Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves

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This week on the 2ND Wind Academy podcast we welcome Will Hooley, who shares his journey from the rugby field to becoming a technical director for Major League Rugby in the United States. Will opens up about his reluctance to follow conventional career paths and how his passion for storytelling led him to this new and exciting profession. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of finding joy in new endeavors and how blending on-field performance with off-field interests laid the groundwork for his post-rugby life.

Transitioning from an elite athlete to a career in journalism and broadcasting is no small feat, and Will’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. He reflects on his career highs and lows, the significance of having a backup plan, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines an athlete's life. From overcoming career-threatening injuries to seizing opportunities in media, Will shares invaluable lessons for anyone facing a career change. Tune in to hear about the power of networking, building confidence in the corporate world, and strategically preparing for life after sports.

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Are you 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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How does a college athlete pivot from sports to a successful career in IT and entrepreneurship? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gage Yesbeck, a former college basketball player whose competitive spirit led him to an unexpected acting role on the Apple TV show "Swagger," produced by Kevin Durant. Gage offers invaluable advice for athletes contemplating life after sports, including the importance of internships, networking, and applying oneself across different fields.

We explore the rigorous balance between athletics and academics, recounting Gage's own hurdles like a significant injury, a gap year, and transferring schools—all while being a first-generation college student. Gage reflects on the profound impact of education and the necessity of having a backup plan, sharing personal milestones such as meeting his future spouse during his collegiate journey. His story is a testament to the resilience needed to navigate both athletic and academic paths.

Transitioning from college to a corporate life comes with its own set of challenges, and Gage dives into the emotional toll of job hunting post-graduation. He stresses the importance of networking and persistence, sharing his path from securing his first IT job to achieving notable career growth. Listen as Gage discusses the broader topic of career transitions for athletes, the support systems available like the 2ND Wind Academy, and the entrepreneurial mindset that continues to fuel his success.

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

Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

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Meet Andy Cramond, a former Scottish rugby player who turned his struggles with concussions into an early opportunity to plan for life after sports. In this episode, Andy opens up about his journey, sharing how he juggled late-night study sessions to earn online degrees in accountancy and business, all while pursuing his passion for property investment. Discover the strategies he used to manage time efficiently and build a solid foundation for his future.

Andy's story isn't just about overcoming physical challenges; it's also about leveraging the connections and experiences gained during his rugby career to succeed in the property market. We dive into his exciting move to France, his initial plans for an engineering career, and how his performance on the rugby field shifted his focus to professional sports. Andy also sheds light on the differences between property markets in the UK, US, and Dubai, and his mission to introduce the realtor model to Scotland for smoother transactions, especially for professional athletes.

But the journey didn't stop there. Andy talks about the emotional and physical toll of dealing with concussions and the tough decision to retire after a final game in 2021. He shares how a house renovation project became a pivotal part of his transition, offering a new career path in property investment. Listen in as he discusses the rewarding aspects of helping clients in real estate and the importance of financial planning for athletes.

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

Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

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Ever wondered how to balance multiple passions and career paths successfully?Featuring Rahhim Shillingford, this episode showcases his extraordinary journey from college football star to a licensed broker in New York. Rahhim dives deep into the invaluable lessons in accountability, goal-setting, and confidence that sports instilled in him, and how these have been pivotal in his thriving real estate career. He also shares personal stories about his family's deep involvement in sports and how it shaped his professional outlook.

We also explore the rewarding yet challenging journey of transitioning from college to careers in real estate, coaching, and personal training. Without forgetting the mental health challenges athletes face when shifting careers and the crucial role of mentorship during these transitions, this former professional footballer turned life coach shares the evolving methods of adaptive leadership and mentorship in sports and business. We also reflect on the powerful influence of having a coach in both personal and professional realms, as well as the lasting impact of strong familial support. This episode is a masterclass in leveraging the skills learned in sports to achieve success in various career paths and maintaining a strong support system along the way.

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

Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

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What happens when a seasoned rugby player takes on the challenging yet rewarding role of a coach? Join us as we welcome Simone Ragusi, an Italian rugby veteran who has transitioned from player to coach, bringing with him  years of experience and enthusiasm. With a career spanning 12 years, including stints in Wales and Ireland's elite Leinster environment, Simone's journey is an impressive tale of resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of personal growth. Hear about his time leading the U18 team at Petrarca Padova to an Italian championship and the lessons he learned about balancing the rigors of playing and coaching at the same time.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Simone's current endeavors 
• His childhood rugby moments as a child from a rugby family 
• The balance in Ireland between football and rugby as the sixth nation tournament and a football nation as well 
• When his focus started shifting from playing to coaching and how managed the conflict that arose with this
• The first step he took when he came to the realization that his playing career would not reach the peak he aimed at
• A sneak peek at the dynamics of sports in Italy, Ireland and England 
• What inspired hom to relocate from Italy to Ireland and what he hopes to achieve 
• Invaluable insights on how to identify and approach mentors and embrace continuous learning 

 …and so much more! 

