From launching a gym franchise with zero capital to building a $400 million business with over 425 locations, Jacinta McDonell’s story is one of resilience, vision, and personal growth.
Speaking on stage at the February 2025 Business Blueprint conference, Jacinta explained that, “It is my absolute firm belief that every human being has a unique gift. I also believe it is our lifelong work to figure out what that is and how we can express it into the world.”
Jacinta’s leadership lessons extend beyond business strategies—they are deeply personal, shaped by both successes and setbacks. Take a look at her insights for those who own businesses or guide others at any level.
1. Leadership Through Experience
Jacinta’s path to leadership wasn’t conventional. She and her brother entered the fitness industry early, learning through hands-on experience. They built and sold gyms, worked in franchising, and took a bold leap into launching Anytime Fitness in Australia.
Despite skepticism from industry experts, they persisted. “We were told it wouldn’t work, that we’d fail, that it was a bad idea,” she recalls. Yet, they understood changing consumer needs—affordable, 24/7 gyms—and trusted their instincts. Their belief in the model led them to secure the rights to Anytime Fitness after months of negotiations.
“I laugh about this ‘overnight success’ term… Anytime Fitness started in 2008, but my apprenticeship into it started in 1992.” – Jacinta MacDonnell
The Power of Mindset and Self-Awareness
For Jacinta, leadership isn’t just about business acumen—it’s about mindset. She credits yoga and meditation for sharpening her self-awareness, helping her regulate emotions and make clearer decisions.
She explains, “Your role as a leader is to be able to discern what is innately true for you. Your unique leadership is built from all your life experiences.”
This self-awareness allows leaders to stay present, make sound decisions, and guide teams effectively. She believes strong leaders observe themselves and others, ensuring they don’t let frustration or ego cloud their judgment.
3. Leading with Purpose
Beyond business, Jacinta is passionate about social impact. Her involvement with The Hunger Project introduced her to a leadership model built on empowerment. She learned that real change starts with shifting limiting beliefs—whether in poverty-stricken communities or boardrooms.
Jacinta challenges leaders to examine their own mindset: “We don’t have generational poverty, but we are conditioned to believe in scarcity—‘I don’t have enough time, I’m too old, I can’t do this.’ What limiting beliefs are holding you back?”
4. Courage and Vision
Jacinta believes true leadership requires courage—making decisions that may feel uncomfortable but are aligned with one’s deeper purpose. She encourages leaders to tap into their intuition, recognising that the right path often feels daunting.
Her story of taking a financial risk to launch Anytime Fitness, despite naysayers, is proof of this philosophy. “If a vision does not threaten or stretch you, maybe it’s not a vision at all.”
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