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    Woo Ko (SBG Buford General Manager)

    Get to know the driving force behind the success of SBG Buford. Woo Ko, our General Manager In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through Woo’s commitment to our gym’s vision and his exceptional leadership qualities. Woo’s dedication to fostering growth and unity within our community truly showcases his devotion to our Tribe. Join us as we delve into his leadership experiences and gain insights from his diverse background. Discover how emotional intelligence and a servant mindset guide him in leading our Tribe towards a future that prioritizes empathy and interconnectedness.

    What Motivates His Dedication to Our Gym’s Vision?

    Woo’s dedication to our gym’s vision is deeply rooted in his belief that a successful gym thrives when its members embrace a mindset of growth and collaborate as a team. He understands that fostering a culture of development and unity is crucial to providing the outcomes our members aspire to achieve from the moment they step foot into our facility. For Woo, his passion lies in empowering the growth of those around him, knowing that their progress will in turn contribute to the flourishing of our community. He finds inspiration in the wisdom shared by Sir Richard Branson: “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers.”

    A Transformative Leadership Experience

    The advent of COVID-19 brought challenges for our team, characterized by uncertainties and frequent breakdowns in communication. To overcome these hurdles, Woo had to set aside his ego and foster dialogue among team members. By understanding each individual’s struggles and emotions, he served as a bridge between the owners and employees. Woo’s empathy played a role in guiding the team through the storming phase and towards a stage of normalization.

    He came to the realization that, in certain situations, being a leader means prioritizing the needs of others over oneself, especially when things appear to be spiraling out of control.

    The Value of Diversity

    Woo brings with him a background, including his experience with various leadership styles, which has provided him with valuable insights. He draws parallels between our Tribe’s diversity and his time in the Marines, where individuals from different backgrounds united to achieve a mission. Woo recognizes the importance of delegating authority, not responsibility, and understands that grasping the qualities within our Tribe holds significant value beyond solely focusing on tangible aspects.

    Key Trait of a Leader

    In Woo’s view, emotional intelligence (E.I.) serves as the cornerstone of leadership. E.I. encompasses qualities such as empathy, understanding cues, gauging the atmosphere in a room, and mastering communication skills like active listening and genuinely seeking comprehension. He believes that a leader should also embody a “servant” mentality by leading by example and prioritizing the Tribe’s needs above personal gain.

    Envisioning Growth and Success, for Our Tribe Under His Leadership

    Woo envisions our Tribe flourishing through empathy while embracing growth opportunities. Recent events, such as the Gorilla Cup Fundraiser, have demonstrated the care our Tribe has for its members. This collective empathy is evident in how we all value one another. Woo is committed to nurturing this sense of empathy within our community, fostering a more interconnected Tribe.

    In Conclusion;

    Woo shines as a symbol of leadership, unwavering commitment, and understanding amidst the community of SBG Buford. His tenure as our General Manager serves as a testament to the strength of fostering growth and unity within our knit group. As we navigate the road ahead, Woo envisions a future where our Tribe flourishes through shared understanding and interconnectedness. We are grateful to be on this journey with Woo, a leader who not only steers our gym towards success but also cultivates an empathetic bond among all of us. Woo Ko is a name that embodies wholehearted dedication to our gym’s vision.

    Sean Coleman

    is one of the longest tenured coaches at SBG Atlanta. He has been training / coaching / competing in Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and other programs since 2011 and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.