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, visit www.2ndwind.io  

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simoragu/ 

X: https://x.com/Simo_RAgusi 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneragusi? 

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Dorian Pickens, a former professional basketball player, transitioned from the court to a thriving career in the sports business world. How did Dorian weigh the uncertain prospects of the G League and overseas play against the opportunities in real estate? Join us as Dorian shares his transition story, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship and networking, and how experiences at Adidas, Nike, and now Fanatics have shaped his new professional path. You'll also hear about his latest move to Dallas and the continuous evolution of his career.

Tune in to learn more about:

- What sports meant to him growing up and what drew him to love basketball
- The decisions he had to make to balance his academics and passion for sports
- What influenced his decision on where to study sports and his academy, despite being on opposite sides of the spectrum
- Reflections on his collegiate basketball years
- The moment he realized his professional career wouldn't last and the first steps he took afterward
- The sense of sorrow, fear, and uncertainty athletes experience when closing that chapter
- What supports him in excelling in his current role
- His insightful perspective on teamwork in sports and how it translates to the business world
…and so much more! 

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

Links:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorian-pickens 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpick 

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Send us Fan Mail

From the basketball court to the icy bobsled tracks, Alex's story isn't one you hear every day. Tune in as we traverse the thrilling and transformative journey with our guest, whose leap from dunking basketballs to steering sleds is a masterclass in grit and adaptability. The conversation delves into the depths of what it takes to rewire an athlete's body and mind from endurance to power, from hoop dreams to Olympic aspirations. We celebrate the spirit of perseverance and how Alex's narrative exemplifies the essence of health, emotional resilience, and gratitude—qualities that serve us all in sports and life alike.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Alex’s earliest sporting memories, what enjoyment she derived from it, and her experience playing professional basketball overseas
• Her struggles with Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis led to the close of her basketball career and created more obstacles along her athletic path
• How Alex did not let the diagnosis stop her from launching into an alternative sport and thriving in it as well
• The hardest bit of that transition phase between two sports
• What the transition from basketball to bobsleigh meant to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness
• This an amazing illustration of the physical space she is trying to fit into in bobsleigh
• How she has reinvented herself into an elite in her newfound sport
• In what way did the challenges she endured change how she looks at her life and future
• The importance of playful curiosity in an athlete's sports journey

… and so much more! 

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

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.alexklein/ 

                   https://www.instagram.com/its.alexkleincoaching/

Website: https://www.coachalexklein.com/ 

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Today’s episode marks our 101st episode of the podcast. So what's better than creating a 101 of Athletic Career Transition. In this episode, Ryan, along with Taj Dashaun, founder of Thrive After Sports Life, peel back the layers of the athletic mindset, sharing their own pivots from competitive play to carving out new professional identities. Their dialogue illuminates the critical steps in crafting a 'second act' that's as fulfilling as the first. Whether you're a former athlete or someone seeking to channel your drive and passion into a new vocation, this heart-to-heart promises to shed light on the beauty of reinvention.

With a football journey that drove him to drugs, depression, and a blurred vision of life beyond College football, Taj now turns out to be the solace and guidance he lacked at his corner during his second wind. Therein he founded Thrive After Sports, a holistic one-on-one program for retired athletes that is driven by the simple but transformative mission of equipping athletes with the tools to thrive in life after sports. He goes beyond helping players find jobs and start businesses to help them find fulfillment in every area of their lives. 

Tune in to learn more about:

- The motivation behind launching Thrive after sports

- Challenges faced during his college football career and their impact on his resilience and coping strategies

- Roles undertaken during the emotional aftermath of college graduation

- Strategies for discovering one's off-court path, thriving within it, and finding fulfillment

- Transitioning from discussing second winds to actively assisting athletes through those phases

- The significance of viewing the end of a sports career as the start of a lifelong journey

- Toughest aspects of supporting athletes during their transition

- The importance of athletes recognizing and being open to trustworthy individuals who have their best interests at heart

… and so much more! 

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

Links

Website:https://www.tajdashaun.com/ 

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tajdashaun/ 

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/ 

Email: [email protected]