Top 10 Learnings from Jo Matthews on the Love Your Career Podcast
In the latest episode of the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence interviews Jo Matthews, the inspiring CEO and founder of Ten Health & Fitness. Jo shares her extraordinary career journey, revealing valuable lessons about resilience, authenticity, and perseverance. From navigating personal challenges to building a successful health and fitness business, here are the top 10 takeaways from her story.
1. Non-linear Career Paths Can Lead to Success
Jo’s career trajectory is anything but conventional. Starting in marketing and PR, she eventually founded Ten Health & Fitness, a leading health and wellness business. Each step, even roles she didn’t enjoy, contributed to her skill set and understanding of business. Her journey proves that diverse experiences can pave the way for success.
2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
A life-changing car accident left Jo with significant injuries and shaped her future. This personal challenge inspired her interest in rehabilitation and, ultimately, the creation of Ten Health & Fitness. Jo’s story highlights how adversity can fuel innovation and drive meaningful change.
3. Commitment to Continuous Learning
Despite not attending university, Jo demonstrated an unwavering commitment to learning. She pursued marketing qualifications at night school while working full-time, proving that dedication and curiosity can bridge the gap of traditional educational pathways.
4. Curiosity is Key
Jo’s curiosity was a driving force in her career. Early on, while working at an advertising agency, she asked questions and observed the business environment. This proactive approach gave her a deeper understanding of operations and helped her climb the career ladder.
5. Don’t Underestimate Menial Tasks
Jo emphasises the importance of embracing seemingly small or unglamorous tasks. Early in her career, she tackled jobs others avoided, gaining valuable insights and building relationships that later became key to her success.
6. Authenticity Builds Strong Brands
The mission of Ten Health & Fitness is deeply rooted in Jo’s personal journey of recovery and rehabilitation. Her story demonstrates that authenticity, when paired with a genuine passion, creates a brand that resonates with customers and builds trust.
7. Resilience in Business is Essential
Jo’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without setbacks. When traditional funding avenues failed, she adapted by proving her business model in real-world scenarios. Her persistence highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming obstacles.
8. Commit to Long-term Goals
Building Ten Health & Fitness took Jo 17 years—far longer than she initially anticipated. Her story underscores the value of patience and commitment. Even when immediate success seems elusive, staying the course can lead to significant achievements.
9. Health and Wellness is a Resilient Industry
Jo noticed that, even during economic downturns, people prioritise health and wellness. This insight motivated her to continue investing in her business despite challenging conditions. Her experience reinforces the long-term viability and resilience of the health and wellness sector.
10. Evolve and Refine Your Business Model
Ten Health & Fitness evolved through continuous improvement and adaptation. Jo stresses the importance of being open to new ideas and iterating your business model to better serve customers while staying true to core values.
Final Thoughts
Jo Matthews’ career journey is a powerful testament to resilience, authenticity, and continuous learning. Her experiences provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating their own career or business challenges. By embracing adversity, staying curious, and committing to long-term goals, Jo has built a successful and meaningful career in the health and wellness industry.
Her story is an inspiring reminder that even the most unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success. Take these lessons to heart, and let Jo’s journey encourage you to carve your own unique path. You can listen to the whole episode here.
