On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, I had the privilege of reconnecting with a long-time industry leader whose impact on Canadian fitness cannot be overstated. I sat down with Deb Singer, a nationally recognized mentor, educator, and Regional Manager with LIVunLtd, for a deeply inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, mentorship, and what it truly means to create Mo’mentum in the fitness industry.

Deb and I have spent decades working side by side in this industry, helping to elevate standards, develop talent, and open doors for future leaders. This conversation felt like both a reunion and a reflection, a chance to pause, look back, and also look forward at what is possible when education, lived experience, and leadership come together.

Mo: Deb, this honestly feels a little selfish for me because we have not had the chance to really sit and talk like this in a long time. Even though we have been in the industry together for decades, shaping and innovating Canadian fitness, it is so special to reconnect in this space.

Deb: Thank you, Mo. It really is incredible to think about how much time has passed. One of my favourite quotes is that the days are long, but the years are short. When you list everything out, it feels like yesterday that it all began, and suddenly here we are, more than 25 years later.

Mo: And you have done so much in those years. I want to take a moment to truly honour your journey. You have played a defining role in shaping fitness talent across Canada. As a Regional Manager with LIVunLtd, you oversee coaching, mentoring, recruitment, hiring, and professional development for fitness professionals nationwide. Your leadership ensures that thousands of Canadians experience high-quality movement experiences every day.

You also bring over 25 years of experience teaching, training, and developing instructors, including two decades as a Master Trainer, and your influential work as a professor at Humber Polytechnic. You are often the first to spot rising stars and create pathways for their careers. And that does not even touch on your background in education, drama, gymnastics, and your most important role, being a mom.

Deb: Hearing it all like that is a bit surreal. It really has been a journey built one opportunity at a time.

Mo: I would love for you to take us back. What first sparked your passion for this work, and how did that path eventually lead you to LIVunLtd?

Deb: If I go way back, it actually started in high school. That was when more fitness-oriented physical education classes were just beginning. I took a class that was entirely group fitness, and I remember thinking, this is amazing. I tucked that idea away and thought, someday I am going to do this.

At the end of university, I got my first certification through the YMCA, and shortly after that, Canfitpro was born. I transitioned my certification and, honestly, I have never let it go. My Canfitpro number still has 1997 in it, which tells you how long I have been around.

When I moved to Toronto, I was working at Sports Clubs of Canada. I told my manager that I wanted a real career in the industry, not just a job. He suggested I take this new training called BodyPump. I did not even know what it was, but I said yes. That moment changed everything.

Mo: I remember that era so clearly. That innovation sparked an entire generation of leaders.

Deb: It really did. I fell in love not just with teaching, but with educating others to teach. That was the light-bulb moment for me. I wanted to raise the bar and help future fitness professionals succeed. Teaching at the college level was always a goal, and I have now been at Humber for ten years.

About three years ago, the opportunity to join LIVunLtd came along. It felt like everything coming together. I had done the frontline work earlier in my career, and now I could mentor, coach, and lead others doing that same work in corporate and community settings.

Mo: That alignment makes so much sense. LIVunLtd is doing incredible work, bringing wellness into workplaces and communities, and creating real career pathways for fitness professionals.

Deb: That is exactly it. We work directly with corporate partners, HR teams, and property managers to deliver health and wellness programs onsite. The professionals I oversee are boots on the ground, helping people move better, feel better, and build habits that carry into everyday life. It is incredibly rewarding.

Mo: One of the things I admire most about your work is how intentional you are about mentorship. You bridge that gap between certification and real-world experience, which is often the hardest part.

Deb: That gap is real. You graduate, you get certified, and then you ask, now what? Being able to bring students into internships, part-time roles, and eventually full-time careers is huge. It gives them confidence and clarity early on.

Mo: For those just starting out, or considering a career in fitness, what advice would you offer?

Deb: This will not surprise you, but I always encourage people to get certified in group fitness through a reputable organization like Canfitpro. Teaching group fitness has shaped every aspect of my career. It opens doors, builds confidence, and sets you apart. Even if you think it is not your end goal, it will give you skills that translate everywhere.

