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What does it take to skateboard at 100 kilometers per hour down treacherous terrains while breaking gender barriers? Join Ryan today as he sits down with Anna Pixner, Austria’s fastest woman on skateboards. Anna is a two-time world champion in downhill speed skateboarder, coach, writer, and advocate for greater recognition and equality for women in extreme sports. Known for her technical prowess and fearless approach to some of the most challenging mountain roads, Anna has mastered the art of navigating hairpin turns at breakneck speeds - all while advocating for greater recognition and equality for women in this male-dominated sport.

From a shy, thrill-seeking child to a world-class athlete who pushes her limits of both physical and mental endurance, Anna turned her passion for extreme sports into a mission to amplify female representation in extreme sports. She desires to make a broader impact, not just within the sport but also in encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace challenges. She uses her platform to inspire the next generation of athletes, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive portrayal of women in extreme sports by offering workshops, coaching, and creating her own high-quality media content.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What led Anna to discover her love for downhill speed skating and her first impression of this extreme sport
• The gender disparities, the lack of female representation in extreme sports, and the role the media plays in perpetuating stereotypes. 
• A sneak peek of the different styles within the sport, including racing and free riding, and the technical skills required to navigate steep, challenging mountain roads.
• Why it’s harder for female athletes than their male counterparts in extreme sports
• The psychological aspects of downhill skating and how she uses mental strength to manage fear and push her limits on the track.
• How Anna is championing female athletes in media to challenge stereotypes and encourage a more inclusive portrayal of women in extreme sports.

…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.annapixner.com/

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

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Staciana, a gold medalist from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, shares her journey from a determined young athlete to teaching, coaching and becoming an author of The Stolen Dance An Olympian’s Perpetual Search for Healing from Trauma and Grief.

Staciana also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster following her Olympic triumphs. Learn about her struggles with depression and injury, and how therapy, journaling, and a return to the water helped her navigate these challenges.

This episode is an exploration of athlete transition, the importance of mental health support, and finding purpose beyond the pool. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the power of resilience, community, and personal growth.

Tune in to learn more about:

- How she came to develop true athleticism in water and the role a positive peer environment had in the same 

- The importance of mental resilience and psychological strength in athletics.

- How post-Olympic stress syndrome affects athletes and ways to help athletes build physical and psychological resilience.

- Her journey of love & loss and how gratitude was the muscle that brought her to post-traumatic growth

- The power of mentorship and community in overcoming personal and professional challenges.

…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.bigwinenergy.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacianaw?igsh= 

Staciana’s book: 

Stolen Dance: An Olympian’s Perpetual Search for Healing from Trauma and Grief:  https://a.co/d/5RUxEk0 

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In today's episode, Ryan dives deep with Jori Davis, a seasoned professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, whose journey spans over 13 years, nine countries, and four continents. From the early days in New Orleans, Davis realized the importance of independence and self-reliance, especially in the competitive world of sports that crafted her into a strong advocate for athletes rights.

After experiencing the challenges and frustrations of negotiating sports contracts through agents and partners who often underpaid athletes, she realized the need for a platform that could bridge the gap between athletes and the support they deserve. This inspiration led her to create WeVolv,  a digital community where athletes can connect, share experiences, and access opportunities directly, without the need for intermediaries who might not always have their best interests at heart. Through WeVolv, Jori has become a pivotal figure in the sports industry, advocating for fair treatment, better support, and enhanced opportunities for athletes worldwide.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What causes the lack of transparency of information and fair compensation in the sporting industry 
• Her sporting journey from the grassroots to professional basketball 
• European vs American sporting system 
• Joris’s journey to self-discovery and adaptation as she played in different places around the globe
• Influence of the female mentors in crafting her sporting and entrepreneurial career 
• Pushing schools to build out ecosystems that help athletes better their perspective 
• How new vision for athletes empowerment and how it is impacting 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  

Links:

Website: https://wevolv.net/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joridavis32 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jori-davis-0a16a75a?utm_source 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wevolv/ 

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Imagine having your dreams shattered by physical pain and emotional turmoil, only to find a new path that offers profound fulfillment. That's exactly what happened to our guest, Baden, a former professional rugby player whose career was marked by broken fingers, concussions, and the discovery of arthritis. Baden shares his compelling journey from the rugby fields to the classroom, detailing how he navigated the challenges of injury and the difficult decision to retire. He then reveals how he found a new purpose through teaching, working as a teaching assistant, coaching rugby, and starting a successful kicking business.

Throughout this episode, we'll uncover the critical role that support systems played in Baden’s academic and athletic achievements, with touching anecdotes about influential figures like his long-term partner and his mother, a deputy principal, who kept him grounded and focused. Baden talks about his incredible shift from soccer to rugby at the age of 15, driven by obsessive dedication and a mentor who saw his potential. Join us as and listen to Baden's transformative journey, which offers valuable lessons on perseverance, adaptability, and finding freedom after facing life's toughest moments.

Get in Touch with Us:
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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What happens when a career in professional sports comes to an abrupt end? Meet George Taylor, a retired Scottish rugby player who faced this exact dilemma. George shares his inspiring journey from the rugby field to the world of finance, detailing how he navigated this significant life transition. He talks about the lessons he learned from his athletic career, which unexpectedly ended at 25 due to severe head injuries, and how these lessons have shaped his success in his family’s business and his pursuit of accountancy.

Transitioning careers after such a young retirement is no easy feat, yet George's proactive approach sets a powerful example. From gaining qualifications in personal training and coaching to finding his place in the family business, he shares the emotional and practical strategies that have helped him succeed. Discover how maintaining connections with former teammates and translating the ethos of team sports into business management has been pivotal in his journey. George's experience underscores the value of self-belief and the critical need to prepare for life beyond professional sports.

Connect with George on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_georgetaylor_

Get in Touch with Us:
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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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.

Get in Touch with Us:
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

Send us a text

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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/