She wasn’t supposed to be in the game. It was game point, and UC Irvine’s volleyball team gave Linton a chance to step up. But walk-on freshman Caroline Linton’s number was called. Without time to warm up, she stepped in—and delivered. That single moment became her leadership blueprint: be ready when the moment calls, not just when it’s convenient.
That pressure to stay prepared wasn’t just about athletics. Years later, when an ACL tear left her sidelined with two young children at home, she again turned to that mindset. What seemed like a setback led to her recovery journey at Pure Barre—where she not only rebuilt her body, but discovered a brand she’d go on to lead as Chief Marketing Officer. She helped scale Pure Barre to 600+ studios and is now channeling that same resilience into her executive role at Perspire Sauna Studio.
But it’s not just about grit. Linton believes in leadership with warmth. She makes time to reflect every evening—asking what went well and what didn’t. She encourages her team to do the same, making space for both vulnerability and victory. Because great leadership isn’t just performance-driven—it’s deeply personal.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Her two-question nightly ritual that sharpens focus and fuels growth
- How to replace “cannot” with a growth mindset
- How to lead with warmth without lowering expectations
Resources:
- Connect with Caroline Linton on LinkedIn
- Find a Perspire Sauna Studio near you
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Greg Brenneman
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