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

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Imagine standing perfectly still, focusing on a target 50 meters away as your heartbeat slows to match the rhythm of your breath. Now, picture doing this while navigating the chaos of moving continents, mastering a new language, and building a life with your partner—all while staying true to your identity as an elite athlete. What does it take to stay calm and grounded while pursuing greatness amidst life’s biggest changes? Shreya Saksena knows, and her story is nothing short of captivating.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Balancing new beginnings: Discover how Shreya transitioned from India to Germany, juggling marriage, a new cultural landscape, and her athletic passion.
• Finding calm in chaos: Learn how precision shooting taught Shreya to embrace calm under pressure—a skill she applies in every aspect of her life.
• Shifting gears: Hear how Shreya’s military upbringing and supportive parents helped her move from the fast-paced world of basketball to the solitary discipline of rifle shooting.
• Expanding perspectives: Explore how Shreya stepped outside her comfort zone as an elite athlete, connecting with diverse perspectives through education and networking.
• Preparing for life after sports: Gain valuable advice on staying present, embracing uncertainty, and building a fulfilling post-sports career.

🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
Shreya’s story isn’t just about sports—it’s about resilience, growth, and finding clarity in life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, pursuing a passion, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take your next leap of faith.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

• How to stay calm and focused under pressure in both sports and life.
• The importance of embracing uncertainty and stepping outside your comfort zone.
• Why focusing on the present can transform how you approach life’s transitions.
• How networking and education can help athletes build new opportunities beyond the field.

🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode dives deep into Shreya’s inspiring journey, offering powerful lessons on calm, courage, and reinvention. Whether you’re an athlete or someone seeking clarity in your next step, her story will inspire you to embrace life’s challenges and thrive.

Let’s Connect:
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: @shreya_saksena
• LinkedIn: Shreya Saksena
• Email: [email protected]

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What happens when elite sports and cutting-edge medicine intersect? Ryan invites Karen Brown, to the show.

Karen Brown is an award-winning pharmacist and former Queensland Firebirds netball star transforming how athletes approach health, performance, and safety. Through Batch Tested, Australia’s leading platform for rigorously tested supplements, Karen ensures that athletes worldwide safeguard their careers and health. Her unique perspective as both an elite athlete and a clinical expert has positioned her as a champion for innovation in sports and pharmacy.  

Karen’s influence doesn’t stop at supplement safety. As a business owner, educator, and advocate, she’s paving the way for Sports pharmacy to become a global standard, redefining the pharmacist's role in elite athletic care. Her groundbreaking work bridges the worlds of medicine and sports, setting new standards for clean supplementation and athlete support.  

Tune in to learn more about:  

• How Karen’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to Batch Tested, addressing critical gaps in supplement safety for athletes.  
• Why 1 in 5 supplements pose career-ending risks and how Karen is revolutionizing trust in the sports industry.  
• The essence of an emerging specialty is Sports pharmacy, where clinical expertise meets athletic performance, ensuring smarter, safer care for athletes.  
• How setbacks, like missing her dream university course, became stepping stones for her impactful career.  
• Discover Karen’s bold philosophy, Fly the plane while you’re building it, which emphasizes the power of action over perfection.  
• Lessons from Karen’s netball career that fuel her success in business and mentorship.  
•  A visionary outlook on Brisbane 2032, where Karen aims to integrate clinical pharmacists into sports teams for next-level athlete care. 
• The future of clean sports: How Batch Tested is setting a new standard for athlete safety and integrity. 

…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://batchtested.com.au 

                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/batch-tested/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-brown-8b7900106  

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What does it take to turn a lifelong passion into a movement that’s redefining dance for young children across the UK and beyond? Meet Anne-Marie Martin, the founder of Diddi Dance, a pioneering dance program that’s bringing rhythm, fun, and early childhood development into one dynamic package for kids under five. Once a professional dancer gracing global stages, Anne-Marie traded in her spotlight for a new mission: to build children’s confidence, creativity, and coordination through dance. And she’s not just making it happen; today, her impact is felt far and wide, she’s scaling it with over 40 franchises, each delivering classes where children grow, laugh, and learn to move freely in their unique way.

Anne-Marie’s story is one of bold pivots and relentless innovation. From the leap of founding her own company to designing a brand-new dance curriculum and even developing original music just for her classes, she’s crafting experiences that make a lasting impact on children and parents alike. As a true industry leader, she’s not only shaping the future of dance education but also mentoring women in franchising through her role with EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) and setting quality standards as a board member of the Children's Activities Association.

Tune in to learn more about:

• How Anne-Marie went from the spotlight of professional dancing to founding Diddi Dance, addressing a major gap in early childhood dance.
• The rewards of teaching young children and how her passion evolved into a focus on holistic child development.
• The unique structure of Diddi Dance, where upbeat routines nurture self-confidence, social skills, and movement abilities.
• Behind-the-scenes stories of building her brand, including navigating a name change and creating original music to make classes unforgettable.
• Anne-Marie's dedication to inclusivity in dance and her role in elevating safety and educational standards for young learners through her role as a board member of the Children's Activities Association.
•  Her work with EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) inspires and mentors women entering the world of franchising and entrepreneurship.
•  With sights on global expansion, how she’s bringing her dream of accessible, joyous dance experiences to kids around the 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/anne-marie-martin- 

Website: https://www.diddidance.com  

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

                    https://www.instagram.com/diddidancecrew   

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Channing Chaston, famously known as the 1% Kid, shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey from dreaming of playing college soccer to becoming a pro athlete with Phoenix Rising. Discover how Channing's mantra of "1% better every day" drove him to overcome the challenges of a rigorous recruitment process and unexpected coaching changes to secure his place at Ohio State. Through his story, we promise you'll gain insights into resilience and the power of persistence, whether you're an athlete or just chasing your own dreams.

Reflecting on his remarkable career, Channing discusses his transition from soccer to becoming an author and educational consultant. He brings a competitive drive and structured mindset to his newly launched training academy, aimed at nurturing young athletes' physical and mental growth. We touch on the "three Ps" - practice, perseverance, and patience - and Channing's vision for helping others become the best versions of themselves. Tune in for inspiring advice on goal setting and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in your journey towards fulfillment.

Tune in to learn more about:

• How Channing pushed past doubts to earn a spot at Ohio State and what fueled his “1% better everyday mindset
• The transformative power of setting small, achievable goals that add up to monumental success
• His journey from athlete to entrepreneur, educator, and speaker, and the importance of following multiple passions
• Channing’s commitment to empowering youth through goal-setting, self-discipline, and education.
• The unexpected journey to becoming an author and why his story is for every child with a dream.
• His Three Ps; Practice, Perseverance, and Patience, and why they’re the secret to making dreams come true
• Lessons from overcoming setbacks, including injuries and career shifts, and finding new purpose beyond the field
• The unexpected road to becoming an author and why his story resonates with anyone chasing a dream

…and so much more!

Links:

Website: https://www.theonepercentkid.com/ 

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

                    https://www.instagram.com/the1percentkid/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the1%kid 

Book: The 1% Kid: https://www.amazon.com/1-Kid-Channing-Chasten/ 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com 

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Erin Cafaro, a former elite athlete turned neuropsychologist, joins us to share the incredible journey sparked by her father's diagnosis with vascular dementia. She opens up about the powerful influence of personal experiences on career transitions, illustrating how curiosity and passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Listeners will learn how Erin's early life in a small California town and the male-focused sports culture set the stage for her career in rowing, ultimately leading her to national and Olympic teams.

From the significance of Title IX in her rowing journey to the importance of emotional balance, Erin's candid reflections offer guidance for athletes seeking fulfillment beyond their competitive careers. The conversation highlights the necessity of recovery and personal growth, taking into account how understanding one's past can empower future endeavors.

Tune in to learn more about:

- Why and how early-life challenges often fuel athletes' ambition and, sometimes become a double-edged sword.

- The psychological and emotional toll of stepping off the podium and the journey to redefine one’s self-worth and purpose beyond achievement.

- Why it’s difficult for athletes to publicly acknowledge mental health struggles and why open discussions are crucial for healing.

- How athletic discipline impacts cognitive resilience and contributes to mental toughness.

- The challenges and rewards of transitioning from a performance-oriented mindset to a more academic one

- Insights into her current work in clinical psychology research  on how athletes cope with life off the podium

- Erin’s perspective on resilience, recovery, and the value of community support in overcoming life’s setbacks.

…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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What happens when a BMX champion swaps the adrenaline rush of biking for the tranquil greens of golf? Join us as Josh, a former professional BMX athlete, narrates this unlikely transformation. After a brain tumor diagnosis, Josh reevaluated his life priorities and took the bold step to transition into a sport where every swing is both a challenge and a chance for growth. Discover how BMX's demand for adaptability and mental focus parallels the world of golf, providing new avenues for fulfillment and self-expression.

Tune in to learn more about:
- Why true mastery isn’t about perfection, but about constant growth; mentally, physically, and emotionally.

- The surprising parallels between BMX and golf, and how golf became a source of healing and purpose for Josh.

- Exploring the surprising parallels between the two sports

- Josh’s raw account of surviving brain tumors and navigating the emotional toll of loss.

- How sponsorship pressures and public expectations shaped Josh’s sense of self, and how he rediscovered his worth beyond sports.

- His powerful advocacy for mental health, metabolic health, and a balanced, mindful approach to wellness.

…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.joshperrybmx.com/ 

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

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

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Imagine balancing rigorous training with law school, missing out on the Olympics by just one spot, and still building a legal career that has taken Australia by storm. Today, Ryan is joined by Andrew Mewing, a former Australian swimmer turned co-founder and partner of a leading law firm Batch Mewing Lawyers specializing in construction and employment law, who shares a riveting tale of reinvention.

Andrew takes us back to his early athletic days, starting as a promising rugby player in Southeast Queensland. An unexpected detour due to injuries led him to uncover his hidden swimming talents, eventually bringing him to the brink of Olympic qualification. Balancing the demands of a dual degree in commerce and law with a burgeoning swimming career, Andrew's tale is a testament to the importance of systems over goals and the support network that fueled his dual pursuits. Discover how Andrew's academic dedication and competitive spirit shaped his ambitions, providing a foundation for his future success.

Tune in to learn more about:

- How Andrew balanced sports and academics while swimming for Australia and studying law at the University of Queensland.

- The inspiration behind Batch Mewing Lawyers and its growth from a two-person startup to a 30-person team across Australia.

- A sneak peek into Relative Age Effect, how it  impacted Andrew’s early athletic career and how he overcame it.

- The surprising parallels between swimming laps and legal strategy

- The Importance of leaning on your Support Network and how Andrew's family and friends played a vital role in his journey from sport to law.

…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/andrewmewinglaw  

Website: https://www.batchmewing.com.au  

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How do athletes' skills on the field translate into successful franchise ownership? In this episode, we sit down with franchisee broker James Hilovsky from California. James shares his unique insights on the natural fit between athletes and franchising, explaining how the structure, teamwork, and coaching inherent in sports prepare athletes for franchise entrepreneurship. You'll learn why athletes' self-confidence and risk-taking abilities often lead them to outperform their corporate peers in the entrepreneurial world.

James takes us through his comprehensive process as a franchise consultant, walking us through each step he takes to match athletes with the perfect franchise opportunities. From assessing industry interests and investment levels to choosing between owner-operator or manager-led models, James provides a detailed look at the fundamentals of franchising, including initial fees, royalties, and marketing costs. Using a hypothetical scenario of a former pro athlete, he illustrates how he guides clients to make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations.

