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In today's episode, we dive deep into the real psychology behind career transitions, decision-making, and finding your true path after sport — and why it’s way less logical and way more emotional than you think.

We are joined by Gavin Freeman, a sports psychologist, MBA lecturer, and corporate strategist who shares fascinating stories from working with elite athletes, Olympic teams, and CEOs leading thousands. Together, we uncover why so many people struggle with change — and the surprising skills you already have to make smoother, smarter career moves.

Inside this conversation:

- Why it's not just what you’re good at — it's how it makes you feel that matters

- How to recognize when a chapter is closing (even if your emotions resist it)

- The "Superstar CV" exercise that helps you rebuild confidence and clarity after leaving sport or any major career

- Why hindsight makes everything look seamless (and why you shouldn't trust it too soon)

- What business leaders, athletes, and everyday professionals really have in common

- How to reframe failure, motivation, and risk so you thrive in your next career move

- A sneak peek into the next episode: Making life-changing decisions under pressure, with no time and incomplete information

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

Some more about Gavin

He is a fully registered psychologist with experience in the sporting and corporate worlds. 

He has held a directorship within a large consulting company and was the head of HR internally. His  20 years of experience in human capital consulting have been with blue-chip Australian and International organisations across numerous industries, including banking, construction, mining, telecommunication and government.  

Gavin consults across Australia and Asia to CEO, Executives, Managers and  Elite Coaches  delivering a variety of experiential Crisis Management Workshops, Change Leadership Consulting, Strategic workshop facilitation,  Executive Coaching, and Team Building experiences. As a psychologist his insights bring an understanding of human behaviour, and how to best create a high performing culture.

His first book, “The Business Olympian” released in June 2008 captures the mental toughness lessons learned from elite athletes and how these skills can be easily transferred into the corporate world.

His second book, released in 2016 “Just stop Motivating Me” explores the complexity of motivation and examines how a motivational continuum explains not just our motivations but the behaviours associated with them. His third and possibly final book “Don’t let me die in economy class: how the ordinary become extraordinary” was released in Feb 2025, explores how ordinary people went onto to do extraordinary things. 

He  can usually be heard on one of the business radio  and TV shows across Australia.

Gavin was the team psychologist for the Winter Olympic team in Turin 2006 and the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. He was also the Team Psychologist for the Olympic Archery Team in Sydney 2000. At the professional level, he has worked with various athletes from the best sporting leagues around the world, including the NBA, WNBA, and PGA. Additionally, he was the Psychologist for a Team at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Website www.gavinfreeman.com.au

Amazon books - 

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Greg's journey isn't your typical athlete-to-executive story. This is about what happens when you walk away from elite sport cold turkey (for 10 years), then suddenly find yourself pulled back in – while building a career, starting a family, and even stepping into a boxing ring.

In this episode, we get raw about:

• That moment a 24-hour bus ride revealed his untapped swimming potential
• Why he took a demolition job after retiring from international competition
• The $35,000 mindset shift he wished he'd had earlier
• How getting knocked out in business (figuratively) prepared him for getting in the ring (literally)
• Why "perfect practice makes perfect" applies to spreadsheets just as much as sprints

Key Moments You Can't Miss:

1. The Unconventional Comeback

• Why returning to elite swimming at 35 with three kids was harder (and more rewarding) than his first career
• How shaving 0.6 seconds became an obsession – and what that teaches us about incremental business growth

2. Career Transition Truth Bombs

• "I didn't want to be 28 trying to start a career" – the harsh reality of post-sport timing
• His biggest regret? Not leveraging his athletic network sooner (and how to avoid this mistake)

3. The Anchor Words That Changed Everything
Discover the 3-word performance framework Greg uses for:

• Racing 100m butterfly
• Leading multi-million dollar deals
• Parenting three kids under 10

4. When the Goggles Come Off For Good
Why COVID wasn't actually what ended his second swimming career – it was something far more relatable

Why This Hits Different:

This isn't another "transferable skills" lecture. It's the unfiltered story of an athlete who:
➜ Walked away completely (twice)
➜ Found success in finance without playing the "former swimmer" card
➜ Proves high performance isn't about constant grind – it's about strategic comebacks

"The pool taught me that failure isn't falling short – it's not showing up prepared. That lesson alone built my entire career."

Listen Now If:

• You've ever felt "too old" to pivot
• You're struggling to translate competitive fire into career fuel
• You want proof that work-life balance IS possible for type-A personalities

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

Tag us @2ndwind.academy with your biggest takeaway!

