You're . Never . Alone

My name is Talal Alshemari, I’ve spent the last 19 years helping people and businesses grow, not just through strategies and systems, but through lived experience. My story starts far from here — in Kuwait, where I was born into a world of conflict. I grew up in refugee camps across Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Jordan. By age 10, I had seen more struggle than most people face in a lifetime.

When I arrived in New Zealand in the mid-90s, I didn’t speak the language, didn’t understand the culture, and didn’t have a roadmap. But I had resilience. I had drive. And I had a vision to build something real — from nothing.

Like many immigrants, I started at the bottom. Security work, long nights, silent grind and while studying fulltime. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me discipline. Over time, fitness, rugby, and leadership became my outlets — and eventually, my calling.

In 2007, I began coaching. Not just athletes, but everyday people who wanted more out of themselves. I went on to open free, 24/7 community gyms in Upper Hutt and Wellington with people who I respected — focused on growth, and giving people a fair shot at improving themselves.

But the road hasn’t been easy. In 2019, I faced one of the most difficult chapters of my life. A breakdown in business, public backlash, and personal betrayal tested everything I believed in — my values, my purpose, and my identity. I lost nearly everything, including my home. For 16 weeks, I was living out of my car, rebuilding from the ground up.

Not long after, during the height of the global pandemic, I lost my mother — another blow in a time already filled with uncertainty and grief.

Despite all of it, I stayed clean, focused, and grounded. I’ve never touched alcohol or drugs, and I maintain a clear record with the New Zealand Ministry of Justice and my freedom. My integrity matters to me — especially when everything else is stripped away.

To those affected by what was said about me during that time — I want to sincerely apologise. I’m thankful to the people who stood by me, believed in me, and reminded me of who I really am.

That experience sharpened me. It made me tougher, clearer, and more committed than ever. I came out of it more focused on serving others with integrity and purpose.

Since 2007, I’ve coached people across 50+ countries, from school bootcamps in Upper Hutt to leadership rooms in Dubai, Paris, and Zurich. I’ve helped thousands of people and businesses rebuild, grow, and realise their potential — in fitness, business, branding, leadership, and life.

My work is about more than motivation — it’s about real transformation. It’s about helping people show up and level up.