Mo: That is such an important message. Another thing we both deeply believe in is education and ongoing professional development. Why do you feel that matters so much right now?

Deb: Credibility. Certification creates standards of excellence. When someone sees a Canfitpro credential, they know that professional has met a high bar for safety, effectiveness, and service. In an industry where not everything is standardized, that matters. People deserve to be cared for by qualified professionals.

And continuing education should excite you. If learning does not energize you, then you really have to ask if this is the right field. Even after all these years, I still want to know what is new, what the research says, and how I can create better experiences for the people who trust us with their health.

Mo: You work closely with young people every day. What trends are you seeing among students entering the industry?

Deb: Many start with a love of movement. From there, they are drawn to athletic training, functional movement, recovery, mobility, and wellness coaching. They understand that health is not just about pushing harder. It is about balance, recovery, and sustainability.

Mo: That aligns perfectly with what we are seeing across the industry. Passion for movement is still the spark, and from there, the possibilities expand.

Deb: Exactly. And many of these students grew up seeing movement as a lifestyle, not a luxury. That is powerful.

Mo: Before we wrap up, I want to ask one final question. You have mentored so many leaders. What is the biggest lesson you have learned, and what message do you want today’s fitness professionals to hear?

Deb: The biggest lesson is to meet people where they are. My role is not to force people into a box. It is to help them move in whatever way feels right for them. As long as they are safe and supported, that is what matters.

And I always come from this place. It is my privilege to teach, to coach, to mentor. People are busy. They choose to spend their time with us. That is a gift, and it changes everything when you lead from that mindset.

Mo: That is such a powerful reminder. Privilege brings responsibility. Responsibility brings purpose.

This conversation is a beautiful example of what happens when passion, education, and mentorship align. Deb, your dedication to elevating the fitness industry continues to shape not just careers, but lives. You are truly one of the unicorns of our industry, and I am so grateful for the work you do.

If you are a fitness professional, educator, leader, or someone searching for your next Mo’ve, this episode is your reminder that momentum is created through service, learning, and connection.

You can listen to the full episode here:
https://amomentwithmo.mohagan.com/2114715/episodes/18293568-elevating-the-future-of-fitness-a-mo-ment-with-deb-singer

Or watch on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=238MpSTKs40

To learn more about LIVunLtd, visit:
https://livunltd.com

On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, I had the absolute pleasure of connecting with two women who are deeply committed to leadership, empowerment, and community. I sat down with Kelsey Vickers, Co-Founder of Fit and Fierce, and Julia Kinsella, CEO of Fit and Fierce, to talk about confidence, resilience, mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

This conversation was full of heart, grit, and real leadership lessons. It was also a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful connections happen when we are brave enough to speak up and step forward.

Mo: I am so excited to have you both here. This podcast is about meaningful conversations with leaders who move people to greatness, and you both embody that so clearly. Kelsey, I still remember the moment we first met. Sometimes the most powerful connections happen in the most unexpected places, even in a women’s washroom at a fitness convention.

Kelsey: It was a little bold, but I knew I had to take my chance. I had just listened to David Patchell Evans speak, and when he said I needed to talk to you, I thought, this is my moment. So I introduced myself and shared the dream I had to empower young girls.

Mo: And that moment is such a lesson in leadership. Taking action. Believing in your vision. Staying in the game. That courage is exactly what Fit and Fierce represents.

For those who are new to your story, I would love for you to share what Fit and Fierce is all about and what inspired you to create this movement.

Kelsey: Fit and Fierce started because we wanted to create a safe space for girls. A place where they could build confidence, find community, and develop skills that support them emotionally, physically, and mentally. Adolescence can be challenging, and girls need tools to navigate friendships, school pressures, and self-doubt. Our program is a year-long personal development experience focused on fitness, mindset, and nutrition. It is about helping girls grow strong in body, mind, and spirit.

