In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Gary Cablayan, a true entrepreneur at heart whose story is rooted in grit, hustle, and resilience. From running small side hustles to building real businesses, Gary’s journey is about betting on yourself, learning through failure, and pushing past doubt to create success.

Gary opens up about his upbringing, the early challenges that shaped his mindset, and how he built the confidence to take risks and turn ideas into opportunities. We dive deep into the lessons he’s learned as a business owner, a leader, and someone who refuses to settle for the ordinary.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mindset shifts required to move from hustler to entrepreneur
✅ How to overcome fear and failure in pursuit of your goals
✅ The importance of resilience and adaptability in business
✅ Lessons on leadership, legacy, and building something that lasts

Gary’s story is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s earned through consistency, sacrifice, and a relentless belief in yourself.

#BecomingUncommon #Gary Cablayan #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #Leadership #Resilience #UncommonSuccess

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Tony Veney—veteran coach, educator, and mentor whose influence spans over five decades in track and field. Tony’s journey goes far beyond coaching; it’s a story about leadership, purpose, and the lifelong impact of guiding others.

From mentoring Olympians to shaping generations of athletes and coaches, Tony shares invaluable lessons on discipline, patience, and what it really means to build a legacy that lasts. We explore his time learning from legendary mentors, his philosophy on developing people over performances, and his approach to sustaining excellence while staying true to yourself.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mindset that separates good coaches from great ones
✅ Lessons in leadership and mentorship that apply far beyond sports
✅ How to sustain purpose and passion across decades of impact
✅ The importance of humility, consistency, and service in success

Tony’s wisdom reaches far beyond the track—this episode is a masterclass in growth, gratitude, and becoming the best version of yourself.

#BecomingUncommon #TonyVeney #Leadership #Mentorship #TrackAndField #CoachingLegacy #PersonalGrowth #Discipline

Brain storming session and introduction to the Inaugural Falcon Alumni Gala. This is our Track and Field/Cross-Country Hall of Fame and Alumni Networking event to celebrate Falcon Greatness through the generations.

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with my friend and mentor, Jeremy Fischer—Olympic coach, entrepreneur, and father. Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

From a record-breaking high jumper to coaching athletes who’ve earned nearly 20 Olympic and World Championship medals, Jeremy has lived at the highest levels of sport. But his journey didn’t stop there—he walked away from a secure coaching career to build his own platform, MBA Services, creating opportunities for athletes and coaches worldwide.

We dive into his early days chasing Olympic dreams, the challenges of building programs from scratch, and the lessons he’s learned about belief, leadership, and legacy along the way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mindset required to excel at the highest level of sport
✅ How to reinvent yourself when the path shifts unexpectedly
✅ The importance of mentorship, community, and giving back
✅ Why belief in yourself is the foundation for uncommon success

Jeremy’s story is proof that greatness isn’t linear—it’s built through resilience, adaptability, and passion for making an impact.

Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremyfhj

#BecomingUncommon #JeremyFischer #OlympicCoach #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #AthleteDevelopment #UncommonJourney

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Tiffeny Parker—former heptathlete, Team USA competitor, and now performance and life coach—to explore her journey of resilience, transformation, and impact.

Tiffeny opens up about the sacrifices and challenges of training at the Olympic level, her battles with identity and self-worth after athletics, and how she discovered her true calling: helping others unlock their potential. From the track to coaching leaders and athletes, she’s learned that real strength comes from perseverance, authenticity, and service.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mental toughness it takes to compete at the highest level
✅ How to reinvent yourself after walking away from your first dream
✅ The power of self-awareness and personal growth
✅ Why coaching and mentorship can change lives beyond the sport

Tiffeny’s story is raw, inspiring, and filled with lessons for anyone chasing big goals, facing transition, or striving to live with purpose.

#BecomingUncommon #TiffenyParker #teamusa  #LifeCoach #PerformanceCoaching #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #AthleteMindset

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Crystal Irving, head coach and athletic director at Long Beach Poly, one of the most renowned high school track and field programs in the nation.

Krystal shares her incredible journey from being a standout sprinter at Poly and UNLV to becoming the first woman to lead Poly’s men’s and women’s programs—and winning multiple CIF and state championships along the way.

We talk about her path as an athlete, her 28+ years of coaching, and the challenges she’s faced breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. From proving doubters wrong, to developing athletes who’ve gone on to earn millions in scholarships, to balancing discipline with love, Crystal embodies what it means to lead with purpose and consistency.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Lessons from a lifetime in track and field
✅ How to lead with both toughness and compassion
✅ The power of resilience in the face of doubt
✅ Why community and mentorship are crucial for young athletes

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or leader in any field, Crystal’s story is one of perseverance, impact, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

#BecomingUncommon #CrystalIrving #LongBeachPoly #TrackAndField #Leadership #BreakingBarriers #CoachingExcellence

As a coach, introvert, and someone who grew up with dyslexia, social situations were never easy for me. From recruiting athletes to presenting in front of thousands, I’ve had to push far outside my comfort zone—and over time, I discovered what I now call my superpower.

In this video, I share my journey from struggling in special education classes to learning how to thrive on stage, in meetings, and in the toughest rooms. From giving best man speeches without notes to leading banquets, teaching certifications, and recruiting athletes at Cerritos College, I’ve learned the importance of preparation, active listening, and speaking from the heart.

What you’ll take away from this video:
✅ How to prepare for high-pressure social situations
✅ Why having a “script” can help you conquer any room
✅ Lessons from turning weaknesses into strengths
✅ The importance of finding your own authentic voice

If I can do it—a dyslexic introvert who once struggled to read and write—you can too. Your story, your voice, and your message matter. The key is learning how to share it with the world.

#ChrisRichardson #Superpower #OvercomingDyslexia #IntrovertStrength #CommunicationSkills #Motivation #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Isaias Hernandez, the co-founder of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery, to uncover his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving, family-centered restaurant empire.

Isaias shares how he turned a simple idea written on a bar napkin into a brand that’s not only loved for its incredible food but also for its deep community impact. From working his first job washing dishes at 15, navigating the challenges of opening during a pandemic, to creating a business rooted in family and resilience, Isaias gives us an inside look at what it takes to turn passion into success.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ How to turn setbacks into opportunities
✅ The importance of family and community in business
✅ Lessons from starting small and thinking big
✅ Secrets to building a brand that lasts

If you’re an entrepreneur, foodie, or someone looking for inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation.

#BecomingUncommon #IsaiasHernandez #SmokeAndFire #Entrepreneurship #RestaurantSuccess #FromDishwasherToMogul #BusinessInspiration #FamilyBusiness

In this episode of Becoming Uncommon, I sit down with Richard O’Riley, affectionately known as Coach O, the founder of NY Metro Elite Track Club. Richard has dedicated his life to mentoring sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers throughout the northeast region and beyond, guiding multiple All-American, state champion, and nationally ranked athletes who have gone on to compete in conferences like the ACC, Big 10, Big East, Ivy League, and more.

We dive into his journey as a coach, mentor, and leader—exploring how he builds athletes not just for competition, but for life. Richard also serves on the Board of Directors of 12th Rock Sports Center in Middletown, NY, further cementing his commitment to developing the next generation of talent and character.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ The mindset required to perform at the highest levels
✅ How to mentor athletes for both success and resilience
✅ Lessons on leadership, discipline, and legacy
✅ Why community and service are vital in personal growth

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone striving for excellence in any field, this conversation is packed with lessons and inspiration to help you unlock your full potential.

#BecomingUncommon #RichardORiley #CoachO #TrackAndField #AthleteMentorship #Leadership #Discipline #SuccessMindset

Welcome to the very first episode of Becoming Uncommon!

For our debut, I’m sitting down with someone who means a lot to me — my former athlete and lifelong friend, Hassan Ilyas. From the track to business and everything in between, Hassan’s journey is full of resilience, risk-taking, and lessons learned the hard way.

We talk about his path from being one of my athletes at Compton College, following me to Cerritos, and then competing at Central Missouri. Along the way, we dive into the highs and lows — from chasing big athletic dreams, dealing with major injuries, finding his “why,” building a business, and embracing an uncommon path in life.

If you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your next move, or wondered how to take big risks while staying true to yourself, this episode is packed with insight and real stories you won’t forget.

Hit Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and join me as we explore what it really takes to become uncommon.