2ndwind Academy Podcast: Recent Episodes

Ryan Gonsalves

Ex professional footballer Ryan Gonsalves gets to the root of transitioning from an elite sports career to the world of work. Join a cadre of athletes for the ups and downs of entering an exciting new chapter of their lives. Are you ready to unleash your second wind? Schedule a conversation with Ryan at the 2ndwind Academy now on letschat@2ndwind.io

Send us Fan Mail

Neil Mann didn’t have the perfect path into professional football.

He didn’t get the scholarship.
He didn’t get picked when it mattered most.
And at one point… he was working as an electrician while chasing the same dream everyone else was chasing full-time.

But he didn’t stop.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Neil to walk through what it really looks like when your journey isn’t straightforward and why that doesn’t mean it’s over.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Playing semi-pro while working a full-time job
The pressure of trying to prove yourself when your dad is the coach
How rejection can either stop you… or sharpen you
The moment Hull City noticed him and everything changed
Making his debut before even becoming a full-time pro
Why talent alone isn’t enough (and never was)
The things he wishes he did differently during his career
How injuries forced him to step away from the game
The reality of transitioning when you’re not fully prepared

Golden Nugget:

“You just never know who’s watching… so play like somebody’s watching you. You don’t know who’s in the crowd.”

Want to go deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Matthew Hodgson spent his entire career knowing he had the ability and never quite trusting it. The moment basketball was gone, so was everything he thought he knew about himself.

He made the Boomers. Had a stint with the Dallas Mavericks. Won championships.

And still felt like a loser.

When the phone stopped ringing, he was sitting on a beach in Hawaii with an 18-month-old daughter and no plan.

What came next was messy.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Matthew Hodgson, former NBL pro and founder of People Performance Advisors, to talk about what it actually looks like to rebuild an identity from scratch.

What We Get Into:

Why making the Boomers and having a stint with the Dallas Mavericks still wasn't enough to make him feel good enough
The injury that ended his career and the free agency that confirmed it was over
Sitting on a beach in Hawaii and realising the phone wasn't going to ring
Turning down a masters degree the day after getting accepted and why it was the right call
The job he took that he knew he'd hate and what it taught him anyway
The $100,000 he spent trying to fix his own head while he was still playing
Why he was punishing himself and calling it discipline
How a kid who wanted basketball coaching accidentally opened the door to his entire career
What he actually does now and why it finally feels like using his strengths
Why he threw out the AI content and started recording straight after training when the feeling hit

Want to go deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Jack’s career didn’t end on his terms.

It ended with a letter.

No warning.
No backup plan.
No income.

Just a moment where everything he had built… stopped.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jack to unpack what it really takes to rebuild your life after sport when you’re forced to start again.

From surviving the brutal, cutthroat world of professional umpiring to being released with nothing, Jack shares how he turned one of the hardest moments of his life into the foundation for a multimillion-dollar business.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The reality of chasing a professional sports career (and how few make it)
What it feels like to be cut without warning
How Jack turned frustration into a clear plan
Why writing things down changed everything
The simple math behind building a successful business
Why athletes must stop expecting to “start at the top”
The importance of starting from zero and earning your way up
How discipline from sport translates into business success
Why most people don’t prepare for worst-case scenarios
The mindset shift from athlete to business owner

This episode is about ownership.

Not of a business…
but of your next move.

Jack didn’t wait for someone to show him what to do next.

He sat down, faced reality, and built a plan.
Even when he didn’t know exactly where it would lead.

And that’s the difference.

Because most people stay stuck in the moment.
He used it.

Want to go deeper?
If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Joe thought he knew what life after football would look like.

He had the degree.
He had the plan.
He had a clear next step.

But the reality felt completely different.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Joe to unpack what really happens when your identity is built around sport… and suddenly, it’s gone.

From growing up in a football family to playing professionally for over a decade, Joe shares how the transition out of the game hit harder than expected and why most athletes aren’t prepared for what comes next.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

What “player care” actually means and why it’s missing the mark
The hidden pressures athletes face when they leave the game
Why most players don’t feel “ready” for life after sport
The identity and ego shift that hits after retirement
How relationships change when roles reverse financially
Why choosing the wrong second career is more common than you think
The mistake of jumping into the “obvious” next step
How Joe realized journalism wasn’t the path for him
The importance of creating calmness before making big decisions
Why uncomfortable environments accelerate growth

This episode goes deeper than just career transition.

It’s about identity.

Joe opens up about leaving football with fear, not clarity.
About losing his role as the provider.
About not knowing how to carry “Joe the footballer” into the next phase of life.

And that’s the part most people don’t see.

Because from the outside, it looks like a career change.
But internally, it feels like starting from zero.

Want to go deeper?
If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Josh Allan thought he had it figured out.

He was fast. Really fast.
Running national-level 400m times.
Training with some of the best athletes in the country.

But deep down, he knew something most athletes avoid admitting.

This wasn’t going to be his career.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Josh Allan, now Head Coach of Men’s Rugby at the University of Toronto, to unpack the real decisions behind leaving one path… and choosing another.

From growing up in Halifax and playing multiple sports at a high level, to representing at national level in both rugby and athletics, Josh shares what it actually looks like when you’re good at everything… but forced to choose one thing.

And more importantly, what happens when none of those paths turn into the future you imagined.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Why being talented at multiple sports can actually make decisions harder
The moment Josh realized track wasn’t going to be his career
What it really takes to “go all in”… and why most people don’t
Walking away from elite rugby pathways and what that felt like
The reality behind the “3%” who make it professionally
How he ended up moving to Chicago with no real plan
Why sport became his gateway into life, not his destination
Building confidence through coaching, gyms, and personal training
The identity shift every athlete has to face
What he now tells 18-year-olds who think they’re going pro

This episode isn’t about success in the traditional sense.

It’s about awareness.

Josh knew early on that continuing down a path just because he could… didn’t mean he should.

And that honesty changed everything.

From stepping away from track after hitting a ceiling, to returning to rugby, to eventually realizing sport wasn’t going to be the end goal, this is a story about making decisions before life forces them on you.

It’s also a reminder that just because something doesn’t become your career… doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it.

Want to go deeper?
If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Brad Stanton shares his raw, unfiltered journey from world champion fighter to entrepreneur, coach, and founder of a new wellbeing venture in Abu Dhabi.

Brad opens up about growing up in a disciplined, athletic household, overcoming bullying through martial arts, and rising to the top of his sport. But behind the success came personal challenges that forced him to step away from fighting, including his father’s illness and the emotional toll that followed.

From working in a warehouse after being at the top… to rebuilding his life in the UAE… to burning out from a successful gym… this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to start again.

Key Topics Covered

How early discipline and family shaped Brad’s mindset
Overcoming bullying and finding confidence through Muay Thai
The reality of becoming a world champion at a young age
Walking away from sport at the peak of success
The emotional impact of his father’s illness and passing
Losing identity after sport and starting over from scratch
Why success in business led to burnout
The hidden danger of building a brand around yourself
Lessons from closing a successful gym
Rebuilding with purpose through wellness and community
Why athletes must think beyond sport early
The importance of financial structure when starting a business

Golden Nugget:
“You are your own worst enemy. The moment you let doubt in, you’ve already failed at day one.”

Want to go deeper?
If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes the hardest part of any journey isn’t the outcome, it’s learning how to make peace with what actually happened. In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to redefine success, especially when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected. We talk about the pressure to measure everything by results, how long it can take to genuinely feel proud of your effort, and why “good enough” often lands very differently when you’re in it versus when you look back. This is a conversation about growth, perspective, and learning how to move forward without carrying the weight of what could have been.

What we talk about in this episode:

Redefining success beyond outcomes and external validation
Why achieving a goal doesn’t always bring immediate fulfillment
The emotional aftermath of not getting the result you wanted
Letting go of “should have, could have, would have” thinking
How identity and purpose evolve after a major life chapter
Balancing passion with a life beyond one pursuit
The role of perspective in healing and moving forward
Why acceptance is often a long-term process, not a quick shift
How having other areas of meaning can support resilience
Learning to feel proud of the journey, not just the result

Want to Go Deeper?If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Born with a disability and introduced to swimming as a child, Charlotte went on to become a Paralympic medalist in the pool before stepping away from the sport she had known almost her entire life. But retirement from swimming did not bring instant clarity. Instead, it brought confusion, anxiety, and a deep loss of identity she had not fully prepared for.

In this episode, Charlotte shares how she found her way through that difficult period, why switching to canoeing gave her a second chapter she never expected, and how she now approaches performance, purpose, and life beyond sport very differently.

What You’ll Hear

How Charlotte’s early disability shaped her path into sport
Why swimming gave her freedom, independence, and community as a child
The chance meeting that introduced her to the Paralympic dream
What it felt like to make her first Paralympic Games in Beijing
How a serious infection in Beijing affected her first Paralympic experience
Why missing out on a medal in 2008 fueled her drive toward London 2012
The pressure and overtraining that nearly derailed her path to the home games
What really happened emotionally when she retired from swimming
Why moving into a second sport did not automatically fix the loss of identity
The moment she realized she needed help to process the transition
Why even a “dream life” in sport can still leave someone feeling anxious and lost
How canoeing became the most successful chapter of her career
What she is doing differently now to prepare for life after sport
Why exploring opportunities outside of sport has made her a better athlete

Golden Nugget

“It is important to acknowledge when even the most beautiful life can create this real sense of anxiety and lack of purpose.”

Want to Go Deeper?

Charlotte’s honesty in this episode is what makes it so powerful. She speaks openly about what many athletes feel but struggle to admit. That you can be living the dream, doing sport for a living, winning medals, and still feel lost.

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Chris Lawrence went from debuting in the NRL at 17 while still in high school to building a business that now helps athletes keep learning during and after their playing careers. But his path was not a smooth one.

In this episode, Chris shares what it was really like to be thrown into professional sport so young, the pressure of balancing school with first grade football, and the injuries that forced him to confront the reality that his career could end at any moment. He also opens up about the frustration of trying to study in systems that were never designed for athletes and how that experience shaped the business he runs today.

What You’ll Hear

What it felt like to debut in the NRL at 17 while still in Year 12
The moment Tim Sheens told him, “Looks like you’re playing, kid”
How he scored on debut at Suncorp after one simple piece of advice
Why trying to balance university and professional sport became so frustrating
The experience that made him realise traditional education systems were not built for athletes
How a dislocated hip left him in limbo and facing the possibility of career-ending surgery
What helped him mentally get through serious injury
Why he started building a business while still playing
The reason he believes learning is a skill athletes need to keep developing
How sport taught him lessons about resilience, clarity, sales, leadership, and performance
Why building skills early gives athletes more options later
The mindset shift that helped him know when it was time to stop playing and go all in on business

Golden Nugget

“Everything you do is an accumulation of skills. The earlier you build them, the more options you have later. Opportunities come because you’ve built the reps, not because you suddenly decided it’s time.”

Want to Go Deeper?

This episode is not just about retirement from rugby league. It is about what happens when an athlete starts asking bigger questions while they are still in the game.

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

At six years old, Will Mellors-Blair was named a child maths prodigy. By nine, he was modeling space and time on the football pitch. By eleven, he had already decided that sport would be a vehicle, not the destination.

In this episode, Will joins Ryan to unpack a journey that blends elite football, advanced mathematics, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. From the Manchester United academy to the University of Michigan, and now into building AI systems that optimize human performance at scale, Will shares how he designed his second act long before his first one ended.

This is a conversation about identity, autonomy, performance, and what happens when you refuse to be put in a box.

What You’ll Hear

• How Will used mathematical modeling to “solve” football games as a child
• Why being labeled a prodigy gave structure to his mind rather than pressure
• The moment academy football began to limit his creativity
• Why he always saw football as a vehicle, not the final destination
• The culture shock of moving from English football to the University of Michigan
• What humbled him academically and forced a shift in habits
• His obsession with tech founders and what he was really searching for
• The difference between mimicking success and building your own code
• Why relentlessness is non-negotiable when building something new
• How poor data use is costing economies billions in lost productivity
• The concept of training the mind like the body in elite sport
• How to step back from being the business and build a true team
• Why major career decisions should align the head, heart, and gut

Golden Nugget

“Don’t just think with your head when making a transition. Align the three brains. Does it make sense logically, emotionally, and intuitively? If it’s yes, yes, yes, you’re on the right path.”

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Ryan sits down with Tim, founder of Forged in Sport, to unpack what their research revealed after analyzing dozens of real conversations with athletes who were building businesses, thinking about it, or already deep in it.

The big takeaway: if you don’t sort your identity first, the business won’t fix it. In fact, it can make the emptiness louder.

Tim breaks down seven key insights that reshape how we should think about life after sport, especially for athletes considering entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Hear:

Why identity comes before your business idea
How chasing business to replace sport’s “high” leads to burnout
The money trap: why trying to match athlete income fast can backfire
Why perfectionism delays everything, and why “start earlier” was the most common regret
The reality of business: ambiguity, no scoreboard, no clear rules
The mindset shift athletes must make from “I win, you lose” to “everyone can win”
Why athlete support often disappears when it’s needed most, and how that damages transitions
The hidden risk of relying only on your sporting network for business advice
Why athletes often miss key financial fundamentals like pricing, cash flow, and profit
Why doing it alone slows progress, and how ego gets in the way of asking for help
How defining success on your own terms changes everything after sport

Golden Nugget

If you build a business to replace sport, you will eventually burn out or feel empty, even if the business “works.” The identity work has to come first.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Joseph Ogacion grew up in the Philippines, once averaging 0.5 points per varsity basketball game, watching the Sydney Olympics on TV and dreaming of racing there one day. He wasn’t the tallest, the strongest, or the most resourced. But he had something else: the ability to suffer more than anyone else.

Today, Joseph is a marathoner headed to the Paris 2024 Olympics and an elite time trial cyclist, juggling two world-class disciplines while working full-time in pediatric physiotherapy in Australia.

What You’ll Hear

Why his average of 0.5 points per game in high school basketball became the unexpected beginning of his running career
How skipping meals to afford a secondhand bike became the gateway to elite cycling
What it means to be “fair to your sport” and honest with your effort
The link between his physiotherapy training and athletic edge
Why he trains at an average heart rate of 181 and what that says about his physiology
How he learned to channel self-doubt into world-class endurance
Why switching nationality from the Philippines to Australia opened the door to greater competition
What every athlete can learn about adaptability and control
The surprising crossover between hitting Olympic splits and sales quotas at work
How he balances ambition, fatherhood, and a demanding career
Why breaking down big goals into daily 3.52-hour training blocks changed everything
What meeting childhood idol Steve Moneghetti meant after 25 years of dreaming

Golden Nugget

“Be fair to the sport. Every step, every rep, do it with intent. The sport is always fair. You may not see the rewards next week, but after ten or fifteen years, they show up.”

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Ben Herring knows what it's like to be knocked back, knocked out, and still come back stronger. In this episode, he shares the raw, unpredictable journey from overlooked schoolboy to pro rugby player, then international coach. From New Zealand to Japan to Australia, his story is filled with lessons on ego, identity, starting over, and building a life beyond sport.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why Ben kept his goals private, and how he methodically mapped out his career
What it's like to have four kids born on four different continents while chasing a coaching dream
How early rejection and C-team selections shaped his resilience and humility
Why being overlooked until 21 gave him a major advantage in pro rugby
The surprising financial advice he followed that set him up for life after sport
The hard truths of concussion and how personal ownership helped him recover
Why he originally said no to coaching—and how his wife changed his mind
What great coaches do beyond tactics and drills
The art of building culture, and why environment always beats strategy
How coaching is really about connection, trust, and helping others shine
Why every athlete should regularly “start again” with a new challenge
His take on ego, identity, and letting go of the need to be seen

Golden Nugget

" If you've never had to start from the bottom, you're going to struggle when your sporting career ends. But if you've made a habit of starting again; learning a language, trying something new, being a beginner, you’ll be ready. And you'll be excited."

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

In this epsiode, Ryan is joined by two-time Olympian and European judo champion, Gemma Howell. After a 25-year career that included 12 operations, strict weight cuts, and a near obsessive pursuit of excellence, Gemma opens up about what it truly felt like to walk away from elite sport.

Now a full-time secondary school maths teacher, Gemma reflects on the challenges of injury, burnout, and rediscovering joy in a new chapter. She shares the unexpected grief of retirement, how she found purpose again in teaching and coaching judo, and why staying connected to the sport has helped her heal.

What We Discuss:

Why retiring after the Commonwealth Games broke her heart
The impact of chronic injury and surgeries on her mental health
The unhealthy relationship with food and weight in elite judo
How her ADHD became a superpower on and off the mat
The emotional challenges of losing an athletic identity
Finding joy again through coaching and teaching
Why having “something else” outside of sport matters
The role of movement, community, and self-compassion in healing

About Gemma:
Gemma Howell is a retired elite judoka who represented Team GB at the London and Tokyo Olympics, and won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Now a secondary school maths teacher and judo coach, she continues to inspire young people through sport and education.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Helen Alfano has worked in elite sport for over 20 years, supporting athletes across disciplines - from judo to netball - through the often invisible work of well-being and personal development.

In this episode, she joins Ryan to unpack what it really means to support athletes as whole humans, not just performers. From early conversations about life after sport, to how programs handle feedback, to the power of coaching without judgment, Helen breaks down the complexity of athlete support in high-pressure environments.

If you're in high performance or responsible for supporting others who are, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance, systems, and care.

What You'll Hear

Why well-being needs to be part of the performance system, not an afterthought
How elite programs can create spaces that support both performance and personal growth
What athletes really struggle with behind the scenes, from identity to isolation
The importance of early and ongoing conversations about life after sport
How feedback can be hard to hear and how leaders need to shift their mindset
Why transitions are hard even when the job is lined up, and what systems often miss
The unexpected benefits of remote athlete support
What Helen sees athletes needing most when the spotlight dims
How to create honest, non-judgmental coaching relationships that last
Why vulnerability and repair deepen trust, even in high-performance spaces

Golden Nugget

“The support we offer should be human to human. That’s where trust grows. Not from watching game tape or writing programs, but from being willing to ask—how are you really doing?”

Want to Go Deeper?

If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when the only life you’ve known as an athlete suddenly stops? For many, the answer is silence, confusion, and a deep sense of loss.

Emily Huston, a former USA volleyball player and founder of Home Team, joins Ryan for a real, thoughtful conversation about life after sport. From discovering her love for the outdoors to navigating identity, burnout, and depression, Emily’s story is a powerful example of how difficult it can be to “move on” and why getting a job after sport isn’t the whole answer.

She opens up about retiring twice from volleyball, what it felt like to free-fall without a parachute, and the personal pain that led her to create Home Team, an organization dedicated to helping injured and retired athletes find community, direction, and healing after sport.

This episode explores the hidden costs of life beyond competition and why support for athletes must go beyond job placements and highlight reels.

What You’ll Hear:

Why Emily retired from sport twice, and what brought her back
What athletes lose when they leave the game (and why a job doesn’t fix it)
The “cliff effect” and how it impacts identity, eating habits, and mental health
How NIL and social media bring fame too early, and the crash that follows
What it's really like to go from being “Superman” to not recognizing your body
Why working at a desk feels unbearable for so many former athletes
The patterns of disordered eating and control that emerge post-retirement
Why Emily believes athletic departments have failed retired athletes
The emotional weight of being labeled “irrelevant” after sport
How Home Team is creating a new kind of support network for athletes
The power of awe, nature, and adventure in post-sport healing

Golden Nugget:

“Most people think if an athlete gets a job after sport, they’re fine. But that job can feel more disorienting than retirement itself.”

Want to Go Deeper?

If you've ever felt like your post-sport life is harder than you expected, or like you’re the only one who’s lost, you're not alone. The good news? There’s help, there’s community, and there’s hope. Visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Lloyd Ashley spent years on the pitch as a professional rugby player. But what came after is just as powerful. In this episode, we sit down with Lloyd to talk about what it really means to transition from sport, how identity shifts when the structure fades, and how building a career in player support gave him purpose off the field.

From playing for the Barbarians to working as a plumber between games, Lloyd’s story is a masterclass in reinvention. He opens up about the fear of regret, the weight of uncertainty, and how small decisions like enrolling in a 12 week counselling course can change everything.

Now leading mental health and wellbeing support for the Welsh Rugby Players Association, Lloyd reflects on the messy, nonlinear path from elite sport to meaningful work and how he's helping others build futures with clarity, honesty, and courage.

What You’ll Hear

How Lloyd balanced contracts, education, and part time jobs while still playing
Why his plumbing apprenticeship shaped how he sees life after rugby
What he learned from falling through a ceiling and earning £20 a day
The surprising power of a 12 week counselling course that shifted everything
Why taking your kids to school mattered more than another year in pro sport
The difference between having options and having a plan
How he built a post sport life with intention not panic
Why regret can be more painful than failure
How lived experience became his biggest asset as a Personal Development Manager
What most athletes misunderstand about the real world
How he supports athletes emotionally and practically during transitions
Why it’s not just about having the answers but asking the right questions

Golden Nugget

“I didn’t want to walk away from sport with regret. So I chose to give everything to every opportunity, every course, every conversation even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead.”

Want to go deeper?

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Zak Zafrani joins us for a conversation that breaks open a topic rarely discussed in sport: testosterone deficiency in men, especially in aging athletes. If you're feeling tired, low on drive, or like you're losing your edge long before you should, this episode will make you rethink what's “normal.”

Zak is a UK-based doctor with a background in family medicine, sports injuries, and hormone health. He’s one of the few experts bridging the gap between athletes and men’s hormone therapy.

From elite-level competitors to weekend warriors, too many men suffer in silence. This conversation is about equipping you to ask better questions, get tested early, and understand the difference between clinical testosterone replacement and performance-enhancing drug use. Whether you're still playing or transitioning out of sport, this episode gives you a whole new lens to understand your body and performance.

