Alumnus: Alexander Gregory Diana

Karabo Molokomme • October 13, 2023

FROM LAW SCHOOL TO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: AN INSPIRING JOURNEY 

A man with a mustache is wearing a daily burn shirt.

Alumnus: Alexander Gregory Diana

School: Crawford International College La Lucia  

Year: 2008

 

Alex is a remarkable individual who embarked on a unique journey from studying law to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the fitness industry. Alex’s story is one of self-discovery, resilience and the pursuit of passion. He shares insights about his career choices, motivations and his thriving career.

 

1.  What did you do after you finished school?


After school I went to the University of KwaZulu Natal and studied a Bachelor of Law. Looking back however, I would have liked to take some time off to gain some life-experience, to explore different passions and to develop a clearer understanding of myself before committing to a demanding field like law.
 

2. Why did you choose Law?


I always had a strong sense of justice and wanted to make a difference in the world. I also had poor self-esteem and felt that choosing a profession like law would make my parents and others think more of me. I naively thought a law career would automatically result in financial success. This is a very long process that takes a lot of commitment and hard work.
 

3. You are not afraid of hard work even with the decision of a career change?


Absolutely, my journey may have led me to a different career, but I always embrace hard work as it fuels my determination and growth.
 

4. So, what did you end up doing?


I always knew that movement was my natural talent and passion. The moment I trained my first client and saw their success, that’s when I realised, I wanted to pursue fitness as a career and that my love for helping and empowering others could drive me forward in this industry.
 
 

5. What about fitness do you enjoy?


I enjoy fitness because it’s a holistic pursuit that enhances physical health, mental well-being, and self-confidence. It empowers me to set and achieve goals, provides stress relief and fosters a sense of accomplishment, creating a positive and balanced lifestyle. Additionally, serving others is one of the greatest joys that people can know. I enjoy making my own schedule, working with my body and the challenge of the industry as a business. It forces me to always remain relevant.
 
 

6. What does it take to be an entrepreneur and fitness fanatic?


Commitment and risk. Being an entrepreneur means there isn’t anyone paying your paycheck, motivating you or keeping you inspired. This is the same with fitness. Unless you hold yourself responsible and commit 100% to yourself, no amount of external motivation will drive you to success. It must come from your side!
 
 

7. Can you tell us about your career highlights?


Every single thing I do has value, but some standouts include: training thousands of people live for DailyBurn; becoming the master trainer for Floyd Mayweather’s fitness franchise; and working for PitBull and Tony Robbins.
 
 

8. Wow, congratulations! What other projects are you most excited about?


I’m excited to focus on corporate wellness and help workplaces improve the quality of their employee experience and drive economic success through wellness.
 
 

9. How did Crawford International assist you towards your career path?


Crawford equipped me with a growth mindset, an attitude of hard work, self-confidence and dedication. I learned to find the belief and success that is within me along the way.
 
 

10. What advice would you have given to your 17-year-old self?


Spend more time loving the people who matter and worrying less about what people think about you. You are valuable, you are worthy, and the only approval you need is from yourself.
 
 

11. What advice do you have for the next generation that wants to follow in your footsteps?


Don’t follow. Lead. Trust yourself and always lean into your own abilities. Be radically yourself every day.
  

12.  Who are you, when you are not at work?


I love spending time with my wonderful family. I’ve been fortunate to celebrate my tenth-year anniversary to my wife Eberly. We have the most beautiful daughter Aurora and a dog-son named Stratford who fills our lives with joy. Other than family, I love to read and draw, but I must say that I spend the majority of my time pursuing my career, because when you do what you love, every workday is effortless.
 
 

13.  What does the future hold for you?


The future is unknown, but whatever happens, I will approach with passion, dedication and commitment. 
 
 

14.  One last word…


I want to say thank you for this opportunity and wish all the past and present Crawford International students well. Live in the present, enjoy all the moments, practise gratitude and love your family and friends every day. Life is short but seize the day!

                                                                                                                                       

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