MLSPA Career Conversations

Tristan Bowen welcomes Steve Birnbaum to career conversations for a frank conversation about Steve's transition from playing to his current role in private equity. Steve discusses his initial pivot from playing to the sporting office, and how he then transitioned to a new challenge with his eyes toward the future.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

Tristan sits down with Steve Zakuani for an honest conversation about how Steve's near career ending injury taught him the lessons and skills needed to thrive in this transition away from the game.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only.

This week, Tristan talks with Craig Waibel General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer of the Seattle Sounders. Craig defines his role within the Sounders organization as well as what his day to day duties consist of. He also gives advice for current players on what they can do now to prepare themselves for future front office roles. 

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only.

In a new episode of Career Conversations, Tristan talks with Greg Garza about his transition from professional soccer, the challenge of building new routines, and how running has become a key part of his life after the game. Greg also shares his work through Beyond Goal Mentoring, where he and a team of mentors provide individualized coaching, video analysis, and honest conversations to help young players grow on and off the field. He also highlights programs like College Pathway, designed to help aspiring student-athletes navigate the college recruiting process and take the next step in their soccer journey.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

From professional soccer to leading in the energy industry - In this new episode of Career Conversations, Tristan Bowen sits down with Tom Presthus to talk about reinventing himself after his playing career. Now serving as Vice President of Market Operations at American Electric Power, Tom shares how an athlete’s mindset and curiosity helped him succeed in business, the importance of education, and why keeping multiple paths open can lead to unexpected opportunities.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

A man who wears many hats! In Episode #28 of Career Conversations, Tristan Bowen sits down with Kelyn Rowe to discuss life after more than a decade in professional soccer. Now a broadcaster and entrepreneur, Kelyn opens up about navigating the transition out of the game, his passions about women’s sports and wine. He also shares the story behind building both a wine and insurance company. 

For Kelyn, the key to a successful retirement has been keeping connections, being intentional about relationships and creating genuine conversations that open new doors.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

In a new episode of Career Conversations, Chad Barrett joins Tristan Bowen to share his transition from professional soccer to a career in logistics and sales after retiring. Chad breaks down how he entered a new industry without prior experience by leveraging the skills he built as a player like an ambitious mindset, resilience, the ability to navigate failure, and emotional discipline, which set him up for success.

“Athletes are the best salespeople because of our work ethic, our ability to take the ‘no’s’ and keep going, and our ability to turn criticism and negativity into something positive.”

Chad also shares practical steps for active and retired players pursuing a career in sales, and encourages athletes to finish their degree.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

What does it take to become a performance engineer and help others reach their full potential? In today’s Career Conversation, Jed Zayner joins Tristan Bowen to break down his journey and the mindset behind his work. From pushing clients beyond their comfort zones to advocating for lasting personal growth, Jed shares what really means to live with purpose, reminding players that true success starts with curiosity and asking the right questions.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

In Episode #24 of Career Conversations, Ryan Finley joins Tristan Bowen to dive into his journey into franchising after playing professionally for nearly a decade. Now a KidStrong Franchise Owner, Ryan explains why franchising and entrepreneurship are accessible and successful paths for players who are planning to retire, or have already transitioned out of the game. He also shares how he continues to apply the skills he developed during his playing career on a daily basis.

As advice for active players, Ryan encourages them to connect with professionals working in fields that interest them: “People are very generous with their time when professional players ask, they’ll take the time to sit down and help you.” Networking is key.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

This week’s Career Conversation follows Ricky Lewis' path from professional soccer to Vice President of Sales in the medtech world. Ricky and Tristan Bowen discuss the most transferable skills players bring to corporate careers including coachability, perseverance, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Ricky also opens up about balancing fatherhood, community impact, and personal growth along the way.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only