What You’ll Hear

The difference between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and steroid use

Why symptoms like fatigue, low motivation, and brain fog might not be “just getting older”

How concussions, overtraining, and endurance sports can lead to hormone imbalance

The red tape and stigma that stop many men from getting tested, especially in public health systems
Why Zak believes athletes should get baseline testosterone tests early in their careers
Real-life case studies where low testosterone was misdiagnosed as depression
What makes testosterone deficiency hard to diagnose and easy to dismiss
How retired athletes struggle to train the same way and why identity plays a role in burnout
Natural ways to support healthy testosterone levels through sleep, nutrition, and training
What the “enhanced games” reveal about public perception, performance, and health risks
The long-term risks of anabolic steroid abuse and why it often leads to lifelong hormone treatment
Why more doctors are finally taking men’s health seriously and what still needs to change

Golden Nugget

“Retirement starts at 18. That plan starts at 18. You won’t want to hear it at the start of your career, but if you’re not checking your levels, building your network, and looking at the long game, you’ll wake up at 40 wondering what happened.”

Want to go deeper?

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us a text

Simon Cox dreamed of playing for Reading FC. That was the goal. And while he wore the badge early in his career, it took almost 10 years and hundreds of games across leagues and countries before he finally earned his first start.

In this episode, Simon opens up about the full-circle journey from youth academy to international football, the grind of lower leagues, and the reality check that comes with retirement during a global pandemic. He takes us inside his unexpected pivot from coaching dreams to launching a gym business, learning how to lead, fail, adapt, and lead again.

What happens when you go from fighting for three points to fighting to keep the lights on in your gym? Simon walks us through that identity shift, the hard lessons in entrepreneurship, and why he stayed in fitness even after closing his first business.

This one is for anyone who's had to start over, anyone trying to figure out what comes next, and anyone learning how to lead a team in sport or business.

What You’ll Hear:

Why Simon’s dream of starting for Reading took almost a decade to fulfill
His honest reflection on dropping down a league and what it taught him
The reality of retirement during COVID and navigating life after football
How he transitioned from pro athlete to gym owner with no business experience
The steep learning curve of running a franchise and why he eventually pivoted
How he built loyalty with clients and why that stopped him from walking away
The pressure of making decisions that impact other people’s livelihoods
What Roy Hodgson taught him about structure and leadership
Why relationships, culture, and trust still shape the way he leads today
His advice to athletes about why retirement planning starts at 18

Golden Nugget

“Retirement starts at 18. No young footballer wants to hear that, but that’s when the plan begins. You’ve got to keep learning, keep making connections, and stay in touch with the people you meet along the way. One message at Christmas could open a door later.”

Looking for career clarity for your next step?
Visit www.secondwind.io to learn more or book a consultation.

Send us a text

Jabari K. Smith grew up believing sport would be his ticket out. He had the talent, the drive, and the stats to back it up. But when the NFL didn’t come calling, he was forced to reckon with something much harder: the silence after the final game.

In this episode, Jabari shares his extraordinary journey from gang-affected childhood, to a life-changing boarding school, to a college football career at Texas Tech, and eventually, to arena football and entrepreneurship. But the real story begins after the sport ended, when he drove 26 hours home in silence, wondering what it was all for.

What followed was a powerful reinvention. Jabari returned to education, earned a master’s degree, launched multiple businesses, wrote two books, and founded Athlete Mindset Reset, a platform helping student-athletes build a future beyond the field.

This is an unfiltered look at identity, purpose, and how athletes can learn to own their story, not just their stats.

What You’ll Hear:

How sport helped Jabari break free from gang life and academic setbacks
Why his first real taste of belonging came through basketball at 13
The reality of junior college football and the pressure to adapt fast
His honest reckoning with falling short of the NFL dream
What it felt like to drive 26 hours in silence after playing his final game
Why getting his master’s degree became a spiritual turning point
How he turned his pain into purpose with Athlete Mindset Reset
The biggest mistake athletes make and what he wishes he knew in college
How he’s using board games, books, and mentorship to prepare the next generation

Golden Nugget

“The biggest mistake I made in college? Not calling up a CEO and saying, ‘I’m Jabari Smith, number 34 for Texas Tech. Can I take you to lunch?’ You’d be surprised how many would have said yes. But I waited, and by the time I was ready, they had moved on to the next guy.”

This episode is for every athlete who’s wondering what happens after. It’s for the ones still grinding, still hoping, still tied to the dream, and for the ones who’ve already walked away and are trying to figure out what’s next.

Jabari’s story is a reminder that your value doesn’t end when the jersey comes off. And your platform doesn’t disappear unless you waste it.

Want to go deeper?

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us a text

Charlie Hartley was living the dream. A professional cricketer who’d taken out top international players. Then, just weeks later, he was released. No warning, no time to prepare. Just a crash course in letting go of the identity he had built his life around.

In this episode, Charlie opens up about the highs of pro sport, the brutal business behind the scenes, and how getting frustrated with systems turned him into an entrepreneur with a mission.

From building tech for underfunded sports teams to writing cricket books for teachers, Charlie’s story is less about reinvention and more about remembering who you are underneath the uniform.

What You’ll Hear:

The emotional rollercoaster of being released at your peak
Why some athletes are better off leaving sport early
What sport taught him and why some of it did more harm than good
How he built Moonrise Sports to level the playing field for underdog teams
The link between frustration and innovation in Charlie’s entrepreneurial journey
How sport inflates egos and delays emotional honesty
Why not every athlete should become an entrepreneur and how to know if you should
The one piece of advice he’d give anyone leaving a team: find what you love and double down on it

Want to Go Deeper?

This episode is for every athlete who’s been blindsided by a release, left wondering if they’re the problem, and for anyone who's quietly rebuilding something better from scratch.

Visit www.2ndwind.io to book a consultation and explore resources for career transitions.

Send us a text

Nekoda Smythe-Davis didn’t grow up dreaming of Olympic medals. She was just a girl from a London council estate who found her way onto the mat, fell in love with judo, and kept showing up through wins, losses, injuries, and identity shifts.

In this conversation, she opens up about the weight of expectations, the complexity of walking away, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life from scratch, not for the spotlight but for yourself.

If you have ever had to let go of something that once defined you, this episode will stay with you.

What You’ll Hear

Why she never saw herself becoming an Olympian and how that mindset shaped her journey
The burnout behind the glory and how she held it all together working multiple jobs
What it took to finally make peace with her decision to step away from judo
How a career-threatening concussion forced her to rethink everything
Her deep faith and how it helped her find calm, clarity, and purpose
Why she gave herself permission to rest for an entire year before choosing what’s next
What she’s building now with Beacon Judo Club and how she’s shaping the future of the sport
Her message to athletes who feel lost after retirement: you are not broken, you’re becoming

Want to go deeper?
This is more than a story about sport. It’s about letting go of identity, grieving a dream, and choosing self-worth over outside validation.

Let Nekoda’s journey remind you that your life is not over when your career ends. You are allowed to change your mind, rewrite your story, and come home to yourself.

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us a text

Laura Sidall didn’t grow up dreaming of world championship podiums. In fact, by the time she started triathlon, she was already deep into a corporate career as an engineer. But something inside her kept whispering, what if you gave sport your all? How good could you be?

So at 34, she left the comfort of her steady salary, moved countries, and bet on herself.

This episode is a raw and powerful conversation about risk, reinvention, and resilience. Laura opens up about what it really takes to succeed as a late starter in pro sport, from hitting her physical peak in her 40s to navigating identity loss after retirement.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to start again, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Hear:

How Laura transitioned from Shell engineer to full-time athlete at 34
Why structure, rest, and recovery were harder to master than training itself
The identity crisis of retiring after a decade of elite racing
Navigating ambition, ego, and the pressure to "do enough"
The grief of letting go and learning to begin again without a finish line
What she's learning in her next chapter: giving back, speaking up, and redefining success
Why women in sport still need louder, braver advocates, and how she’s showing up for that

Want to Go Deeper?

This isn’t just a story about triathlon. It’s a story about courage, curiosity, and rewriting the rules when everyone thinks it's too late to start.

Laura’s story reminds us that starting over doesn’t mean you failed. Sometimes it’s the bravest next chapter you’ll ever write.

💼 Want Career Clarity for Your Next Step?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to book a consultation and explore resources for career transitions.

Send us a text

Jamie Soward opens up about chasing the footy dream without a clear pathway, losing it all twice, and what it really took to reinvent himself. From writing résumés at 16 to training while on the dole, to playing in front of 60,000 fans and then selling toilets, Jamie's journey is as humbling as it is honest.

He’s played State of Origin, won a grand final, coached at the top level — and then had it all fall apart. But what came next? A traineeship. In water regulation. At 40.

If you've ever found yourself starting again or afraid to, this conversation will speak to you.

What You’ll Hear:

Why Jamie sent a résumé with his highlight tape and why it worked
How working full-time while chasing a dream taught him discipline
Why being dropped to part-time felt scarier than losing games
What it felt like to sell toilets after a career in the spotlight
Why a rookie mindset helped him succeed in a completely new field
How he’s using his story to create job pathways for Indigenous athletes
Why being judged only on Sunday is dangerous and what it means to win during the week

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“In sport, you’re judged on Sunday. But in life, you can win on Monday. On Wednesday. On Friday. You just have to be willing to start over and redefine what a win looks like.”

This episode isn’t just about one man’s career. It’s about how we find clarity in chaos, humility after status, and build a legacy through service, not spotlight.

If you’re navigating a transition, whether from sport, from identity, or from what you thought your life was going to be, let Jamie’s story remind you that starting again might be the beginning you never expected but always needed.

Need Career Clarity or Transition Support?

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us a text

Rach Taylor knows what it means to sacrifice everything for one goal. She was Rach the Rower, a girl from rural Australia who made it all the way to the Olympic podium. But after winning silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she found herself couch surfing, broke and questioning her worth outside of sport.

In this episode, Rach opens up about what it was really like to go from the high of Olympic glory to the uncertainty of starting over. She talks about clawing her way up Maslow’s hierarchy, how she stumbled into HR, and the healing journey that led her to coaching, investing and living a meaningful portfolio life.

If you have ever felt lost after the thing you built your identity around ends, this conversation is full of truth, courage and practical wisdom.

What You’ll Hear

Why her Olympic silver medal brought conflicting emotions
The painful crash after the circus of the Sydney Games ended
How she fell into HR by accident and built a career from the ground up
The burnout that pushed her to walk away from corporate life
What a “portfolio life” really looks like and how she designed hers
Why she is using her story to advocate for athlete transition reform
The advice she gives every athlete and career changer she coaches

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"I was willing to mortgage my future for the present. And at the time, that felt like a fair trade."

Tune in for a masterclass on rebuilding identity, embracing reinvention and finding meaning beyond the podium.

💼 Want Career Clarity for Your Next Step?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to book a consultation and explore resources for career transitions.

Send us a text

Dr. Lamia Zafrani saw firsthand what the system lacked and built a new way forward. A powerlifter, an OB-GYN, and a passionate advocate for female athletes, Lamia sits at the intersection of performance and pregnancy, challenging outdated norms that have sidelined women for far too long.

In this episode, we go deep into her journey. From being the one who gets called when nobody else knows what to do, to creating a model of care that truly supports elite female athletes through pregnancy and postpartum. She does not just talk about the science. She brings the nuance, the humanity, and the stories of women who have felt unseen and unheard in medical spaces.

If you are an athlete thinking about family planning, a coach supporting women, or someone navigating your own physical transitions, this conversation is the permission slip, the blueprint, and the fire you did not know you needed.

What You'll Hear:

Why elite athletes are still being told to “just stop training” when pregnant
The emotional and identity shifts women face during pregnancy and after birth
Why preconception care is more than a checklist and when to start thinking about it
How Lamia is helping build policy changes for female athletes, not just temporary fixes
The real stories behind training while pregnant, including PBs that shocked everyone
How Lamia blends strength coaching with clinical expertise to support recovery
Why postpartum plans need to be built around the athlete, not the average woman
How high performance women are redefining what is possible after motherhood

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“No two pregnancies are the same, not even for the same woman. If we are serious about supporting female athletes, we cannot use cookie cutter care plans. We need systems built around the real bodies and real lives of women who perform.”

This episode will challenge you to think differently about strength, identity, and the seasons of life.

Need Career Clarity or Transition Support?

If you are navigating what is next in sport or beyond, visit www.2ndwind.io
to learn more or book a consult.

Send us a text

When the final whistle blew on her decade-long professional basketball career, Abiola Wabara wasn’t just facing retirement. She was starting over, from scratch.

In this raw and candid episode, Abi sits down with host Ryan to share the untold side of life after sport. From playing across Europe and representing Italy’s national team, to working in a call centre, driving Uber, and experiencing panic attacks, Abi reveals what it really took to rebuild her identity and why she created GloBall Life, a platform designed to support other athletes through the transition she had to figure out alone.

This isn’t just about sport. It’s about ego, burnout, identity loss, and the uncomfortable process of starting again. But it’s also about strategy, courage, and how small choices, like carrying a resume in your Uber, can change everything.

If you’re approaching a career pivot, feeling behind, or wondering how to turn chaos into clarity, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear

The hidden cost of leaving sport without a plan
How Abi went from elite basketball to interpreting, Uber, and PT work
Why she turned down money in her final season for a master’s degree
The ego battles of saying no to second division offers
Experiencing burnout, anxiety, and identity crisis after retiring
The life-changing Uber ride that led to a job at Accenture
How being an athlete became her superpower in corporate life
The early struggles of launching GloBall Life solo
What it took to build a founding team and stay focused without funding
Advice for athletes preparing for life after sports

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"I was willing to hustle for a short amount of time so the long-term would be something I’d be proud of. I knew what I wanted for myself. I just didn’t know how to get there yet."

— Abiola Wabara

💼 Want Career Clarity for Your Next Step?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to book a consultation and explore resources for career transitions.

Send us a text

Theo Brown opens up about the messy, uncertain path from elite academy footballer to non-league player, to juggling ten different jobs in five years, before finally stepping into his purpose as a social entrepreneur.

He was once chasing football dreams at Leicester City. But after injury setbacks and getting released, life after sport hit hard. No plan. No clear identity. Just odd jobs, quiet doubts, and the feeling that everyone else had it figured out.

But somewhere in the chaos, something powerful emerged.

Theo found purpose not in a straight path, but in the stumble. In mentoring young athletes. In community work. In learning how to turn pain into purpose and experience into impact.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re late to your own life, like you’re playing catch-up while everyone else is sprinting ahead, this conversation will hit home.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Theo’s early dreams of becoming a professional footballer and the shock of being released
How he navigated uncertainty, working ten different jobs while figuring out who he was outside of sport
The mindset shift that helped him stop comparing his journey to others
How a moment of rock bottom led to a turning point in how he viewed his identity and purpose
His path to becoming a mentor and launching a social enterprise focused on youth
Why taking action before having full clarity is sometimes the only way forward
The importance of vulnerability, community, and redefining what success looks like
Lessons on self-worth, delayed timelines, and why there’s no such thing as “too late”

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. The clarity comes in the doing. Just move.”

This raw and honest conversation with Theo is not just about athletes — it’s about anyone who's ever questioned their direction, battled with identity, or felt like they missed their moment.

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information or to book a consultancy, visit www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

Gerrit-Jan van Velze spent nearly two decades in professional rugby, captaining clubs like Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors. But in this conversation, it's not just the matches or medals that stand out — it's what came after, and everything he had to figure out along the way.

In this episode, GJ opens up about moving from South Africa to England with no backup plan, how leadership has shaped his career, and why his wife’s passion for medicine inspired him to explore life beyond the pitch. He talks through the injury that changed everything, the slow fog of concussion recovery, and how a trip with a friend and some tough questions sparked his transition into entrepreneurship.

You’ll hear about sheep farming, leather boots, and what it's like to go from team huddles to running solo. GJ doesn’t sugarcoat the process, but he also doesn’t buy into the doom-and-gloom narrative around athlete retirement. His story is honest, thoughtful, and proof that life after sport isn’t the end — it’s a reset.

What You’ll Learn:

Why GJ was “all in” on rugby with no fallback plan
How seeing his wife’s dedication to her medical career shifted his mindset
What made him leave South Africa and start over in the UK
The difference between leadership on paper and actual influence
Why concussion was a turning point, not just physically but mentally
How a business idea involving leather boots became his next chapter
Why community and curiosity kept him grounded during transition
How he now chooses projects, time, and the people he works with
His advice for current athletes on financial discipline, exploration, and making space to reflect

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
“If rugby ended tomorrow, what would you do? That question stuck with me. I didn’t have the answer then, but it made me start looking for one.”

If you’re curious about what it means to lead, to pivot, or to rebuild when the game stops, this episode is worth your time.

Connect with Ryan and Second Wind Academy:

Website: https://www.2ndwind.io/
Instagram: @2ndwind.academy

Credits:

Editing: Nancy at Savvy Podcast Solutions
Design: Claire at Betty Book Design
Show Notes: Cerise from Copy & Content by Lola

Send us a text

Emmanuel spent years chasing a dream that so many young athletes grow up holding: making it in the NFL. But behind the highlight reels and ambition was a quieter story. One of internal pressure, identity struggle, and eventually, the courage to say, this isn't who I am anymore.

In this episode, Ryan talks with Emmanuel about what it really takes to walk away from the game, and what happens when you do. From his early years creating "The Brotherhood" in high school to reaching the highest levels of competition, Emmanuel was seen as a leader. But inside, the weight of expectation and a growing disconnection from himself took a toll.

He opens up about reaching a breaking point, experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how faith, mentorship, and deep reflection helped him rebuild a new sense of identity beyond sport. One key idea that shaped his journey was the concept of “Edging God Out,” a mindset he now works hard to avoid, both personally and in his work with other athletes.

What You’ll Learn:

How chasing the NFL dream became part of Emmanuel’s identity
Why creating “The Brotherhood” gave him a sense of purpose early on
What it's like to carry leadership on the outside while struggling on the inside
The quiet crisis many athletes face when their sport no longer fits
His experience with suicidal thoughts and how he got help
How the idea of “Edging God Out” changed the way he saw his path
What helped him redefine success after stepping away
The mindset shift that now guides how he supports players in transition

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
“There was a point where I felt like I had nothing to offer. Like everything that made me valuable was tied to my sport. But that wasn’t true. I just had to find my way back to it.”

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an athlete lets go of the only identity they’ve known, this is that story. It’s raw, reflective, and ultimately hopeful.

Connect with Ryan and Second Wind Academy:

Website: https://www.2ndwind.io/
Instagram: @2ndwind.academy

Credits:

Editing: Nancy at Savvy Podcast Solutions
Design: Claire at Betty Book Design
Show Notes: Cerise from Copy & Content by Lola

Send us a text

Kayla spent years chasing the dream of playing basketball overseas. She trained, sacrificed, and pushed through setbacks with the goal of turning pro. But after college, that dream didn’t happen.

What followed was a quiet but difficult shift. One where she had to face the question that many athletes avoid until it’s too late: What now?

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Kayla about the realities of life after sport—when you’ve put your whole identity into your game, and suddenly it’s not there anymore. Kayla’s story is honest, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s felt lost after walking away from the thing they’ve worked toward their whole life.

What You’ll Learn:

How Kayla’s relationship with basketball shaped her life from a young age
What it felt like to give everything to a sport, only to end up without a contract
The impact of injury, lack of play time, and how that affected her confidence
Why “floating” after graduation is more common than most people admit
How Kayla found purpose by returning to serve athletes at her alma mater
The role faith played in helping her rebuild her identity
What helped her move from regret to gratitude
How she’s using her story to support the next generation of athletes through transition
The power of letting go of what you thought your life should look like, and owning what it is

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
“Basketball gave me so much, but it also took a lot from me. Learning how to move forward meant accepting both.”

If you’re in the middle of a career shift or trying to figure out what’s next after sport, Kayla’s story will remind you that it’s ok to start again—and that you’re not alone.

Connect with Ryan and Second Wind Academy:

Website: https://www.2ndwind.io/
Instagram: @secondwindacademy

Credits:

Editing: Nancy at Savvy Podcast Solutions
Design: Claire at Betty Book Design
Show Notes: Cerise from Copy & Content by Lola

Send us a text

Chris Platts spent over a decade tracking the careers of 303 young footballers. The result? A raw, honest look at what actually happens in the world of professional sport. Some players made it to the Premier League. Others left with nothing. Many fell somewhere in between.

Chris is a career coach and academic whose work focuses on helping athletes and their families plan for the long game. He works directly with clubs, players, and parents to map out possible futures, reduce pressure, and help athletes stay grounded in who they are, even as the industry pushes them to become something else.

In this conversation, Ryan and Chris unpack the highs and lows of football careers and what it takes to move forward once the playing days slow down or stop completely. If you're transitioning out of sport or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insight you won’t hear inside most locker rooms.

What You’ll Learn:

Why most athletes and families never ask, “What do we actually want from sport?”
The hidden risks of chasing success without a plan
How under-21 contracts can leave players stuck with no proof they’re ready for the next level
Why it’s smart to plan for both success and failure
How to reduce emotional and financial stress by building a personal “career playbook”
What clubs want vs. what players need
What it really means to be prepared for life after sport
Why “hope” isn’t enough when you’re trying to build a stable future

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
“Hope is not a strategy. But planning helps young players stay present, stay ready, and remember who they are, no matter what happens next.”

If you're at any point of your post-sport career journey, this conversation will help you ask better questions, make clearer decisions, and feel more in control of what’s next.

Connect with Ryan and Second Wind Academy:

Website: https://www.2ndwind.io/
Instagram: @secondwindacademy

Credits:

Editing: Nancy at Savvy Podcast Solutions
Design: Claire at Betty Book Design
Show Notes: Cerise from Copy & Content by Lola

Send us a text

Stewart McCully has spent his life around high performers, from elite athletes to engineers, from corporate execs to sheep shearers.

In this episode, he joins Ryan to talk about what it means to guide people through high-pressure environments and major transitions. A former SANFL footballer and teacher, Stewart now helps athletes and professionals develop the mental skills they often don’t get taught: managing overthinking, building self-awareness, recovering from mistakes, and finding clarity on what’s next.

He also shares what led him to start his own mentoring business, how sponsorships should be a two-way street, and what the shearing world has taught him about mindset, focus, and preparation.

