Leap Academy Podcast · Episode 107 · May 22, 2025
Brian Keane
From School Teacher to Fitness Icon: What I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Job
Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic.
Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts.
In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness
(09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions
(12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career
(18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills
(23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success
(30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits
(35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused
(43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges
(52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience
(1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action
Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Connect with Brian:
Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com
Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness
Resources Mentioned:
Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525
Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3
Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Leap Academy:
Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.
Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/trainingRead more ↓Show less ↑
Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic.
Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts.
In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness
(09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions
(12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career
(18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills
(23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success
(30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits
(35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused
(43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges
(52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience
(1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action
Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Connect with Brian:
Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com
Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness
Resources Mentioned:
Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525
Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3
Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Leap Academy:
Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.
Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
68 minutes
Leap PodcastBrian KeaneFrom School Teacher to Fitness Icon: What I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Job
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About Leap Academy
Where ambitious professionals leap to their next chapter.
Founded by Ilana Golan — Forbes contributor, board director, investor in 100+ companies, and former F-16 flight instructor commander — Leap Academy has helped 70,000 people across 4 continents reinvent their careers and build lasting reputations.
- American Business Awards Startup of the Year, 2023
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company
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Ilana Golan
Hosts every episode. Has guided thousands of professionals through career reinventions, leadership leaps, and brand building.
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