With an interest in training and the growing sports and fitness community, Timothy Felix started a training and fitness service and hasn’t looked back since.
What’s your story?
I got into training people at a very young age. I was always interested in training. So when it was time to decide what to do with my life I started training a few friends as clients. From there an opportunity came to join a partnership and I took it. After a couple of years, I decided it was then best to go my own way.
I started a personal training company, which has grown into a multi-faceted sports and fitness service. I still work face to face with my clients as they have entrusted me with their well being and it also keeps me grounded.
What excites you most about your industry?
The industry in itself is so wide and young. There as so many sectors where you can provide sports and fitness services. The basic fact that leading a fit and healthy lifestyle is beneficial for all, coupled with the constant innovation from all over the world and the growing communities of sports and fitness enthusiasts, keeps it very interesting and fun to be a part of.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Being born in Singapore and living here my whole life would be my first connection. And, being educated here and setting up shop in Singapore keeps me deeply connected.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore would currently rate as my favourite city to do business. I’m being a little biased. The ease of setting up a business. New and open opportunities. English being the main language, allowing for easy communication.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Yoda hit the nail on the head when he said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” That was an epiphany for me. You either believe it’ll work or you’re full of doubt. That’s pretty much what I drive myself and co-workers on.
Who inspires you?
I’ve met many wonderful people in my life who have had achievements that have far exceeded mine. It’s hard to nail it down to one person. However, I am always inspired by those who have stuck to their gut instinct, kept their heads down and pushed through to achieve whatever they set out to.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Jeff Bezos did a college graduation speech in 2010. In it he told a story about him and his grandma. The essence of it is, ‘it is easier to be clever than kind.’ It inspired one of those moments when you stop and realise what being human is all about.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Well the only real thing I wished I did was learn how to play a musical instrument.
How do you unwind?
There are quite a few things I like to do, working out is still one of them, along with looking at art, catching movies and very importantly meeting up with friends and family.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Boracay, it’s a beautiful place, great to just relax and get away from everything with clean and beautiful beaches. It has good food and it’s safe although it’s a little troublesome to get to.
Everyone in business should read this book:
‘How to win friends and influence people.’ This was probably one of the first books I read when I was starting out. It covers the basic fundamentals of human connections.
Shameless plug for your business:
There isn’t a person I can’t help to get better.
How can people connect with you?
Through our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/activefitnesssg or our website at www.activefitness.com.sg
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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