What You’ll Learn:

Why overthinking is the most common barrier for elite performers
How mentoring athletes goes beyond sport and why trust is everything
What routines and reset tools help in sport, business, and life
How confidence and curiosity beat fear and perfectionism
The mindset behind a good sponsor relationship (for both sides)
Why shearers are some of the most focused performers Stewart has worked with
How self-talk and focus are the keys to confidence under pressure
Why "imagine if" is one of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself
The value of experimentation when figuring out life after sport

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
"They’re not coming to me because I played footy at Glenelg. They’re coming because I listen, and I help them see what they couldn’t before."

Resources & Links:

Book: The “What If” Trap: Free Your Mind From Overthinking
Website: https://www.nextlevelelite.com.au/

Connect with Ryan and Second Wind Academy:

Website: https://www.2ndwind.io/
Instagram: @secondwindacademy

Send us a text

Tara was known for one thing: martial arts. It shaped how she moved through the world. It gave her discipline, confidence, community, and a sense of direction. But somewhere along the way, the structure that once supported her started to feel like a box she no longer fit inside.

Leaving wasn’t easy. It wasn’t a dramatic moment. It was slow. Quiet. And terrifying. Because when your entire identity has been built on being one thing, stepping away feels like losing your sense of self.

In this episode, Tara walks us through what it’s really like to let go of a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown. She talks about the internal tug-of-war between wanting more and not wanting to disappoint the people who expect you to stay the same. And she shares what helped her reconnect with her voice, her body, and her power, outside of performance.

What You’ll Hear:

Why Tara made the difficult decision to leave martial arts after years of dedication
The emotional and psychological toll of untangling identity from achievement
How sport gave her discipline, but also masked deeper needs she had ignored
What happened when the applause stopped and the stillness came in
How she is learning to value herself without external validation or titles
The mindset shifts that are helping her lead herself instead of proving herself
Her advice for anyone feeling trapped in a role they’ve outgrown

Golden Nugget

“You can stop doing the thing and still carry the strength it gave you.”

🔗 Need Career Clarity?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to book a consultancy or explore how we can support your next chapter.

Send us a text

What do you do when the one thing you thought you were meant to do doesn’t work out?

In this episode, we meet Sophia, a former academy footballer who faced the heartbreak of being released before ever turning pro. But instead of letting it define her, she turned the page and built something even more powerful.

From navigating identity loss to finding her voice in the corporate world, Sophia shares the raw truth about rejection, self-worth, and what happens when your plans fall apart but you don’t.

Now in tech and on a mission to lead with purpose, she opens up about the inner work, the setbacks, and the mindset shifts that helped her rewrite her story.

What You’ll Hear:

The moment Sophia’s football dream ended and what she did next
Why being released from an academy rocked her sense of self
How sport shaped her presence, mindset, and leadership style
The shift from performance pressure to personal power
Building a meaningful career without losing her identity

How she found clarity by tuning out the noise

Advice for anyone who's had to pivot before they were ready

💡 Golden Nugget

“I thought I had to prove I was enough. But letting go of that idea is what gave me peace and purpose.”

If You’ve Ever Wondered…

Am I more than my role or title?
What happens if the plan doesn’t work out?
Can I reinvent myself and still feel like me?

This one’s for you!

🔗 Need Career Clarity?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to learn more or book a session.
Let’s help you figure out what’s next and build a career that fits where you are now.

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Sandile, a former football academy player whose journey took an unexpected turn when the pandemic paused everything. What started as a pursuit of pro football has now evolved into a career in tech, mentorship, and agri-business. His story is about staying ready, reinventing with intention, and finding new ways to win even when the plan changes.

We talk about what it takes to navigate sudden transitions, how sports skills transfer into the real world, and why it’s never too early—or too late—to pivot into something new.

We talk about:
- How Sandile went from a football academy contract to becoming a tech professional

What COVID taught him about identity, discipline, and letting go of rigid timelines
The power of staying ready and showing up even after setbacks
Why your sport mindset still counts, even if you leave the game
How Sandile’s career shift opened doors to community impact, mentorship, and entrepreneurship
His long-term vision of blending tech and purpose to support farmers through agri-tech

If you’ve ever had to pivot before you were ready, this episode will speak to you. Sandile’s story is a reminder that even when the dream changes, your drive doesn’t have to.

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“Just because football ended, didn’t mean I lost everything. The discipline, the mindset, the ability to bounce back — I took all of that with me.”

Want support on your own pivot?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to learn more or book a session.
Let’s help you figure out what’s next and build a career that fits where you are now.

Send us a text

What happens when a former athlete takes his love for sports and turns it into a movement?

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Ed Jones II, founder of Beyond the Field, to unpack how a childhood filled with competition, community, and coaching evolved into a career centered around impact. Ed shares his journey from fast-footed kid in Houston to collegiate player, coach, and now thought leader in player development.

In this episode, we talk about:

How a childhood moment with a football helmet and strong winds led to a lifetime love for sport
Why Ed built a national summit for player development professionals, starting with a single Zoom call
The five types of mentorship every athlete needs (this structure is gold)
What most people get wrong about working in player development
How missed opportunities shaped Ed’s mission to create resources for the next generation
Why he turned down a quarter-million-dollar offer at age 17
The mindset shift that came when he realized he wouldn’t go pro and how it freed him
What makes a great player development coach beyond the sideline
The importance of building community impact into athlete development
The “solve-it mentality” that turned his passion into a movement

This one’s full of real talk, useful frameworks (especially if you’re in the player development space), and a powerful reminder: if the horse won’t drink water, maybe it just needs watermelon.

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
"The value is in being adaptable. If they need you to do something, you can do it." — Ed Jones I

Want support on your own pivot?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to learn more or book a session.
Let’s help you figure out what’s next and build a career that fits where you are now.

Links:
Check out Ed’s book The Player Development Guide on Amazon.

Send us a text

What if your career isn’t over, it just needs a reset?

In this episode, we’re joined by John Tarnoff, career coach and author of Boomer Reinvention, who shares how he completely pivoted after being laid off at 50. From Hollywood executive to helping thousands navigate second and third careers, John’s story is real, relatable, and packed with insight for anyone figuring out what’s next.

We talk about how to stay relevant in a changing world of work, why your next chapter doesn’t have to look anything like your last, and how to build a career that actually feels good, not just impressive on paper.

We talk about:

Why your career isn’t a straight line and that’s okay
How to shift direction without starting from scratch
What a “60-year career” could look like in today’s world
The mindset you need to grow, even when it feels like you’re late
Why failure might be the thing that finally frees you
Tools like Ikigai and prototyping to test new paths before you commit

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience. That’s the shift. You’re not going back to the bottom of the ladder—you’re building a whole new ladder, using everything you’ve learned. People think reinvention means erasing the past, but it actually means carrying the best of it forward. Your story isn’t restarting. It’s evolving.”

Want support on your own pivot?

Visit www.2ndwind.io to learn more or book a session.
Let’s help you figure out what’s next and build a career that fits where you are now.

Send us a text

When Jeff Horn stepped into the ring against Manny Pacquiao in 2017, few believed the former schoolteacher could defeat a boxing legend. His stunning victory to become world champion capped an unlikely journey that began when he was a bullied teenager searching for confidence.

Unlike most elite boxers, Horn discovered the sport at 18 after his football dreams faded. "I went to a martial arts gym just to learn some self-defense," he reveals, never imagining where it might lead. His coach saw something special immediately, boldly predicting Olympic qualification and eventually a world championship – both of which Horn achieved through relentless discipline and resilience.

In this episode, we talk about:

Growing up as a quiet kid who found his feet late and in the boxing gym
Using losses (18 of them) as fuel for growth
Why his Olympic dream started with someone else’s belief in him
Walking away from teaching to go pro and what changed overnight
The moment he knew it was time to retire
Building Bullyproof Australia and speaking to kids across the country
The values that matter most now: courage, respect, integrity, and resilience

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"Some of the best coaches weren’t players. You don’t need to be the best at something to know more about it than the people who are."

Get in Touch!

To learn more about career transitions after sport or to get in touch with Ryan, visit www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

What do you do when your biggest career milestone happens at 23 and you're not even sure how you got there? For Freddie Woodword, representing Team GB in diving at the Olympics was both the dream and the beginning of a much deeper journey.

In this episode, we dive into Freddie’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to cruise ship performer to entrepreneur in the generative AI space. His story is one of raw honesty, reinvention, and building a meaningful life after sport without following a traditional path.

We talk about:

The Olympic aftershock: How reaching the pinnacle of sport so young forced Freddie to reevaluate everything he thought he wanted
What comes after the medal: The surprising shift from Olympic diving to performing in high-diving shows aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships
The courage to walk away: Why Freddie decided not to return to diving after his break, and how he faced the identity crisis that followed
Leaning into curiosity: How Freddie found new purpose in tech and AI by following his interests, even when the path made no sense at first
Mental health, ego, and self-worth: A vulnerable look at the internal challenges that come with walking away from a high-performance identity
Redefining success: What it means to build a life that’s led by values, not pressure, and why he believes AI is the future of his next chapter

Freddie’s story isn't about leaving sport. It's about finding the courage to let go of what no longer fits. Whether you’re an athlete, creative, or professional facing transition, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your identity is not your title, and success isn’t a straight line.

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"You think the hardest part is getting to the Olympics, but no one tells you how hard it is to stop. The longer I stayed in something that didn’t feel aligned, the harder it became to leave."

Connect with Ryan:

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

Kate takes us back to her early swimming days, competing in the Sydney and Athens Paralympics, and what it felt like to walk away from the pool after years of intense training. She opens up about facing subtle (and not-so-subtle) discrimination as a para-athlete, the identity crisis that followed retirement, and how she unexpectedly found a second wind through teaching and travel.

Now back in Sydney, Kate is slowly finding her way again—this time by helping young para-athletes feel seen, valued, and included. Her story is a powerful reminder that endings can also be beginnings, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

We talk about:

What life looked like after the 2000 Paralympics—and why it felt like the floor dropped
Discovering para-swimming by accident
Juggling training with academics (and sleeping through a lot of school)
The bittersweet end of her competitive swimming career
Teaching in Germany and Denmark—and losing it all because of a visa issue
Why representation in sport still matters
Reconnecting with the water in a new way through open-water swimming
Her hopes for the future of para-sport and grassroots inclusion

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"Paralympics isn’t about ‘having a go.’ I was in there to win—same as every other Olympian."

Get in Touch!

To learn more about career transitions after sport or to get in touch with Ryan, visit www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

What happens when your pro sports career ends with a tweet?

Tom Morton found out the hard way. While playing rugby in New Zealand, he saw on social media that his contract with Sale Sharks wasn’t being renewed. No phone call. No meeting. Just a public post that blindsided him completely.

From training with England’s under-20s to waking up across the world with no contract and no plan, Tom shares how he rebuilt not just his career, but also his mindset.

We talk about what it’s really like to start over, why feedback in sport hits different, what the corporate world could learn from it, and how he went from rugby boots to boardrooms without losing who he is in the process.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why sport doesn’t prepare you for silence, stillness, or starting over
The brutal moment Tom learned his rugby career was over — via social media
How a career in finance became Plan B (without a university degree)
The role of family, self-awareness, and timing in building a new identity
What mentoring young athletes taught him about letting go — and moving forward
Why the corporate world still struggles to give feedback — and how sport gets it right

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

“In sport, feedback comes every 10 minutes. In business, it comes twice a year — and by then, you’ve forgotten what you did.”

🎧 Who this episode is for:

Current athletes who are starting to think, “What’s next?”
Anyone navigating a big life or career shift
Leaders curious about what sport teaches that corporate doesn’t
Listeners who love a raw, human story of loss, clarity, and unexpected reinvention

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

Josh Katz shares his journey as an Olympic judo athlete and the challenges of transitioning between career phases while balancing training, education, and business ventures. He discusses how early family influence and prioritizing education alongside sport created a foundation for success beyond the mat.

In a nutshell, we talk about:

• Growing up in a judo family with an Olympian mother and coach father who emphasized education alongside athletic development
• Qualifying for Rio Olympics at just 18, achieving success earlier than expected
• Financial struggles post-Olympics with having to fund 50% of training and competition costs
• Devastating failure to qualify for Tokyo Olympics and the mental health challenges that followed
• Creating Team Cats speaking business with his brother to share their experiences with schools and organizations
• Managing ACL injury six months before Paris Olympics and the fear-driven motivation that helped him qualify
• Developing a healthier relationship with goal-setting that balances athletic ambition with life beyond sport
• Finding fulfillment through connecting with others and passing on lessons learned through setbacks

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

If you're looking for career clarity for your next step, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io for more information or to book a consultation with Ryan.

Send us a text

Matthew Lloyd, former Australian Olympic cyclist and King of Mountains winner at the Giro d'Italia, shares his powerful journey of transition after career-ending injuries led to addiction and ultimately transformation.

In this episode, we chat about how he:
• Found freedom and joy in cycling from childhood, exploring nature with his brother
• Shifted from triathlon to cycling when coaches noticed his exceptional cycling talent despite poor swimming skills
• Became Australian national champion in 2008 and represented Australia at Beijing Olympics
• Won the prestigious King of Mountains classification at 2010 Giro d'Italia, becoming the first Australian to do so
• Suffered multiple injuries including brain trauma that began a downward spiral in his career
• Survived a catastrophic hit-and-run accident in 2014 that left him with fractured skull, broken spine, and brain injury
• Struggled with identity loss, substance use issues and mental health challenges during decade-long rehabilitation
• Found healing through vulnerability and accepting support after hitting rock bottom
• Now works as a mentor helping others navigate transitions using his lived experience
• Believes the greatest growth comes from finding meaning in hardship and embracing challenges

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

From hiding handwritten goals under her mattress at age 12 to representing England in netball and later Jamaica in rugby, Danielle shares the defining moments that shaped her unique approach to achievement. She vividly recounts the emotional journey of childhood trials that became her catalyst for success—a painful rejection that transformed into an unwavering determination to prove herself worthy in everything she attempted.

In this epsiode, we talk about:

Juggling multiple roles including netball at high level, rugby for Jamaica in both sevens and fifteens, and three separate businesses
Creating a personal goal-setting system at age 12, writing goals and hiding them under her mattress as promises to herself
Using the skills learned in sports—resilience, leadership, communication—to succeed in business environments
Overcoming rejection in netball trials and using that experience as motivation to prove doubters wrong
Transitioning from netball to rugby later in life and representing Jamaica internationally
Building businesses based on her skills rather than accepting full-time employment to maintain flexibility
Developing a formula for success: ability (continuous learning) multiplied by effort (doing the extras) multiplied by attitude
Finding purpose in sharing her experiences through motivational speaking and coaching workshops

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

Jimmy Gavin’s path took him from crushing self-doubt and a life-changing health diagnosis in high school to seven seasons of pro basketball across Europe, through a humbling tech-sales gig, and now into a leadership role directing sports initiatives. Along the way, he discovered that raw honesty, relentless hustle, and a tight-knit support crew can flip every “end” into the start of something even bigger.

In this episode, we talk about:

Ego vs. Teammate: Why Jimmy’s drive to build himself up sometimes clashed with coaches and peers, and how he learned leadership by first becoming a follower
Early Adversity: How Crohn’s diagnosis and a family tragedy wiped out his high-school basketball dreams, then sparked a comeback that led him to JUCO, Division I, and NBA workouts
Pro Life Abroad: Rookie jitters in Lithuania, adapting to European training (yes, judo at dawn), and finding his true role by leaning into his strengths
End of the Court: Health complications that forced him to hang up his sneakers, and the therapeutic 50,000-word manuscript he penned to capture that “roar of the crowd” feeling
Tech Sales Wake-Up Call: What it’s like to swap the hardwood for CRM dashboards, discover you’re not great at it, and question your sense of self all over again
Friends as Coaches: How three brothers who trained alongside him helped Jimmy rediscover his passion, with one impromptu coaching gig reigniting his energy and sense of purpose
New Venture: From late-night book drafts to joining Goldfinch Capital as Director of Sport Initiatives, and why relationships, responsiveness, and being the best follower can unlock unexpected doors
Career-Transition Advice: The single most practical tip Jimmy offers young athletes, show up, stay responsive (yes, reply to that coach’s text), and treat every next thing as the most important thing you have

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:

"Give it everything you’ve got, even if you’re ‘the least qualified person in the room’—that irrational belief will at least get you through the door.”

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In this episode Ryan sits down with Lexi Chambers, an adaptive athlete who has shattered expectations and set multiple world records—all while using a standard NHS wheelchair. After a below-the-knee amputation due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Lexi refused to let disability define her. Instead, she turned to endurance sports, becoming the first person to wheel from John O’Groats to Land’s End (1,500km) in an everyday wheelchair. Now, she’s preparing for 10 ultramarathons in 10 days (50km/day) and an even bigger challenge: wheeling coast-to-coast across the USA (5,000km) in 2027.

Lexi shares her journey of resilience, how sport became her therapy, and her mission to inspire others to embrace movement—no matter their circumstances.

What You’ll Hear

Lexi’s life-changing CRPS diagnosis, amputation, and why she refused to hang up her athletic dreams
How a kitchen “test spin” led to her first world record and eventually wheeling John O’Groats → Land’s End in a standard NHS chair
The surprising role of extreme training as pain therapy and mental escape
Balancing a punishing training schedule, gruelling winds, and 4 am starts—plus the “test weeks” that make or break prep
Building and motivating a novice event-planning crew to pull off “impossible” challenges
Lessons learned fundraising hundreds of thousands, nailing keynote speeches, and embracing vulnerability on stage
Upcoming feats: 10×50 km ultramarathons in 10 days for Rugby World Cup charity, then a 5 000 km coast-to-coast across the U.S.
Lexi’s simple message to anyone doubting themselves: you never know what you can do until you try

Ready to rethink your limits? Tune in and get inspired to take that first (or next) rotation.

💎 Memorable Quotes:

"The NHS told me I’d ‘grow into’ my wheelchair. I decided to prove them wrong."
"Pain is my constant companion, but it doesn’t get to dictate my life."
"Nobody believed a standard wheelchair could do these distances. Now they know it can."
"If you wait for the ‘perfect’ conditions, you’ll never start. Just go."

Need career clarity?

Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

o4-mini

Send us a text

What happens when an 8-year-old’s Olympic dream doesn’t pan out? For Jess, a former elite taekwondo and boxing athlete, it meant reinventing herself—twice—while battling concussions, identity crises, and the harsh realities of transitioning out of sports.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How a diagnosis of low muscle tone led her to taekwondo, and why she became the kid opponents feared
The brutal truth about combat sports: why concussions in taekwondo went unchecked for years
Her shocking career pivot: from taekwondo to boxing (and why she almost became the first Aussie to compete in both at the highest level)
Why she traded kicks for contracts: how a law degree became her backup plan (and turned into a passion)
The loneliness of elite sports: missing friendships, "normal" uni life, and why athletes struggle post-retirement
Her new mission: building "Next," a platform helping athletes navigate life after sports

💎 GOLDEN NUGGET:
"It’s okay to grieve your sport. It’s a loss. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise." – Jess

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?
✔ Athletes thinking about life after sports
✔ Anyone facing a major career pivot
✔ Coaches/parents supporting young competitors
✔ Fans of underdog stories & personal reinvention

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In today's episode, we dive deep into the real psychology behind career transitions, decision-making, and finding your true path after sport — and why it’s way less logical and way more emotional than you think.

We are joined by Gavin Freeman, a sports psychologist, MBA lecturer, and corporate strategist who shares fascinating stories from working with elite athletes, Olympic teams, and CEOs leading thousands. Together, we uncover why so many people struggle with change — and the surprising skills you already have to make smoother, smarter career moves.

Inside this conversation:

Why it's not just what you’re good at — it's how it makes you feel that matters
How to recognize when a chapter is closing (even if your emotions resist it)
The "Superstar CV" exercise that helps you rebuild confidence and clarity after leaving sport or any major career
Why hindsight makes everything look seamless (and why you shouldn't trust it too soon)
What business leaders, athletes, and everyday professionals really have in common
How to reframe failure, motivation, and risk so you thrive in your next career move
A sneak peek into the next episode: Making life-changing decisions under pressure, with no time and incomplete information

Loved the episode? Drop us a review & share your biggest takeaway!

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Some more about Gavin

He is a fully registered psychologist with experience in the sporting and corporate worlds.

He has held a directorship within a large consulting company and was the head of HR internally. His 20 years of experience in human capital consulting have been with blue-chip Australian and International organisations across numerous industries, including banking, construction, mining, telecommunication and government.

Gavin consults across Australia and Asia to CEO, Executives, Managers and Elite Coaches delivering a variety of experiential Crisis Management Workshops, Change Leadership Consulting, Strategic workshop facilitation, Executive Coaching, and Team Building experiences. As a psychologist his insights bring an understanding of human behaviour, and how to best create a high performing culture.

His first book, “The Business Olympian” released in June 2008 captures the mental toughness lessons learned from elite athletes and how these skills can be easily transferred into the corporate world.

His second book, released in 2016 “Just stop Motivating Me” explores the complexity of motivation and examines how a motivational continuum explains not just our motivations but the behaviours associated with them. His third and possibly final book “Don’t let me die in economy class: how the ordinary become extraordinary” was released in Feb 2025, explores how ordinary people went onto to do extraordinary things.

He can usually be heard on one of the business radio and TV shows across Australia.

Gavin was the team psychologist for the Winter Olympic team in Turin 2006 and the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. He was also the Team Psychologist for the Olympic Archery Team in Sydney 2000. At the professional level, he has worked with various athletes from the best sporting leagues around the world, including the NBA, WNBA, and PGA. Additionally, he was the Psychologist for a Team at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Website www.gavinfreeman.com.au

Amazon books -

Send us a text

Greg's journey isn't your typical athlete-to-executive story. This is about what happens when you walk away from elite sport cold turkey (for 10 years), then suddenly find yourself pulled back in – while building a career, starting a family, and even stepping into a boxing ring.

