Namita Nayyar:
Transitioning from a physical studio to an entirely online business can be bittersweet. What was the most challenging part of that transition, and what has been the most unexpected reward?
Cathy Madeo:
Leaving a studio I built from demo to thriving and the members who built the community was definitely hard, but in my heart I knew my future was online. Being able to have an impact across the globe and reach so many students beyond what a physical space can contain is an indescribable feeling.
Namita Nayyar:
You’ve shared some funny classroom moments on podcasts. How do you maintain your sense of humor and humanity amidst the demands of running a global business?
Cathy Madeo:
Teaching and practicing yoga for decades has brought lightness to it and taught me not to take myself so seriously. I love to laugh and find humor in the small moments. It’s the one thing people say they are the most surprised by when they meet me.
Namita Nayyar:
Cathy Madeo Yoga’s mission is to “transform lives through the practice of yoga.” What does that transformation look like for your students, and how do you measure success beyond the business metrics?
Cathy Madeo:
Students share, both during the training and beyond, how much the training has impacted not just their practice and/or teaching but their day-to-day lives and interactions with others. They’ve told me things like, “My daughter told me I seemed more calm”, or “I finally felt like I was listening to my partner”, or “this gave me the confidence to leave my job I feel stuck in.” Teachers gain confidence and skills to open yoga studios, or build a brand online. I measure success beyond metrics in the emails, DMs, and voice notes I receive from alumni who share their wins with me. The fact that they reach out to update me tells me they attribute the training to a part of their success.
Namita Nayyar:
Looking ahead, what’s next for Cathy Madeo Yoga? Are there new courses, directions, or dreams you are excited to pursue, and how do you see the online yoga space evolving?
Cathy Madeo:
This year, I launched the Cathy Madeo Yoga Lead Trainer Program, where 6 of my alumni are apprenticing with me for a year and then leading their own 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2027 under my brand. This is a huge step for my business and will allow me to scale my yoga teacher training, so I am so excited about that. I’ve also signed my first book deal with Human Kinetics; 100 Best Yoga Sequences will be available in stores and online in 2028.
The online yoga space is here to stay. I think more yoga teachers will opt to create their own brand, just like I did. I hope to continue to show them what’s possible on their own journey.
Learn more www.cathymadeoyoga.com and on Instagram @cathymadeoyoga
Photo Credits:
Photographer: Irving Martinez https://lookitsirving.com/
wardrobe credit: Vix Paula Hermanny https://www.vixpaulahermanny.com/
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
