From COO to Owner: My Polestar UK Chapter

Stepping into stewardship, community, and a new chapter

For most of my career, I’ve said I never wanted to be an entrepreneur.

I was comfortable behind the scenes, helping others grow their companies. Ownership felt risky. Too final. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t pay myself? What if the idea wasn’t as good as I thought?

But things started shifting.

I was in the middle of a major life transition — moving my family from Miami, where I had lived on and off for 23 years, to start a new chapter in Madrid. At the same time, my role at Polestar HQ was evolving. I was stepping more into international expansion and working more closely with our licensees — which was exciting, but also stretching.

That’s when the opportunity to acquire Polestar UK landed in my inbox.

As COO, I had received a brochure from Carl and Julia Moss outlining their plans for succession. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But something about it lingered. A few weeks later, I opened the document again. And this time, it landed differently.

I started asking myself bigger questions. I talked to my husband. I joked with my mom and dad — “Me? A business owner? What does that even mean?”

But deep down, I knew what it meant. I had been preparing for this without even knowing it. I’d spent years building systems, leading teams, mentoring professionals, and scaling operations around the world. I knew the Polestar model. I knew this business. I had been living and breathing it for years.

One morning, I woke up with a simple, bold question:
“Why not me?”

That question turned into conversations — with Brent, with Carl and Julia, and with myself. Yes, there were fears. But I realized they were familiar ones. I’d navigated new teams, new cultures, and new challenges before. And each time, I came out stronger. This was no different.

What was stopping me? Nothing.

 

The Transition: Fears, Learnings, and Affirmations

Taking over from Carl and Julia — who built such a respected and values-driven branch of Polestar — wasn’t something I took lightly. My biggest fear wasn’t about money or operations. It was about people. Would the team accept me? Would I be able to carry the torch with respect, without blazing in with too much change too fast?

What helped me was time — and trust. I spent six months working side-by-side with the UK team before officially becoming owner. I got to understand the systems, the needs, the quirks, and most importantly, the people. That time changed everything. It reminded me that I’m not alone in this. That this isn’t just a business — it’s a community built by people who care deeply.

One of the most touching moments came from emails and DMs — kind notes from students, faculty, and clients I hadn’t even met yet, welcoming me and cheering me on. Those messages meant the world. They affirmed that I’m here not to replace a legacy, but to steward it forward.

 

What Ownership Has Taught Me

This transition has deepened how I lead. It’s taught me the power of transparency, and the responsibility that comes with being a visionary. People look to leaders to feel safe, clear, and grounded — not just in their roles, but in the mission of the company itself.

It’s also reminded me that people are our greatest asset. As a leader, your number one job is to help your team thrive. Support them, listen to them, and create a culture where they can do their best work.

And maybe most importantly: entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely. When you find your tribe — your team, your mentors, your community — you realize that business can be both personal and shared. That’s what I’m building with Polestar UK.

 

What’s Next

We’re halfway through 2025, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

Our second round of teacher trainings is launching soon — including our newest location in Bristol at Align Well studio, a beautiful space that truly reflects the spirit of Polestar. We’re also continuing to grow our presence in Leeds at Chapel Allerton Pilates, building strong local communities that support quality education and collaboration.

Alongside our teacher trainings, we’re offering three continuing education courses designed for both new and experienced instructors — a chance to grow your skills, deepen your understanding, and reconnect with your purpose as a movement professional.

More than ever, I want Polestar UK to feel like home — a hub where instructors feel supported, seen, and ready to lead. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’ve been teaching for years, there’s a place for you here.

Stay Connected

If this story resonated with you, I’d love to stay in touch:

• 💛 Follow my personal journey on Instagram — where I share life behind the scenes, family, and real moments from this transition.

• 📣 Follow Polestar UK on Instagram — I personally manage the community here, and it’s where we share events, studio stories, and daily inspiration.

• 📚 Explore our current trainings — Whether you’re looking to certify or deepen your skills, we have something for every stage of your movement career.

• ✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter — Stay in the loop about courses, local events, and insights to support your growth as a teacher or studio owner.

 

P.S. I get asked this often — “So who’s leading Polestar International now?” Brent Anderson, our founder, continues to lead the global organization, and I remain in my role as COO, supporting strategy, systems, and international partnerships. My new ownership of Polestar UK is a deepening of that commitment — bringing my heart and hands even closer to the community.

 

Thanks for being part of what’s next.

💛 Andre