In this episode, we get raw about:

That moment a 24-hour bus ride revealed his untapped swimming potential
Why he took a demolition job after retiring from international competition
The $35,000 mindset shift he wished he'd had earlier
How getting knocked out in business (figuratively) prepared him for getting in the ring (literally)
Why "perfect practice makes perfect" applies to spreadsheets just as much as sprints

Key Moments You Can't Miss:

1. The Unconventional Comeback

Why returning to elite swimming at 35 with three kids was harder (and more rewarding) than his first career
How shaving 0.6 seconds became an obsession – and what that teaches us about incremental business growth

2. Career Transition Truth Bombs

"I didn't want to be 28 trying to start a career" – the harsh reality of post-sport timing
His biggest regret? Not leveraging his athletic network sooner (and how to avoid this mistake)

3. The Anchor Words That Changed Everything
Discover the 3-word performance framework Greg uses for:

Racing 100m butterfly
Leading multi-million dollar deals
Parenting three kids under 10

4. When the Goggles Come Off For Good
Why COVID wasn't actually what ended his second swimming career – it was something far more relatable

Why This Hits Different:

This isn't another "transferable skills" lecture. It's the unfiltered story of an athlete who:
➜ Walked away completely (twice)
➜ Found success in finance without playing the "former swimmer" card
➜ Proves high performance isn't about constant grind – it's about strategic comebacks

"The pool taught me that failure isn't falling short – it's not showing up prepared. That lesson alone built my entire career."

Listen Now If:

You've ever felt "too old" to pivot
You're struggling to translate competitive fire into career fuel
You want proof that work-life balance IS possible for type-A personalities

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Tag us @2ndwind.academy with your biggest takeaway!

Send us a text

Aleisha’s journey from elite synchronized figure skating to founding a rockstar media company is inspiring, and a masterclass in translating athletic discipline into business success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the gritty reality of career transition: the identity crises, the $35,000 gamble that changed everything, and why "trust the process" isn't just a sports cliché, it's the secret to outlasting 98% of startups. If you've ever felt lost after a major life pivot, or wondered how to turn your competitive edge into career fuel, this episode is your playbook.

Topics Covered:

1️⃣ The Athlete’s Dilemma

Why retirement feels like "losing your identity overnight"
How Aleisha’s small-town grit got her to World Championships (and why it matters in business)

2️⃣ The $35,000 Wake-Up Call

Taking out a high-interest loan without telling a soul
Why she chose mentorship over a "safe" corporate path

3️⃣ The Relentless Iteration Mindset

Post-competition debriefs → business growth frameworks
"Your ego wants to celebrate—excellence demands you dissect every flaw"

4️⃣ The 3-Door Career Crossroads

Comfortable job vs. agency role vs. entrepreneurship
How she knew it was time to bet on herself (again)

5️⃣ The Uncomfortable Truth About Success

Why entrepreneurship is 95% grind, 5% glory (just like elite sport)
How to fall in love with the daily process, not just the wins

6️⃣ Your New Performance Playbook

Pre-transition planning: "Start before you’re desperate"
Why every professional needs a "coach" (yes, even you)

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

What happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rachel opens up about:

Writing "Olympic volleyball player" in her yearbook at 15—before she even knew how to play the sport.
Training with boys, living in fire stations, and riding bikes to fundraise—just to keep her Olympic dream alive.
The brutal reality of professional sports vs. elite competition—and why she felt like a "commodity" in Europe’s leagues.
The moment her team "ceased to exist" after London 2012—and how she grappled with losing her purpose overnight.
Hiding behind a "cape" in her post-sport career—why she buried her Olympic past to fit into corporate life.
Her mission today—helping athletes avoid the pitfalls she faced by building fulfilling lives beyond the podium.

This isn’t just a sports story. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and the uncomfortable truth: most athletes aren’t prepared for life after the final whistle.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt lost after a major life change—Rachel’s journey from "Who am I now?" to empowerment is a masterclass in self-discovery.
For athletes (or anyone) fearing transition—her hard-won advice on planning, curiosity, and asking for help is gold.
Behind-the-scenes of elite sport—the untold sacrifices, the politics of funding, and what really happens when the uniforms are packed away.
A wake-up call for the sports industry—why Rachel is fighting to fix a "broken system" that leaves athletes adrift.

Where to Find Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lewis-972257162/

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Marnie—a former dual international athlete (representing England in both netball and touch rugby), mum of two, and entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing early-years sports education and AI adoption in business.

Marnie’s story is one of relentless determination, adaptability, and learning to thrive in multiple arenas—whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or at home with her young family. From her early days as a self-described "B-team player" in Australia to captaining England teams and launching her own business, Marnie shares how she’s navigated career transitions, motherhood, and the evolving world of AI—all while keeping her love for sport alive.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Adaptability
- Marnie’s journey from a "B-team" athlete to an international competitor was fueled by her ability to play multiple roles—something she now instills in the athletes she coaches.
- "Your team is only as strong as the player in their weakest role. Versatility wins games—and careers."
When Passion Meets Entrepreneurship
- Frustrated by the limitations of teaching PE in the UK, Marnie quit her job mid-career to launch Sporty Minis, now impacting 3,000+ kids weekly with early-years sports education.
- "I lacked purpose as a PE teacher. Starting my own business wasn’t just about freedom—it was about making real impact."
AI: The Game-Changer for Busy Professionals
- Marnie’s top AI tools for efficiency:
  - Otter.ai (meeting notes)
  - Claude (copywriting)
  - Custom GPTs (train AI to sound like you)
- "AI isn’t a trend—it’s the future. Adopt a growth mindset or get left behind."
Athlete Mindset in Business
- From fearing competition to empowering her team: "Now, my favorite part of leadership is watching others excel—even if they’re better than me."
- Why her businesses grow faster when she’s not micromanaging: "Sometimes, the bottleneck is you."
The Emotional Side of Sport & Transition
- Post-motherhood, returning to elite sport was her toughest challenge—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Why she still plays (and coaches) at 40+: "Putting on that jersey? It’s the one time I feel purely me—not ‘Mum’ or ‘CEO.’"
Advice for Athletes Juggling Careers
- "Reflect on your strengths. Every skill you’ve honed in sport—discipline, teamwork, resilience—translates to business. The only failure is not trying."

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

When Kuhoo Garg tore her ACL during her comeback tournament after COVID, little did she know this injury would redirect her life's purpose. As a former world #34 badminton player representing India, Kuhoo had dedicated everything to her sport—sacrificing normal college experiences, social connections, and career exploration in pursuit of Olympic dreams.

The forced pause from competition created space for a profound realization. Despite reaching elite levels in her sport, Kuhoo began questioning whether the singular focus had been worth it. "I had a lot of resentment towards the sport," she confesses. "I was blinded by it and gave up on all other opportunities." With no work experience, no interview skills, and limited knowledge of her economics degree's applications, she found herself at a crossroads familiar to many athletes—what now?

Rather than viewing her athletic background as a liability, Kuhoo recognized the transferable skills it had cultivated. The discipline, competitive drive, and resilience that took her to international badminton courts became her foundation for tackling one of the world's most competitive examinations—the Indian Civil Services exam, which accepts just 1,000 candidates from over 1.3 million applicants annually.

What makes Kuhoo's transition story particularly powerful is how she discovered a deeper purpose beyond personal achievement. While playing badminton offered individual accolades, she yearned for broader impact. Now training as an Indian Police Service officer, Kuhoo can provide justice to victims, implement community sport initiatives, and create systemic change—combining her athletic background with public service in ways she never imagined possible.

For athletes contemplating their own transitions, Kuhoo offers wisdom from both sides: "Remember how much of a privilege it is to pursue what you love professionally. Stay humble and recognize the world is huge with endless opportunities." Her journey demonstrates that athletic careers, while temporary, develop invaluable skills that transfer to countless other fields. The key is finding the courage to reinvent yourself when the moment demands it.

Ready to explore your own second act after sport? Connect with Ryan Gonsalves and the 2NDWind Academy to discover how your athletic experience can become your professional advantage here: www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Tarek Moustafa, a passionate advocate for personal development and athlete well-being. Tarek shares his unique journey from being a young boy diagnosed with autism to becoming a mentor, educator, and podcast host. Through his work in schools and his podcast Life in Sport, Tarek is dedicated to helping young people—especially athletes—discover their multifaceted identities and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Tarek opens up about his own struggles with self-doubt, his obsession with learning, and how his passion for sport and personal growth intertwines to create a powerful mission: to empower others to find their path.

Key Takeaways:

Identity Beyond Sport: Tarek emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing multiple identities—whether as a student, athlete, friend, or family member—to build resilience and avoid being defined by a single role.
The Power of Curiosity: From networking with industry professionals to exploring new career paths, Tarek’s curiosity has been a driving force in his personal and professional growth.
Letting Go of Control: Tarek reflects on his journey of learning to let go of things he can’t control, a lesson that has been crucial in his development and well-being.
Player Care in Sport: Tarek shares his insights into the evolving world of athlete well-being, highlighting the gaps and opportunities in player care across different sports and clubs.
The Role of Mentorship: Through his work with young athletes and students, Tarek demonstrates the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of fostering independence and self-awareness.

Memorable Moments:

Tarek’s analogy of sport being like McDonald’s—same but different in every culture—offers a fresh perspective on how sport connects people globally.
His approach to helping young people map out their identities through simple, relatable questions like, “What makes you a student? A friend? A son or daughter?”
The story of how a casual conversation with a former professional Muay Thai fighter sparked the idea for his podcast, Life in Sport.

Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt defined by a single role or struggled to navigate life’s transitions, Tarek’s story is a reminder that growth comes from embracing your multifaceted identity. Whether you’re an athlete, a mentor, or someone searching for clarity in your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt wisdom.

Quotable:
“It’s just as important to know what isn’t good as it is to know what is good. And I think it’s really undervalued.” – Tarek

Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew, a former elite rugby player who carved out a 15-year career across Australia, Wales, Ireland, and France.

From captaining teams in Europe to managing operations for a global engineering company, Andrew shares how the lessons learned in rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—translated seamlessly into his post-sport career. He opens up about the challenges of letting go of the athlete’s dream, the importance of loyalty, and how curiosity and vulnerability became his superpowers in the corporate world.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Curiosity: Andrew’s willingness to say “yes” to opportunities—even when he felt out of his depth—led to unexpected career paths and personal growth.
Teamwork Beyond Sport: Discover how the dynamics of a rugby team mirror the needs of a high-performing business team, and why diversity in skills and personalities is key to success.
Letting Go of the Dream: Andrew reflects on the emotional journey of retiring from professional sports and how he found new purpose in leadership and mentorship.
The Art of Honesty: Learn why brutal honesty (with a touch of empathy) is crucial in both sport and business, and how it builds trust and respect.
Goal Alignment: Andrew shares a powerful analogy about running across broken glass and why aligning personal goals with professional ones is the secret to staying motivated.

Memorable Moments:

Andrew’s unexpected career pivot after a casual chat with an executive committee.
The culture shock of moving from sunny Queensland to the freezing valleys of Wales—and how it shaped his adaptability.
Why loyalty and vulnerability are non-negotiables in leadership, both on and off the field.
The surprising similarities between high-pressure rugby matches and high-stakes business meetings.

Why You Should Listen:
Whether you’re an athlete contemplating life after sport, a professional navigating a career transition, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take the next big leap, Andrew’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying curious.

Tune in to hear:

How Andrew turned a one-year stint in Wales into a decade-long international career.
The moment he realized it was time to hang up his boots and prioritize family.
Practical advice for athletes and professionals alike on setting goals, building relationships, and embracing vulnerability.

Quotable:
“In sport, you pick yourself. If you’re not getting selected, it’s because you haven’t done what’s needed. The same applies in life—you’ve got to take ownership of your journey.” – Andrew

Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In today's episode, we sit down with Mikel Thomas, a three-time Olympian whose journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago to the global stage of the Olympics, Mikel's story is one of triumph over adversity, both on and off the track. He opens up about the pressures of living up to expectations, the physical and emotional toll of injuries, and how he found the strength to keep pushing forward. But this isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about life, community, and the power of perseverance. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional navigating a career transition, or someone searching for purpose, Mikel’s insights will leave you inspired to embrace challenges and redefine what success means to you.

What We Discussed:

Mikel’s early days in Trinidad and Tobago, where his love for sports first took root and set him on the path to becoming an Olympian.
The intense pressure and expectations he faced after his Olympic debut, and how he learned to navigate the weight of external validation.
The physical and mental challenges of overcoming career-threatening injuries, and the lessons he learned about resilience and adaptability.
The importance of building a strong support system and surrounding yourself with the right community to help you through tough times.
Mikel’s advocacy for mental health awareness in the sports world, and why he believes it’s crucial to address the emotional struggles athletes often face.
How he’s using his platform to champion athletes’ rights and create supportive frameworks for life beyond sports.
The pivotal moments that shaped his personal and professional growth, and how he approaches transitions without losing focus.
Practical advice for anyone looking to redefine success, find clarity in their career path, and embrace the idea of a “second wind.”

This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable takeaways for anyone looking to push through challenges and find their own path to purpose. Tune in and let Mikel’s story remind you that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Mikel:
- LinkedIn: Mikel K. Thomas, OLY
Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io

Send us a text

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Christine Ngeve, a former multi-sport college athlete turned mental health advocate and career coach for athletes. Christine’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparing for life beyond sport. From her days as a three-sport athlete at university to her current work helping student-athletes navigate their identities and career transitions, Christine shares invaluable insights on how athletes can leverage their unique experiences to thrive in the next chapter of their lives.

Christine opens up about the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth, and how her athletic career shaped her into the person she is today. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your “fingerprint”—the unique combination of skills, experiences, and traits that make you who you are—and how athletes can translate their transferable skills into the workforce. Whether you’re an athlete, a sports enthusiast, or someone navigating a career transition, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points:

How sports built grit and resilience while shaping an identity beyond athletics.
Balancing volleyball, softball, track, academics, and personal life in college.
Advocating for mental health through staff training and crisis support volunteering.
Navigating the transition from competitive sports to the next phase of life.
Leveraging leadership, teamwork, and adaptability for career success.
The power of mentorship and role models in shaping personal growth.
Helping student-athletes at smaller colleges prepare for life beyond sports.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Christine:
- Email: peakpotentialjourney@gmail.com
- Phone: 336-988-4622
- Instagram: @peakpotentialjourney
- LinkedIn: Christine Ngeve
Looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever struggled with identity, transition, or finding their purpose after a major life change. Christine’s story is both inspiring and relatable, offering practical advice for athletes and non-athletes alike. Her emphasis on understanding your “fingerprint” and leveraging your unique experiences will leave you motivated to take the next step in your own journey. Tune in to discover how to turn your past experiences into future success!

Send us a text

Transitioning out of a professional sports career is never easy, and for former international badminton player Mithula Umakanth, it was a journey of loss, self-discovery, and reinvention. In this episode, Mithula shares her raw and inspiring story - moving from the highs of elite sports to the uncertainty of finding a new career path.

Now a Master’s student in Finance at UC Irvine, Mithula opens up about navigating identity loss, learning to embrace change, and using the athlete mindset to adapt to new challenges. Her story is one of resilience, learning, and ultimately, self-growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The emotional toll of retiring from elite sports and the process of grieving an old identity
How Mithula explored different career paths, from public policy to finance, before finding her next passion
The athlete mindset and how it helped her adjust to an entirely new life abroad
The importance of building a strong support system during career transitions
How she secured a spot in the EY Athlete Program, designed for elite athletes transitioning into corporate careers
The power of short-term goals over long-term planning in uncertain times
Practical advice for athletes preparing for their post-sport careers

Key Quotes from This Episode

💡 “I realized that I wasn’t just an athlete—I was someone capable of so much more. But figuring out what that ‘more’ was took time.”
💡 “At first, I stayed away from badminton altogether. I had to find myself outside the sport before I could even think about what was next.”
💡 “Asking for help was the hardest part. But once I did, I realized how many people were willing to guide me.”

Resources & Links

📌 Connect with Mithula Umarkant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithula-umakanth/
📌 Read Mithula’s recommended book: The Forest of Wool and Steel

📌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

Send us a text

What happens when an Olympic gold medalist swaps the pool for the office? On this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of former world-class swimmer Mack Horton as he transitions from elite athlete to corporate professional.

Mack opens up about the surreal experience of announcing his retirement from professional swimming and starting his first job at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne the very next day. He shares how he’s adjusted to the challenges of a 9-to-5 routine, all while staying grounded in the discipline that made him a champion.

Here’s what we cover:

How Mack balances building a new career with the same drive he brought to the pool.
His shift from competing with others to focusing on personal growth through micro-goals.
The importance of informal networking, mentorship, and how coffee chats paved his way into advertising.
The parallels between the mindset of an Olympic athlete and succeeding in a new industry.
Why moments of uncertainty can become opportunities to find clarity and purpose.

Mack’s story is a powerful reminder that life doesn’t end when one chapter closes—it’s just the start of something new. If you’re an athlete—or anyone—looking for inspiration to navigate career transitions, this episode is for you.

Join us as we unpack Mack’s journey and learn what it takes to thrive after sports.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:

X: https://x.com/_mackhorton

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-h-

Send us a text

What do you do when life throws 25 shots your way? If you’re Rachel Howard, you save them, earn MVP, and rewrite the playbook for success on and off the pitch. From New Zealand’s national goalkeeper to General Manager of the Pacific Region at Adidas, Rachel has mastered the art of rising to the challenge and leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Balancing dual careers: Discover how Rachel managed a professional football career while working full-time at Adidas, flying between Germany and New Zealand for training camps.
The climb to VP: Hear Rachel’s journey from unpaid intern to Vice President at Adidas, driven by adaptability, curiosity, and a relentless hunger to learn.
Turning setbacks into comebacks: Learn how Rachel transformed the toughest moment in her career—losing her job contract—into a defining comeback.
Leading with purpose: Explore Rachel’s leadership philosophy of fostering safety, respect, and belonging in diverse teams across the globe.
Championing women in sports: Get the inside story of the Northern Kahu women’s basketball team, where Rachel is making history as part of an all-women ownership team, setting a bold new standard for sports leadership.
The goalkeeper mindset: See how Rachel’s calm under pressure, sharp anticipation, and clarity drive her success in the corporate world.

🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
Rachel’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers. From navigating the challenges of women’s sports to paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in business and athletics, Rachel’s journey is proof that bold risks and a commitment to growth can create lasting impact.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

How saying yes, taking risks, and embracing opportunities can transform your career.
The importance of balancing ambition with adaptability and a growth mindset.
Insights into fostering belonging and empowerment in teams.
Why the future of sports leadership is bold, inclusive, and transformative.

🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode is packed with powerful lessons and inspiration for anyone navigating their career journey. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or someone looking for clarity in your next step, Rachel’s story will motivate you to seize opportunities and create meaningful change.

Let’s Connect:
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/rachelahoward
Instagram: @theordinaryolympian
Instagram: @kahubasketball
Website: https://www.kahu.basketball/

Send us a text

What happens when your career in sports—or any field you’ve poured your soul into—comes to an end? How do you prepare for life after the spotlight? In this episode, we’re exploring these pivotal questions with Evan Bush, a 16-year Major League Soccer veteran and one of the league’s oldest active players, and Julian Gonzalez, a former rising star in Colombian football turned sports psychologist. Together, they share real-life stories, valuable insights, and practical advice for navigating life’s big transitions.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Why planning ahead matters: Evan explains how thinking about life beyond the game boosts performance today and alleviates the stress of retirement.
Redefining identity: Learn how athletes can challenge the narrative that their talents begin and end on the pitch, breaking free from limiting labels to embrace their full potential.
Embracing professionalism: Discover why maintaining professionalism and nurturing relationships is crucial, because, as Evan notes, "In sport, as in life, bridges burned are opportunities lost."
Julian’s transformative journey: Julian shares the emotional weight of stepping away from football too soon and how that experience shaped his work supporting athletes through life-changing decisions.
Different paths, same challenges: We explore how transitions differ between America’s college sports system and Colombia’s professional pipeline, offering universal truths applicable to any career path.

🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
This isn’t just for athletes—it’s for anyone facing a career crossroads or major life change. From Evan’s strategies for preparing ahead to Julian’s heartfelt reflections, their stories offer lessons on resilience, adaptability, and planning for what’s next.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

Why athletes must think about transitions before retirement feels imminent.
The power of having a plan to boost performance and ease uncertainty.
The importance of maintaining professionalism and nurturing relationships for future opportunities.
How to break free from limiting labels and embrace your full potential.
Universal truths about life transitions that apply to everyone, athlete or not.

🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical sides of career transitions, offering inspiration and actionable insights for anyone facing uncertainty about their next step. Whether you’re an athlete preparing for retirement or someone considering a big career pivot, Evan and Julian’s stories will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take action.

Let’s Connect:
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.

If you loved this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear these lessons. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations.

Send us a text

What if you let life’s twists guide you instead of forcing the next step? For Lewis Paris, this mindset turned an ACL injury into the foundation of a thriving fitness empire. From dreams of a football career to spinning records as a DJ in Greece, Lewis’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of following life’s unexpected opportunities.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

From football to fitness: Lewis shares how an ACL injury derailed his football dreams but set him on a path to discovering his true calling.
DJing in Greece: Hear how his experience working as a DJ on the island of Kos gave him the freedom to explore his passions and unlocked his potential for a fitness career.
More than physical fitness: Discover why Lewis believes true transformation is about building mental strength, resilience, and personal growth alongside physical fitness.
Building a brand: Learn how Lewis transitioned from managing gyms to creating his own fitness community, emphasizing mentorship and holistic wellness.
Empowering others: Explore how his personalized training programs and corporate wellness initiatives inspire clients to reach their full potential in all areas of life.

🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
This isn’t just a story about fitness—it’s about navigating life’s unexpected turns and finding purpose in the process. Lewis opens up about the setbacks and triumphs that shaped his journey, offering valuable lessons on resilience, mindset, and creating a life that aligns with your passions.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

How an ACL injury became a catalyst for reinvention and new opportunities.
Why fitness is about more than physical transformation—it’s about mental resilience and holistic growth.
The importance of mentorship and building a supportive community to inspire change.
How to embrace life’s twists and use them to guide you toward your true calling.

🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode dives deep into the mindset and strategies behind Lewis’s journey from football to fitness, offering inspiration and actionable insights for anyone looking to embrace reinvention and turn challenges into opportunities.

Let’s Connect:
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.

Send us a text

Imagine standing perfectly still, focusing on a target 50 meters away as your heartbeat slows to match the rhythm of your breath. Now, picture doing this while navigating the chaos of moving continents, mastering a new language, and building a life with your partner—all while staying true to your identity as an elite athlete. What does it take to stay calm and grounded while pursuing greatness amidst life’s biggest changes? Shreya Saksena knows, and her story is nothing short of captivating.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Balancing new beginnings: Discover how Shreya transitioned from India to Germany, juggling marriage, a new cultural landscape, and her athletic passion.
Finding calm in chaos: Learn how precision shooting taught Shreya to embrace calm under pressure—a skill she applies in every aspect of her life.
Shifting gears: Hear how Shreya’s military upbringing and supportive parents helped her move from the fast-paced world of basketball to the solitary discipline of rifle shooting.
Expanding perspectives: Explore how Shreya stepped outside her comfort zone as an elite athlete, connecting with diverse perspectives through education and networking.
Preparing for life after sports: Gain valuable advice on staying present, embracing uncertainty, and building a fulfilling post-sports career.

🌟 Why This Episode Matters:
Shreya’s story isn’t just about sports—it’s about resilience, growth, and finding clarity in life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, pursuing a passion, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take your next leap of faith.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

How to stay calm and focused under pressure in both sports and life.
The importance of embracing uncertainty and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Why focusing on the present can transform how you approach life’s transitions.
How networking and education can help athletes build new opportunities beyond the field.

🎧 Tune In Now:
This episode dives deep into Shreya’s inspiring journey, offering powerful lessons on calm, courage, and reinvention. Whether you’re an athlete or someone seeking clarity in your next step, her story will inspire you to embrace life’s challenges and thrive.

Let’s Connect:
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: @shreya_saksena
LinkedIn: Shreya Saksena
Email: shreya.saksena@gmail.com

Send us a text

What happens when elite sports and cutting-edge medicine intersect? Ryan invites Karen Brown, to the show.

Karen Brown is an award-winning pharmacist and former Queensland Firebirds netball star transforming how athletes approach health, performance, and safety. Through Batch Tested, Australia’s leading platform for rigorously tested supplements, Karen ensures that athletes worldwide safeguard their careers and health. Her unique perspective as both an elite athlete and a clinical expert has positioned her as a champion for innovation in sports and pharmacy.

Karen’s influence doesn’t stop at supplement safety. As a business owner, educator, and advocate, she’s paving the way for Sports pharmacy to become a global standard, redefining the pharmacist's role in elite athletic care. Her groundbreaking work bridges the worlds of medicine and sports, setting new standards for clean supplementation and athlete support.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Karen’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to Batch Tested, addressing critical gaps in supplement safety for athletes.
Why 1 in 5 supplements pose career-ending risks and how Karen is revolutionizing trust in the sports industry.
The essence of an emerging specialty is Sports pharmacy, where clinical expertise meets athletic performance, ensuring smarter, safer care for athletes.
How setbacks, like missing her dream university course, became stepping stones for her impactful career.
Discover Karen’s bold philosophy, Fly the plane while you’re building it, which emphasizes the power of action over perfection.
Lessons from Karen’s netball career that fuel her success in business and mentorship.
A visionary outlook on Brisbane 2032, where Karen aims to integrate clinical pharmacists into sports teams for next-level athlete care.
The future of clean sports: How Batch Tested is setting a new standard for athlete safety and integrity.

…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://batchtested.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/company/batch-tested/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-brown-8b7900106

Send us a text

What does it take to turn a lifelong passion into a movement that’s redefining dance for young children across the UK and beyond? Meet Anne-Marie Martin, the founder of Diddi Dance, a pioneering dance program that’s bringing rhythm, fun, and early childhood development into one dynamic package for kids under five. Once a professional dancer gracing global stages, Anne-Marie traded in her spotlight for a new mission: to build children’s confidence, creativity, and coordination through dance. And she’s not just making it happen; today, her impact is felt far and wide, she’s scaling it with over 40 franchises, each delivering classes where children grow, laugh, and learn to move freely in their unique way.

Anne-Marie’s story is one of bold pivots and relentless innovation. From the leap of founding her own company to designing a brand-new dance curriculum and even developing original music just for her classes, she’s crafting experiences that make a lasting impact on children and parents alike. As a true industry leader, she’s not only shaping the future of dance education but also mentoring women in franchising through her role with EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) and setting quality standards as a board member of the Children's Activities Association.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Anne-Marie went from the spotlight of professional dancing to founding Diddi Dance, addressing a major gap in early childhood dance.
The rewards of teaching young children and how her passion evolved into a focus on holistic child development.
The unique structure of Diddi Dance, where upbeat routines nurture self-confidence, social skills, and movement abilities.
Behind-the-scenes stories of building her brand, including navigating a name change and creating original music to make classes unforgettable.
Anne-Marie's dedication to inclusivity in dance and her role in elevating safety and educational standards for young learners through her role as a board member of the Children's Activities Association.
Her work with EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) inspires and mentors women entering the world of franchising and entrepreneurship.
With sights on global expansion, how she’s bringing her dream of accessible, joyous dance experiences to kids around the world.

…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/anne-marie-martin-

Website: https://www.diddidance.com

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

https://www.instagram.com/diddidancecrew

Send us a text

Channing Chaston, famously known as the 1% Kid, shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey from dreaming of playing college soccer to becoming a pro athlete with Phoenix Rising. Discover how Channing's mantra of "1% better every day" drove him to overcome the challenges of a rigorous recruitment process and unexpected coaching changes to secure his place at Ohio State. Through his story, we promise you'll gain insights into resilience and the power of persistence, whether you're an athlete or just chasing your own dreams.

Reflecting on his remarkable career, Channing discusses his transition from soccer to becoming an author and educational consultant. He brings a competitive drive and structured mindset to his newly launched training academy, aimed at nurturing young athletes' physical and mental growth. We touch on the "three Ps" - practice, perseverance, and patience - and Channing's vision for helping others become the best versions of themselves. Tune in for inspiring advice on goal setting and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in your journey towards fulfillment.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Channing pushed past doubts to earn a spot at Ohio State and what fueled his “1% better everyday mindset
The transformative power of setting small, achievable goals that add up to monumental success
His journey from athlete to entrepreneur, educator, and speaker, and the importance of following multiple passions
Channing’s commitment to empowering youth through goal-setting, self-discipline, and education.
The unexpected journey to becoming an author and why his story is for every child with a dream.
His Three Ps; Practice, Perseverance, and Patience, and why they’re the secret to making dreams come true
Lessons from overcoming setbacks, including injuries and career shifts, and finding new purpose beyond the field
The unexpected road to becoming an author and why his story resonates with anyone chasing a dream

…and so much more!

Links:

Website: https://www.theonepercentkid.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/the1percentkid/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the1%kid

Book: The 1% Kid: https://www.amazon.com/1-Kid-Channing-Chasten/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com

Send us a text

Erin Cafaro, a former elite athlete turned neuropsychologist, joins us to share the incredible journey sparked by her father's diagnosis with vascular dementia. She opens up about the powerful influence of personal experiences on career transitions, illustrating how curiosity and passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. Listeners will learn how Erin's early life in a small California town and the male-focused sports culture set the stage for her career in rowing, ultimately leading her to national and Olympic teams.

From the significance of Title IX in her rowing journey to the importance of emotional balance, Erin's candid reflections offer guidance for athletes seeking fulfillment beyond their competitive careers. The conversation highlights the necessity of recovery and personal growth, taking into account how understanding one's past can empower future endeavors.

Tune in to learn more about:

Why and how early-life challenges often fuel athletes' ambition and, sometimes become a double-edged sword.
The psychological and emotional toll of stepping off the podium and the journey to redefine one’s self-worth and purpose beyond achievement.
Why it’s difficult for athletes to publicly acknowledge mental health struggles and why open discussions are crucial for healing.
How athletic discipline impacts cognitive resilience and contributes to mental toughness.
The challenges and rewards of transitioning from a performance-oriented mindset to a more academic one
Insights into her current work in clinical psychology research on how athletes cope with life off the podium
Erin’s perspective on resilience, recovery, and the value of community support in overcoming life’s setbacks.

…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

Send us a text

What happens when a BMX champion swaps the adrenaline rush of biking for the tranquil greens of golf? Join us as Josh, a former professional BMX athlete, narrates this unlikely transformation. After a brain tumor diagnosis, Josh reevaluated his life priorities and took the bold step to transition into a sport where every swing is both a challenge and a chance for growth. Discover how BMX's demand for adaptability and mental focus parallels the world of golf, providing new avenues for fulfillment and self-expression.

Tune in to learn more about:
- Why true mastery isn’t about perfection, but about constant growth; mentally, physically, and emotionally.

- The surprising parallels between BMX and golf, and how golf became a source of healing and purpose for Josh.

- Exploring the surprising parallels between the two sports

- Josh’s raw account of surviving brain tumors and navigating the emotional toll of loss.

- How sponsorship pressures and public expectations shaped Josh’s sense of self, and how he rediscovered his worth beyond sports.

- His powerful advocacy for mental health, metabolic health, and a balanced, mindful approach to wellness.

…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.joshperrybmx.com/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperrybmx/

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

Send us a text

Imagine balancing rigorous training with law school, missing out on the Olympics by just one spot, and still building a legal career that has taken Australia by storm. Today, Ryan is joined by Andrew Mewing, a former Australian swimmer turned co-founder and partner of a leading law firm Batch Mewing Lawyers specializing in construction and employment law, who shares a riveting tale of reinvention.

Andrew takes us back to his early athletic days, starting as a promising rugby player in Southeast Queensland. An unexpected detour due to injuries led him to uncover his hidden swimming talents, eventually bringing him to the brink of Olympic qualification. Balancing the demands of a dual degree in commerce and law with a burgeoning swimming career, Andrew's tale is a testament to the importance of systems over goals and the support network that fueled his dual pursuits. Discover how Andrew's academic dedication and competitive spirit shaped his ambitions, providing a foundation for his future success.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Andrew balanced sports and academics while swimming for Australia and studying law at the University of Queensland.
The inspiration behind Batch Mewing Lawyers and its growth from a two-person startup to a 30-person team across Australia.
A sneak peek into Relative Age Effect, how it impacted Andrew’s early athletic career and how he overcame it.
The surprising parallels between swimming laps and legal strategy
The Importance of leaning on your Support Network and how Andrew's family and friends played a vital role in his journey from sport to law.

…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/andrewmewinglaw

Website: https://www.batchmewing.com.au

Send us a text

How do athletes' skills on the field translate into successful franchise ownership? In this episode, we sit down with franchisee broker James Hilovsky from California. James shares his unique insights on the natural fit between athletes and franchising, explaining how the structure, teamwork, and coaching inherent in sports prepare athletes for franchise entrepreneurship. You'll learn why athletes' self-confidence and risk-taking abilities often lead them to outperform their corporate peers in the entrepreneurial world.

James takes us through his comprehensive process as a franchise consultant, walking us through each step he takes to match athletes with the perfect franchise opportunities. From assessing industry interests and investment levels to choosing between owner-operator or manager-led models, James provides a detailed look at the fundamentals of franchising, including initial fees, royalties, and marketing costs. Using a hypothetical scenario of a former pro athlete, he illustrates how he guides clients to make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations.

Tune in to learn more about:

The step-by-step process of launching a franchise, from that first call to signing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Insider tips on evaluating a franchisor’s support system and navigating the FDD.
Why athletes have a unique edge in the franchising world, and how you can leverage it.
How to validate a franchise opportunity, including what questions to ask existing franchisees.
Realistic expectations, common misconceptions and pitfalls in franchising, and how to stay proactive in your business journey.
A sneak peek into examples of franchises athletes are conquering, from fitness centers to niche services like dog poop cleanup.
Why athletes often find more satisfaction in the autonomy and challenges of running their own business.

…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.thefrandream.com

Linkedln:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-frandream/

Email: james@thefrandream.com

Send us a text

From Triple Jumping in Jamaica to sprinting up the ranks in the tech industry, today’s guest has mastered the art of reinvention. As a former Jamaican World and Commonwealth Games track and field star, Damon McLean competed alongside some of the best, pushing his limits on the global stage. He is no stranger to high stakes and high performance; he has faced some of the toughest competition worldwide.

But when his spikes came off, his story was far from over. Damon has seamlessly transitioned into the fast-paced world of tech sales, where he now leads teams with the same focus and determination that made him a standout athlete. From chasing Commonwealth Games dreams to climbing the ranks in tech, Damon’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and following his passion.

Are you seeking inspiration on how to navigate life's pivot points, this episode is for you!

**Tune in to learn more about:

- His powerful story of navigating the highs and lows of competitive athletics and the unexpected twists that led him to a new career in the corporate world.
- The Athlete’s Mindset in Business, how the lessons learned on the track: discipline, resilience, and focus translate to leading in the tech industry.
- Balancing his passion for sports with the realities of life after athletics.
- Damon’s journey into the tech world, the skills he’s applied, and how Damon leveraged curiosity and continuous learning to find new opportunities outside of sports.
- The importance of seeking mentorship and how informational interviews and curiosity helped Damon grow in his new field.
-** Practical advice for anyone navigating career transitions and personal reinvention.

…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/damonmclean

Send us a text

Ever feel like the sidelines of youth sports are more of a battlefield than a fun space? Between stressed-out coaches, over-involved parents, and young athletes caught in the middle, finding a balance can seem impossible. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Skye Eddy, a former elite goalkeeper and the visionary behind Soccer Parenting, to unravel the unspoken struggles of youth sports. Skye has transformed her challenges into a mission, pulling back the curtain on the complex dynamics between parents, coaches, and young players.

What began as a mother’s quest to support her daughter’s high-performance soccer career became a full-scale movement to empower parents in youth sports. Skye shares how her platform, Soccer Parenting is reshaping this space by fostering collaboration, communication, and mutual respect among all stakeholders. From her experiences on the field to her insights from the boardroom, Skye reveals what it takes to ensure that kids not only stay engaged in sports but also thrive emotionally and mentally.

If you’re passionate about making sports a healthier, more inspiring experience for your child, this conversation is a must!

Tune in to learn more about:

Behind-the-scenes stories of Skye’s time playing overseas, the highs and lows of chasing a national team dream, and how these experiences shaped her view on youth sports.
The birth of Soccer Parenting and how it’s revolutionizing the relationship between parents and coaches for the benefit of young athletes.
Practical tips for keeping kids passionate about sports without adding pressure.
Highlights the common stresses parents and coaches face in youth sports, and how Soccer Parenting helps address these issues
Skye’s reflections on vulnerability, honesty, and the importance of strong support systems during tough career moments.
Nuggets on how parents and coaches can work together to ensure that sports remain a positive, enriching experience while maintaining boundaries and balance.

…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.soccerparenting.com

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

X: https://twitter.com/SoccerParenting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-eddy/

Send us a text

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/

Send us a text

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-?

4o

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/

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

This week on the 2ND Wind Academy podcast we welcome Will Hooley, who shares his journey from the rugby field to becoming a technical director for Major League Rugby in the United States. Will opens up about his reluctance to follow conventional career paths and how his passion for storytelling led him to this new and exciting profession. Listen in to gain insight on the importance of finding joy in new endeavors and how blending on-field performance with off-field interests laid the groundwork for his post-rugby life.

Transitioning from an elite athlete to a career in journalism and broadcasting is no small feat, and Will’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. He reflects on his career highs and lows, the significance of having a backup plan, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines an athlete's life. From overcoming career-threatening injuries to seizing opportunities in media, Will shares invaluable lessons for anyone facing a career change. Tune in to hear about the power of networking, building confidence in the corporate world, and strategically preparing for life after sports.

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

Georgia, an outstanding netball player from New Zealand, transitioned from a mixed-sport upbringing to achieving International status at 24. She opens up about her journey, sharing the trials, triumphs, and the relentless perseverance that propelled her to where she is today. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the life of an athlete who found joy and fulfillment in playing for love rather than pressure.

Georgia also shares her deep connection to her Maori heritage and how it shapes her identity beyond the court. We dive into her academic pursuits in clinical psychology and what it means to balance a rigorous schedule of training, work, and studies. Her role as a sports coordinator and the support from her family, friends, and two rescue dogs play a crucial part in her life.

We explore Georgia’s professional career, which kicked off amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she balanced the adrenaline of playing in front of large crowds with personal aspirations, such as opening a holistic clinic and planning a family. Her journey from facing rejections to achieving a co-captaincy and securing a contract with the Magic team is both inspiring and practical. This episode is packed with valuable insights on managing life's multifaceted demands while pursuing one's passion and dreams. Tune in!

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

How does a college athlete pivot from sports to a successful career in IT and entrepreneurship? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gage Yesbeck, a former college basketball player whose competitive spirit led him to an unexpected acting role on the Apple TV show "Swagger," produced by Kevin Durant. Gage offers invaluable advice for athletes contemplating life after sports, including the importance of internships, networking, and applying oneself across different fields.

We explore the rigorous balance between athletics and academics, recounting Gage's own hurdles like a significant injury, a gap year, and transferring schools—all while being a first-generation college student. Gage reflects on the profound impact of education and the necessity of having a backup plan, sharing personal milestones such as meeting his future spouse during his collegiate journey. His story is a testament to the resilience needed to navigate both athletic and academic paths.

Transitioning from college to a corporate life comes with its own set of challenges, and Gage dives into the emotional toll of job hunting post-graduation. He stresses the importance of networking and persistence, sharing his path from securing his first IT job to achieving notable career growth. Listen as Gage discusses the broader topic of career transitions for athletes, the support systems available like the 2ND Wind Academy, and the entrepreneurial mindset that continues to fuel his success.

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/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

Meet Andy Cramond, a former Scottish rugby player who turned his struggles with concussions into an early opportunity to plan for life after sports. In this episode, Andy opens up about his journey, sharing how he juggled late-night study sessions to earn online degrees in accountancy and business, all while pursuing his passion for property investment. Discover the strategies he used to manage time efficiently and build a solid foundation for his future.

Andy's story isn't just about overcoming physical challenges; it's also about leveraging the connections and experiences gained during his rugby career to succeed in the property market. We dive into his exciting move to France, his initial plans for an engineering career, and how his performance on the rugby field shifted his focus to professional sports. Andy also sheds light on the differences between property markets in the UK, US, and Dubai, and his mission to introduce the realtor model to Scotland for smoother transactions, especially for professional athletes.

But the journey didn't stop there. Andy talks about the emotional and physical toll of dealing with concussions and the tough decision to retire after a final game in 2021. He shares how a house renovation project became a pivotal part of his transition, offering a new career path in property investment. Listen in as he discusses the rewarding aspects of helping clients in real estate and the importance of financial planning for athletes.

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/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

Ever wondered how to balance multiple passions and career paths successfully?Featuring Rahhim Shillingford, this episode showcases his extraordinary journey from college football star to a licensed broker in New York. Rahhim dives deep into the invaluable lessons in accountability, goal-setting, and confidence that sports instilled in him, and how these have been pivotal in his thriving real estate career. He also shares personal stories about his family's deep involvement in sports and how it shaped his professional outlook.

We also explore the rewarding yet challenging journey of transitioning from college to careers in real estate, coaching, and personal training. Without forgetting the mental health challenges athletes face when shifting careers and the crucial role of mentorship during these transitions, this former professional footballer turned life coach shares the evolving methods of adaptive leadership and mentorship in sports and business. We also reflect on the powerful influence of having a coach in both personal and professional realms, as well as the lasting impact of strong familial support. This episode is a masterclass in leveraging the skills learned in sports to achieve success in various career paths and maintaining a strong support system along the way.

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/rahhim-shillingford
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahhim.shillingford18/

What happens when a seasoned rugby player takes on the challenging yet rewarding role of a coach? Join us as we welcome Simone Ragusi, an Italian rugby veteran who has transitioned from player to coach, bringing with him years of experience and enthusiasm. With a career spanning 12 years, including stints in Wales and Ireland's elite Leinster environment, Simone's journey is an impressive tale of resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of personal growth. Hear about his time leading the U18 team at Petrarca Padova to an Italian championship and the lessons he learned about balancing the rigors of playing and coaching at the same time.

Tune in to learn more about:

Simone's current endeavors
His childhood rugby moments as a child from a rugby family
The balance in Ireland between football and rugby as the sixth nation tournament and a football nation as well
When his focus started shifting from playing to coaching and how managed the conflict that arose with this
The first step he took when he came to the realization that his playing career would not reach the peak he aimed at
A sneak peek at the dynamics of sports in Italy, Ireland and England
What inspired hom to relocate from Italy to Ireland and what he hopes to achieve
Invaluable insights on how to identify and approach mentors and embrace continuous learning

…and so much more!

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step? For more information, or to book a consultancy, visit www.2ndwind.io

Links:

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

X: https://x.com/Simo_RAgusi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneragusi?

Dorian Pickens, a former professional basketball player, transitioned from the court to a thriving career in the sports business world. How did Dorian weigh the uncertain prospects of the G League and overseas play against the opportunities in real estate? Join us as Dorian shares his transition story, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship and networking, and how experiences at Adidas, Nike, and now Fanatics have shaped his new professional path. You'll also hear about his latest move to Dallas and the continuous evolution of his career.

Tune in to learn more about:

What sports meant to him growing up and what drew him to love basketball
The decisions he had to make to balance his academics and passion for sports
What influenced his decision on where to study sports and his academy, despite being on opposite sides of the spectrum
Reflections on his collegiate basketball years
The moment he realized his professional career wouldn't last and the first steps he took afterward
The sense of sorrow, fear, and uncertainty athletes experience when closing that chapter
What supports him in excelling in his current role
His insightful perspective on teamwork in sports and how it translates to the business world
…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/dorian-pickens

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

From living on a friend's floor to conquering the world of professional cycling, Carla's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover the sacrifices she made, including financial struggles and overcoming severe injuries, to achieve national championship status. You'll hear how Carla juggled her academic pursuits with her sporting ambitions, ultimately earning a degree in Business Sports Management and setting the stage for a thriving career in sports management with Compress Sport.

