Taking advantage of open opportunities and putting yourself out there might be scary - but often, it’s worth it. Willingness to learn in a new environment is not only a critical aspect to being a successful professional, but it is also a valued aspect in the workplace. So, how has one man’s journey transpired from this lesson?

In this episode of #WintheDay with Wasson, host Chase Wasson speaks to Steve Tate, Financial Advisor to Ameriprise Financial Services about his personal battles and how his background and mindset has led him to #WintheDay. Tate’s success didn’t come from luck, it came from hard work, passion, determination, and love.

While working to support his growing family, Tate and his wife received the news that one of their triplets had terminal brain cancer. The HayesTough Foundation grew out of his legacy.

“We got the devastating news that it…was terminal…and again, you know, nothing prepares you in life for that…and I’ve struggled, I think sometimes I do my best to put on the happy face but it’s a struggle…but I do it for my other kids,” said Tate.

The two speak about…

1) Tate’s determination and leaps of faith in putting his family first

2) How sharing his journey in a published book has uplifted others

3) How being his genuine self helps others #wintheday

Tate said, “I think I’ve found this, I’ve found pleasure in making people laugh…it’s almost as if making other people laugh kind of alleviates my pain in some regards.”

Tate is a graduate of the University of Utah, where he earned his BA in Economics, balancing his academics while playing Division I sports. Prior to his current role as Financial Advisor to Ameriprise Financial Services, Tate worked in sales and clinical rep positions with St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, and Sanofi-Aventis.

Life after playing collegiate and professional sports can be challenging for athletes who have dedicated much of their lives to the game. However, it can also be an opportunity for personal and professional growth, including exploring new interests and career paths. But how should former players navigate their newfound post-sport lives?

On today's episode of Win the Day, host Chase Wasson speaks with Calvin Smith, an Enterprise Account Executive at CORTI, to talk about his journey navigating post-sport life and how he found success through leveraging different social and professional networks.

While some former players become coaches and commentators or work in the sports industry, others choose to transition into completely differnt industries, using the skills and discipline developed through their sport careers.

"To build yourself for success after you have left the sporting level comes down to two things, your ability to network, build the brand you speak about, and your work ethic," said Smith.

Wasson and Smith also discussed…

● What traits or qualities do the most successful NFL players possess, both on and off the field?

● How LinkedIn has helped athletes build success after their sports careers are over

● How you can leverage social networks to maximize success early on

"Having the fortitude of the bigger picture of what is to come and having that earlier on, especially walking in your career, can set you up for major success," said Smith.

Calvin Smith has been an Enterprise Account executive with Corti since the beginning of 2023. Prior to this, he worked as a Cardiac Rhythm Sales Representative for Abbott. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a focus in healthcare management, while playing football for the University.

On today’s episode of Win the Day, Host Chase Wasson met with Chase Griffin, Student and Quarterback at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to discuss his upbringing, personality traits, and experiences that have enabled his accomplishments and how he has created his self-brand.