#096: CrossFit - CEO Don Faul (TYR Wodapalooza 2023 Series)

Constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. That’s CrossFit. Simple in definition. Complex in the way it’s changed the fitness industry. CrossFit’s not a sport. It’s a lifestyle that has dominated the way elite athletes train, all the while crowning the Fittest on Earth. 

Don Faul became the CEO of CrossFit last fall and at the tail end of his 120-day assessment, he sat down with Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff for a conversation live from the TYR Wodapalooza stage. Don shares his transition from Recon Marine to tech, to wearables, to fitness. 

They cover the fundamentals of the sport, how it has advanced the way we think about our health, how to become CrossFit certified, and Don’s vision for the CrossFit brand in 2023 and beyond. 

Follow Don Faul on Instagram at donfaul. Get involved with CrossFit at crossfit.com.

Follow Jessie Graff on Instagram and Facebook @jessiegraffpwr. 

Click here or use code JED for $10 off your first order of Modballs.

Read the full episode transcription on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. 

Highlights:

• 0:00 Welcome to Wodapalooza day 4
• 3:55 Lessons learned as a US Marine
• 7:40 Building careers at Google, Pinterest & Athos
• 10:22 Becoming the CrossFit CEO
• 13:50 CrossFit is for everyone
• 15:36 Qualifying as a CrossFit coach
• 17:54 CrossFit Fundamentals and scaling
• 21:35 CrossFit’s vision for 2023 and beyond
• 26:34 Building a strong and vibrant culture at CrossFit HQ
• 28:04 Achieving CrossFit Certifications
• 36:29 Don’s Three Daily Foundations For Success

Quotes: 

• “There are so many moments of inspiration that you get to see and feel first hand.” (3:07)
• “As a leader your job is actually to work for and support your people.” (6:04)
• “I walked into that workout and got absolutely humbled. I came in dead last in the workout.” (11:45)
• “Constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. That is CrossFit.” (17:16)
• “Any CrossFit workout can be adjusted to be performed by any athlete independent of their level of fitness or maybe mobility restrictions.” (19:15)
• “We can do more to strengthen that partnership and support our affiliate owners.” (24:24)
• “I think the higher level goal that we are all working in service of, is changing more lives.” (27:40)
• “In five years CrossFit is the largest force for health and performance globally.” (31:17)
• “There’s nothing that builds human connection than shared adversity and support through hard circumstances.” (33:30)

Don’s Three Daily Foundations For Success

• Set intention for the day
• Pack my gym bag for the next morning
• Sit down for dinner with my family

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s,  Rhone, Modballs, 18A Fitness & Compass Workforce Solutions