Send Jackie A Message!

If you’re trying to grow your studio and keep hitting invisible walls—this episode explains why. Jackie Murphy breaks down the real thing that creates results in your business (and it’s not an Instagram strategy or another tactic). It’s your thinking.

In this Yoga Boss Vault episode, Jackie teaches the difference between the primitive brain (the part of you that’s wired for safety, efficiency, and avoiding risk) and the prefrontal cortex (the part of you that thinks like a CEO—strategic, logical, and action-oriented). You’ll learn how fear-based thoughts quietly run your decisions, why your brain acts like an “over-sensitive smoke alarm,” and the six common fears that show up for business owners—especially when marketing, selling, or investing.

Most importantly, Jackie shows you how to build the skill of expecting yourself to win—without delusional “positive thinking.” If you want sustainable growth, you have to learn to lead your mind first.

Timestamped Outline (approx)
[00:00] Why mindset creates results (not tactics)
[03:00] Primitive brain vs prefrontal cortex
[06:30] The “over-sensitive smoke alarm” analogy
[09:00] Six fears that derail your business
[18:30] Expectation as a CEO superpower
[22:00] “I can’t” → “How can I?”
[24:30] Why growth includes dips (roots + physics analogy)
[28:00] Weekly practice: where are your thoughts coming from?


Key Takeaways

• Your thoughts shape your decisions, actions, and results
• The primitive brain is wired for safety—not business growth
• Fear thoughts are often false alarms, not real problems
• CEO thinking comes from expectation + problem-solving
• Growth includes dips—and dips can accelerate your progress
• “How can I?” is a leadership skill you practice into identity
  
  

FAQ:
What part of the brain creates fear when I market or sell my studio?
Your primitive brain (often called the limbic system). It’s designed to keep you safe and avoid risk—so it creates fear-based thoughts when you try something new.

How do I know if a thought is from my primitive brain?
If it’s rooted in fear (rejection, disappointment, being wrong, being seen), it’s likely a false alarm—not a real business problem.

What is the prefrontal cortex and why does it matter for business owners?
It’s the part of your brain responsible for planning, problem-solving, and long-term thinking—the exact skills required to lead as a CEO.

Why do I freeze or procrastinate when I try to post or sell?
Because your nervous system is scanning for safety. When your primitive brain thinks visibility is risky, it tries to stop you through avoidance.

How do I shift from fear-based thinking to CEO thinking?
Practice noticing where the thought comes from, then intentionally move into questions like: “How can I?” and “What’s the next best step?”

Is expecting yourself to win just toxic positivity?
No. Jackie teaches expectation paired with action and realistic management of dips. It’s not “wishful thinking”—it’s leadership thinking.

Why does business growth feel up and down?
Because growth is nonlinear. Dips are part of the process—and often th

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

What does a profitable, well-run Black Friday sale actually look like for a yoga or Pilates studio?

In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy breaks down how one of her private coaching clients generated $81,605 in revenue over Black Friday weekend — without chaos, burnout, or massive ad spend.

Jackie walks through the exact strategy behind the sale, including why repeating proven campaigns matters more than reinventing them, how omnichannel marketing drives conversions, and how paid ads can support organic marketing instead of replacing it. She also explains why Black Friday success starts months earlier, how nurturing your community impacts high-ticket purchases like annual memberships, and what data-driven decision making looks like in real life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether big sales weekends are possible for boutique studios — or how to run them sustainably — this episode gives you a clear, grounded roadmap.

Timestamped Outline

• [00:00] Welcome + episode context
• [02:30] The $81,605 Black Friday overview
• [05:30] Why repeating campaigns beats changing everything
• [08:00] Omnichannel marketing: being “everywhere”
• [11:30] Building a waitlist before Black Friday
• [15:00] Email + SMS strategy during Black Friday
• [18:30] Using ads to support organic marketing
• [21:00] The $226 ad spend breakdown + ROAS
• [25:00] Top/middle/bottom funnel ads explained
• [28:30] Why consistency with ads matters
• [31:00] Longer buyer journeys + community nurturing
• [34:00] Setting big goals without attachment
• [37:00] Why this was sustainable (even with a newborn)
• [40:00] CTA: Studio CEO Program

Key Takeaways ✅

✔ Sustainable profit comes from repeating what works
✔ Black Friday success starts weeks (and months) earlier
✔ Omnichannel marketing increases conversion
✔ Ads should support — not replace — organic marketing
✔ You don’t need massive ad spend for strong results
✔ Longer buyer journeys require ongoing nurturing
✔ Big goals work when you detach emotion from outcomes

Pull Quotes

“Change less. Evaluate more. Repeat.”
“Black Friday doesn’t start on Black Friday.”
“Omnichannel marketing makes it easier for people to buy.”
“You don’t need a massive ad spend — you need alignment.”
“Sustainable profit is built year over year.”

