Season 3, episode 17 is here!

In this episode, I sit down with my old school friend Stuart Thompson, who now runs a long-standing gym here in Northern Ireland.

We talk about what it really takes to build a business over nearly a decade - not just systems and social media, but relationships, energy, and knowing your limits. We also cover fitness, creativity, confidence, and turning up consistently even when no one’s watching.

This is an honest, practical, and surprisingly relevant chat, whether you run a gym, write online, or are just trying to build something for the long haul.

What we covered:

- How Stuart’s gym actually started

- The underrated power of handwritten notes

- Why not growing up sporty helped nurture Stuart’s story

- Why confidence comes from reps (in fitness and in writing)

- What it’s like running a people business as an introvert

- Why asking for reviews is awkward but necessary

- Why sticking around matters

Make sure to check out Cross Functional Fitness before you go!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

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