In this episode of Founders Future, with host Milan Kohut, Joel Honigford, founder of Honigford Performance Strategies, shares his journey from studying mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan to playing in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, and eventually transitioning into performance coaching. Drawing from his experiences in elite athletics, Joel explains how the lessons he learned about resilience, accountability, and leadership inspired him to help others unlock higher levels of performance in their careers and personal lives.

Joel discusses how his company works with high-performing individuals who feel they’ve plateaued, as well as emerging leaders within organizations who are preparing to step into executive roles. Through mindset training, leadership development, and team-based coaching programs, he helps professionals strengthen their mental frameworks, build stronger leadership habits, and perform effectively under pressure. Joel also reflects on the challenges of building a business from scratch and the importance of authentic connection, clarity in messaging, and confidence when sharing the value of his work.