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Aleisha’s journey from elite synchronized figure skating to founding a rockstar media company is inspiring, and a masterclass in translating athletic discipline into business success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the gritty reality of career transition: the identity crises, the $35,000 gamble that changed everything, and why "trust the process" isn't just a sports cliché, it's the secret to outlasting 98% of startups. If you've ever felt lost after a major life pivot, or wondered how to turn your competitive edge into career fuel, this episode is your playbook.

Topics Covered:

1️⃣ The Athlete’s Dilemma

• Why retirement feels like "losing your identity overnight"
• How Aleisha’s small-town grit got her to World Championships (and why it matters in business)

2️⃣ The $35,000 Wake-Up Call

• Taking out a high-interest loan without telling a soul
• Why she chose mentorship over a "safe" corporate path

3️⃣ The Relentless Iteration Mindset

• Post-competition debriefs → business growth frameworks
• "Your ego wants to celebrate—excellence demands you dissect every flaw"

4️⃣ The 3-Door Career Crossroads

• Comfortable job vs. agency role vs. entrepreneurship
• How she knew it was time to bet on herself (again)

5️⃣ The Uncomfortable Truth About Success

• Why entrepreneurship is 95% grind, 5% glory (just like elite sport)
• How to fall in love with the daily process, not just the wins

6️⃣ Your New Performance Playbook

• Pre-transition planning: "Start before you’re desperate"
• Why every professional needs a "coach" (yes, even you)

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

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What happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rachel opens up about:

• Writing "Olympic volleyball player" in her yearbook at 15—before she even knew how to play the sport.
• Training with boys, living in fire stations, and riding bikes to fundraise—just to keep her Olympic dream alive.
• The brutal reality of professional sports vs. elite competition—and why she felt like a "commodity" in Europe’s leagues.
• The moment her team "ceased to exist" after London 2012—and how she grappled with losing her purpose overnight.
• Hiding behind a "cape" in her post-sport career—why she buried her Olympic past to fit into corporate life.
• Her mission today—helping athletes avoid the pitfalls she faced by building fulfilling lives beyond the podium.

This isn’t just a sports story. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and the uncomfortable truth: most athletes aren’t prepared for life after the final whistle.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

• If you’ve ever felt lost after a major life change—Rachel’s journey from "Who am I now?" to empowerment is a masterclass in self-discovery.
• For athletes (or anyone) fearing transition—her hard-won advice on planning, curiosity, and asking for help is gold.
• Behind-the-scenes of elite sport—the untold sacrifices, the politics of funding, and what really happens when the uniforms are packed away.
• A wake-up call for the sports industry—why Rachel is fighting to fix a "broken system" that leaves athletes adrift.

 Where to Find Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lewis-972257162/

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Marnie—a former dual international athlete (representing England in both netball and touch rugby), mum of two, and entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing early-years sports education and AI adoption in business.

Marnie’s story is one of relentless determination, adaptability, and learning to thrive in multiple arenas—whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or at home with her young family. From her early days as a self-described "B-team player" in Australia to captaining England teams and launching her own business, Marnie shares how she’s navigated career transitions, motherhood, and the evolving world of AI—all while keeping her love for sport alive.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Adaptability
   • Marnie’s journey from a "B-team" athlete to an international competitor was fueled by her ability to play multiple roles—something she now instills in the athletes she coaches.
   • "Your team is only as strong as the player in their weakest role. Versatility wins games—and careers."
2. When Passion Meets Entrepreneurship
   • Frustrated by the limitations of teaching PE in the UK, Marnie quit her job mid-career to launch Sporty Minis, now impacting 3,000+ kids weekly with early-years sports education.
   • "I lacked purpose as a PE teacher. Starting my own business wasn’t just about freedom—it was about making real impact."
3. AI: The Game-Changer for Busy Professionals
   • Marnie’s top AI tools for efficiency:
     • Otter.ai (meeting notes)
     • Claude (copywriting)
     • Custom GPTs (train AI to sound like you)
   • "AI isn’t a trend—it’s the future. Adopt a growth mindset or get left behind."
4. Athlete Mindset in Business
   • From fearing competition to empowering her team: "Now, my favorite part of leadership is watching others excel—even if they’re better than me."
   • Why her businesses grow faster when she’s not micromanaging: "Sometimes, the bottleneck is you."
5. The Emotional Side of Sport & Transition
   • Post-motherhood, returning to elite sport was her toughest challenge—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
   • Why she still plays (and coaches) at 40+: "Putting on that jersey? It’s the one time I feel purely me—not ‘Mum’ or ‘CEO.’"
6. Advice for Athletes Juggling Careers
   • "Reflect on your strengths. Every skill you’ve honed in sport—discipline, teamwork, resilience—translates to business. The only failure is not trying."