FAQ

How can a yoga or Pilates studio have a successful Black Friday sale?
By planning early, repeating proven campaigns, building a waitlist, and using omnichannel marketing with strategic ads.

Do studios need to spend a lot on ads for Black Friday?
No. Ads work best when they support strong organic marketing and community nurturing.

What types of offers work best on Black Friday?
Warm-audience offers like annual memberships, class packs, and loyalty-based promotions.

Why is consistency important for paid ads?
Consistent ads help platforms gather data, improve targeting, and increase results over time.

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

What’s actually changing in the yoga and Pilates industry in 2026 — and what do studio owners need to do to keep growing without burning out?

In this episode, Jackie Murphy shares her 2026 predictions for the yoga and Pilates industry through the lens of data, consumer behavior, marketing trends, and business sustainability. You’ll learn why industry growth means more competition (and why that’s not a bad thing), how consumers are becoming smarter and more values-driven, and why generic marketing is officially dead.

Jackie also explains why organic marketing alone won’t be enough in 2026, how AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is changing visibility on Google and AI tools, and why coaching and business education are becoming non-negotiable for studio owners who want predictable cash flow and long-term sustainability.

If you want to scale your studio with clarity, stronger messaging, better marketing, and a business model that lasts, this episode will give you a roadmap.

Timestamped Outline

• [00:00] Welcome + why this episode matters
• [02:30] Industry growth data + what it means
• [05:00] More competition = need clearer messaging
• [07:00] Smarter, more values-driven consumers
• [09:00] People scrolling less + why content must improve
• [11:00] Why organic alone won’t cut it (paid ads + amplification)
• [13:00] AEO / Answer Engine Optimization + visibility shifts
• [15:00] Coaching becomes non-negotiable in the industry
• [20:00] Sustainability + predictable cash flow becomes the priority
• [22:30] Using data deeper: longer nurture journeys + conversion
• [26:00] Team structure evolves: specialized roles, not “one studio manager”
• [30:00] Teacher pipeline + onboarding systems / trainings
• [32:00] CTA: Studio CEO Program + what’s included

Key Takeaways

• ✅ The industry is growing fast — which means more options for consumers
• ✅ Generic “yoga has benefits” marketing won’t stand out anymore
• ✅ Consumers are smarter and more values-driven
• ✅ People are scrolling less → your content must earn attention fast
• ✅ Organic marketing alone won’t be enough; amplify what works with paid ads
• ✅ AEO matters as AI answers replace traditional searches
• ✅ Coaching/business education is becoming a baseline requirement
• ✅ Sustainability and predictable cash flow beat “big jumps” in 2026
• ✅ Team roles will specialize (marketing, teacher development, ops)
• ✅ Studios must strengthen teacher pipelines and onboarding systems

Pull Quotes

• “You are so far past generic marketing.”
• “Your consumer is smarter.”
• “Coaching is going to become non-negotiable.”
• “If you want to be part of the growth… you have to be around in 2035.”
• “Get off the roller coaster.”

Resources Mentioned

• Studio CEO Program (12 months)
• Weekly coaching calls + written coaching
• Weekly trending reels (hook + caption + training)
• Bonus workshops (including AEO/AIO workshop)

Related Episodes

• Episode on AI + studios
• Episode on coaching

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy explains the three financial goals every yoga and Pilates studio owner needs to set for 2026: profit, salary, and revenue. Learn how to work backwards from the life you want, track your numbers monthly, and build a studio business that is profitable, sustainable, and supportive — not draining.

Key Takeaways

✔ Profit creates sustainability
✔ Salary is non-negotiable
✔ Revenue funds growth
✔ Monthly tracking matters
✔ Goals should stretch your identity

FAQs

What financial goals should a studio owner set?
Profit, salary, and revenue — in that order.

How much profit should a yoga or Pilates studio make?
10–30% depending on the stage of business.

Should studio owners pay themselves a salary?
Yes. Consistently and intentionally.

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

AI is changing the fitness, wellness, yoga, and Pilates industries fast — but most studio owners are unsure how to actually use it without hurting their business.

In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy breaks down how to use AI in your yoga or Pilates studio the right way — and where automation can quietly cost you revenue, retention, and trust. Jackie explains why AI should be treated like a team member with a specific role, not a replacement for leadership, coaching, or human connection.

You’ll learn where AI saves time, where it becomes risky, and why misusing AI in cancellations, sales conversations, and brand voice can damage long-term growth. This episode also covers how AI fits into studio software, marketing, admin systems, and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) — and why human judgment still matters more than ever.

If you’re a studio owner wondering how to stay relevant, profitable, and human in 2026 and beyond, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.

