Julie Rice

Julie Rice is an entrepreneur and community builder whose career centers on fostering human connection and wellness. Before entering the wellness industry, Rice spent two decades as a talent manager, including a tenure at Handprint Entertainment, where she worked with artists such as Selma Blair, Ellen Pompeo, and Justin Long. Her experience in entertainment, with its focus on storytelling, branding, and personal relationships, influenced her subsequent ventures.

Rice co-founded "SoulCycle" with Elizabeth Cutler, introducing a boutique indoor cycling concept that emphasized community, spirituality, and emotional well-being. The first studio opened in New York City, offering amenities, pay-per-class pricing, and instructor-led classes that combined cardio workouts with motivational music and personal development. This approach differentiated "SoulCycle" from traditional gym chains by integrating mind-body wellness and fostering a dedicated community of indoor cyclists. Rice expanded "SoulCycle" to more than 80 studios before selling the company to Equinox.

After "SoulCycle," Rice became chief brand officer at WeWork, where she focused on community engagement, brand strategy, and member experience. She later co-founded Peoplehood with Cutler, a company dedicated to improving communication and relationships through guided conversations. The Peoplehood team collaborated with community leaders, scientists, therapists, and authors to develop best practices for relational health and group connection.

Rice was appointed chief experience officer at WeightWatchers, where she leads the transformation of the global workshop business, emphasizing community, connection, and member engagement. Peoplehood's curriculum and technology were integrated into WeightWatchers, enhancing the company's offerings in wellness and group support. Rice oversees WeightWatchers' global workshop operations, which support thousands of meetings each month across multiple markets. She has also served on the WeightWatchers board of directors and is a board member of The Public Theater. Rice is a keynote speaker on topics including brand building, entrepreneurship, wellness, and the importance of community.