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

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When Kuhoo Garg tore her ACL during her comeback tournament after COVID, little did she know this injury would redirect her life's purpose. As a former world #34 badminton player representing India, Kuhoo had dedicated everything to her sport—sacrificing normal college experiences, social connections, and career exploration in pursuit of Olympic dreams.

The forced pause from competition created space for a profound realization. Despite reaching elite levels in her sport, Kuhoo began questioning whether the singular focus had been worth it. "I had a lot of resentment towards the sport," she confesses. "I was blinded by it and gave up on all other opportunities." With no work experience, no interview skills, and limited knowledge of her economics degree's applications, she found herself at a crossroads familiar to many athletes—what now?

Rather than viewing her athletic background as a liability, Kuhoo recognized the transferable skills it had cultivated. The discipline, competitive drive, and resilience that took her to international badminton courts became her foundation for tackling one of the world's most competitive examinations—the Indian Civil Services exam, which accepts just 1,000 candidates from over 1.3 million applicants annually.

What makes Kuhoo's transition story particularly powerful is how she discovered a deeper purpose beyond personal achievement. While playing badminton offered individual accolades, she yearned for broader impact. Now training as an Indian Police Service officer, Kuhoo can provide justice to victims, implement community sport initiatives, and create systemic change—combining her athletic background with public service in ways she never imagined possible.

For athletes contemplating their own transitions, Kuhoo offers wisdom from both sides: "Remember how much of a privilege it is to pursue what you love professionally. Stay humble and recognize the world is huge with endless opportunities." Her journey demonstrates that athletic careers, while temporary, develop invaluable skills that transfer to countless other fields. The key is finding the courage to reinvent yourself when the moment demands it.

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io 

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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Tarek Moustafa, a passionate advocate for personal development and athlete well-being. Tarek shares his unique journey from being a young boy diagnosed with autism to becoming a mentor, educator, and podcast host. Through his work in schools and his podcast Life in Sport, Tarek is dedicated to helping young people—especially athletes—discover their multifaceted identities and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Tarek opens up about his own struggles with self-doubt, his obsession with learning, and how his passion for sport and personal growth intertwines to create a powerful mission: to empower others to find their path.

Key Takeaways:

• Identity Beyond Sport: Tarek emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing multiple identities—whether as a student, athlete, friend, or family member—to build resilience and avoid being defined by a single role.
• The Power of Curiosity: From networking with industry professionals to exploring new career paths, Tarek’s curiosity has been a driving force in his personal and professional growth.
• Letting Go of Control: Tarek reflects on his journey of learning to let go of things he can’t control, a lesson that has been crucial in his development and well-being.
• Player Care in Sport: Tarek shares his insights into the evolving world of athlete well-being, highlighting the gaps and opportunities in player care across different sports and clubs.
• The Role of Mentorship: Through his work with young athletes and students, Tarek demonstrates the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of fostering independence and self-awareness.

Memorable Moments:

• Tarek’s analogy of sport being like McDonald’s—same but different in every culture—offers a fresh perspective on how sport connects people globally.
• His approach to helping young people map out their identities through simple, relatable questions like, “What makes you a student? A friend? A son or daughter?”
• The story of how a casual conversation with a former professional Muay Thai fighter sparked the idea for his podcast, Life in Sport.

Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt defined by a single role or struggled to navigate life’s transitions, Tarek’s story is a reminder that growth comes from embracing your multifaceted identity. Whether you’re an athlete, a mentor, or someone searching for clarity in your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt wisdom.

Quotable:
“It’s just as important to know what isn’t good as it is to know what is good. And I think it’s really undervalued.” – Tarek

Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io 

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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew, a former elite rugby player who carved out a 15-year career across Australia, Wales, Ireland, and France. 

