Get to Know Team GolfForever!

Meet Mia West, Senior Marketing Programs Manager

1. You became a part of the GolfForever team in August 2024. Can you share a bit about your professional journey, how it led you to GolfForever, and what you do for GolfForever?

I have over two decades of marketing communications behind me, and although I’ve worked with a long roster of global enterprises like Landrover, Trek, and Revlon, nothing feeds my soul more than collaborating with startups who are true industry disruptors. Before joining GolfForever, I launched and led the “emerging brands” division of Havas, an international advertising and marketing agency found in every major city in the world. Our objective was to fuel growth by effectively telling the stories of companies and founders, and creating more avenues for them to authentically interact with their customers in meaningful ways, both online and in-person. My role at GolfForever isn’t apples to apples, however, the mission is still the same: help our community feel more connected to us and create enough marketing noise that those who haven’t made the jump can’t help but take notice they’re missing out on something special.

2. What drew you to work for the team?

Startup life is a wild ride, but incredibly rewarding because you can truly have an impact and leave your fingerprints on an industry. But not all startups are equal. I’ve learned along the way that for me, no matter how brilliant a product or service is, the work won’t be fulfilling if the people behind the company lack values or compassion, or are ego-led. I can honestly say that GolfForever is none of these. Dr. Jeremy James, our founder, is committed to helping people get stronger and reducing their pain so they can enjoy the things they love indefinitely - golf and beyond. He lives and breathes this mission, and goes out of his way to support employees and their families with his expertise when they are experiencing physical limitations due to injury. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain caused by my fitness endeavors and hobbies, then been held back from those pursuits as a result, this is something I absolutely stand behind and am honored to be a part of a company that has a measurable impact on thousands of lives.

3. What do you find most rewarding about your role?

For me, this is two-fold. I’m a natural collaborator and when I joined GolfForever I found myself working with some of the smartest and most team-oriented people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my career. It felt like kismet. I also play a small role in community management, and get a thrill every time I open up our social media and see all the incredible stories shared by our members. I get to experience their joy and it reinforces that we aren’t some widget; we are doing something meaningful which gets me even more fired up!

4. Can you tell us about any exciting innovations or initiatives that you’re particularly proud of here at GolfForever or in your previous work?

This is a tough one. Because I’ve worked for an agency nearly my entire career, I have had the good fortune of working with hundreds of companies that brought new innovations to life, many of them being B-Corporations and driven by missions with the potential to change the world. What I can tell you is that in the five months I have been with GolfForever, I’ve been able to ride the coattails of the development of a blockbuster new product currently in the works. When we roll this bad boy out, you’ll be equally as excited as I am about its potential to change the golf fitness industry.

5. Is there a particular book, mentor, or experience that has greatly influenced your leadership style?

Let’s just say trial by fire. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with every type of leader imaginable and cherry-picked the qualities that felt right to me. I’ve also tried my best to avoid emulating those who didn’t feel in alignment with my values. I’m not perfect, but at the end of the day, we are all on the same team working towards the same goal. So when things get bumpy, remember to lead with compassion.

6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or passions?

I’m what you might call an immersive traveler or a trailblazer, as my partner likes to say. I love to be out of my comfort zone, wander aimlessly, and veer off onto dirt roads just to see where they will lead - hopefully not trouble or nearly off a Bosnian cliff (true story). I’ve also boxed for over 25 years and currently coach part-time, collect and sell vintage wares, and spend way too much money keeping my 1965 Chevy Nova on the road.

7. You have a background in fitness and wellness. Can you share more with our audience about your experiences?

In my personal life, as mentioned above, I coach boxing and take my mobility, flexibility, and strength workouts quite seriously. I’m also turning 50 next year, so this has become even more important than the cardio aspect of my routine. When I joined GolfForever, I was blown away by how closely many of the GolfForever app workouts support my boxing practice. You’ll even occasionally hear Pete Holman mention boxing when he’s speaking to rotational movements and pivots.

Professionally, I’ve worked with countless longevity-oriented companies from supplements to aging healthcare and functional foods companies, to fitness chains like Burn Boot Camp and products meant to fuel adventure like Trek Bicycles. What I’ve learned is that to succeed, we must always deliver on our promises. We are 100% invested in making this happen. Every. Single. Day.

8. How do you use the GolfForever Training System in your daily life and training?

As a desk jockey who goes from 0 to 100 at the gym, the mobility aspect of GolfForever is critical. Also, core, baby. Who doesn’t want ripped abs like GolfForever Trainer Andrea Doddato! In fact, my personal trainer was so impressed with this aspect of the content that she is now an avid user of the Swing Trainer and GolfForever Training System.

9. Do you have a go-to GolfForever workout or warmup?

The Swing Trainer has become a critical part of every warmup, especially since I lack shoulder mobility after a day of being hunched over a computer at a desk (not to mention my stiff hips). For that reason, I go back to the basics with the Swing Trainer Fundamentals 1 | Back Tees - the very first movement helps me open up my shoulders and chest before I start working a heavy bag.

10. What is your GolfForever move?

The “squat rotation press” is hands down my favorite move. A lot of people don’t realize that boxing isn’t just about upper body strength - the real power comes from the hip rotation. This exercise activates the glutes, builds strength, and helps you load up for more power and impact as you launch the Swing Trainer from high to low.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch and/or play?

Born and raised a 49ers fan - but had to take a few years off from the sport because my heart couldn’t take it anymore. However, I’m back despite my team being riddled with injuries. When it comes to playing a sport, I have nontraditional tastes. Obviously, I box, but in addition to participating in Tough Mudder-type races, I am a founding member of the San Diego Derby Dolls. Sadly, I had to hang up my roller skates after a hamstring tear, which plagues me to this day.

12. What is your favorite golf course snack?

Anything with avocado. Pretty typical for a California native!