Learn how athletes can successfully monetize their brands, plan for life after sports, and build long-term financial success through strategic business and marketing initiatives.

In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Dr. Tywanna Smith, a former professional basketball player, best-selling author, and the co-founder of the Athletes Abroad Summit, who shares how she helps athletes transition from their sports careers into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Smith talks about her experience working with both professional athletes and young student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of preparing for life after sports and monetizing their brand. She also discusses her award-winning documentary Balling Abroad, the Athlete Abroad Summit, and her passion for empowering athletes globally.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why financial education for student-athletes is critical when planning for life after sports.

→ The rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities offers new ways for athletes to monetize their brand.

→ Mental health and cultural adjustment are key challenges for athletes playing abroad.

→ Athletes can leverage their platform and visibility by building a team of professionals to guide them.

→ How the Teen Money Box curriculum helps teach financial literacy to teenagers globally.

Dr. Tywanna Smith is an award-winning sports advisor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and college professor. With over 18 years of experience, she has advised professional athletes across the NBA, NFL, WNBA, MLB, and FIBA. A former international basketball player and inductee into the West Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, she co-founded the Athlete Abroad Summit, the first global summit dedicated to empowering American athletes overseas. Dr. Smith also leads The Athlete’s Nexus, a firm focused on brand strategy, financial education, and career planning. She is the author of Surviving the Lights, co-director of the award-winning documentary Ballin’ Abroad, and creator of Teen Money Box, a financial literacy program for teens. Recognized for her leadership, Dr. Smith has received multiple accolades, including the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40. Her work has been featured in Forbes, NBC Sports, and Ballers Magazine.

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Athletes Abroad Summit:

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