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James Mansell, founder of Mansell
Founder, Mansell

James Mansell

From elite sport and coaching to wellness at scale.

I’ve spent most of my life training, competing and coaching. Mansell is what happened when I started applying that experience to the bigger picture.

I had a successful career as a personal trainer and coach, working with hundreds of people across thousands of hours. But I began to see its limits: there are only so many people you can help one-to-one.

At the same time, having spent so long in gyms and wellness facilities, I kept seeing spaces that weren’t being designed, run or used to their full potential. The facilities themselves were often fine; the overall experience could have been so much better. From the moment someone walks through the door, to how they’re welcomed, the equipment, the classes and the results they achieve, every element counts.

I realised that by applying what I know at that scale, I could have a far greater impact than I ever could working with individuals alone. Today, Mansell helps businesses design, develop and manage wellness spaces and services that genuinely deliver for the people using them.

“James didn’t just help us design a gym and wellness space, he helped us define what great looks like. His experience, patience and ability to challenge our thinking at the right moments ensured we created something with genuine longevity rather than simply following industry trends.”

Ben Curtis · Director of Workplace Strategy & Brand Delivery, Elementa Workspace

Where the standards come from

01

Basketball

My most significant sporting achievement. I came through elite academies in the UK before earning a scholarship to Combine Academy in North Carolina, where I trained alongside former NBA players and competed against some of the highest-ranked high-school programmes in the US. It led to multiple college scholarship offers across different divisions.

02

Powerlifting

I competed at national level, achieving a national qualifying total in my first competitive season.

03

Muay Thai

My most recent chapter. I compete professionally, and I’m still improving.

I’ve never considered myself the most naturally gifted athlete. I got where I did through work ethic, attention to detail, discipline and consistency: putting in the hours, studying the details and holding myself to a high standard. I bring exactly the same approach to Mansell and to every client we work with.

I still lead our client relationships personally, and I’m accountable for the standard we deliver.

Let’s talk.

Four quick questions, then a real conversation.

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