From captaining teams in Europe to managing operations for a global engineering company, Andrew shares how the lessons learned in rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—translated seamlessly into his post-sport career. He opens up about the challenges of letting go of the athlete’s dream, the importance of loyalty, and how curiosity and vulnerability became his superpowers in the corporate world.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Curiosity: Andrew’s willingness to say “yes” to opportunities—even when he felt out of his depth—led to unexpected career paths and personal growth.
• Teamwork Beyond Sport: Discover how the dynamics of a rugby team mirror the needs of a high-performing business team, and why diversity in skills and personalities is key to success.
• Letting Go of the Dream: Andrew reflects on the emotional journey of retiring from professional sports and how he found new purpose in leadership and mentorship.
• The Art of Honesty: Learn why brutal honesty (with a touch of empathy) is crucial in both sport and business, and how it builds trust and respect.
• Goal Alignment: Andrew shares a powerful analogy about running across broken glass and why aligning personal goals with professional ones is the secret to staying motivated.

Memorable Moments:

• Andrew’s unexpected career pivot after a casual chat with an executive committee.
• The culture shock of moving from sunny Queensland to the freezing valleys of Wales—and how it shaped his adaptability.
• Why loyalty and vulnerability are non-negotiables in leadership, both on and off the field.
• The surprising similarities between high-pressure rugby matches and high-stakes business meetings.

Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re an athlete contemplating life after sport, a professional navigating a career transition, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take the next big leap, Andrew’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying curious.

Tune in to hear:

• How Andrew turned a one-year stint in Wales into a decade-long international career.
• The moment he realized it was time to hang up his boots and prioritize family.
• Practical advice for athletes and professionals alike on setting goals, building relationships, and embracing vulnerability.

Quotable:
“In sport, you pick yourself. If you’re not getting selected, it’s because you haven’t done what’s needed. The same applies in life—you’ve got to take ownership of your journey.” – Andrew

Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io 

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In today's episode, we sit down with Mikel Thomas, a three-time Olympian whose journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to the global stage of the Olympics, Mikel's story is one of triumph over adversity, both on and off the track. He opens up about the pressures of living up to expectations, the physical and emotional toll of injuries, and how he found the strength to keep pushing forward. But this isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about life, community, and the power of perseverance. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional navigating a career transition, or someone searching for purpose, Mikel’s insights will leave you inspired to embrace challenges and redefine what success means to you.

What We Discussed:

• Mikel’s early days in Trinidad and Tobago, where his love for sports first took root and set him on the path to becoming an Olympian.
• The intense pressure and expectations he faced after his Olympic debut, and how he learned to navigate the weight of external validation.
• The physical and mental challenges of overcoming career-threatening injuries, and the lessons he learned about resilience and adaptability.
• The importance of building a strong support system and surrounding yourself with the right community to help you through tough times.
• Mikel’s advocacy for mental health awareness in the sports world, and why he believes it’s crucial to address the emotional struggles athletes often face.
• How he’s using his platform to champion athletes’ rights and create supportive frameworks for life beyond sports.
• The pivotal moments that shaped his personal and professional growth, and how he approaches transitions without losing focus.
• Practical advice for anyone looking to redefine success, find clarity in their career path, and embrace the idea of a “second wind.”

This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable takeaways for anyone looking to push through challenges and find their own path to purpose. Tune in and let Mikel’s story remind you that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Mikel: 
  • LinkedIn: Mikel K. Thomas, OLY
• Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io 

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In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Christine Ngeve, a former multi-sport college athlete turned mental health advocate and career coach for athletes. Christine’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparing for life beyond sport. From her days as a three-sport athlete at university to her current work helping student-athletes navigate their identities and career transitions, Christine shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their unique experiences to thrive in the next chapter of their lives.

Christine opens up about the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth, and how her athletic career shaped her into the person she is today. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your “fingerprint”—the unique combination of skills, experiences, and traits that make you who you are—and how athletes can translate their transferable skills into the workforce. Whether you’re an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points:

- How sports built grit and resilience while shaping an identity beyond athletics.

- Balancing volleyball, softball, track, academics, and personal life in college.

- Advocating for mental health through staff training and crisis support volunteering.

- Navigating the transition from competitive sports to the next phase of life.

- Leveraging leadership, teamwork, and adaptability for career success.

- The power of mentorship and role models in shaping personal growth.

- Helping student-athletes at smaller colleges prepare for life beyond sports.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Christine:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 336-988-4622
  • Instagram: @peakpotentialjourney
  • LinkedIn: Christine Ngeve
• Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io 

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever struggled with identity, transition, or finding their purpose after a major life change. Christine’s story is both inspiring and relatable, offering practical advice for athletes and non-athletes alike. Her emphasis on understanding your “fingerprint” and leveraging your unique experiences will leave you motivated to take the next step in your own journey. Tune in to discover how to turn your past experiences into future success!