Okiki Akinremi, who once competed at the World Championship Games with the Canadian National Track Team, wouldn’t call that the most memorable milestone of his career. Instead, unlocking the doors to his own personal fitness centre marks as his greatest achievement to date. With success and health at the helm, check out Okiki’s determination and inspiring story in this YED…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Owner and Fitness Director of Xplosion Fitness Resolutions in Scarborough. My job is to change people’s lives through improving their health and creating individualized fitness goals. At Xplosion Fitness, I train athletes and the general public.
Why did you start your company? What was the inspiration for this route?
I created Xplosion Fitness to give back to the track industry, which I competed in for 12 years. As an Olympic gold sprinter, I gained a plethora of knowledge to share with those also eager to become their best possible self. I am passionate about what I do, because it is about making a positive change in the lives of others.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
At the end of the day, I feel I’ve done my job when a client is happy. Seeing people get a step closer to their goals, with joy and the boost of confidence they gain is paramount. The most difficult part of what I do is dealing with those who easily lose focus and become discouraged very quickly.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself opening another fitness centre and reaching the Canadian masses with my own TV show focused on health and weight loss.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is the greatest accomplishment any human can achieve. At the beginning, success to me looks like an intimidating rocky road, and as time goes on it turns into a smooth road with and pleasant view in sight.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I know most people would think winning a gold medal in the Olympics would be my most memorable milestone, but it’s not. Although I enjoyed the experience, I would have to say starting my own business is most memorable. All the grunt work, opening the location and hiring everyone has been the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I would take owning a successful business over an Olympic gold any day.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You have to be very diligent if you want to achieve you goal. You have to mentally visualize your goal day in and day out, and from that your ideas will take shape.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
A business partner and I recently started a charity to feed malnourished citizens in my home country, Nigeria. Our goal is to build a facility that houses 100 needy, homeless children and adults and feed them 3 meals a day, every day, for as long as they need assistance.
What to you is notable?
Changing lives. Making a difference in the lives of everyone I meet.
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