September 5, 2025

Leader Lab Episode 3: Leading Through Chaos and Change with David Bergeron

In this episode of the LEAD3R Lab series, Dane Groeneveld sits down with David Bergeron, COO of EverybodyFights, a boxing, fitness, and wellness concept built on the spirit of grit and resilience.

David shares his journey of navigating the chaos of the pandemic to rebuilding EverybodyFights into a thriving, growing community through servant leadership and resilience. Dane and David dive into the role of story in shaping human connection, why being “seen, heard, and understood” unlocks team potential, and how leaders can balance importing stress while exporting civility. 

David then explains how he challenged outdated fitness industry norms – giving trainers a bigger cut, eliminating unnecessary fees, and creating flexible, people-first membership options. Beyond business strategy, he dives into leadership lessons from his own journey: navigating the transition from peer to leader, setting boundaries with kindness, amplifying team members’ strengths, and supporting employees’ personal and professional growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead through chaos, inspire loyalty, and build teams that fight for each other, this conversation is packed with insights you need.

Leadership Development Exercise: How Do You Lead3r?

Leadership, like any discipline, is strengthened through consistent practice. Just as physical training develops strength and resilience, reflective leadership exercises help build emotional intelligence, awareness of your natural response tendencies, and an understanding of healthy team dynamics.

This exercise is part of the ‘How Do You Lead3r?’ series – incorporating short, purposeful prompts designed to stretch your thinking around the topic of ‘leadership and teamwork’. 

You can complete the questions individually as a journaling activity or use them to spark a rich conversation with your team or peers. The goal is to reflect honestly, share generously, and develop practical insights you can carry into your everyday leadership practice.

Reflective Questions:

1. How do I show my team that no role or task is beneath me when times get tough?
2. When my team is in a high-pressure environment, how do I bring clarity and calm?
3. What tough situations have I led my team through, and how did those moments shape trust and connection?
4. When was the last time I admitted I didn’t have all the answers? How did that affect my team’s trust in me?
5. What small, consistent actions do I take to show my team they’re seen, heard, and valued every day?
6. How do I create space for my team to share honest feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear?
7. In what ways am I modeling adaptability and resilience for my team during times of change?

Next Steps:

Remember, there’s no ‘right or wrong’ answer – leadership is contextual and constantly evolving. The real value comes from engaging with the questions, staying curious, and listening to others’ perspectives.

For more bite-sized leadership development drills like this, explore the full ‘How Do You Lead3r?’ series at the Future of Teamwork Podcast. Each episode and exercise is designed to help you lead with greater intention, connection, and impact.

If you’re looking for a fuller development program – connect with our Team Effectiveness or Coaching specialists to learn more about your options.