Timestamped Outline

• [00:00] Why this episode exists + industry fear around AI
• [03:00] Will AI replace coaches and studio owners?
• [06:00] Thinking about AI as a team member
• [08:00] Where AI goes wrong in marketing and brand voice
• [11:30] Why AI should edit, not write your content
• [15:30] Speed-to-lead and automated responses (done right)
• [18:30] Why AI should NOT handle cancellations or refunds
• [21:30] Objections, retention, and human conversations
• [24:00] Using AI for SOPs, systems, and organization
• [27:30] The rule studio owners must remember about AI
• [28:45] Final thoughts on humanity, leadership, and growth

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy sits down with Master Certified Life Coach Katie Pulsifer to explore why mindset is the real ceiling on business growth. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still can’t scale without stress, this conversation will show you why coaching is the missing skill.

You’ll learn how coaching improves leadership, decision-making, nervous system regulation, and team management — and why you can’t outwork beliefs that quietly work against you. This episode is essential listening for yoga and Pilates studio owners who want sustainable success without burnout.

Key Takeaways

✔ You can’t scale past your own thinking
✔ Coaching expands what you can see and choose
✔ Leadership improves when curiosity replaces control
✔ Belief follows action, not the other way around
✔ Sustainable growth starts internally

FAQs

Why is coaching important for business owners?
Because it improves decision-making, leadership, and sustainability by addressing mindset.

How does coaching help with burnout?
By regulating the nervous system and reducing urgency-based decisions.

Is coaching useful for studio owners?
Yes — especially for team leadership, clarity, and growth.

Connect with Katie: https://www.katiepulsifercoaching.com/

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy sits down with Julian Barnes, CEO of BFS Network, to unpack real data on studio profitability. Drawing from the most comprehensive State of the Industry report to date, this conversation reveals why most yoga studios remain stuck at 1–9% profit — while Pilates studios are far more likely to exceed 20%.

You’ll learn the structural differences that drive profitability, why pricing isn’t the real issue, how two new members per month can dramatically increase profit, and what systems actually matter for sustainable growth. This episode is essential listening for yoga and Pilates studio owners who want clarity, benchmarks, and a realistic path forward without burnout.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Welcome + guest introduction
  
  
• [07:00] Industry data overview
  
  
• [13:00] Profitability benchmarks explained
  
  
• [18:30] Yoga vs Pilates profitability
  
  
• [24:00] Pricing myths
  
  
• [30:50] Two-member profit math
  
  
• [38:00] Business model differences
  
  
• [47:00] Intro offers + FER framework
  
  
• [55:00] How to assess your studio
  
  

Key Takeaways

✔ Most studios aren’t profitable — and that’s not personal
✔ Pilates studios benefit from built-in scarcity
✔ Profit comes from systems, not hustle
✔ Pricing reflects positioning
✔ Two new members per month can change everything

Quotes

• “This isn’t a hobby. It’s a business.”
  
  
• “Your town isn’t the problem.”
  
  
• “The offer isn’t broken — the process is.”
  
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• BFS Assessment
  
  
• BFS Pilates Report
  
  
• Studio CEO Program
  
  
• Grow Mastermind
  
  
  

FAQ

Why are Pilates studios more profitable than yoga studios?
Because of lower rent, smaller teams, and built-in scarcity.

What is a healthy profit margin for a studio?
10–20% after paying the owner is considered strong.

Do intro offers matter?
The process behind them matters more than the offer itself.

yoga business, Pilates studio, studio profitability, boutique fitness, studio CEO, pricing strategy, fitness business data

Links:

BFS Pilates Report: https://report.bfsnetwork.com/2024-pilates-report

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

Send Jackie A Message!

Is your team constantly bringing you problems instead of solutions? Do you find yourself answering "What should I do?" multiple times a day? If so, you've accidentally trained your team to stay dependent on you—and now you're the bottleneck to your own growth.

In this episode, we'll break down the "Incomplete Tasks / Bring-Me-Problems" employee pattern and show you exactly how to fix it through better leadership, not harder work.

You'll learn:

• The 3 studio-specific examples that show you have this problem (unfilled sub requests, upset members, incomplete strategies)
• Why your team doesn't even know they're doing this (and how to illuminate the pattern without shame)
• The exact script to re-establish expectations around 100% ownership vs. 60% completion
• The 3-part ownership framework to teach your team how to own tasks from start to finish
• How to coach instead of correct (and why solving problems for your team keeps them dependent)
• The difference between assignment mode and ownership mode—and how to help your team make the shift
• When and how to close the loop with accountability (without micromanaging)

This episode is for yoga and Pilates studio owners, boutique fitness business owners, and any entrepreneur managing a team who wants to scale without being the constant problem solver.

Listen now to learn how to build a team of leaders who bring you outcomes, not problems.

Work with Jackie Murphy

• Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial
• 3 Marketing Mistakes Yoga & Pilates Business Owners Make:
  https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes
• Join The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo