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

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What happens when a promising football career is suddenly cut short and the real world comes calling? In this episode, Malvin Kamara reveals the untold story of his rise and fall in professional football, and how the same drive that once fueled him on the field helped him reinvent himself as a successful entrepreneur. From playing for top clubs like Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town to facing the harsh realization that his football career wasn’t forever, Malvin takes us on a rollercoaster of ambition, failure, and ultimate redemption.

But this is not just another career pivot story. From the intensity of the football pitch to the relentless grind of entrepreneurship,  Malvin shares the gritty details of life after football: navigating financial struggles, working odd jobs, and finding himself door-knocking in rural Yorkshire before his breakthrough moment in business. Now, as the CEO of Valum Associates, a recruitment firm with a bold vision for success, along the way, he navigated financial struggles, personal challenges, and the daunting leap into an industry he knew nothing about, and he’s here to tell you exactly how he did it.

This is more than just a transition story; it's a blueprint for anyone looking to rise from the ashes of a failed dream and create a new legacy. Prepare for a candid, inspiring, and brutally honest conversation that will leave you questioning: when your first dream dies, what’s your next move?

Tune in to learn more about:

- Malvin's passion for football as a child fueled a singular focus, his dreams entirely consumed by the vision of becoming a professional footballer.

-  How Malvin’s football career shaped his competitive edge and prepared him for entrepreneurial life.

- The defining moment that led him to shift gears into the business realm and how he navigated  early struggles

- His step-by-step journey from financial struggles and odd jobs to launching and scaling a successful recruitment company across international markets.

- Candid insights about the importance of resilience, having the right support network, and knowing when to shift gears in pursuit of long-term success.

- The challenges of building an international business and why resilience is key.

 Personal insights on the sacrifices and lessons learned along the way to entrepreneurial success.

…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/malvinkamara/ 

Website: https://vallumassociates.com/ 

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In today’s episode, we dive into the mind of Myriam Robitaille, a Canadian professional beach volleyball player who is redefining what it means to be an athlete. For Myriam, sport is more than just physical prowess; it’s a mental battlefield that pushes the limits of the human spirit. From being scouted at 14 to dominating the indoor volleyball scene, Myriam’s journey has been one of intense physical and mental challenges. The routine of the sport, relentless training, and emotional isolation in Europe left her craving something more.

Her bold pivot to beach volleyball wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a deliberate step into the unknown, where unpredictable elements like wind and sand demand constant adaptation. In this space, Myriam found her edge, not through brute strength, but through deep mental resilience. Alongside her athletic career, Myriam is thriving as a recruiter at Zeffy, a fast-growing tech startup that supports non-profits through innovative fundraising, satisfying her intellectual hunger in an environment just as intense as her sporting life.

Tune in to Learn more about:

- How Myriam’s transition from indoor to beach volleyball reignited her passion and adaptability.
- Parallels between transitioning from sales to recruitment and from one sport to another.
- The critical role of mental toughness and the importance of working with a mental coach to excel under pressure.
- Strategies for staying motivated and avoiding burnout when passion starts to feel repetitive.
- The significance of mindfulness and presence in overcoming challenges.
- How Myriam’s feedback approach in recruitment mirrors her athletic mindset, emphasizing immediate adjustments for success.
- Her unique strategy for harmonizing dual careers to excel in both arenas.
…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/myriamrob 
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriamr-?

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In honor of LGBTQ History Month, Ryan is excited to speak with David Watters, an LGBTQ+ rugby player, innovation consultant, and business coach based in the UK. While many of our guests transition from sports to other fields, David's story is unique: he transitioned from the boardroom to the rugby pitch. Now playing for the Airmill Warriors, David is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As an innovator and startup accelerator, he specializes in integrating new technologies into transportation and city infrastructure.

David’s journey marks a significant shift since he first joined LGBTQ rugby. From its humble beginnings with the Kings Cross Steelers in 1995, the International Gay Rugby (IGR) movement has blossomed into a global network of over 100 teams. This growth highlights the broader trend of incorporating diversity and inclusion within traditional rugby clubs and across the sports world.

David’s expertise in building successful sports and corporate teams is evident. He draws insightful parallels between his sports experience and his innovation work, offering practical tips for creating inclusive environments. He emphasizes how rugby clubs can foster a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Tune in to learn more about:

- David's innovative career trajectory and his transition into rugby
- His initial challenges and feelings of exclusion when starting in the sport
- Reflections on traditional rugby cultures and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ players
- The expansion of the International Gay Rugby (IGR) movement and its impact on creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ players
- The importance of team mentality, recognizing individual strengths, and building a supportive culture
- How the IGR movement has influenced traditional rugby clubs and broader inclusivity in sports
- Practical steps clubs should embrace to foster inclusivity
- David's insightful analogy between sports and business leadership, and the benefits of applying sports lessons to the corporate world and vice versa

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:

Davids Linkedln:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcwatters

Website: https://igrugby.org/ 

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

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What if the toughest streets of Stonebridge, Northwest London, were the unlikely training ground for a future Olympian and corporate leader? In this episode, Ryan dives deep into the life and career of Marilyn Okoro, a British track & field athlete, 800m specialist, and Athlete Welfare Change Maker. She represented Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she was part of the 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal (upgraded to silver in 2016).

From a young girl with a passion for running to becoming one of the world's elite athletes, Marilyn’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and transformation, shedding light on the realities of pursuing excellence in sports and the profound challenges faced during and after an athletic career.  Known for her resilience and candidness, Marilyn has become an advocate for athlete welfare and mental health, working to ensure the holistic well-being of sportspeople beyond their competitive careers.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Reflections of her transitioning from Sport to Corporate Life  
• Emphasizes on the significance of role models and mentors who champion your growth and vision   
• How the boldness required in athletics (facing stadiums full of spectators) translates into the corporate environment.
•  Juggling her athletic career with academic commitments and the importance of maintaining a beautiful balance between sports and education.
•  The stages of retirement she experienced: logical, physical, and emotional, and how each played a role in her journey
• The emotional and psychological aspects of retiring from sports and nuggets on how to navigate life that life season, 

…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/marilynokorooly

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynokorooly

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What happens when an Olympian transitions from competing on the world stage to tackling global challenges like climate change? Join us as we welcome Hannah Campbell-Pegg, a former Australian Olympian in Luge, who shares her riveting journey from competing in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games to her current life balancing a PhD, motherhood, and a career in sustainability. Hannah opens up about her unexpected foray into winter sports, which began with a friend's suggestion and led her from the beaches of Australia to icy luge tracks worldwide. 

Hannah was known not only for her athletic achievements but also for her leadership, serving as the head of Luge Australia for over a decade. Even after retiring from competition, Campbell-Pegg continued to contribute to the sport, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of Australian lugers, making her an inspiring figure both on and off the track.

Tune In To Learn more about:

• Her intriguing path to the Winter Olympics 
• Hannah's thrill of competing at the highest level and the challenges of pursuing a winter sport as an Australian 
• Highlights on the sense of a close-knit community among athletic peers and how to leverage it
• The stark contrast of living in a desert climate in Dubai  after years of winter sports
• Sneak peek into her PhD on the impact of climate change on Winter Sports
• The joy in her teaching pursuit and how it complemented her life as an athlete 
• Hannah’s disciplined approach to training and life and how it has immensely guided her life after 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:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-campbell-pegg-oly- 

X: https://x.com/HCampbellPegg 

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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