Building a Business with a Beat: Leadership Lessons from Jazzercise: An Empire Built on Passion, Purpose, and Heart

by Judi Sheppard Missett

Transform your passion into a profitable business - with the help of the legendary entrepreneur who turned an innovative idea into a $100 million global powerhouse.

Judi Sheppard Missett is a fitness icon who, at just three years old, discovered a passion for dance that would eventually fuel a global dance fitness empire. After an early life spent honing her dancing skills and a career as a professional jazz dancer, Judi had an Why not combine the art of jazz dancing with the science of exercise to help others achieve a healthier, happier self-image and life? The wildly enthusiastic response from her first 15 students inspired her to launch Jazzercise, Inc., the world's leading dance fitness program with a cumulative two billion dollars in global sales.

In Building a Business with Beat, Judi reveals for the first time the secrets behind the company's five decades of enormous success. In addition to helping millions of men and women improve their health and well-being through the fun and fitness of dance, Judi has inspired 8,500 franchisees to achieve their dream of owning and running their own business. Now, through powerful personal stories, practical proven-successful advice, and insights, Judi shares how you, too, can transform your passion into a profitable business.

This inspirational guide will teach you how



Create a successful business by discovering and defining your larger purpose Use your unique perspectives and abilities to enhance the lives of others Deftly handle everyday obstacles and unplanned events Develop an open mindset and embrace innovation and new possibilities Inspire your staff to connect to a purpose greater than day-to-day work And more Filled with helpful tips, smart strategies, and no-nonsense advice, this book is essential for anyone who has ever dreamed of creating a thriving, purpose-driven business. The author is living proof that when you're doing what you love, it may not seem like work at all.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

First published June 25, 2019

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jazzercise is a great program that has been around for 50 years. It has evolved and is always a Fun & great workout. We do cardio and strength training which is always choreography expertly to popular music changing every 10 weeks to keep your workouts fresh and fun! I have been an instructor for 24 years and I just love everything about the program. Judi is a true inspiration. #50YearsStrong #Jazzercise

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the history of this organization straight from the founder. Judi created dance fitness as we know it, and Jazzercise is still flourishing today - 50 years later. I've heard some interesting bits and pieces from my instructors over the years (I've been Jazzercising for more than 5 years now) so I was dying to know more about Judi.
This is a biography and a business book at the same time. Entrepreneurs in any field would find it helpful and inspiring. Thank you to Judi for opening up personally and also for putting your wisdom out there for all to utilize. You are in a inspiration!
For the 2019 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge
A business book

[Yvette Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often reach for biographies but this one by Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett had a special interest for me. Judi was a professional dancer who just wanted to teach women how to dance. When women dropped out of her dance classes, she contacted them all and asked them why. They told her they didn't want to be professional dancers, they just wanted to get fit and LOOK like professional dancers. And so Judi came up with the first dance fitness program, over 50 years ago. Judi is still teaching lo Jazzercise classes at 77yo and very involved in the business which is now being run by her daughter, who is herself an inspiring instructor and choreographer. I love Jazzercise, and being an instructor. Honestly, I wish they'd change the name because I hate the legwarmer and leotard comments and we are soooo far beyond that now, but the name is here to stay, and Jazzercise is amazing. 😍

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Jazzerciser, then you will love this book! If you are a company leader or entrepreneur, then you will appreciate Judi's business advice. She traces her journey from being a toddler who loved to dance to being the CEO of a dance fitness behemoth with 8,500 franchises. It is fascinating to learn the details of how she developed Jazzercise. Turning the class away from the mirror? Brilliant. Changing instructors from contract workers to franchise owners? Empowering. Recognizing attendance goals? Motivating. It seems like every page reveals another nugget, something to share with my friends at our next Jazzercise class. 

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been inspired by Judi's vision and work. It was fun to read about her life and the thought process behind her decisions. I love how she is always so "present" even though many only associate her business, Jazzercise, with the 80's. She has been incredibly successful at every step along the way, even now.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a Jazzercise Insructor for many, many years. Reading this book gave me a behind the scenes glimpse into what I did and didn’t already know. It also reinforced my why, Judi is a wonderful example of leading by example. Her heart and passion trickle down from the top. Well written, well received.

[Sarah Sharits · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very easy read and is best for Jazzercise enthusiasts or business owners (ideally in the dance or fitness industries). I could see it being used in lower level business courses as an alternative to a textbook.

I wanted it to be more colorful in description and story, but felt it was more surface-level and contrived.

[Eva Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judi is an inspiration to me as a fitness professional, entrepreneur and Jazzercise instructor. I can't wait to put my next set together, realizing that I'm so inspired by this amazing legacy. Here's to 50 more years!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[Laura Hoskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful lady!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book; told how Jazzercise got started and continued to be successful over the years; many personal stories from Judy’s life and her goals over the years.