International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the women who inspire us, challenge us, and create opportunities for others to succeed. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reminds us that true leadership isn’t about climbing higher alone—it’s about helping others rise alongside us.
On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my longtime friend and colleague, Michele Colwell, Executive Vice President of Operations at GoodLife Fitness. Michele has spent nearly four decades building one of Canada’s most admired workplace cultures while mentoring countless leaders along the way. Our conversation explored what leadership really looks like, why mentorship matters, and how we can all help create more opportunities for women to thrive.
A Conversation with Michele Colwell
Mo: Michele, you’ve spent nearly 40 years growing from club leadership to executive leadership at GoodLife Fitness. Looking back, who had the greatest influence on the leader you’ve become?
Michele: Without question, my mother. She taught me how to serve others, to truly listen, and to connect with people before expecting anything in return. Professionally, David Patchell-Evans and Jane Riddell encouraged me to lead with passion, purpose, and a focus on people’s strengths. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.
Mo: The fitness industry has traditionally been male-dominated. Did that shape your leadership journey?
Michele: I was fortunate to begin my career in an organization that believed in developing women leaders, so I didn’t initially experience many barriers. It wasn’t until I became more involved across the industry that I realized how underrepresented women really were. Rather than focusing on those challenges, I concentrated on building my skills, improving my communication, and showing up with confidence.
Mo: This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give to Gain. What does that mean to you?
Michele: To me, it means creating opportunities for others. Whether that’s mentoring young leaders, supporting organizations like Fit and Fierce, or helping women discover their confidence, we all have a responsibility to open doors. When we invest in someone else’s growth, everyone benefits.
Mo: You often talk about leadership being rooted in service. What does servant leadership look like to you?
Michele: As you move into leadership, you don’t become less of a servant—you become more of one. Leadership isn’t about status or titles. It’s about helping others succeed, listening well, and creating an environment where people feel supported and valued.
Mo: You’re also raising a teenage daughter. What lessons are most important for you to pass along?
Michele: Self-love comes first. When young women truly value themselves, confidence follows. I also want my daughter to learn healthy boundaries, self-advocacy, and how to communicate thoughtfully. As parents, we can’t simply tell our children how to live—we have to model it ourselves.
Mo: What advice would you give young women who aspire to leadership roles?
Michele: Be crystal clear about what you want and why you want it. Then focus on developing your skills. Work hard, continue learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Communication is one of the most important leadership skills you’ll ever develop, and mentors can make an incredible difference along the way.
Mo: You’ve mentored many leaders throughout your career. Is there one experience that stands out?
Michele: One young woman comes to mind immediately. She was quiet but incredibly capable. I believed in her potential, even when others weren’t convinced. We invested time developing her confidence and leadership skills, and today she’s gone on to become a Vice President herself. Watching someone grow beyond what they believed was possible is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.
Mo: GoodLife has been recognized as one of Canada’s best workplace cultures for many years. What’s the foundation of a strong workplace culture?
Michele: Psychological safety. People need to feel safe enough to be honest, ask questions, share ideas, and even make mistakes. When people know they’ll be heard rather than judged, trust grows—and that’s where great cultures are built.
Mo: Before we wrap up, what’s the one message you hope listeners take away from today’s conversation?
Michele: I hope women know they belong. They deserve to be heard. They deserve opportunities. Most importantly, I hope we all commit to helping create those opportunities for the next generation. We still have work to do, but together we can make an incredible difference.
Mo: Thank you, Michele, for sharing your wisdom, your heart, and your leadership journey. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t measured by titles—it’s measured by the people we encourage, the opportunities we create, and the lives we impact along the way.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I encourage each of us to think about how we can lift someone else up. Sometimes the smallest act of encouragement can change the course of someone’s life.
You can listen to the full episode here:
