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

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Have you ever wondered what it takes for an elite athlete to pivot into a successful business leader? Come along as Kari, whose journey from the softball diamond to the boardroom at Life Fitness and Sweat Marketing Lab is nothing short of inspiring, shares her story. Kari opens up about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a collegiate athlete to a professional player in Europe, and finally to a powerhouse in the sports marketing industry. Her unique perspective illuminates the evolving landscape of personal branding and the critical steps for athletes, especially women, to carve out their place in the competitive world of endorsements and partnerships.

Tune in to learn more about:

- Carrie's background in sports and fitness, including her experience playing college softball and coaching
- Transitioning from athletics to corporate America and finding her niche in sports marketing
- The pivotal moment of being laid off and using it as an opportunity for self-discovery
- Drawing inspiration from Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" and recognizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals
- Balancing her corporate job with running Sweat Marketing Lab and leveraging technology to manage time effectively
- The significance of staying true to one's passions and pursuing opportunities aligned with personal values and interests.
... 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  

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When the final whistle blows on an athlete's career, the silence can be deafening. But for one former football enthusiast from Manchester, that silence heralded the start of an unexpected journey in recruitment and ultimately, a transition to professional running. This episode weaves through the guest's early days, where the stark realities of a small town with limited career guidance clashed with dreams of athletic grandeur, and how a seemingly temporary job became the launchpad for a fulfilling career shift.

Sport teaches us discipline, teamwork, and a relentless drive for success—and these lessons don't end on the pitch. Our conversation traverses the unlikely odyssey from the football fields of Manchester to the recruitment offices and, astonishingly, onto the running tracks of Granada and Chiang Mai. Discover how our guest harnessed the skills honed in sports to navigate the corporate world and redefine success, swapping the roar of the stadium for the milestones of business and the runner's high.

Turn in to learn more about:

• The profound significance of having difficult but right discussions with upcoming athletes
• Why you should seize every opportunity even those from unfamiliar paths
• Switching his definition and vision of success
• What drew him back to running and why he thought he'd be good ín it
• The changes in lifestyle and routine he enforced to optimize his running career
• Significance of learning what it takes for you to succeed 
• The hardest part of trying to maintain a balance and how he dealt with it 
• What he had to let go of and is working to let go to grow in the corporate 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/leegrantham 

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jungle.vip?ig 

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When the roar of the crowd fades and the medals settle in their cases, what happens to the titans of the sports world? Join us as Paralympian David takes us through the labyrinth of life after elite competition, laying bare the complexities of transition that go far beyond the podium. From the unanticipated stillness of lockdown to the daunting reality of a personal divorce, David's candid revelation of the highs and lows of his botcha career underscores the resilience required to pivot from athletic glory to new ventures.

As we traverse David's journey, we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped his post-athletic life, where the tenacity honed on the boccia court finds new expression in the realm of wellness coaching. This episode intertwines the delicate dance of balancing ambition and practicality, as David shares the insights gleaned from facing down the challenges of disability in his daily life, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of education and personal growth. The fortitude that propelled him to become a world champion now fuels his passion for empowering others through nutrition and wellness—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true champion.

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

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to tackle a career pivot with the same force you'd tackle an opponent on the football field? Andrew, a former collegiate football star turned senior people partner in the cybersecurity industry, joins Ryan to unravel the playbook of his impressive transition. Together, they chart the course from the adrenaline of recruitment to the strategy behind talent management, offering you a seat at the table of an athlete's mind turned corporate maven.

Shifting gears from the gridiron to the corporate ladder, they unpack the emotional intelligence and tenacity required to excel in human resources. Andrew brings to light the unexpected parallels between athletic coaching and corporate mentorship, sharing how the skills honed in competitive sports serve as a strong foundation for building relationships and fostering continuous improvement in business. His candid narrative, filled with personal growth and universal lessons, will ignite your appreciation for the transformative power of sports on professional development.

