Connecting the Dots by The Collective

In this episode, we delve into the unique professional and personal journey of Shaherah and Mark—a powerhouse couple navigating leadership, healthcare, and life as a team. Shaherah shares her unconventional career path, from computer engineering to founding Research Lifecycle Solutions, a company focused on advancing life sciences. Mark reflects on his transformative journey, including overcoming a chronic illness and rising to healthcare leadership as the CEO of NashvilleHealth. The conversation explores the vital role of partnership, gender balance in leadership, and the need for diverse representation in the workplace. Shaherah and Mark candidly discuss how mutual support, shared values, and non-competitive collaboration have fueled their professional growth and strengthened their relationship. Listen in for practical insights on fostering teamwork at home and in the corporate world, breaking down barriers for women in leadership, and navigating the challenges of life as a blended family. Whether you're a leader, a partner, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful takeaways on building a life and career with purpose and balance.

Grace hosts Dr. Amy Bantham and Dr. Johann Iserthal in this episode, two leading voices in physical activity, youth sports, and public health. Together, they explore the critical challenge of physical inactivity among children and its long-term societal impact. They discuss the alarming statistics around physical literacy, including how 90% of children cannot perform fundamental movement skills like kicking or throwing and the systemic barriers contributing to this crisis. Amy shares insights from her extensive public health and advocacy career, emphasizing the importance of coalitions, public policy, and community-level interventions to address inactivity. Johann dives into the role of technology and science, highlighting his work with Move Ahead, a platform that uses computer vision and neuroscience to develop motor skills and engage kids in active screen time. The discussion touches on the pivotal role of teachers, healthcare providers, and parents in fostering physical literacy and the gender disparities influencing activity levels. They highlight the need for scalable, evidence-based solutions that empower communities and bridge gaps between research and practice. The episode concludes with reflections on leadership, practical advice for emerging professionals, and a call to action for collaborative efforts to redefine movement, engage young people, and create a healthier, more active society.

In this episode, Grace hosts Sara and Shaden, leaders in the fitness and wellness industry, to discuss their career journeys, cultural insights, and the evolving role of women in business, especially in Saudi Arabia. They share personal stories of resilience, career pivots, and the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the Middle East and beyond. The conversation highlights the importance of male allies, cultural exchange, and the significance of networking and mentorship in professional growth. The episode concludes with an invitation to the upcoming Beyond Activ event in Riyadh, designed to celebrate and connect women leaders globally.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, titled Unlocking Female Consumer Trends: Data Insights for the Fitness Industry, Grace McNamara hosts a dynamic conversation with Susanne de Schepper, co-founder and COO of The Collective, and Utku Toprakseven, a data-driven innovator in physical activity and health. Together, they explore how the fitness and wellness industry can better understand and serve female consumers. From actionable data insights on women’s participation post-COVID to the critical need for diversity at the leadership level, this episode unpacks the strategies and opportunities that can drive both social impact and business growth. Key questions answered in this episode include: How can the industry unlock female purchasing power through better data insights? What leadership lessons from sports can drive inclusivity and innovation in business? Why is understanding life-stage needs—like pregnancy, menopause, and healthy ageing—key to engaging female consumers? How can fitness operators embrace hybrid activity models to remain central to consumers’ lifestyles? Join the conversation as the guests highlight data-driven opportunities to connect physical activity with health outcomes and female leaders' critical role in shaping the industry's future.