Curious about how social connections can ignite a passion for sports? Carla's story vividly illustrates the power of community in transforming recreational activities into professional athleticism. She highlights the importance of maintaining joy and passion, even when facing financial sacrifices and putting a business on hold. Discover how continually pushing personal limits and engaging with a supportive network played a crucial role in Carla's athletic journey and professional transformation.

Tune in to hear about her current role with Compress Sport, where she manages athlete partnerships, and learn the skills and experiences that have shaped her success. This episode is a testament to resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of fulfillment.

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/carlamareeryan/

Linkedln:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ryan

From the basketball court to the icy bobsled tracks, Alex's story isn't one you hear every day. Tune in as we traverse the thrilling and transformative journey with our guest, whose leap from dunking basketballs to steering sleds is a masterclass in grit and adaptability. The conversation delves into the depths of what it takes to rewire an athlete's body and mind from endurance to power, from hoop dreams to Olympic aspirations. We celebrate the spirit of perseverance and how Alex's narrative exemplifies the essence of health, emotional resilience, and gratitude—qualities that serve us all in sports and life alike.

Tune in to learn more about:

Alex’s earliest sporting memories, what enjoyment she derived from it, and her experience playing professional basketball overseas
Her struggles with Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis led to the close of her basketball career and created more obstacles along her athletic path
How Alex did not let the diagnosis stop her from launching into an alternative sport and thriving in it as well
The hardest bit of that transition phase between two sports
What the transition from basketball to bobsleigh meant to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness
This an amazing illustration of the physical space she is trying to fit into in bobsleigh
How she has reinvented herself into an elite in her newfound sport
In what way did the challenges she endured change how she looks at her life and future
The importance of playful curiosity in an athlete's sports journey

… 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/its.alexklein/

https://www.instagram.com/its.alexkleincoaching/

Website: https://www.coachalexklein.com/

Today’s episode marks our 101st episode of the podcast. So what's better than creating a 101 of Athletic Career Transition. In this episode, Ryan, along with Taj Dashaun, founder of Thrive After Sports Life, peel back the layers of the athletic mindset, sharing their own pivots from competitive play to carving out new professional identities. Their dialogue illuminates the critical steps in crafting a 'second act' that's as fulfilling as the first. Whether you're a former athlete or someone seeking to channel your drive and passion into a new vocation, this heart-to-heart promises to shed light on the beauty of reinvention.

With a football journey that drove him to drugs, depression, and a blurred vision of life beyond College football, Taj now turns out to be the solace and guidance he lacked at his corner during his second wind. Therein he founded Thrive After Sports, a holistic one-on-one program for retired athletes that is driven by the simple but transformative mission of equipping athletes with the tools to thrive in life after sports. He goes beyond helping players find jobs and start businesses to help them find fulfillment in every area of their lives.

Tune in to learn more about:

The motivation behind launching Thrive after sports
Challenges faced during his college football career and their impact on his resilience and coping strategies
Roles undertaken during the emotional aftermath of college graduation
Strategies for discovering one's off-court path, thriving within it, and finding fulfillment
Transitioning from discussing second winds to actively assisting athletes through those phases
The significance of viewing the end of a sports career as the start of a lifelong journey
Toughest aspects of supporting athletes during their transition
The importance of athletes recognizing and being open to trustworthy individuals who have their best interests at heart

… 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.tajdashaun.com/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tajdashaun/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/

Email: taj@tajdashaun.com

When the stadium lights dim and the roaring crowds become a memory, what's next for the athlete whose life was once defined by the game? Our 100th episode marks a celebration of such journeys, featuring Allana Ferguson, a former professional rugby league and rugby union player, now an Australian sports commentator, radio personality, and mom. Jeremy, who enjoyed an 11-year career in professional rugby league in the NRL, transitioned to the corporate space as a mortgage specialist before co-founding Unite the Dream. We explore the richness of life after sports—balancing broadcasting, business ventures, and family, all while holding onto the essence of identity and passion that fueled their athletic endeavours.

Tune in to learn more about:

The current endeavors of the Jeremy Latimore and Allana Ferguson
Their earliest sporting memories and paths to professional Sports
What to hold onto on the women's sports
The experience and emotions of changing clubs and dealing with rejection
Allana’s realisation of her personal brand and the role she could play in supporting others
Sneak peek into Jeremy's structured approach to his day-to-day life
What they would have done differently to set themselves up better for life beyond sports
The opportunities Sports avail to athletes and how to best leverage them
Gems on having the thirst to learn from others and continuously network

… 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:

Allana: https://www.instagram.com/allanaferg_

Jeremy:https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_latimore

Allana's X: https://x.com/Allanaferguson

Jeremy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-latimore

Imagine stepping off the court for the last time, your identity as an athlete hanging up its jersey as you prepare for the 'real world.' Frances recounts this very passage, discussing the emotional toll and the resilience required to pivot from the structured life of an athlete to the unpredictability of the job market. Frances is a former Division 1 volleyball athlete, the co-founder, and Chief Growth Officer at Postseason, an experienced marketing professional, sports lawyer, and strategist. Her narrative resonates with anyone who's faced the daunting task of reinventing themselves, exemplifying how the skills honed on the court—leadership, adaptability, tenacity—become invaluable assets in the boardroom. Frances's path is not just her own but a source of inspiration for those who dare to dream beyond the final whistle, proving that with the right mindset and support, the end of one chapter can be the start of something extraordinary.

Tune in to learn more about:
- Exploring her roots and volleyball journey from the ground up.
- Unveiling her aspirations at the onset of her athletic career.
- Navigating the challenges of collegiate sports as a female athlete.
- Wrestling with post-college uncertainty amid athletic dreams.
- Sacrifices made on the path to realizing her athletic aspirations.
- Tracing the trajectory from college to her current endeavors.
- Embracing coaching and mentoring roles post-athletics.
- Shedding light on Postseason's mission and vision.
… 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.com

Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-garcia-mba-a38bb618

X: https://twitter.com/franceslive?lang=

Instagram: https://twitter.com/franceslive?

Stepping into the shoes of an elite athlete, few of us can grasp the sheer dedication it takes to excel, let alone pair it with the cunning of a sharp entrepreneur. On this episode, we bring you a session with Matt Mooney, the mastermind behind Athletic IQ and an international basketball player. Matt opens up about his extraordinary journey through the realms of professional sports and entrepreneurship, offering a rare glimpse into the tenacity required to foster a groundbreaking startup while pursuing the pinnacle of athletic performance. His vision for Athletic IQ is ambitious yet grounded in the desire to uplift and transform the world of basketball. Join us for an episode that's as much about heart and soul as it is about hoops and high stakes.

In a nutshell, you will learn more about:
- Matt’s childhood dream of playing basketball and his achievements in the sport
- The premature end of his NBA career and its mental and emotional impact on him
- Overcoming his reluctance to play overseas and the challenges he faced upon moving to Spain
- Valuable lessons learned from his time as an NBA player, despite limited opportunities
- His entrepreneurial journey and mindset, cultivated during his high school days and at the University of South Dakota
- The inspiration behind founding Athletic IQ
- How he drew lessons from his brother’s startup and surrounded himself with the right people to propel his business venture
... 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/matt-mooney-athletiq

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

X: https://twitter.com/matt_m_mooney

In this episode, Abbie Wolf takes us on a riveting journey from basketball jerseys to boardroom battles. With her, we uncover the parallels between sports discipline and business acumen as she recounts the pivotal choices that propelled her from the collegiate courts of Northwestern to the strategic arena of Counterpart Ventures. Abbie's story is not just about career change; it's a playbook for leveraging life's lessons across divergent paths.

Tune in to learn more about:
- Where her love for basketball was ignited and her dreams for it began
- Her escapades in Europe and the authentic culture she experienced
- How she maintained a balance between her academics and sports as basketball opened up opportunities
- The role of sports as a pathway to unforeseen ventures
- What got her thinking about her second wind and how she prepared herself for it while playing at a professional level
- Traits learned from basketball that have played a significant role in making her successful in the business world
- The stress involved in working in a start-up and how she navigated it
- What success looks like for her today in this phase of her career
- Unveiling opportunities from a place of vulnerability and how to make the most of them as a sportsman
… 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/abbiewolf21/

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

Ever wondered how the grit of a sports field can pave the way for success in the corporate world? Join us as we sit down with James, whose journey from elite rugby to a vibrant career at Unity is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation peels back the layers on the transformative power of opportunities, even those seeming miles away from the try line.

James candidly shares the emotional upheavals of leaving a professional sports career, the tenacity required to overcome injuries, and how such setbacks can lead to unforeseen ventures like coaching. His story champions the idea that life's crossroads, while daunting, are brimming with growth potential. Through our discussion, we uncover the parallels between the determination on the rugby pitch and the corporate hustle, offering you a playbook for channeling your own inner resilience.

Tune in to learn more about:

James' childhood aspirations of his rugby venture as an eight-year-old and how they shaped his journey
Reflections on his total dedication to rugby and invaluable lessons learned from those moments
Importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than fixating on them as setbacks
James’s feelings of betrayal from rugby, his fallout from the game, and how he found his way back to rekindling his love for rugby
How James cracked his way into his dream industry gaming and finding new sense of fulfillment beyong the sports
Events that led to his shift in playing rugby for enjoyment and how this positively supplements his off-the-field career
What success looks like for James in the gaming space
His passion and dedication for leadership and how he is prepping to make a change and impact the current and next generation of leaders
What an individual needs to shed to embrace transformative and successful leadership

…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:

Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-thacker/

Linkedln Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12949484/

Join the conversation as Ryan chats with the extraordinary Chandra Crawford, Olympic gold medalist turned inspiring life trailblazer. Chandra's journey from the snow-clad peaks of Canmore to the uncharted terrains of life beyond the podium is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we navigate her story, you’ll be privy to an intimate discussion on the transformative power of persistence, the joy of discovering new passions, and the courage to redefine identity when life calls for a new chapter. This is not simply a tale of athletic prowess, but a testament to the undying quest for personal growth and the profound impact one can have on the next generation, affirming that true success is not always measured in medals, but in the milestones of life's relentless race.

Tune in to learn more about:

A sneak peek into the activities in the Rocky side of Canada and her first love, biathlon
How she used negative experiences as fuel in her athletic career
Her first super highs in cross-country skiing
How she went around the thoughts of throwing in the towel in the hard phase of her transition
Redefining her definition of success and how it resulted in a beautiful experience during her last race
The values of having interests beyond sports that are worth your every minute
Finding the rhythm in her shift to the non-profit world
Hurdles she had to face whilst building a family, running her charity, and doing her MBA
What she would opt to do differently about her transition and setting herself up for her present life

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/chandracrawford?

When the roar of the stadium fades into the quiet buzz of an office, life takes an unexpected scrum. Former rugby professional Jason joins Ryan to share his remarkable journey from scoring tries to advising on financial ties. An athlete's path is never linear, and Jason's tale is a testament to the tenacity required both on the field and in the world of finance. We traverse his transition from the Southern Kings to capturing Google Maps footage, then to his adept hand at wealth management — proving it's not just muscle that flexes in the face of change but the mind too.

Our dialogue extends beyond the pitch, focusing on the critical need for financial literacy and tailored advice for those whose careers peak early in life. Tune in for an episode that tackles more than just rugby tales — it's about navigating life's financial scrums and scoring goals for the future.

Tune in to learn more about:

The deep-rooted significance of rugby in South African heritage and what inspired Jason's journey into the rugby fields
Jason’s aspirations as a 16/17 year old rugby player in a a professional setup
His proudest moment playing internationally
Reflections and insights on getting a degree whilst playing professional sports and how it shapes his future
Challenges he faced in his effort to strike a balance between sports and his academic life
The moment it dawned on him to put things in motion for his second wind and the opportunity he went ahead to create for himself
Financial situations and challenges commonly faced by athletes and invaluable insights on securing a stable financial future
Jason’s nuggets of wisdom on financially setting yourself up for life beyond 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:

Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbaggott12/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonbaggott12

Imagine the discipline of an elite athlete fused with the grit of a Royal Marines commando. That's the extraordinary life of Jordan, our guest this week, who shares his gripping tale of mastering the art of transition. His life is a masterclass in adaptability - from ruling the basketball court to serving with honor in the military, and now inspiring others through his coaching business. Jordan's journey isn't just about changing careers; it's about the undercurrents of perseverance, identity, and the pursuit of excellence.

Jordan's story is more than just an interview; it's a potent mix of strategy, inspiration, and real-world advice. So tune in, as we journey through the life of a man who's redefined what it means to transition and triumph, inviting us all to discover success in the unexpected.

In a nutshell, you will learn more about:
* What was on the back of his head juggling three spheres; elite sports, military, and coaching * His secret to stitching all the three together and making all work out * The role basketball players in his childhood as one of mixed race * How to strategize against obstacles that come along in your life and find the solace to trust the process from his personal experiences * Transferable skills and lessons he brought from basketball that support his military and business career * Get to know his analogy of the two types of Ayers; the piano player and piano pusher * Sneak peek of what sports is like in the military and why young athletes that are transitioning should eye on it

… 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

Do you ever look at a champion athlete and wonder what mountains they'll conquer when the cheering crowds have faded? Today, I have the pleasure of bringing you the extraordinary story of Peter Bakare, an Olympian whose competitive edge on the volleyball court has spiked into the imaginative realm of creative entrepreneurship. With the launch of Nutritroops, Peter is volleying his way into the hearts and minds of children, educating them on nutrition and health through the captivating world of animation.

Navigating through career transitions is no small feat, as Peter attests with the mental fortitude and strategic steps he employed. He shares practical tips on breaking down grand ambitions, utilizing networks, and positioning unique skills for success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or someone at the threshold of change, Peter's insights are a playbook for transforming passions into purposeful pursuits. So come along and get inspired to set your own career transition in motion with wisdom from an Olympian who's rewritten the rules of the game.

Tune in to learn more about:

How he's changing the lives of the youths through his organization, Nutritroops
Peter's first love, basketball, and how he got into playing it
His frustrating transition to volleyball and when he became good at it
Why did he sacrifice his passion for animation and script writing to play volleyball he didn't hold dear and the mental dilemma his decision beared
What motivated his focus on making it to the 2012 Summer Olympics
Profound insights on breaking down the fears you built up and how to reaffirm yourself
The dynamics of starting afresh that athletes face after the sporting dreams they pursue come to an end
The process he followed in pursuing his passion and building the right nodes
What he would change in his history but still end up doing the amazing work he is doing today

… 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 http://www.2ndwind.io/

Links

Website Website: https://www.nutritroops.com/

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

X: https://twitter.com/peterbakare

https://twitter.com/nutritroops

From the relentless push of an oar against water to the strategic planning within the halls of Volleyball England, Guin Batten's story is one of incredible transformation. As a world-class rower turned Deputy CEO, she joins us to unravel the journey that connects the adrenaline of elite sports with the finesse of sports administration leadership. In our conversation, Guin charts a course through the challenges of career transition, reminding us that success is hardly ever a straight sprint to the finish line.

Tune in to learn more about:
- The diverse existing and emerging disciplines encompassed within Volleyball England
- Playing loads of sports when she was younger as a means to get respect
- Nostalgia of how the one sport that she wasn't instantly good at brought her fond memories and adventures
- How she embraced the shift from being a team athlete to an individual athlete
- Beautiful perspective on caging out your inner confidence from her confidence battles
- The time she realized her rowing flame had dimmed and the first step she took
- How she learned to build and maintain a meaningful network as an athlete
- Insights on the struggles athletes undergo when pitching themselves in their post-sports career
- Motivation behind the amazing helpful work she has been doing
… 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

Have you ever wondered what it takes for an elite athlete to pivot into a successful business leader? Come along as Kari, whose journey from the softball diamond to the boardroom at Life Fitness and Sweat Marketing Lab is nothing short of inspiring, shares her story. Kari opens up about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a collegiate athlete to a professional player in Europe, and finally to a powerhouse in the sports marketing industry. Her unique perspective illuminates the evolving landscape of personal branding and the critical steps for athletes, especially women, to carve out their place in the competitive world of endorsements and partnerships.

**Tune in to learn more about:

- Carrie's background in sports and fitness, including her experience playing college softball and coaching
- Transitioning from athletics to corporate America and finding her niche in sports marketing
- The pivotal moment of being laid off and using it as an opportunity for self-discovery
- Drawing inspiration from Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" and recognizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals
- Balancing her corporate job with running Sweat Marketing Lab and leveraging technology to manage time effectively
-** The significance of staying true to one's passions and pursuing opportunities aligned with personal values and interests.
... 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

When the final whistle blows on an athlete's career, the silence can be deafening. But for one former football enthusiast from Manchester, that silence heralded the start of an unexpected journey in recruitment and ultimately, a transition to professional running. This episode weaves through the guest's early days, where the stark realities of a small town with limited career guidance clashed with dreams of athletic grandeur, and how a seemingly temporary job became the launchpad for a fulfilling career shift.

Sport teaches us discipline, teamwork, and a relentless drive for success—and these lessons don't end on the pitch. Our conversation traverses the unlikely odyssey from the football fields of Manchester to the recruitment offices and, astonishingly, onto the running tracks of Granada and Chiang Mai. Discover how our guest harnessed the skills honed in sports to navigate the corporate world and redefine success, swapping the roar of the stadium for the milestones of business and the runner's high.

Turn in to learn more about:

The profound significance of having difficult but right discussions with upcoming athletes
Why you should seize every opportunity even those from unfamiliar paths
Switching his definition and vision of success
What drew him back to running and why he thought he'd be good ín it
The changes in lifestyle and routine he enforced to optimize his running career
Significance of learning what it takes for you to succeed
The hardest part of trying to maintain a balance and how he dealt with it
What he had to let go of and is working to let go to grow in the corporate world

… 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/leegrantham

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jungle.vip?ig

When the roar of the crowd fades and the medals settle in their cases, what happens to the titans of the sports world? Join us as Paralympian David takes us through the labyrinth of life after elite competition, laying bare the complexities of transition that go far beyond the podium. From the unanticipated stillness of lockdown to the daunting reality of a personal divorce, David's candid revelation of the highs and lows of his botcha career underscores the resilience required to pivot from athletic glory to new ventures.

As we traverse David's journey, we uncover the pivotal moments that shaped his post-athletic life, where the tenacity honed on the boccia court finds new expression in the realm of wellness coaching. This episode intertwines the delicate dance of balancing ambition and practicality, as David shares the insights gleaned from facing down the challenges of disability in his daily life, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of education and personal growth. The fortitude that propelled him to become a world champion now fuels his passion for empowering others through nutrition and wellness—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true champion.

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out https://www.2ndwind.io/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to tackle a career pivot with the same force you'd tackle an opponent on the football field? Andrew, a former collegiate football star turned senior people partner in the cybersecurity industry, joins Ryan to unravel the playbook of his impressive transition. Together, they chart the course from the adrenaline of recruitment to the strategy behind talent management, offering you a seat at the table of an athlete's mind turned corporate maven.

Shifting gears from the gridiron to the corporate ladder, they unpack the emotional intelligence and tenacity required to excel in human resources. Andrew brings to light the unexpected parallels between athletic coaching and corporate mentorship, sharing how the skills honed in competitive sports serve as a strong foundation for building relationships and fostering continuous improvement in business. His candid narrative, filled with personal growth and universal lessons, will ignite your appreciation for the transformative power of sports on professional development.

This conversation highlights the importance of finding balance after hanging up the cleats, as Andrew reveals how personal hobbies and a supportive network are crucial in navigating life's transitions. Whether you're a player on the field or a professional charting your next move, this episode promises to inspire and equip you for the journey ahead. So, lace up your cleats one last time and join in for this engaging dialogue that transcends the boundaries of football and forges a path to success in the corporate world.

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out https://www.2ndwind.io/

Have you ever witnessed the raw determination of an athlete as they pivot from fierce competition on the field to the cutthroat arena of business? That's the gripping tale Dylan, our fearless guest, unfolds. His journey from a tenacious rugby player to an innovative entrepreneur at the helm of Neo eX is nothing short of inspiring. As he recounts the meticulous discipline he carried from the rugby pitch to the tech world, you can't help but be drawn into the parallels between scoring tries and navigating the startup ecosystem. Dylan's narrative is more than just a story of career transition; it's a playbook on harnessing the grit of sports for business success.

Through the lens of Dylan's multifaceted life, we peel back the layers of what it means to balance diverse passions - rugby, acting, and academics - and still find your footing. The conversation takes us on an exciting sprint through his early days of juggling multiple roles, the serendipitous scholarship that led him to the professional rugby fields of Europe, and the mentors who steered his course. His tale is a testament to the idea that the path less traveled, while fraught with hard choices and sacrifices, can lead to enriching life experiences that shape us beyond our expectations.

But what comes after the final whistle blows on a sports career? For Dylan, it was a period of introspection and a quest for meaningful engagement, culminating in the creation of Neo eX. Wearing the dual hats of founder and CEO, he tackles the challenges of chronic pain and identity loss with the same vigor once reserved for opponents on the rugby field. His story isn't just about personal reinvention; it's a masterclass in setting micro-goals and fostering community through technology. So, lace up your boots, and prepare to be moved by a saga of resilience and rebirth in the tech arena.

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out https://www.2ndwind.io/

Connect with Dylan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylgray/
Website: https://www.neoex.io/

This episode features a former rugby player turned legal recruiter, whose story of adaptability and resilience captivates from the onset. Clint's odyssey from the grassy fields to the corporate towers is a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of new horizons. He takes us through his journey, discussing the blend of mental and physical grit needed to balance a landscaping job with his Super Rugby dreams, and the cultural leap from France to Dubai that tested his ability to thrive in unfamiliar territory.

Clint's pivot into the corporate realm is as inspiring as it is instructive, proving that the spirit of sportsmanship – teamwork, resilience, and communication – can indeed pave the way for triumph in new arenas. Through his narrative, we're reminded of the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and leveraging one's past to forge a bright future.

