Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Ciccone.
Madison, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story is pretty long and winding but the short Judy Blume type novel of it is I worked for a long time in California in the Entertainment Industry. Like many fitness and lifestyle colleagues of mine, I just wanted more for myself so I ditched the Red Carpet perks for some Lulu’s and spin shoes and the rest is really history. I started as a Studio Manager for SoulCycle until I worked up the courage to audition to be an instructor. Went through training and did the whole deal in NYC and then ended up getting placed here in Boston.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
SMOOTH ROAD?
NEVER.
And like I often say in class, “If it’s easy, I don’t want it!”
I struggled immensely and still struggle. FEAR is a huge hindrance for most, myself included, and I always really felt that when taking big leaps from Nashville to Hollywood, to NYC, to Boston. The FEAR is always going to be present when making huge life decisions and rocking the boat a little but honestly, if you are not TRULY HAPPY waking up every day then it’s time to abandon that ship and let it sail.
Best advice. RELAX. You are not going to starve and you are certainly not going to become homeless. I remember one of my older colleagues said that to me when I was having a major freak out over something I can’t even remember now. I was like “WOW” seriously!
Don’t play worst case scenario. Future trip where you WANT to land. Turn the “What if this doesn’t work out?” into “What if this all works out for the better!”
There is NO CLEAR STRAIGHT PATH! The sooner you abandon what you THINK it’s going to all look like the better because I can assure you there are going to be some wild winding roads and curveballs in there that you have not planned for. I was let go from countless Ad Agencies in LA because accounts were failing for something that I THOUGHT I could control or thought I NEEDED TO FIX EVERYTHING or THIS IS ALL MY FAULT. I cried and cried and cried and you know what? Looking back, I could not be more grateful because if not I could very well still be shlepping to that misery of working 18 hour days for zero money and people who do not care about my wellbeing.
Know your worth and take zero discounts!
Waves will come. Some waves will be bigger than others. Some waves are going to be so big you’re going to think “How can I possibly survive this and not drown?”
BREATHE. RIDE IT OUT. EVERYTHING WORKS OUT AS IT SHOULD.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with S0ulCycle – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I teach SoulCycle full time in Boston and sometimes Yoga for one-off events and special occasions!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I don’t feel like this applies to SoulCycle because we break barriers. I can say for certain that Soulcycle is one of the most dynamic and diverse companies out there.
Contact Info:
- Email: cicconerose@gmail.com
- Instagram: MaddzTaddz
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
