In this podcast episode, Matt Burns and Alim Dhanji discuss the complex dynamics of leadership and organizational transformation. They delve into Alim's experiences at Adidas and Equinox, highlighting the importance of strategic HR initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and the integration of personal wellness in professional settings. The conversation highlights the evolving role of HR towards enhancing human performance, the impact of mental health on employee well-being, and the need for a culture that fosters innovation and psychological safety.
About the Speaker
Alim leads People & Culture at the Equinox Group, a global luxury lifestyle collective of fitness clubs, SoulCycle, Blink Fitness, and Hotels, focusing on creating high-performance teams and legendary consumer experiences.
Previously, Alim was President of Adidas Canada, responsible for revenue, profit, and brand development. With over 25 years of international experience in HR, M&A, General Management, and Operations, he is known for driving transformational change, building leadership capacity, and delivering operational excellence.
Alim's commitment to DEI and community building has earned him recognition as a top LGBT+ leader by Yahoo Finance, the Financial Times, and Attitude Magazine. He is also an Advisor to the CEO of Project Healthy Minds.
Alim is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Connect with Alim on Linkedin
Show Notes:
(2:50) Matt Burns and Alim address the challenges of navigating eccentric personalities and complex dynamics within the workplace.
(9:50) The conversation transitions to Alim's experience of moving from Senior HR to CEO of the company.
(15:35) Matt Burns seeks insights on how Alim has layered R&R based on performance in this tough environment.
(18:14) They discuss how Alim has built a perfect work-life balance among his employees.
(19:58) Alim reveals his motivation for switching between companies.
