the paycheck.
4. Leadership is About People – Not Just Processes
As Head of Integration at Oxygen Free Jumping, Alex Lewis focuses on helping new sites embrace the culture and values of the brand.
📌 Leadership isn’t just about processes—it’s about understanding people and how they react to change.
📌 Some employees resist change, while others embrace it—a great leader adapts their management style accordingly.
💡 “You can’t impose a culture overnight. You have to find the right people, influence them first, and let them lead the change.”
For job seekers, this highlights the importance of understanding different leadership styles and adapting to change.
5. Trust and Relationships Make the Difference
Throughout his career, Alex Lewis has valued trust, communication, and investing in people.
📌 His best managers were those who trusted him, gave him responsibility, and helped him grow.
📌 Now, as a leader, he prioritizes relationships over rigid structures, ensuring that employees feel heard, valued, and supported.
💡 “People are the most important part of any business. When they feel valued, they work harder and stay engaged.”
For job seekers, this means looking for companies and managers that invest in their people—not just in profits.
6. Prepare for Interviews by Researching the People, Not Just the Company
When asked about interview preparation, Alex Lewis shared a game-changing approach:
📌 Most candidates research the company, but few research the people they’ll be working for.
📌 He recommends looking up managers and key team members on LinkedIn, reading their backgrounds, and understanding their leadership style.
💡 “If you can learn about your future manager and how they operate, you’ll be better prepared to position yourself as the right fit.”
For job seekers, this means going beyond company research—find out who you’ll be working with and how you can align with their leadership style.
7. The Most Successful People Share These Traits
From working with top managers and industry leaders, Alex Lewis has noticed that the most successful people all have certain traits:
✔ Consistency – They show up the same way every day, regardless of pressure.
✔ Adaptability – They adjust their leadership style to fit the situation.
✔ Proactivity – They take responsibility for their own growth.
✔ Empathy – They understand and support the people around them.
💡 “The best leaders don’t impose their style—they adapt to the people they’re leading.”
For job seekers, developing these soft skills can make a huge difference in career progression.
Final Thought: Build a Career That Fits Your Life
Alex Lewis has built a career that not only makes sense on paper, but also aligns with his skills, passions, and lifestyle.
✅ Think long-term. Make career moves that add value to your journey.
✅ Do the next job before you have it. Promotions come to those who are ready.
✅ Chase the right role—not just the money. The right job leads to both success and satisfaction.
✅ Invest in relationships. Trust and people skills drive career growth.
💡 “A job shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you find the right fit, work won’t feel like work.”
Want More Career Insights? Listen to the Full Episode! 🎧
This episode of the Love Your Career Podcast is packed with even more wisdom from Alex Lewis.
📢 Tune in to hear his full story and expert insights!
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