Tune in to learn more about:

- The step-by-step process of launching a franchise, from that first call to signing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

- Insider tips on evaluating a franchisor’s support system and navigating the FDD.

- Why athletes have a unique edge in the franchising world, and how you can leverage it.

- How to validate a franchise opportunity, including what questions to ask existing franchisees.

- Realistic expectations, common misconceptions and pitfalls in franchising, and how to stay proactive in your business journey.

- A sneak peek into examples of franchises athletes are conquering, from fitness centers to niche services like dog poop cleanup.

- Why athletes often find more satisfaction in the autonomy and challenges of running their own business.

…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.thefrandream.com 

Linkedln:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-frandream/ 

Email: [email protected]  

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From Triple Jumping in Jamaica to sprinting up the ranks in the tech industry, today’s guest has mastered the art of reinvention. As a former Jamaican World and Commonwealth Games track and field star, Damon McLean competed alongside some of the best, pushing his limits on the global stage. He is no stranger to high stakes and high performance; he has faced some of the toughest competition worldwide.

But when his spikes came off, his story was far from over. Damon has seamlessly transitioned into the fast-paced world of tech sales, where he now leads teams with the same focus and determination that made him a standout athlete. From chasing Commonwealth Games dreams to climbing the ranks in tech, Damon’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and following his passion.

Are you seeking inspiration on how to navigate life's pivot points, this episode is for you!

Tune in to learn more about:

- His powerful story of navigating the highs and lows of competitive athletics and the unexpected twists that led him to a new career in the corporate world.
- The Athlete’s Mindset in Business, how the lessons learned on the track: discipline, resilience, and focus translate to leading in the tech industry.
- Balancing his passion for sports with the realities of life after athletics.
- Damon’s journey into the tech world, the skills he’s applied, and how Damon leveraged curiosity and continuous learning to find new opportunities outside of sports.
- The importance of seeking mentorship and how informational interviews and curiosity helped Damon grow in his new field.
- Practical advice for anyone navigating career transitions and personal reinvention.

…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/damonmclean 

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Ever feel like the sidelines of youth sports are more of a battlefield than a fun space? Between stressed-out coaches, over-involved parents, and young athletes caught in the middle, finding a balance can seem impossible. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Skye Eddy, a former elite goalkeeper and the visionary behind Soccer Parenting, to unravel the unspoken struggles of youth sports. Skye has transformed her challenges into a mission, pulling back the curtain on the complex dynamics between parents, coaches, and young players.

What began as a mother’s quest to support her daughter’s high-performance soccer career became a full-scale movement to empower parents in youth sports. Skye shares how her platform, Soccer Parenting is reshaping this space by fostering collaboration, communication, and mutual respect among all stakeholders. From her experiences on the field to her insights from the boardroom, Skye reveals what it takes to ensure that kids not only stay engaged in sports but also thrive emotionally and mentally.

If you’re passionate about making sports a healthier, more inspiring experience for your child, this conversation is a must!

Tune in to learn more about:

• Behind-the-scenes stories of Skye’s time playing overseas, the highs and lows of chasing a national team dream, and how these experiences shaped her view on youth sports. 
• The birth of Soccer Parenting and how it’s revolutionizing the relationship between parents and coaches for the benefit of young athletes.
• Practical tips for keeping kids passionate about sports without adding pressure.
• Highlights the common stresses parents and coaches face in youth sports, and how Soccer Parenting helps address these issues
• Skye’s reflections on vulnerability, honesty, and the importance of strong support systems during tough career moments.
• Nuggets on how parents and coaches can work together to ensure that sports remain a positive, enriching experience while maintaining boundaries and balance.

…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.soccerparenting.com

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

X: https://twitter.com/SoccerParenting 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-eddy/