This conversation highlights the importance of finding balance after hanging up the cleats, as Andrew reveals how personal hobbies and a supportive network are crucial in navigating life's transitions. Whether you're a player on the field or a professional charting your next move, this episode promises to inspire and equip you for the journey ahead. So, lace up your cleats one last time and join in for this engaging dialogue that transcends the boundaries of football and forges a path to success in the corporate world.

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

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Have you ever witnessed the raw determination of an athlete as they pivot from fierce competition on the field to the cutthroat arena of business? That's the gripping tale Dylan, our fearless guest, unfolds. His journey from a tenacious rugby player to an innovative entrepreneur at the helm of Neo eX is nothing short of inspiring. As he recounts the meticulous discipline he carried from the rugby pitch to the tech world, you can't help but be drawn into the parallels between scoring tries and navigating the startup ecosystem. Dylan's narrative is more than just a story of career transition; it's a playbook on harnessing the grit of sports for business success.

Through the lens of Dylan's multifaceted life, we peel back the layers of what it means to balance diverse passions - rugby, acting, and academics - and still find your footing. The conversation takes us on an exciting sprint through his early days of juggling multiple roles, the serendipitous scholarship that led him to the professional rugby fields of Europe, and the mentors who steered his course. His tale is a testament to the idea that the path less traveled, while fraught with hard choices and sacrifices, can lead to enriching life experiences that shape us beyond our expectations.

But what comes after the final whistle blows on a sports career? For Dylan, it was a period of introspection and a quest for meaningful engagement, culminating in the creation of Neo eX. Wearing the dual hats of founder and CEO, he tackles the challenges of chronic pain and identity loss with the same vigor once reserved for opponents on the rugby field. His story isn't just about personal reinvention; it's a masterclass in setting micro-goals and fostering community through technology. So, lace up your boots, and prepare to be moved by a saga of resilience and rebirth in the tech arena.

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

Connect with Dylan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylgray/
Website: https://www.neoex.io/

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This episode features a former rugby player turned legal recruiter, whose story of adaptability and resilience captivates from the onset. Clint's  odyssey from the grassy fields to the corporate towers is a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of new horizons. He takes us through his journey, discussing the blend of mental and physical grit needed to balance a landscaping job with his Super Rugby dreams, and the cultural leap from France to Dubai that tested his ability to thrive in unfamiliar territory.

Clint's pivot into the corporate realm is as inspiring as it is instructive, proving that the spirit of sportsmanship – teamwork, resilience, and communication – can indeed pave the way for triumph in new arenas. Through his narrative, we're reminded of the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and leveraging one's past to forge a bright future.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Clint’s experience of the differences in the game between the northern and southern hemispheres and what he loved most about them
• The mental strain that accompanied the end of his rugby career and the first steps he took for a smooth transition post-COVID
• The role exploration played in his discovery of what he fits in during his after-sports life
• How he got into sales and recruitment and the interrelation between sports culture and work culture
• The role math has had in his role today in the sales and recruitment arena
• Why investing your efforts in cultivating a professional presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn is of significance 

… 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/clinteadie/ 

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

X: https://x.com/ClintEadie 

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When  Caragh McMurtry, a former Olympic rower for Team GB, shares her tale, it's not your typical sports saga. Our episode zooms in on her dual identity as an elite athlete and a neurodiversity advocate. Caragh's experiences highlight the untapped brilliance of neurodivergent athletes and the pressing need for a shift in the sports world's approach to these exceptional minds. Her journey, marked by both remarkable triumphs and deeply personal struggles, paints a vivid picture of the athletic landscape through a neurodivergent lens, challenging listeners to rethink their views on mental health and inclusivity in high-stakes competition.

This episode is a clarion call to coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike, illuminating the path to a new chapter in 's life and possibly for many others like her. Post-retirement, she transforms adversity into advocacy, leveraging her story to ignite change and inspire others who are navigating the tricky waters of identity beyond their sports careers. As you connect with Caragh's relentless drive and dedication to making a difference, prepare to be moved and motivated by the transformative power of embracing neurodiversity in the competitive arena.