Tune in to learn more about:

Clint’s experience of the differences in the game between the northern and southern hemispheres and what he loved most about them
The mental strain that accompanied the end of his rugby career and the first steps he took for a smooth transition post-COVID
The role exploration played in his discovery of what he fits in during his after-sports life
How he got into sales and recruitment and the interrelation between sports culture and work culture
The role math has had in his role today in the sales and recruitment arena
Why investing your efforts in cultivating a professional presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn is of significance

… 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/clinteadie/

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

X: https://x.com/ClintEadie

When the whistle of life blows for an unexpected timeout, some lose their footing while others, like Laura Du Ry , transform their game. Join us as we share the remarkable journey of a former Ajax goalkeeper who, after a career-altering injury, channels her competitive spirit from the grassy fields to the tech startup landscape. Weaving through the emotional challenge of losing her athletic identity, Laura exemplifies how adaptability and resilience are the true game-changers in one’s career playbook.

Our discussion with Laura isn't just about change; it's a masterclass in transferable skills and the profound lessons of teamwork, both on the field and in the boardroom. Navigating her role as a growth manager at AppRite, she imparts wisdom on the significance of direct feedback and the art of positive leadership in a high-pressure environment. It’s a playbook on inspiring a team to victory, where the stakes are high, and the rewards are just as sweet as scoring the winning goal.

Tune in to this episode to hear more about:

The depth of fulfillment Laura finds in her current role beyond sports
Laura's sporting memories while growing up
Parallels in how she has had to show up in sports and the startup
Playing at the top team & top club in the country, and the dream that fueled her on
How she juggled between marketing and sports
How she figured it out after the sudden end of her career at the verge of her peak and the emotions she had to deal with
What rekindle her confidence in her new venture beyond her sporting career
Managerial nuggets on how to smoothly move propel as a team in sports or the corporate space

… 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/laura-du-ry-53203b94/

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

X: https://x.com/LDRVBH

When Caragh McMurtry, a former Olympic rower for Team GB, shares her tale, it's not your typical sports saga. Our episode zooms in on her dual identity as an elite athlete and a neurodiversity advocate. Caragh's experiences highlight the untapped brilliance of neurodivergent athletes and the pressing need for a shift in the sports world's approach to these exceptional minds. Her journey, marked by both remarkable triumphs and deeply personal struggles, paints a vivid picture of the athletic landscape through a neurodivergent lens, challenging listeners to rethink their views on mental health and inclusivity in high-stakes competition.

This episode is a clarion call to coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike, illuminating the path to a new chapter in 's life and possibly for many others like her. Post-retirement, she transforms adversity into advocacy, leveraging her story to ignite change and inspire others who are navigating the tricky waters of identity beyond their sports careers. As you connect with Caragh's relentless drive and dedication to making a difference, prepare to be moved and motivated by the transformative power of embracing neurodiversity in the competitive arena.

Tune in to learn more about:

Her impactful wave through neurodiverse charities
Gaps in the sports sector around the understanding, supporting, and proper inclusion of neurodiverse athletes and those facing mental health problems
The long period of athletes masking up their differences till retirement due to the ongoing stigma and discrimination against neurodiverse athletes
Challenges she faced throughout her sporting journey as a neurodivergent athlete before getting the proper diagnosis
How she constantly leaned on her resilience for a successful sporting career
The real journey of learning about herself after getting the proper diagnosis
The stigma and discrimination she still faced as steps were made to make an inclusive sporting environment
Why sports clubs, athletes, and supporters should wholeheartedly embrace diversity
Nuggets of wisdom for young and retiring 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

Ever wondered about the life beyond the roar of the stadium for athletes? Barry Squires, a former university-level footballer turned sports leader, sits down with us to navigate that very transition. From the humble beginnings at AFC Bournemouth's academy to the strategic world of university sports administration, Barry reveals the complexities behind the pivotal decisions that shape careers post-athletics. His insights into the balance of education and competitive sport provide a fresh perspective on the real-life challenges and opportunities athletes encounter when stepping off the pitch and into the boardroom.

Barry's story is more than just a tale of athletic prowess; it's a roadmap for leveraging one's passion for sports into a successful career. He shares his experience of playing semi-professional football while keeping his academic goals in sight, the summers spent coaching in the U.S., and the mentorship that catalyzed his growth. His approach to life beyond the game—grounded in seizing opportunities for learning and development—underscores the importance of adaptability for athletes looking to make their mark in sports leadership.

Tune in to learn more about:- How he is raising the aspirations and exploration of young athletes in areas unknown to them beforehand
- Sports for Barry in his childhood and higher academic life
- Informative look into the vast opportunities that they offer students whilst in their - undergraduate and postgraduate academic journey
- How he kept sports in his life when the realization of not becoming a pro footballer sunk in
- The strategic steps Barry took to prolong sports in his life during his post University period
- Why you should continuously aim to build your value for professional development
- His passion for adding value to young athletes through a multi-sports approach
- How his definition of success evolved and matured from being a Young player to a seasoned sports coach
- Aspects of his history that he would change
- The overlooked roles and fulfillment an individual can have by being in the background of the sports world
- The former roles of a sports coach and how they are evolving
…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

When Calum Giles, a double Olympic hockey player, steps into our studio, he brings with him a narrative that goes beyond the hockey field. His personal battles and victories over ADHD are as captivating as his athletic accomplishments. Understanding his journey helps us unravel the tight weave between neurodiversity and peak performance. Calum doesn't shy away from discussing the role of mentors in recognizing and nurturing the potential of young athletes, a perspective that's shaped his roles as director of junior coaching at Blackheart and Altamium’s Hockey Club and managing director of Stickwise Hockey Camps.

In this episode, Ryan and Calum discuss:
- The connection between neurodiversity and peak athletic performance through Calum's journey.
- The role of mentors in recognizing and nurturing the potential of young athletes.
- How the schooling system impacts individuals with ADHD and their career paths, using Calum's academic journey as an example.
- Cognitive differences bring flair and creativity in sports, drawing parallels with the Dutch style of football.
- Calum's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and understanding approach to learning and coaching in education and sports.
- The rarely explored topic of life after sports, including financial challenges athletes face and the importance of aligning one's career with passions.
- Calum's personal story as a powerful reminder that success, in various forms, is achievable with hard work, fairness, and a commitment to one's true self.

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:http://www.stickwise.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calum-giles-

Instagram:https://instagram.com/stickwise?igshid=

X: https://x.com/CalumGiles?s=

Resources:

Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover: https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/147671420

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

In this episode, Ryan speaks to James Beeston, a former full-time footballer who successfully navigated a complex journey. In their riveting discussion, James recounts his journey from being scouted at the tender age of six, through his time at a youth academy, to the founding of Bisterra, his thriving supplemental soccer training company.

In 2010 James was rejected from Port Vale Football Club where he was an LFE apprentice, a team he had ardently supported for almost his entire life. Rather than succumbing to this heartbreak, he saw it as a redirection to something greater. Realizing his untapped potential lying in training, he teamed up with his then roommate Mike, started as a club coach but felt as though team coaching wasn't maximizing a player's full potential, hence opting for individual training. Fast forward to today, the company operates in six different states.

Tune in to learn more about:

A sneak peek into the dynamic world of his brainchild, Besteera
The sacrifices and trade offs he encountered as he grew in his sporting adventure
Why did he switch his euphoria of apprenticeship to getting a hit of the reality of his dream
The recollection of his first heartbreak in sports and how it was delivered to him
What he had to change in his renewed course to be a professional footballer
The profound benefits of maintaining your discipline and professionalism in whatever environment you're in
The positive impact his partner Mike has brought not only to the business but in James’s life too
How James continuously supplements his learning in terms of business management and personal improvement
Valuable gems derived from the rejection that laid the foundation to a successful business

… 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: http://www.beesterasoccertraining.com

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

X: https://x.com/Beestera_James?s=20

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM6RS7Fjq/

Have you ever wondered about the challenges and sacrifices an athlete has to make to pursue their dreams? Listen in for a glimpse into the world of Idan Kugel, a former professional football player from Israel who transitioned into the military. He shares his unique journey of trying to balance his love for football and the responsibility of military service, and the tough choices he had to make under his father’s influence. His story is an intriguing exploration of the evolution of professionalism in football in Israel, a testament to his unwavering dedication and the personal connection he shares with his older brother, who also served in the army.

Tune in to learn more about:

His sporting career and the hurdles strewn along his path
The demotivating dynamics of Israel’s football structure during his formative years
Leaving football for the army and the mental conflicts that arose with this decision
A glimpse into the military way of life for rookies and his evolution during his three transformative years in the army
Unravelling the grip of football addiction and identity
Traits from his sporting career that served him as a combat soldier and what he had to leave behind
If he foresaw the trajectory of his post military service period
Idan’s affinity for struggle and how it energizes and sustains his drive
His triumphant return to sports by impacting the lives of young athletes
Key traits that determine the winning mentality echoing from his battlefield and sports journey

… 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/idan-kugel-620562234

Have you ever wondered how athletes transition to "real world" careers after their sporting journey ends? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Olivia King, the former University of Victoria swimmer who switched gears to rowing and made it onto the Canadian national team. Olivia shares her candid story of balancing academics and competitive sports during her university years, the shift from swimming to rowing, and the unique challenges she conquered as the youngest member of the national team.

Olivia's tale of determination and resilience is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She didn't make the national team in 2016, but instead of letting this setback break her, she used it as fuel. In 2017, she proved her mettle and earned her place back on the team. Olivia helps us understand that setbacks aren't failures, but essential stepping stones in our journey. She exemplifies that resilience is not just about returning to the battlefield, but also about learning, growing and moving forward with even more vigor.

But Olivia's story doesn't end at the finishing line. Post her sports career, she took on a new challenge - the corporate world. From working at the local YMCA to joining the police force, Olivia explored myriad opportunities before finding her niche in business. She applies the same discipline and perseverance she learned as an athlete to her corporate career and encourages us all to view transitions as opportunities for growth and discovery. Listen in, as Olivia's journey is sure to resonate with every athlete, every professional, and anyone who loves a tale of resilience and personal growth.

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

What happens when a former professional American footballer swaps the field for the corporate world? Monica Livingston, a former professional American footballer who has on and off the field represented DC Divas, a professional Women's tackle football team. She is also a corporate trainer, culture coach, two-time winner of Comcast SportsNet ‘Funniest Sports Celebrity’ in Washington, And the founder and host of her international podcast The Huddle with Mo and Lo, a hilarious and interactive show that takes an inside look at athletes huddling up the corporate landscape.

After sustaining a devastating ankle injury that marked the end of her sports career, Monica determined to preserve the closeness with her sports family, took it upon herself to represent them, sharing her story of resilience and power in mindset and confidence, and even birthed a pseudo women's sports company. She has also redefined herself as an entrepreneur in the world of education, sports management, and corporate training using humor to educate, engage, and inspire.

Tune in to learn more about:

The evolving landscape of football accessibility, sponsorship, and funding to women during her time vs now
How she confidently went to the bar and carved out her sponsorship deal
The wellsprings of her courage and resilience during the post-injury and surgery period
What changed for her after injury and the hardest part of this transformative journey
Insights from how she has built her career, and strengthens the culture and mindset of elite athletes
How she is not only serving athletes but making expansive influence beyond her sports family
What drives her impactful contributions
Insights to athletes navigating the trajectories to their next pinnacle of 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:

Website: https://www.monicadlivingston.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicalivingston
Instagram: https://instagram.com/livingston3636?ig
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-huddle-with-mo-and-lo/

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Vera Ignjstovic, a former handballer representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Negotiating her way into being a goalie in a male-dominated football team's inner childhood, Vera unknowingly laid the groundwork for her Olympic career and her later scientific ventures.

Fast forward 22 years, Vera is a seasoned Medical Researcher focusing on improving outcomes for children and is a groundbreaker in feet rarely achieved in the Medical Research realm; an internationally recognised expert in pediatrics, hematology, and proteomics. She is the Assistant Director for Translational Research at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Vera put herself out to a male-dominated game till she was given the role of a goalie
The resurgence of handball in her life after they relocated to Australia from Serbia
How they navigated playing handball in the era it was an amateur sport
What she had to delay or eliminate to find a balance between the Olympics and her Ph.D.
The unspoken anticlimax when one is not a professional athlete
Vera's bold decision to walk away from her first professional opportunity in Denmark opting instead to try her luck as a scientist
Landing her first technical job based on an interview skewed towards her Olympic exploits
Pearls of wisdom from her amazing journey and multiple transitions
… 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/professor-vera-ignjatovic

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Jamieson Doyle Taylor, the founder, and CEO of G2G sports, Private practice lawyer, and accredited AFL senior coach for women's sports. In Jamieson's under-18 football seasons, with dreams of having a dazzling career ahead,but like a plot twist in a gripping novel, a severe head injury knocked on his dreams, altering his athletic ambitions. But to him, as tough as it was, that was a mere thrilling twist in his narrative, not the end.

The life altering injury steered him towards the legal path, and as they delve into his journey, today, he has had a 19-plus successful career as a private practice lawyer. He has amazingly found his way back to the world of sports by creating an Agency; G2G Sports that offers players comprehensive management, coaching, and consulting services to help them have a seamless transition to their after-sports life.

Tune in to learn more about:

The life-changing injury that reshaped his life's trajectory
How sports still had a significant presence in his life during his legal career path
The impact the injury had on his sports aspirations and the tough decisions he had to make to pick himself from them
Tips on how to unleash your competitive spirit in mundane day-to-day activities
How he redirected the impacts the injury had on his physical and mental state
His unwavering passion and commitment to helping athletes smoothly transition into their second wind and his passion for grassroots and women's sports
The powerful reminder that it's perfectly okay to go through your sports life - career in a reversed manner
Invaluable insights from his entrepreneurial journey
…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieson-doyle-taylor

Company's Website: https://g2gsports.com.au

Have you ever wondered what it takes to earn a spot in the Olympic Games? Join us as we sit down with Alex, an Olympian, coach, and entrepreneur, who gives us a fascinating look into her journey from the swimming pools of South Africa to the rowing lanes of the Olympics. It's an incredible story of resilience, tenacity, and the sheer will to succeed, even when the odds seem impossible.

Alex's remarkable transformation from an athlete to a coach and finally to an entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Hear about her relentless pursuit of her Olympic dream that didn't falter even after he transitioned into coaching. Her journey to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's best athletes on the starting line of the Games is a testament to the power of perseverance. He also takes us along on her introspective journey post-Olympics, revealing how it led him on a new path to coaching.

Tune in to learn more about:

Difference between the beauty and love she had for swimming and rowing
What Alex aspired from rowing after it became alive in her life
Her love for beauty and excellence and how when it faded, it clouded her performance
Where she had placed her academic life in pursuit of her sporting dream
Why does she have the what else mindset even whilst being focused on going to the Olympics
Her business ventures after moving on from sports
The extent she was fearful and scared of her newfound business ventures and how she went about it
Why you should prioritize celebrating every win as you match the result

…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cech?

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Cecil Jee Thomas, a former professional footballer and dancer turned dynamic presenter and content creator. Cecil's journey is a testament to defying people's expectations, from being told he won't amount to anything bigger than being incredibly talented, Cecil now stands as a beacon of inspiration, from hosting TV shows and speaking to fans around the world at some of the biggest sporting arenas.

Alongside being a successful performer in acting, dancing, and modelling, Cecil is the founder of Talent Transfer, where he spearheads Talent Transfer Talks at professional football clubs all over the UK. He uses his journey through challenging industries to highlight the transferable skills and use them to open the minds of academy players to understand what they can achieve both during and after their football careers.

Tune in to learn more about:

His first heartbreak in his strive to achieve his football dream
Where he placed his talent in performing arts whilst pursuing his dream
Troubles he faced in his sports career that didn't match his expectations of this dream
Skills he brought from football into his performing arts exploration
What helped him realise that he was soaring for more than just a dance
Valuable Insights on how best you can set yourself up for your second wind from his experiences

…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: www.talent-transfer.co.uk

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cecil_jee?ig

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecil-jee-thomas

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cecil_jee?

Watch Cecil's life Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH3QcBDQ

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Brett Smith, a former world-rated and Lightweight professional boxing champion.

Mentally battling addiction during his boxing prime, Smith rebounded and returned to the sport even stronger. He later left his high-paying job to start a successful business that scaled to seven figures in just two years. Additionally, he serves as a mindset and performance coach at Conscious Hooligan, demonstrating the same determination and tenacity in all his endeavors.

Tune in to learn more about:

What attracted him to boxing and the earliest memories of the sport ingrained in his mind
Succumbing mentally to addiction and how he dealt with it and redirected himself
Coming back to boxing and navigating through it professionally
What options did he have when he recognized that his boxing career was coming to an end
Brett's toughest match in the ring and what he feels it took from him
Why if athletes venture into business their odds of succeeding are very high
What he has to leave in the ring to be successful in business
Amazing insights from his personal experiences on how to prepare and navigate your second wind

…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://instagram.com/brett_w_smith?ig

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-w-smith

Resources:

You Can Heal Your Life: by Hay Louise: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/dp/0937611018

Mind Power into the 21st Century: by Kehoe John https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Power-into-21st-Century/

You Can Heal Your Life

In this episode, Ryan interviews Declan O'Hare, a skilled English footballer. Starting his journey at 12 with Lincoln Academy, he rose to professionalism at Lincoln City FC at 15. After successful stints at other clubs, he moved to the US to pursue his dream. Despite changing universities twice, he now juggles a dual career as a footballer and works in Logistics and Supply Chain at JBAndrews.

Tune in to learn more about:

Declan's earliest football memories
How his sporting career opened more doors for his academia and career
Progressing through his career to hitting the pinnacle of his football dream
What led to him leaving Lincoln City and relocating to the US
His football experiences in the US and lessons he picked up
How he's juggling a corporate job, training a still giving his best in the field
The hardest part of his dual career and what he does to be successful in both
Gems for young players to help you best manage your journey from his personal experiences

… 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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-o-hare-

X: https://x.com/DecOHare?s=

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Stephanie Inglis, a former professional Judo athlete who proudly represented Scotland and Team GB on the international stage, amassing an impressive collection of World Cup medals and trophies. The highlight of her illustrious sporting journey came when she clinched Scotland's inaugural silver medal at the prestigious Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. Beyond her athletic achievements, Stephanie is a renowned public speaker, a mentor to aspiring athletes, and an educator.

In 2016, she faced a life-threatening ordeal following a devastating accident in Vietnam during her five-month teaching stint as an English instructor. Surviving against all odds, Stephanie, who was initially granted a mere 1% chance of survival, harbored dreams of resuming her Judo career. However, she made the difficult decision to abandon this path based on medical counsel. Today, Stephanie is a dedicated primary school educator, fervently guiding young minds to achieve their utmost potential and chase after their aspirations.

Tune in to learn more about:

The start of her judo career and how it spiraled from there
Different positions her academic progress and her sporting career kept occupying her life
Her journey to pursuing the pinnacle of her Judo career and the obstacles she had to face
The horrific accident that marked the end of her judo career and his still feels about it
Getting into teaching despite being prescribed against the choice
What she's bringing to the classroom from her Judo and enterprise experience
Guidance to young players based on insights from her sporting journey

… 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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:

X: https://x.com/stephinglisjudo?s

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-inglis-

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Matt Hemsley, a former Scottish professional footballer. With the dream of playing for Leicester, Matt was picked to enroll in the Northampton Center of Excellence before playing professionally. Matt credits his smooth transition from sports to the gradual steps he took whilst in his sporting career and he has an amazing story he shares with us today.

With the zeal to pursue his business adventure, Matt began as a generalist marketer in a small firm before branching into digital marketing. He currently works for US tech firm, Asana, where he is best described as the marketing ops guru :)

Tune in to learn more about:

Matt's earliest memory of street football in Bedfordshire
How and when Matt decided to pursue football as a professional career
The structure of youth football in England
His experience leaving home at the age of 16 to be a full-time footballer
Moments that sparked after sports thoughts in him and the gradual steps he took to secure a smooth transition
Skills and capabilities he has brought to the corporate world from football and what he had to leave behind
Wonderful insights for a smooth transition based on his journey
…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to James Harvey, a former basketballer who played professional basketball in Australia and overseas for over 16 years, including 2 NBL championships and captaining the Australia Boomers. He is also an experienced NED & Advisory Board Member in Proptech, Cleantech, Fintech & Sport.

With his proven track record in leading high-performing teams, James joined Mirvac from 2013 to mid-2023, holding multiple roles including Senior Portfolio Manager - Senior Investment Manager, transformative and innovation Lead. He is currently the Head of Strategic Alliances at Energy Locals and the pioneer of Five Pillars for Sustained Success that he shares to equip one for situations where they’ll need to show resilience or be adaptable.

Tune in to learn more about:

James's proudest moment as a basketball player
How he progressed through his basketball performance and the ranks from being a rookie
What drove him to a short post-basketball career before he transitioned to after-sports
Amazing insights from his experience in an IT company with no technical skills on his corporate CV
The hardest hurdle he had to face in the corporate world and the valuable lessons he picked
Gems to athletes on adaptability to the corporate sphere and career growth
…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-harvey-

In today's episode, Ryan is joined by Laurie Weeks; the first-ever and highest-capped Melbourne Rebel. Laurie is a former professional and national representative Rugby union footballer who rose to the super rugby ranks where he played for New South Wales, Queensland, and Melbourne Rebels.

When his desire for playing waned, coupled with a series of injuries he sustained, Weeks signed off on-field and took up an off-field position in Rebel's commercial team for the 2019 Super Rugby season before transitioning into recruitment. He is currently a lead accounting recruiter connecting IT talent within the NSW Government and lives by the mantra that you shouldn't limit yourself when exposed to a new opportunity.

