Every leader faces pressure, but few understand it like Danny Kennedy. The ex-professional boxer turned Founder of BoxSmart has built his business on a simple but powerful belief: “We can’t all be champions, but we can all train like one.”

In this conversation with The CEO Magazine, Kennedy shares the highs and lows of his journey, the importance of community, and why he believes resilience and wellbeing are as essential in business leadership as they are in the ring.

Take us back to the beginning. What first drew you into the world of boxing, and what role did sport play in shaping your character growing up?

I grew up on a large council estate in Jersey in the Channel Islands, where sport and mates were everything. Trouble was never far away, but stepping into the local boxing gym changed me. My mates came with me at first, but eventually, they drifted away. But I was hooked. I remember staring at the ring, hungry for my chance – even if it meant repeating the same drills over and over.

What were the biggest highs and lows of your professional boxing career, and what did those moments teach you about resilience?

Winning the New South Wales title, building a strong amateur record and turning professional were incredible highs. The toughest lows – losing a world-ranking fight due to a cut and competing after my mother passed – taught me resilience. Boxing showed me that setbacks demand composure, perseverance and unwavering commitment – and it’s the same in business.

Moving from the United Kingdom to Australia, how did that transition influence you both personally and professionally?

Moving from Jersey to Australia was life-changing. I left old habits behind, stopped drinking and committed to a healthier lifestyle. That discipline carried into my boxing, and I turned professional. The transition reshaped me personally and professionally, proving change can be the catalyst for growth and opportunity.

What sparked the idea for BoxSmart, and how did you go from being a professional athlete to an entrepreneur?

BoxSmart started with me doing personal training and corporate sessions. Then we eventually secured our own space, adding a kids’ and teens’ program – and tackling the old cliche of kids glued to screens.

The business has been growing organically but with purpose; built on structure, discipline and the same focus and resilience, I developed as a professional athlete. Now, we’re using those principles to help others build confidence, strength and lasting fitness.

What were the biggest challenges you faced starting out as a founder, and how did you overcome them?

Standing out without an established reputation – and resisting the easy option of going back home – were some of my biggest challenges. But by staying focused and leading with passion, I was able to build a welcoming, diverse community.

Our classes bring people together – anyone looking to get fit, regardless of background – and allow them to train at their own pace in a high-energy, inclusive environment that builds not just fitness but also confidence and resilience.

For those unfamiliar, how would you describe BoxSmart and the vision behind it?

BoxSmart is a boxing-based fitness and confidence program for all ages, from kids and teens to adults. Our vision is to create a welcoming, high-energy community where everyone can build strength, resilience and self-belief.

Beyond the studio, we partner with nutritionists and wellness centers and organize community walks where families come together, making it about personal growth, connection and enjoying the journey as a community.

Community seems to be central to what you do – why is that so important to you?

Community is at the heart of BoxSmart because fitness and confidence grow best in a supportive environment. I’ve experienced firsthand how connection, encouragement and shared goals build resilience. Bringing kids, teens, adults and families together creates a space where everyone can grow, challenge themselves and feel part of something bigger.

How does BoxSmart go beyond physical fitness to address mental strength and wellbeing?

Our structured programs challenge participants, teach focus and discipline and foster a supportive, no-ego environment where everyone is a friend. From ice-bath challenges to workshops, wellness partnerships and family-friendly activities, we help members build habits, self-belief and wellbeing that extend far beyond the studio.

Why do you believe it’s critical for CEOs and business leaders to prioritize exercise and wellbeing alongside their professional responsibilities?

Exercise and wellbeing are essential for CEOs because leadership demands focus, resilience and clarity under pressure. That’s why we run corporate sessions, where companies can also do team-building.

Consistent training builds discipline and mental strength, improving energy, decision-making and stress management. This helps leaders perform at their best personally and professionally.

What impact does maintaining both mental and physical strength have on decision-making, performance and leadership under pressure?

Maintaining both mental and physical strength is critical for leadership. When you’re physically fit, you have the energy, endurance and clarity to navigate long days and high-pressure situations without losing focus.

When you model this balance, it sets the tone for any organization – showing that preparation, resilience and composure aren’t just personal traits, they’re essential to business performance.

In your view, how can leaders set the tone within their organizations when it comes to resilience, balance and wellbeing?

Through example and action. If you prioritize resilience, balance and wellbeing in your own life, it signals to your team that it’s valued and achievable. That means modeling healthy work habits, managing stress constructively and being open about challenges. It also means creating structures and a culture that support wellbeing – encouraging breaks, flexibility and open communication.

When leaders demonstrate that balance and resilience are part of how the organization operates, it becomes embedded in the way teams perform, collaborate and respond under pressure.

What’s next for BoxSmart, and what goals or ambitions are you most excited about? 

It’s all about growth, innovation and impact. We’ve just launched a new Teen Strength and Conditioning program, which is fantastic for developing skills that transfer to any sport. On the corporate side, we’re expanding our white-collar sessions, helping teams build resilience, focus and wellbeing in a high-pressure work environment.

Seeing our members push their limits and achieve goals they never thought possible is what keeps me motivated every day. Anyone who wants to experience the BoxSmart community firsthand, come check us out. The door’s always open.