Tune in to learn more about:

- Her impactful wave through neurodiverse charities 

- Gaps in the sports sector around the understanding, supporting, and proper inclusion of neurodiverse athletes and those facing mental health problems 

- The long period of athletes masking up their differences till retirement due to the ongoing stigma and discrimination against neurodiverse athletes 

- Challenges she faced throughout her sporting journey as a neurodivergent athlete before getting the proper diagnosis 

- How she constantly leaned on her resilience for a successful sporting career 

- The real journey of learning about herself after getting the proper diagnosis 

- The stigma and discrimination she still faced as steps were made to make an inclusive sporting environment 

- Why sports clubs, athletes, and supporters should wholeheartedly embrace diversity

- Nuggets of wisdom for young and retiring athletes 

… 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 

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Ever wondered about the life beyond the roar of the stadium for athletes? Barry Squires, a former university-level footballer turned sports leader, sits down with us to navigate that very transition. From the humble beginnings at AFC Bournemouth's academy to the strategic world of university sports administration, Barry reveals the complexities behind the pivotal decisions that shape careers post-athletics. His insights into the balance of education and competitive sport provide a fresh perspective on the real-life challenges and opportunities athletes encounter when stepping off the pitch and into the boardroom.

Barry's story is more than just a tale of athletic prowess; it's a roadmap for leveraging one's passion for sports into a successful career. He shares his experience of playing semi-professional football while keeping his academic goals in sight, the summers spent coaching in the U.S., and the mentorship that catalyzed his growth. His approach to life beyond the game—grounded in seizing opportunities for learning and development—underscores the importance of adaptability for athletes looking to make their mark in sports leadership.

Tune in to learn more about:
- How he is raising the aspirations and exploration of young athletes in areas unknown to them beforehand 
- Sports for Barry in his childhood and higher academic life
- Informative look into the vast opportunities that they offer students whilst in their - undergraduate and postgraduate academic journey
- How he kept sports in his life when the realization of not becoming a pro footballer sunk in
- The strategic steps Barry took to prolong sports in his life during his post University period
- Why you should continuously aim to build your value for professional development
- His passion for adding value to young athletes through a multi-sports approach
- How his definition of success evolved and matured from being a Young player to a seasoned sports coach
- Aspects of his history that he would change
- The overlooked roles and fulfillment an individual can have by being in the background of the sports world
- The former roles of a sports coach and how they are evolving
…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 

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When Calum Giles, a double Olympic hockey player, steps into our studio, he brings with him a narrative that goes beyond the hockey field. His personal battles and victories over ADHD are as captivating as his athletic accomplishments. Understanding his journey helps us unravel the tight weave between neurodiversity and peak performance. Calum doesn't shy away from discussing the role of mentors in recognizing and nurturing the potential of young athletes, a perspective that's shaped his roles as director of junior coaching at Blackheart and Altamium’s Hockey Club and managing director of Stickwise Hockey Camps.

In this episode, Ryan and Calum discuss:
- The connection between neurodiversity and peak athletic performance through Calum's journey.
- The role of mentors in recognizing and nurturing the potential of young athletes.
-  How the schooling system impacts individuals with ADHD and their career paths, using Calum's academic journey as an example.
- Cognitive differences bring flair and creativity in sports, drawing parallels with the Dutch style of football.
- Calum's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and understanding approach to learning and coaching in education and sports.
- The rarely explored topic of life after sports, including financial challenges athletes face and the importance of aligning one's career with passions.
- Calum's personal story as a powerful reminder that success, in various forms, is achievable with hard work, fairness, and a commitment to one's true self.

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:http://www.stickwise.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calum-giles- 

Instagram:https://instagram.com/stickwise?igshid=

X: https://x.com/CalumGiles?s= 

Resources:

Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover: https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/147671420