Meet an IDEA Team Member: Phil Malavenda

It takes planning and focus to keep IDEA’s tech functioning and member communication running smoothly. Each time you receive an IDEA email or navigate our website, you can thank Phil Malavenda, our senior director of marketing and technology.

For more than 3 years, Phil has helped our marketing and technology team keep our members on top of announcements, new products and membership benefits. And his expertise extends beyond marketing and tech. Phil’s ability to see the big picture and juggle multiple projects in an ever-changing industry helps his IDEA team—and IDEA’s members—to thrive.

His biggest secret to success is his ability to listen and adapt. Michael Hilding, IDEA’s user experience and design manager, shares, “He’s always made me feel like my skills are important and will listen and even change course when I have input.”

Like a supportive coach, Phil sees the strengths of each person and lets them shine. In addition to his professional chops, he’s a dedicated family man and an avid runner. Whether he’s leading big projects at IDEA or going for a run, Phil always brings his A-game.

Phil Facts

• What he loves most about his job is, “working with the incredible people at IDEA and in the industry and continuously learning about an industry I didn’t come from.”
• His favorite workout style is interval training for running that includes walking, jogging and sprinting.
• When asked what type of fitness equipment he would be, Phil said: “kettlebell or dumbbell. Either can be used to help build strength, help with cardio, and increase flexibility and mobility.” Very versatile!
• If Phil could spend a day with any fitness industry icon, he would choose Arnold Schwarzenegger. “In my late teens and early 20s I had high aspirations to become a bodybuilder. I followed the bodybuilding scene, subscribed to all the magazines, and idolized how Arnold parlayed that into becoming a huge advocate for kids’ health and, of course, turning that all into a successful movie career.”
• His toughest fitness challenges were his first Tri Rock San Diego and his first Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego.