For Aaron Smith, founder of global fitness brand KX Pilates, success didn’t come when the business hit 130 studios across seven countries – it happened when he realised he could grow his company without sacrificing his marriage, mental health, or time with his kids.
That turning point came as a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global network of founders who value personal wellbeing and success as much as business growth and revenue.
Smith joined the Sydney EO chapter in 2014 after opening KX Pilates’ flagship Sydney studio, before transitioning to the EO Melbourne chapter in 2016 when he returned to his home state with his wife and business partner Andi Fiorenza to have their first child. Since then, the business has expanded nearly 20-fold, but he says the most valuable outcome for him has been personal.
“Success doesn’t just come from business. It comes from every area of your life,” says Aaron “Thanks to EO, I’ve learned how to build a business that supports my health and my family, not just KX.”
His experience reflects a broader shift, as more entrepreneurs question the personal toll of high performance. With 88% of Australian founders reporting mental health challenges (2024 Founders Report), EO’s focus on community, personal growth, and shared experience is emerging as a vital support for many.
Through confidential forums and retreats, EO provides structured spaces where entrepreneurs can openly discuss not just business strategy, but also mental health, relationships, personal identity and wellbeing. In an environment where many founders face challenges in isolation, this peer-to-peer support is often a critical outlet for those navigating the pressures of leadership.
“I’ve sat beside founders who’ve gone through divorce, burnout and major family transitions,” Aaron shares. “Those stories from my fellow EOs helped me see what kind of life I wanted. It showed me I didn’t have to choose between being a present dad and a successful business owner.”
It was at an EO learning event about business exit strategies where Aaron made a pivotal decision to hire a CEO so he could step back from daily operations and spend more time with his children. “That event gave me the clarity and confidence to design my business around my values of adventure and freedom with my family.”
In a culture where entrepreneurs are often expected to sacrifice personal well-being in pursuit of business growth, EO offers a different model to other entrepreneur networks – one that values human connection, shared experience and long-term sustainability.
Entrepreneurs’ Organization is currently undertaking a first-of-its-kind national study to examine the relationship between business performance, community connection and wellbeing among Australian entrepreneurs. The report will explore the emotional, financial and cultural landscape of entrepreneurship and inform the development of more effective support systems for founders. Results will be released in June 2025.
