From Store Manager to CEO: Leadership Lessons with Karl Sanft, CEO of 24 Hour Fitness

What does it take to go from a fresh college graduate to the CEO of one of America’s largest fitness brands? In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, I sit down with Karl Sanft, President and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, to explore his journey from his first management job at age 22 to leading thousands of employees nationwide.

Karl shares practical leadership advice for young professionals and recent grads, including why early patience pays off, how to think in terms of a career lattice (not just a ladder), and what it really takes to inspire (not just instruct) your team.

We talk about:

• Why slowing down early in your career can help you grow faster later
• How to prepare for promotions before they happen
• The difference between compliance and commitment in leadership
• How to motivate people to give their best—not just do the bare minimum
• Why creating your own path matters more than copying someone else’s

Tune in now!