# Building Zafir: Strategy, Passion, and Lessons with Gloria Trad - Link: https://joinin2.com/ar/building-zafir-strategy-passion-and-lessons-with-gloria-trad/ - Published: 2026-09-03T09:23:24+00:00 - Author: Georges Al Nouar ## Building Zafir: Strategy, Passion, and Lessons with Gloria Trad Episode 8 •​ Gloria Trad - 41 min In Episode 8 of the in2 Podcast, we sit down with Gloria Trad to explore the fascinating journey of Zafir. Gloria shares the highs, the challenges, and the strategic decisions that have shaped Zafir into what it is today. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or interested in the sports and wellness industry, Gloria’s insights into building a brand with purpose and resilience offer valuable lessons for any professional journey. ## Highlights Key takeaways from the conversation ##### The Origin Story of Zafir & it's Mission Gloria shares how a personal passion for Pilates evolved into a mission-driven business, creating a sanctuary for movement and community. ##### Navigating Growth & Overcoming Obstacles A deep dive into the challenges of scaling a business in a volatile environment and the resilience required to keep moving forward. ##### Gloria's Personal Mindset & Approach to Leadership Learn about the "why" behind the work: Gloria discusses the core values and mindset shifts that guide her leadership style. ##### Future Vision for Zafir & the Industry Gloria outlines what’s next for Zafir and how she aims to continue shaping the fitness industry with innovation and purpose. ## Timestamps Jump to the moments that matter **00:00** Introduction and Gloria’s early law studies in Lebanon **01:30** Moving to Sydney for Masters and discovering International Law **02:14** First encounter with Pilates in Australia and its impact **04:17** Returning to Lebanon and working with UNHCR **06:24** The birth of the "Zafir" idea during Lebanon's crisis **07:41** Building a community and breaking gender stereotypes in Pilates see all **09:40** Philosophy behind Zafir: Creating a space for everyone **11:48** Challenges of registering a business during an economic crisis **15:00** Growing Zafir from one reformer to multiple branches **18:40** Why the foundation of Pilates is essential for physical health **22:28** The importance of having a "reason to show up" every day **27:23** Continuous learning and obtaining international certifications **31:02** Using software (in2) to manage and scale the business **37:47** Final advice: Don't fear failure and build the right foundation **39:30** The power of community in Lebanon [⌊Podeo Emblem Logo⌉⌊Podeo Emblem Logo⌉[ #### 󠀁[Podeo](https://podeo.co/podcasts/id/24567)󠁿 Featured Platform [⌊Youtube Icon⌉⌊Youtube Icon⌉[ #### 󠀁[Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@joinin2)󠁿 Watch Video [⌊Spotify app logo⌉⌊Spotify app logo⌉[ #### 󠀁[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/4E12KXdpTYGCgNzS2d8VHU?si=bEmheylDRymbM3iqQ62SXw)󠁿 Listen Now [⌊Apple Podcasts Icon IOS⌉⌊Apple Podcasts Icon IOS⌉[ #### 󠀁[Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-in2-podcast/id1873033481)󠁿 Listen Now [⌊The Podcast Addict Logo⌉⌊The Podcast Addict Logo⌉[ #### 󠀁[Addict](https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/the-in2-podcast-sports-wellness-business-growth/6732496)󠁿 Listen Now [⌊Anghami Logo⌉⌊Anghami Logo⌉[ #### 󠀁[Anghami](https://open.anghami.com/661CGhawp2b)󠁿 Listen Now ## Other Podcasts [⌊Episode 10 - Why Ego Kills Business Growth⌉⌊Episode 10 - Why Ego Kills Business Growth⌉[ ##### 󠀁[Mindset, Culture & Scaling Teams: Inside the Journey with Ahmad1 min read](https://joinin2.com/ar/mindset-culture-scaling-teams-inside-the-journey-with-ahmad/)󠁿 32 min From nearly investing his savings into a local food kiosk to packing up and leading sales operations in Saudi Arabia, Ahmad shares the raw lessons learned through continuous self-improvement (Kaizen), embracing uncomfortable career pivots, killing ego in leadership, and embedding core company values that actually stick. [⌊the in2 podcast episode 9 Rodrigue Akl - Brainers⌉⌊the in2 podcast episode 9 Rodrigue Akl - Brainers⌉[ ##### 󠀁[Rodrigue Akl: Leadership, Discipline, and Scaling Sports Academies1 min read](https://joinin2.com/ar/rodrigue-akl-leadership-discipline-and-scaling-sports-academies/)󠁿 33 min We dive deep into athletic discipline, the core leadership values needed to run a sports organization, coaching philosophies that transform young athletes, and how modern management technology streamlines academy operations. 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