Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.
Who do you credit? I credit my family, my community, and my spiritual connection. Houston is a place where opportunities exist. I did my MBA at Rice University and my Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at UPenn. I am so grateful for the enriching communities of Rice and UPenn where they genuinely want to see their students thrive. These institutions have become my springboard from which I feel I could jump with the knowledge and confidence to launch the concept of Define Living. And, without any doubt, I give credit to my family and friends. I used to get a lot of inquisitive looks when I would talk about launching a fitness brand or a franchise brand. However, I now feel very loved and supported by the people closest to me when I tell them about a new project that I am focusing on. They can sense my passion, and that is contagious.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others?
Here are several:
1) Swim in your own lane.
2) Learn as much as you can about your industry while getting paid by someone else.
3) Starting your own business is risky, time-consuming, and challenging, but your passion will take you far.
4) It’s okay to be skeptical, but avoid becoming cynical.
5) As Mother Theresa stated, “What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.”
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I am so happy with how well our first Define Living has been received. I worked hard to build a program that was transforming and accessible. To know that we are attracting a group of people who are diverse in every sense of the word while elevating their wellbeing is incredibly motivating for me each day. This inspires me to bring this concept nationwide and add more health and wellbeing to communities across the globe!
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Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I’ve learned to honor the struggle and see challenges not as obstacles meant to stop me but as opportunities to grow stronger and wiser. Every setback, every difficulty, carries a lesson that can propel you forward if you choose to learn from it. Clarity about goals, who you are and where you want to go acts as a compass during times of chaos and confusion, helping to steer life back on course. Surrounding myself with people who uplift and inspire has dramatically enhanced my resilience and ability to bounce back from life’s challenges. The commitment to lifelong learning has also been a game-changer for me. Being a perpetual student of life keeps me humble and open to new possibilities. It builds confidence because I know I can adapt and handle whatever comes my way.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I’m thrilled to be launching a new 12-episode podcast series with LaGina Harris, the founder of LaRae Infinity LLC, where we’ll dive into the challenges and resilience of entrepreneurship. In addition, I’m working with a publisher on a book set to be released in 2025!
What gives you the leadership edge? What truly gives me the leadership edge is a deep commitment to personal growth, a focus on service, and a profound empathy for my clients and team. Leadership, at its core, is about constantly adapting and growing. It’s about stepping into challenges and using them as opportunities to gain confidence and develop skills. This mindset of embracing growth and being open to learning has been pivotal. Understanding the core concerns of those I work with is crucial, as it allows me to tailor the support and guidance to their specific needs and situations. It’s about meeting them where they are, recognizing the effort they’ve put in, and understanding the context of their challenges. Creating with them, not just for them, which is a cornerstone of effective leadership. These elements, combined with a consistent practice of self-reflection and a commitment to embodying the values I preach, provide the leadership edge.
“Leadership is about being a role model, not just in success but in resilience, integrity, and compassion.”
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