In this episode Angela interviews Wayne Dawkins, Jamaican-Canadian sports entrepreneur, basketball development leader, and the Founder/Director of P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy. The conversation covers the topics of youth development through sports and the impact of international opportunities on young athletes.

It delves into the challenges and successes of providing international opportunities for young athletes, as well as the importance of persistence and faith in the face of adversity. The conversation delves into the challenges and impact of youth sports programming, highlighting the importance of community support and the obstacles faced in providing opportunities for young athletes.

It also explores the upcoming tournaments and programs of P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy, shedding light on the ways to support their initiatives.

Takeaways

• Youth development through sports
• The impact of international opportunities on young athletes Community impact
• Youth sports challenges

Chapters

• 00:00 Youth Development Through Sports
• 16:36 The Impact of International Opportunities
• 30:49 Overcoming Fear of Risk
• 37:11 Supporting Youth Athletes
• 45:06 Upcoming Tournaments and Programs

Connect with Wayne

https://www.phase1academy.com/

Connect with Angela:

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Website: angelarlewis.com 

Email: [email protected]

On this Episode Angela interviews Andrew Anderson, Digital Marketing Manager for the Houston Rockets. The conversation covers the introduction to digital marketing, the journey from athlete to marketing professional, foundational skills in marketing, the role of Google Ads in the marketing strategy, and the impact of AI on marketing. It provides insights into the transition from athlete to marketing professional and the foundational skills required for a career in marketing.

The conversation covers the importance of engaging with fans and building a connection, the metrics and behaviors for long-term engagement, social media strategy and content distribution, the transition from athlete to business, and advice for breaking into the sports business without connections.

Takeaways

• Digital marketing strategies
• Transition from athlete to marketing professional Engaging with fans
• Building a connection

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing
• 08:20 Foundational Skills in Marketing
• 17:11 Google Ads and Marketing Strategy
• 23:40 Engaging with Fans and Building a Connection
• 31:32 Social Media Strategy and Content Distribution
• 39:06 Breaking into the Sports Business

Connect with Andrew Anderson

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsandrewanderson/ Instagram - @ItsAndrewAnderson

Email - [email protected]

Houston Rockets - rockets.com

Houston Comets - houstoncomets.com

Connect with Angela Lewis

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Website: angelarlewis.com 

Email: [email protected]

Megan Renaldo, a performance consultant and leadership coach, shares her journey from being a D1 soccer player to becoming a leadership coach.

She discusses the impact of sports on her life, the role of a goalkeeper in soccer, and the importance of exceptional leadership. Megan emphasizes the need for clear information, psychological safety, and the transition from MVP to leader of MVPs.

She also highlights the athlete mindset and the challenges in providing clear information in organizations. The conversation covers topics such as clear communication, building psychological safety, efficiency and productivity, transitioning from individual contributor to leader, delegating tasks effectively, creating job aids for delegation, capturing delegation through video and other methods, preparing student athletes for the workforce, belief in leadership potential, and the importance of clear communication and culture.

Takeaways

• The athlete mindset values feedback as a gift and seeks continuous improvement.
• Providing clear information and creating psychological safety are essential for effective leadership and team performance. Clear communication and follow-up are essential for building psychological safety and ensuring efficiency and productivity.
• Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader requires effective delegation and a focus on helping others succeed.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Megan Rinaldo
• 06:05 The Importance of Exceptional Leadership
• 11:33 Creating Psychological Safety in Organizations
• 19:45 The Athlete Mindset and Feedback
• 25:24 Challenges in Providing Clear Information
• 30:33 Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader
• 37:08 Capturing Delegation through Video and Other Methods
• 44:09 Belief in Leadership Potential

Connect with Megan Renaldo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-renaldo/

Website - https://renaldoandco.com/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meganrenaldo/

Connect with Angela Lewis

nstagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

Website: https://angelarlewis.com

Email: [email protected]

On this episode of A Ball and A Chance, Angela talks with Pasha Cook and covers a wide range of topics, including the lifesaving power of sports, personal development, the impact of women's sports, and professional work.

Pasha shares valuable insights on identity, values, relationships, and the purpose of sport, offering advice and wisdom for personal and professional growth.

As a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor, Pasha Cook empowers visionary women in leadership, high-impact athletes, and industry executives worldwide. A proud Houston native, her journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and international impact. After dropping out of

high school, she earned a basketball scholarship at 24 and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of Memphis, where she played as a point guard.

She went on to compete as a semi-pro basketball player, further honing her leadership and competitive edge.

Transitioning from sports to New York City’s men’s fashion industry, Pasha spent over a decade styling elite NBA and NFL athletes and guiding top talent through pivotal career transitions.

From 2014 to 2017, she provided image consulting and career transition support for WNBA draftees, helping emerging athletes refine their professional presence as they entered the league.

In 2018, Pasha made history as the NFL’s first female collegiate speaking ambassador for the Player Engagement division, delivering keynotes and programs that empower student-athletes to navigate life and leadership beyond the game. Her unique approach has enabled her to connect

deeply with elite performers across sports, business, and culture.

Internationally recognized, Pasha has been featured by Chinese media as a leading consultant in global branding for professional athletes abroad. Her creative reach includes serving as an international film consultant for projects in China and Hong Kong that spotlight stories blending

global sports, branding, and culture.

Pasha’s story exemplifies what’s possible through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to

growth—empowering clients to achieve lasting success, international influence, and transformative results.

Takeaways

• The transformative power of sports as a lifeline and lifesaver
• The importance of authentic relationships and core values in personal and professional development

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Reunion
• 05:05 The Purpose of Sport and Transferable Skills
• 13:24 The Impact of Sport and Women's Sports Today
• 18:31 Personal Journey and Professional Work

Connect with Pasha

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/

Website - https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/

Connect with Angela Lewis:

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

Website: https://angelarlewis.com

Email: [email protected]

The conversation with Marilyn Nelson covers her global sports experiences, embracing risk and faith, and the transitions in her life. From her time in Canada and Guatemala to her sporting adventures in Mexico and Singapore, Marilyn's journey is a testament to the power of faith and the pursuit of passion. Her involvement in triathlons and relays, as well as her recent move to Texas, showcases her ongoing commitment to movement and community.

Takeaways

• Global sports experiences
• Embracing risk and faith

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition to Canada
• 08:00 Sporting Adventures in Mexico
• 25:42 Teaching English in Singapore
• 34:52 Triathlons and Relays
• 41:27 Moving to Texas

• Connect with Marilyn Nelson:

  Email: [email protected]

  Connect with Angela Lewis:

  Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

  Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

  Website: https://angelarlewis.com

  Email: [email protected]

Marilyn Nelson shares her remarkable journey as a member of the All-American Redheads, the first and longest-running women's basketball league in the United States. From joining the team to life on the road, showmanship, and her transition to Canada, Marilyn's story is a testament to the love of the game and the importance of adaptability in sports and life.

Takeaways

• Love of the game
• Adaptability

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition to Canada and Life After the Redheads

  Connect with Marilyn Nelson:

  Email: [email protected]

  Connect with Angela Lewis:

  Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

  Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

  Website: https://angelarlewis.com

  Email: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits down with Sydney Bryant. The conversation begins with the establishment of a professional relationship and the journey of Sydney Bryant, leading to the introduction of the book 'A Ball and a Chance.' The book's summary, title origin, and personal experiences during writing are discussed, along with the book's audience and the conversations it aims to spark. The importance of support systems, international experiences, and the balance of identity and confidence in sports are explored, emphasizing self-acceptance and confidence development within the story. The conversation delves into the impact of words on young people, the realization of uniqueness and adaptability, the feeling of being unstoppable, success beyond sales and reviews, and upcoming projects and events. The power of words and their impact on young people is emphasized, along with the importance of adaptability and curiosity in life and sports.

Takeaways

• Networking and building relationships can lead to valuable opportunities.
• Persistence and willingness to reach out can lead to growth and development. The power of words and their impact on young people
• The importance of adaptability and curiosity in life and sports

Chapters

• 00:00 Building a Professional Relationship
• 10:21 Book Summary and Title Origin
• 17:17 Importance of Support Systems
• 22:23 Identity and Confidence in Sports
• 46:54 Upcoming Projects and Events

Connect with Angela Lewis:

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

Website: https://angelarlewis.com

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits with Travis Harmon, a mental performance coach, and shares insights on mental health challenges for athletes and the importance of finishing and pushing through challenges. He discusses his background, his development of a love of sports, strategies for handling challenging moments, building a winning culture, teaching life lessons through sports, and considerations for athletes navigating the transfer portal. The conversation covers a range of topics including campus choices, maturity, global football experience, life in Europe, travel abroad, passion for coaching, launching a podcast, mental performance coaching, and personal growth. Coach Trav shares insights on decision-making, travel experiences, and the importance of mental performance coaching for athletes. The conversation emphasizes the impact of choices on the campus environment, the value of travel in broadening perspectives, and the significance of mental performance coaching in personal development.

Takeaways

• Mental health challenges for athletes
• The importance of finishing and pushing through challenges Choices shape campus experience
• Travel broadens perspective

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching
• 06:21 Building a Winning Culture
• 12:49 Teaching Life Lessons Through Sports
• 21:27 Campus Choices and Environment
• 28:34 Travel Abroad and Cultural Experience
• 33:42 Launching the Mental Health Playbook Podcast
• 39:22 Mental Performance Coaching and Personal Growth

Connect with Travis Harmon:

Instagram: Coach_Trav59 

Website: Mentalpeaceperformance.com

The Mental Health Playbook Podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcast

Connect with Angela Lewis:

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

Website: https://angelarlewis.com

Email: [email protected]

Larry and Angela Simmons share their journey from their love for basketball to owning the Sherman Stampede professional basketball team. They discuss the challenges faced by young players, the unique experience of basketball in Thailand, and the process of selecting a city for the Sherman Stampede. Their insights shed light on the impact of basketball on personal growth, mental health, and global connection. The conversation covers the behind-the-scenes of game day operations, Larry's basketball background and coaching journey, the importance of mentoring and mental health in sports, and the formation and vision of the Sherman Stampede team.

Takeaways

• Basketball as a Catalyst for Global Connection
• Challenges Faced by Young Players and the Ecosystem of Sports
• The Impact of Basketball on Personal Growth and Mental Health
• The Unique Culture and Experience of Basketball in Thailand
• Selecting a City for the Sherman Stampede and Its Infrastructure Startup challenges
• The impact of sports on mental health

Chapters

• 00:00 The Love for Basketball
• 10:32 The Experience in Thailand
• 21:44 Selecting a City for the Sherman Stampede
• 28:03 Larry's Basketball Background and Coaching Journey
• 37:38 A Ball and a Chance: Mentoring and Mental Health in Sports
• 44:20 Sherman Stampede: Team Formation and Vision

  Connect with Larry & Angela Simmons:

  Instagram: @thedallasstampede

  Website: http://www.thedallasstampede.com/

  Co-owners email: [email protected]

  [email protected]

  Connect with Angela Lewis:

  Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

  Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

  Website: https://angelarlewis.com

  Email: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits with Greer Christian. She discusses the role of parents as CEOs of their child's athletic brand in the NIL era, sharing insights from her corporate experience and the journey to The Vigilant Athlete. She also explores the impact of philanthropy on athletes and shares her love for crew rowing. The conversation covers the global connection of sports, understanding the long game for athletes, the business of sports and sponsorships, the impact of sponsorship and branding, the purpose of The Vigilant Athlete book, and the release of the book.

Takeaways

• Parents as CEOs of their child's athletic brand
• Navigating the NIL era
• The importance of informed decision-making in sports Sports industry revenue is generated through sponsorships
• The Vigilant Athlete book focuses on the 99% of athletes who may not have the financial resources to afford an agent

Chapters

• 00:00 The Love of Sport and Crew Rowing
• 24:23 The Global Connection of Sports
• 36:08 The Impact of Sponsorship and Branding
• 44:04 Release of The Vigilant Athlete Book

Connect with Greer Christian:

Instagram: @vigilantmanagementgroup

Website: www.vigilantmg.com 

LinkedIn: Greer Christian

Connect with Angela Lewis:

Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/

Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/

Website: https://angelarlewis.com

Email: [email protected]