#231 The Business of Yoga: Leadership, Marketing, Pricing & Growth with Bruce Barkus

What does it take to build a successful yoga business while staying true to your values?

In this episode, Kino MacGregor sits down with business leader and longtime mentor Bruce Barkus to explore the intersection of yoga, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. Drawing on decades of executive experience leading global companies and years of dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practice, Bruce shares practical insights for yoga teachers, studio owners, and wellness entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses.

Together, Kino and Bruce discuss the realities of running a yoga business, from creating business plans and understanding financial metrics to building strong teams, developing company culture, and making strategic decisions for long-term growth. They also reflect on the lessons learned through Miami Life Center and Omstars, and the importance of balancing authentic practice with the demands of business ownership.

In this episode:

Why yoga teachers need to think like business owners

The importance of business plans, KPIs, and financial awareness

Common blind spots that hold yoga businesses back

Building community before opening your doors

Leadership lessons from both yoga and business

How to hire the right people and create a values-based culture

Balancing service, purpose, and profitability

Marketing, growth, and sustainable business practices