Mo: That idea of building skills for life is so powerful. Julia, your journey into Fit and Fierce is deeply personal. Can you share what brought you into this work?

Julia: Absolutely. Kelsey was actually my personal trainer for over a decade, and my daughter joined Fit and Fierce when she was in grade five or six. I was already doing a lot of personal development work myself, but watching my daughter go through the program was incredible. Even on days when she did not feel like going, she would come out energized, confident, and uplifted. As a parent, I knew how valuable that was.

Over time, Kelsey and I started having more business conversations. I had a background in banking and entrepreneurship, and eventually we realized that partnering made sense. What started as support turned into a shared mission.

Mo: That is such a beautiful example of alignment and trust. Fit and Fierce has impacted thousands of girls over the years, and many of them come back as mentors.

Kelsey: Yes, that is one of the most special parts. Girls go through the program, and then they return as mentors and coaches. We call them our unicorns because they are just incredible young women. It creates this powerful culture where girls support girls. There is no competition, just connection and growth.

Mo: That sense of community really stood out to me. Leadership is not about going it alone. It is about connection. I often say that resilience is not about avoiding challenges. It is about how we choose to respond to them.

I want to ask you both about resilience. As leaders and entrepreneurs, how have you learned to keep going when things do not go as planned?

Kelsey: For me, it comes back to courage. Everything we teach the girls is something I work on myself. Confidence is built through trying. You do not become confident by waiting until you feel ready. You build it by showing up, taking steps forward, and learning along the way. If you keep swinging, you are always moving forward, no matter the outcome.

Mo: That is such a powerful message. Julia, what about you?

Julia: Community has been everything for me. Raising children taught me that you cannot do everything alone, even when you are doing the work. There are moments when you need mentors and support. Fit and Fierce provides that space for girls and for families. It helps you adjust the sails when life feels challenging and reminds you that you are not alone.

Mo: That idea of adjusting the sails really resonates. Growth often comes when we are willing to sit with discomfort and keep moving anyway.

One of the things I love most about Fit and Fierce is that it is not just a business. It is a movement. You are building leaders and creating spaces where girls can truly thrive. How has community shaped your leadership?

Kelsey: Community is at the heart of everything we do. When girls come together in our sessions, you can feel the energy. They are learning together, growing together, and supporting one another. That sense of belonging is so important at any age.

Julia: And for me, being part of this community has been incredibly fulfilling. There are so many women ready to mentor and lead. The demand is there. I truly believe every girl deserves access to this kind of support.

Mo: Looking ahead, you both have a big vision for Fit and Fierce. What is next?

Kelsey: We want to grow across Canada and beyond. We are looking for passionate women who want to mentor the next generation through fitness, mindset, and nutrition. Mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and that is what drives us.

Julia: Our vision is bold. We want Fit and Fierce to be a new-age version of Girl Guides. A nationwide community supporting girls from grade three through high school, and eventually expanding even further. The opportunity is huge, and the impact is needed.

Mo: I cannot wait to see where this goes. This conversation is such a reminder that leadership is about purpose, passion, and perseverance. It is about showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable, and believing in what you are building.

To everyone reading this, this episode is your permission slip. A reminder that bold steps matter. That community matters. And that when you lead with heart, you create ripple effects far beyond what you can see.

You can listen to the full conversation here:
https://amomentwithmo.mohagan.com/2114715/episodes/18178022-empowering-the-next-generation-of-fierce-leaders

Or watch on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aD9_TgC980

On this episode of A Mo’ment with Mo, I had the pleasure of sitting down with wellness educator, empowerment coach, and author Laura Warf. Laura brings more than 35 years of experience in the wellness space, including fitness club management, yoga studio ownership, posture therapy, and international teaching. What makes her work so impactful is the way she blends deep wisdom with grounded, practical tools that people can actually use in their everyday lives.

Our conversation centered around the themes in Laura’s debut book, Home Within: The Forgotten Art of Finding Yourself, and the idea that so many of us are searching for answers outside ourselves when what we are really longing for is a sense of coming home.

