Manager in Focus

Meet Mark Di Sotto, a seasoned professional whose journey from the British Royal Air Force to the fitness industry reflects his unwavering commitment to discipline, leadership, and personal growth. As a former military personnel turned General Manager, Mark's career trajectory is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for fitness. In this interview, Mark shares insights into his career evolution, the challenges he's overcome, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Timeline of Your Career:

I began my career in the British Royal Air Force, which further developed my passion for physical fitness and discipline. After my service, I entered the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and progressed through roles such as Head of Fitness and Health, Fitness & Nutrition Lecturer & Assessor. I am now a General Manager, where I oversee all daily operations, business development, while developing and lead high-performance teams, and enhance operational efficiency.

How did you start out in the fitness industry?

After my time in the British Military, where physical training was integral to my role, it was a natural transition for me to move into the fitness industry. I was keen to continue following my passion and utilizing my skills in discipline and leadership, so being Personal Trainer was a perfect fit, giving me a new career that I knew I could grow and excel in.

What was your biggest challenge through your career?

Adapting my leadership style from a military environment to a civilian was a significant challenge. Shifting from a command-based approach to a more motivational and empathetic style. This was crucial to effectively meet the diverse needs of both clients and staff.

What personal skill has been the most useful in your day-to-day role?

Perseverance has been very important both in my professional and personal life. From staying consistent and pushing through workouts to overcoming business obstacles, the ability to stay focused and persist through challenges has been essential for my success and that of my Team.

How has REPs impacted your journey?

REPs UAE has played an important part in my professional development by setting industry standards that created the need for globally recognized certifications in the UAE. This has allowed me to keep learning and developing. REPs commitment to high standards and ethics in the fitness industry aligns with my own values, ensuring the fitness industry remains credible and safe.

Do you have time to keep fit? If so, what is your workout and nutrition regime?

Fitness is a vital part of my daily routine. My training is focused on high intensity training, as I often have limited time with family and work, mixing in strength and cardiovascular training, but having recently recovered from injuries, I make sure that my form is always on point. For nutrition, I do intermit fasting, with my meals focused on a high-protein, and helps prevents the carving to snack throughout the day.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to be in a leadership role?

Leadership is all about inspiring and empowering others. My advice would be to lead by example—stay committed, maintain integrity, and genuinely support the development and well-being of your Team. Effective leaders are those who can guide others to achieve more than they think is possible.

Mark's journey exemplifies perseverance and adaptability, key traits for aspiring leaders. With dedication to excellence and a focus on fitness and leadership, he continues to make a lasting impact, embodying the ethos of leadership through service and dedication.

A huge thank you to Mark for taking the time to share his story with us, you are a true inspiration!