Mo: Laura, I am really grateful you are here. There is such a sense of calm and presence about you, and I know that does not come from theory. It comes from lived experience. I would love for you to share what inspired you to write Home Within.

Laura: Thank you, Mo. The book grew out of my own life and the lives of the people I have worked with over the years. I have spent decades in wellness spaces, managing clubs, running a yoga studio, teaching all over the world, and what I kept noticing was that people were doing everything they thought they were supposed to do. They were exercising, eating well, learning, growing, and yet there was still this feeling of disconnection. A sense that something was missing.

Mo: That feeling is so familiar. Especially now. People are busy, overstimulated, and constantly pulled outward.

Laura: Exactly. We live in a culture that values doing over being. From a young age, we are taught to look outside ourselves for answers. We look to achievements, productivity, and approval to tell us who we are and whether we are enough. Over time, that pulls us out of our bodies and out of our hearts.

Mo: You talk about that a lot, the idea of living in the head instead of the heart. How do you help people understand that difference in a practical way?

Laura: Living in the head is about analysis, control, and constant thinking. The mind is very good at problem solving, but when it runs the show all the time, it creates tension and anxiety. Living from the heart is about presence and awareness. It is about listening to the body and trusting the quiet signals we often ignore. The heart has its own intelligence, but you can only hear it when you slow down.

Mo: Slowing down is hard for people. We say we want peace, but when things get quiet, discomfort shows up.

Laura: That is very true. Stillness can feel threatening because it removes distraction. When you stop moving, stop doing, and stop filling every moment, you start to feel what has been there all along. That might be grief, exhaustion, or unresolved emotion. But stillness is not the enemy. It is the doorway.

Mo: I love that you call it a doorway. It changes how people think about it.

Laura: Stillness is where the nervous system begins to settle. It is where clarity emerges. It does not have to mean sitting for an hour in meditation. It can be a few intentional breaths. It can be pausing before reacting. It can be checking in with yourself and asking, what do I need right now?

Mo: That question alone can be life changing.

Laura: Yes, because it brings you back into relationship with yourself. So many people have lost that connection. They override their bodies, their emotions, and their intuition every day without realizing it.

Mo: Forgiveness is another theme you explore that can bring up a lot for people. We touched on how challenging that can be.

Laura: Forgiveness is often misunderstood. People think it means condoning what happened or excusing harmful behaviour. That is not what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is about freeing yourself from carrying the weight of the past. When we hold onto resentment or guilt, it lives in the body. It affects our energy and our health.

Mo: And self-forgiveness can be even harder.

Laura: Absolutely. Many people are incredibly compassionate toward others but deeply critical of themselves. Learning to forgive yourself is an act of kindness. It allows you to soften and move forward without dragging old stories into the present moment.

Mo: Gratitude came up in such an honest way too. Not as something performative, but something embodied.

Laura: Gratitude is powerful because it shifts your state. When you are present and grateful in the moment, your energy changes. Your body responds differently. Gratitude brings you into now, and now is where peace exists.

Mo: That really stood out to me. This work is not about fixing yourself. It is about remembering yourself.

Laura: Exactly. You are not broken. You do not need to become someone else. Coming home to yourself is a practice of awareness, listening, and compassion. You return to it again and again.

Mo: This conversation felt like an invitation to slow down and reconnect, especially in a world that constantly pulls us outward.

Laura: That is my hope. That people remember they already have what they are looking for. It lives within them.

If you have been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or like you have lost touch with yourself, this episode offers gentle guidance and practical wisdom. It is a reminder that stillness, forgiveness, and gratitude are not lofty ideas. They are daily practices that can help you feel more at home in your own life.

You can listen to the full conversation here:
https://amomentwithmo.mohagan.com/2114715/episodes/17947116-finding-yourself-in-a-busy-world-with-laura-warf

Or watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/b64NuCoPFgM?si=FM9yxd8CUwv497vw