Tune in to learn more about:

How he knew it was his time to find a second wind and insights into how he transitioned happily
Why he kept turning up despite playing at a level below his goal in their university club
What changed in terms of his game from being an amateur, semi-professional to a professional player and how he adjusted to it
Why you should look after yourself and grab at arising opportunities without feeling tied to one opportunity,
Shifting from on-field to off-field on his recommendation during his retirement from rugby
How he navigated around being a recruiter who knew nothing about recruitment
What skills has he had to leave behind/ transfer from Rugby to being a lead recruiter
Insights and guidance for athletes setting themselves up for their second wind

…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwrecruitment?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/l_weeks
Email: laurie@talenza.com.au

In this episode, Ryan interviews David Lindsay, a former pro rugby player, professional arm wrestler, martial arts expert with numerous belts, and a seasoned cage fighter. Today, he serves as the CEO of Lindsay Integrated Health, a vitality coach, keynote speaker, podcast host, and personal trainer.

From professional athlete to arm wrestling pro and martial artist, David Lindsay's career path has been riddled with significant injuries. Yet, with each setback, his determination grew stronger, a trait that now defines his corporate journey. Drawing from his journey of resilience and insights from other athletes, David has developed a "5-Step System for Enhanced Workplace Vitality." Today, he shares how this system can boost workplace relations, morale, and business profitability.

Tune in to learn more about:

The worst injury that took a toll on his life as an athlete and personal trainer.
Mental shifts he underwent during his injuries and how he found the light at the end of - the tunnel.
A breakdown of his 5 insightful Step System that will help you Improve your Vitality and how to implement them.
His future aspirations and legacy he'd leave behind.
What he cherishes most about his journey.
Tips and nuggets for athletes pursuing their career with fear of one more knee reconstruction.
…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 http://www.2ndwind.io

Links:Website: http://www.davidlindsay.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lindsay-
Email: david@davidlindsay.com.au
Podcast:https://go.davidlindsaypodcast.com/

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Seif Tawfik, a former professional footballer in Egypt who played his way up to the youth international level. A decade into his professional football journey, Seif encountered a career-altering injury that compelled him to chart a new course. Drawing upon his business acumen and enduring love for sports, he went on to establish Stryx Sports, now recognized as Dubai's premier sports provider for children aged 4 to 18.

With a focus on the quality and variety of the training to broaden children's horizons and opportunities the organisation currently has five big academies; a football academy license for Barcelona Club, NBA Basketball Academy UAE, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Paddle Tennis Academy. It has been in the market in Dubai since 2008 and has made over 3,000 children fall in love with sports.

Tune in to learn more about:- What the football career of players in Egypt looks like.
- What he hoped to achieve as a youth player before his injury.
- The attributes and skills he has transferred between the football field and the sales world to achieve success.
- If Seif had any visions and preparation for his after-sports life.
- How his life experiences influence the way he communicates and engages with the boys and girls in his camps.
- Insights on how to find the right network & use it to work within a network

…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://stryxsports.com

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

Company's Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stryxsports/

Seif's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seiftawfik/

In today's episode, Ryan interviews Tayla Noel, a former dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, and fitness instructor. Tayla's dance journey commenced at the age of three, leading her into a performing career while instructing at diverse dance and fitness studios spanning Australia and the UK. Noteworthy highlights from her performing portfolio include the Royal Court Theatre Company World Cruise 2019/2020 (Carnival UK), the 75th D-Day Anniversary for Her Majesty the Queen (BBC London), London Fashion Week, Google, and Nike.

Having taught dance education in some of the highest educational studios including London Studio Centre, Pineapple Dance Studios, and BASE Dance Studios, Tayla established her own studio, SLIQ. Through SLIQ, she continues to share her extensive expertise garnered from the entertainment and fitness sectors, maintaining a strong commitment to technique and alignment while infusing elements of enjoyment and creativity.

Tune in to learn more about:

The day-to-day life of a cruise ship dancer
How Tayla was introduced to the performance industry
Tayla's adventures all around the globe performing and teaching dancing
Challenges she faced launching her online business and how she overcame them
How COVID quarantine and lockdown impacted the performer industry
Ways in which she worked through the tasks she thought were impossible for her business
Her vision and how she's snowballing it into reality

…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://sliq.com.au
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tayla.joel?ig
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM2tcCh1G/

In today's episode, Ryan converses with Jim Roddy, a former basketball student-athlete from Gannon University in Pennsylvania, USA.

With a diverse skill set, he is also a two-time author, a keynote speaker, a prominent figure in the retail industry, a business coach, and an award-winning podcast host. Through captivating narratives and the tried-and-true five-step Walk-On Method, Jim imparts the blueprint for success.

Having conquered cancer, establishing his own sports magazine at the age of 23, and progressively climbing the ranks to attain the position of company president within a multi-million-dollar organization in his thirties, Jim has been actively educating business leaders since 1999.

Tune in to learn more about:

What has been bubbling away from elite athletes that is crucial to their after sports
Jim's inspiration for the origin of his book: The Walk On Method
All you need to know about Walk On in the US College System
An amazing story of how he pushed on to his dream play in Ghana
A taste of the 5 steps from his book that will change the trajectory of your career, business, and life
Real-life journeys of 5 out of the 31 Underdogs Who Became Extraordinary in his 2nd book

..and so much more!

Links:

Website: http://www.jimroddycba.com

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

X: https://twitter.com/Jim_Roddy

Resources:

The Walk-On Method To Career & Business Success: by Roddy Jim https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Method-Career-Business-Success-

Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer: Hiring lessons, interview best practices, and recruiting strategies for managers: by Roddy Jim: https://www.amazon.com/Hire-Like-Just-Beat-Cancer-

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Simon Hazlitt, a former British field hockey player who competed in the Olympics and an operations officer in the British Army. Since leaving the army and elite sport, he has brought his IT and investment skills to build Majedie Asset Management.

Having specialized in cloud environments (before it was even a thing) and being among the pioneers to implement cloud services in an enterprise context, Simon co-founded Majedie.

Tune in to learn more about:

Simon’s hockey and military experience careers
The commonalities and differences between sports and the army, especially when it comes to transitioning into a more traditional career
His innate desire and efforts to better himself increased his chances of achieving his goals
His inspiration for juggling hockey, the army, and studying
Simon's experience of going through the hierarchy in the army and why he decided to leave
How he brought his competitive edge of focus to the corporate world
Navigating his first three/four years after retiring from hockey
Amazing insights from his experience in the corporate world

… 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/shazlitt
X: https://twitter.com/simonhazl
Instagram: https://instagram.com/shazlitt

In today's episode, Ryan interviews Genevieve Horton, the Partnership Success Manager at Safe Will. Genevieve is a former Junior World Rowing champion, Australian national champion, and dual Olympian. She represented Australia in doubles sculls at the Rio Olympics and women's eight at the Tokyo Olympics.

After retiring from rowing, Genevieve transitioned into the corporate and start-up world - most recently as the Partnership Success Manager at SafeWill, a Sydney-based startup in will writing.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Genevieve fell in love with rowing and set out to be proficient in it
Getting her balance between online studies, and working at Sykes Racing, whilst also training and competing globally.
The toughest element of selection and ranking in sculling boats
How Genevieve would rebuild herself when her sporting goal wasn't attained
Her efforts building up her business acumen and insights she gained from the experience
The current role of rowing in her life
Tough calls Genevieve had to make during her second wind journey

… 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://instagram.com/genevieveech?igshid=

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-horton

In today's episode, James speaks to Simon Mason, a former British Olympic hockey goalkeeper and the co-owner and Managing Director at Mercian Sports Company. Simon served as the president of the England hockey board from 2010 to 2013 and presently works as a sports (Hockey) commentator at BBC, while also being a member of the executive board for the European Hockey Federation.

Aside from being a high-achieving triple Olympian, Simon joined the company straight out of university. His firm, Mercian Sports, is a specialist field hockey equipment company that has remained at the forefront of product development, offering unwavering support to players throughout multiple Olympic games & World Cups, and even assisting beginners with their very first sticks.

Tune in to learn more about:

What Simon considers the pinnacle of his hockey career
The two stories that hugely influenced his sporting career
How he managed to strike a balance between his hockey pursuits and academic prowess
Why he opted to do his best on his last roll of the dice
The importance of putting yourself out there to grasp the opportunities around you
The struggles he faced when retiring from elite sports and how he handled them
Insights from running Mercian sports for 25 years

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/simon-mason-64b45419/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonmasonGB?paipv=0&eav=AfYxpwqndQz29TBdEtgHZ1Bi0wTrNw8XzX3M3MbKSjz-wPtKhCynP4l6JGwkB9CD9Kk&_rdr

Website: https://mercianhockey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercianhockey/?hl=en

In today's episode, Ryan has the pleasure of interviewing Grace Prendergast, former New Zealand rower, boasting (humbly) an impressive list of achievements, including Olympic gold and silver medals, fifteen National Premier titles for New Zealand, five World Championship titles, rowing for Cambridge and the World Best Time in the women's pair and four.

In 2021, Grace decided to step away from high-performance rowing and is pursuing a master's of philosophy at Queens College, Cambridge. Her dedication to the sport has earned her recognition, and in 2022, she was honoured with membership in the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her outstanding contributions to rowing.

Tune in to learn more about:

How she broached the conversation of the impact of stepping away from being an athlete
Her experience making a tough call between advancing in sports or studying
How Grace stepped from her first love, netball to go deep in rowing
When she became Grace the rower
How she's coping with the new routine that's far from the routine of an elite rower
Grace's freelancing experience
How she feels about her CV and the skill set she's bringing from rowing

… 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://instagram.com/graceprendergast.nz?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-prendergast-

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Alexandra Walters, a retired professional tennis player. At the age of 18, AJ made a crucial career move by relocating to the United States to play Division One college tennis in Charleston. During her time there, she achieved the highest number of total wins among all CSU tennis players and earned several prestigious accolades. In 2014, AJ decided to turn professional, reaching a career-high ranking of 590 in the WTA rankings. She competed in 37 countries, secured one pro title, and was a finalist in two other tournaments.

AJ retired from professional tennis in 2018 and ventured into the corporate world, where she is making significant strides in business analyst recruitment in Sydney, New South Wales. Currently, she works as a Specialist FS Business Analyst Recruiter, collaborating with clients within the financial services industry, particularly top-tier Australian & Global Banks. She aspires to become the best analyst recruiter in Australia.

Tune in to learn more about:

How it feels to lose in an individual sport
What role her academics played as she grew up
How AJ would pick herself up after losing one of two consecutive tournaments
Her journey to fulfilling her passion for working in the world of Med
Aj's post-tennis era of her life in the corporate sphere
What she brought from the tennis world into business recruitment
Alexandra's hardest moment during her transition
Nuggets on how to get through with your 2nd wind

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://instagram.com/alexandrawalters_?igshid=

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-a-j-walters-

In today's episode, Ryan interviews Simon Nesbitt, a former professional golfer from the 1990s. Simon participated in the Dubai Desert Classic tournament during that time and successfully advanced through multiple qualifying stages to join the Asian Tour.

After his golfing career, Simon embarked on a fulfilling transition into sales management in the corporate world. He has thrived in this field for over 25 years, finding his true calling since his second wind. Don't miss out on his invaluable insights! Tune in to hear his inspiring journey.

In a nutshell, Simon and Ryan talk about:

Simon's aspirations as a young newbie golfer
What he liked about golf, a sports people term as frustrating
How his parents' relocation shaped his golfing career
When golf felt more like work than a passion
Golf in the Middle East during the 90s
How he used his sporting career as a passport to exposure and solid networking
What he would have done differently from his transition perspective
Insights on the uniqueness of each career of a 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/simon-nesbitt-30419810/?originalSubdomain=au

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Maddie Parker, a former figure skater who competed at national and international levels and trained for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Maddie's journey took an unfortunate turn when she suffered a hip injury during her Olympic preparation, leading to eight surgeries and a complete pelvic reconstruction. This injury ultimately marked the end of her competitive figure skating career over 14 years.

Drawing from her experience as an elite athlete, Maddie brings tremendous value in helping individuals regain their peak performance. She has a deep passion for Podiatry and strongly emphasises patient-centred care, with a specific focus on treating musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs. Additionally, Maddie has extensive expertise in prescribing appropriate footwear, gained from her work experience. Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by publishing her first research paper in Footwear Science.

Tune in to learn more about:

Maddie's drive to complete the recent half-ironman marathon
How she got into her 14-year figure skating career
Maddie's first international experience and the dream she aimed for
The injury she sustained and how she got through such a tough phase
The story behind Maddie's transition into Podiatry
The importance of support during the transition from athlete to everyday life
Insights from her reflections on young skaters

… 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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Carissa Gump, a former American Olympic weightlifter from Vermont who participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Carissa is a multi-American record holder and five-time consecutive American Open champion since being singled out as a talent in middle school gym class with her PE teacher.

Fast forward to today, Carissa who is a fair play and clean sport advocate, is the Foundation Executive Director at National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA. This organization supports and shares research that helps athletes develop their performance and fitness. Before that, Karissa had worked for nonprofit sports organizations often helping athletes transition out of sport and this included working for the United States Olympic Committee

Tune in to learn more about:

Carissa's experience at the Olympic Village
How her PE teacher helped her unleash her weightlifting potential that she had not discovered
The struggle in maintaining a balance between her marriage, training, and academics and how she went through it
How she mustered the bravery to step away from her career as an athlete
How still holding to her other identities was key to her smooth transition from sports
What attracted her to the nonprofit sector
Why and how your mental shift and lift play a crucial role in eradicating imposter syndrome

… 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: Carissa Gump, OLY

Instagram: @carissa_oly_2008

Nate Kinch is a socio-technology ethicist, action researcher, and organizational designer. He has worked with renowned organizations such as the Australian Government, VISA, Autodesk, TELUS, and Telefonica, as well as conducted research with CSIRO and Northwestern University. Nate's expertise spans various fields, including moral philosophy, systems theory, and behavioral science. He supports leaders in designing organizations that deliver positive impact. Nate's career transition began after a recurring injury ended his aspiring golf career.

In this episode, Nate and Ryan talk about:

Nate's golf journey, including starting at a later age and struggling with nerve damage.
Challenges faced during the transition from junior ranks to college golf.
Exploring the psycho-physiological impact of sports trauma and self-worth.
The decision-making process and lack of explicit confrontation regarding the end of Nate's golf career.
Transitioning back to Australia and seeking new opportunities.
Nate's involvement in building a clothing label and developing an interest in startups and entrepreneurship.
Recognizing the injury problem in elite sports and founding Sport Performance Accelerator.
Using machine learning to predict and prevent soft tissue injuries in elite athletes.
The significance of optimizing stimulus recovery adaptation cycles in performance.
Nate's passion for designing trustworthy organizations and making a positive impact.

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

Connect with Nate:

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

Nate’s scope of work: https://www.trustworthyby.design/

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Wes Barnett, a former two-time Olympic Weightlifter based in Colorado, United States. Wes' journey in the sport began at the age of 12, and it's remarkable how quickly he found success. In fact, he achieved an impressive 4th place in his very first competition, just one hour after learning to lift. With a remarkable career spanning 17 years, Wes has earned numerous accolades and accomplishments along the way.

Wes embraces his introverted nature and finds it to be a valuable asset in his journey. Currently serving as the vice president at Thorne Health Tech, he uses his strengths to bring peace of mind to athletes through high-quality supplements. Wes attributes his success to his networking skills, which he has developed over time despite being an introvert. His unique perspective and ability to connect with others in meaningful ways set him apart in his field.

Tune in to learn more about:

How much Wes benches
His humble beginnings in weightlifting and why he pursued it afterward
Wes' fascinating story of his first time in the Olympic arena and how it is a fond memory he holds
Why he deliberately took steps to build and connect his network
How the combination of your athletic novelty and networking is a recipe for a successful transition
Insights on keys to working your way up in the workforce
What was his drive to provide peace of mind to athletes in the world of supplements
Transferable skills that would put athletes in a better position in workplaces

… 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: Wesley Barnett

In this episode, Ryan engages in a conversation with Joe Edwards, a former professional rugby player from New Zealand who has transitioned to playing as a loose forward for RC Vannes in France's Rugby Pro D2. Joe's journey began in the All Blacks under '20s team and has now progressed into his thirties.

In a pivotal moment at the tender age of 22, Joe faced a concussion that threatened to cast a shadow over his promising career. However, rather than viewing it as a setback, Joe perceived it as an opportunity to rejuvenate his sporting journey. Displaying tremendous courage, he made the audacious choice to bid farewell to his homeland of New Zealand, relinquishing the pursuit of his lifelong aspiration to represent the All Blacks on the international stage, and ventured to France instead. Little did he know that this bold move would not only shape his athletic trajectory but also unveil an entirely new passion: the captivating world of property.

Tune in to learn more about:

Joe's first game playing at the top level
The injury that almost put Joe's professional career to an end when he was 22 years old
What makes it hard about being injured when one is a pro athlete and how Joe got through his
Learning your trade in multiple facets as a pro player
His bold decision to refresh his career in France
The amazing French sports culture and passion
Why it is important to refine the direction you want to transition to as early as possible
How he found his other passion out of rugby; in property

… 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: Joseph Edwards

Instagram: @joseph_edwards

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Julien Prosser, a former male beach volleyball international player who represented Australia in three consecutive summer Olympics. Prosser was 17 when he began playing internationally and he is one of the 14 players who participated in the first Olympic Beach Volleyball competition.

Having developed a unique insight and personal strategies to achieve a level of elite performance in and out of sports, Prosser is now the director at Slight Edge Consulting Australia. He is committed to sharing practical ways to boost human performance in sales, leadership, or team environments and his clients enjoy an engaging and authentic learning experience in the context of their business challenges, issues, and objectives.

Tune in to learn more about:

The role of Sports in Julien's early childhood phase
His journey to becoming a volleyball Olympian
What he had to balance to attain his success in volleyball and how he did it
Importance of leveraging on your network or that of people you know
Why to Julien, plan B is as important and a necessity as Plan A
Most challenging moments of his 2nd wind
His mission is to help athletes deal with the real challenges during their transition to life after sports
Insights on kicking off your transition phase

… 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:julien@slightedgeconsulting.com.au

LinkedIn: Julien Prosser OLY

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Harry Betts, a Financial investment professional at Goldman Sachs, a former rugby player who played for Oakham School, Northampton Saints, Loughborough Students, and Old Albanian RFC as well as earning age group representative honors.

Having had a torrid time of injuries starting at age 16, his pro contract was torn up after a year out of school with Northampton and quickly had to find his feet when it seemed as though the lifelong dream was over. Loughborough University came to the fore so opting for an education whilst playing rugby and keeping the rugby plan alive seemed like the best option. Harry then joined Goldman Sachs in 2018 in Private Wealth Management London, having completed a year in industry in between second and final year University studies with the firm in 2017. In London he played semi-professionally for Old Albanian RFC. Harry joined the Goldman Sachs Sydney office in September 2022 to join the Australia and New Zealand business.

Most of Harry’s work focuses on working with Family Offices, Founders, Charities & Endowments, with past experience of working with current or former Professional Athletes.

Tune in to learn more about:

Harry's rugby inspiration from age 16
His experience playing for Northampton Saints and Albanian RFC
The importance of adopting a military mindset in your sporting career
Set of skills and traits he brought to private wealth management
Feelings of bitterness in his rugby pathway and how it drew him from engaging with the rugby fraternity
What has he been doing to find answers to the bitterness
Why you should strive to avoid getting stuck in a potential cycle
Three top sets of gems you should never underestimate as a sportsperson

… 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: Harry Betts

Twitter:@harry_betts

In this episode, Ryan engages in a fascinating conversation with Nick Youngquest, a remarkable individual who has achieved success in multiple domains. Nick, originally known as a professional rugby league footballer from Australia, later transitioned into the world of modeling and became a global ambassador for a fragrance house. He has taken part in the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

However, despite his outward success, Nick experienced a sense of emptiness. Seeking an outlet to stay active and find fulfillment, he turned to running. This newfound passion not only kept him physically fit but also led him to form a charity called "Athletes for Life." Through this organization, Nick aims to support fellow retired athletes in their professional transitions. Join us as we delve into Nick's inspiring journey and the meaningful work he continues to do.

Tune in to learn more about:

His earliest childhood sporting memories and how they had an impact on his academic progression
Nick's first great debut in his rugby career
The difference between his playing in England and Australia
What he had planned for his 2nd wind
What gave Nick longevity in his modeling career in the fragrance industry
How he transitioned from modeling to growing sports participation in Sydney Marathon
The story behind his passion for supporting athletes as he does
What's the next big piece in Nick's transition journey

… 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: Nick Youngquest

Instagram: @nickyyoungquest

Website: www.athletesforlife.com.au

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Dennis Sørensen, a retired Danish professional footballer who played in the first division in Denmark. Dennis is currently passionately working as a Global Project Manager at Novo Nordisk, a Danish Multinational pharmaceutical that's on a mission to defeat serious chronic diseases.

Dennis, even though had signed his first contract while still in high school, never thought of making football a career till at the age of 21. But after 17 years of playing professional football, he was stuck with an identity crisis and feelings of doubt as a result of contemplating his major transition from being a footballer. He was afraid of taking off his long worn and fitting uniform, but did it anyway. Listen in as he shares this amazing journey and how he went through it.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Dennis came to sign his first contract while in high school
Diving into football as a career at the age of 21 and what changed after he realized what he had
Trends in the involvement of clubs in the career life of young players
How he maintained a balance between football and academics
The moment Dennis accepted that his career was coming to an end and what made the transition difficult
The consequences harbored in his thoughts on leaving 17 years of career
How he keeps himself motivated today
Great insights into the current generation of players on their 2nd wind transition

… 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: Dennis Dechmann Sørensen

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Sarah Davis, the first woman to paddle the entire length of the R.Nile. She is a British-born Australian who has a passion for sport, travel, and adventure which has seen her travel to over 40 countries. She is a geek and has spent most of her time in banking in risk and project management.

Sarah was working a nine-to-five in risk management in Sydney, Australia when she realized life needed a bigger challenge and the need to find a purpose and greater fulfillment in her life – so she decided to paddle the Nile. And in this search for fulfillment, purpose, and the next chapter of her life, Sarah has gone down the records as the first woman to paddle the entire length of R. Nile.

Tune in to learn more about:

Sarah's inspiration behind the massive expedition to paddle R. Nile
Sports to her while growing up
Her life in the corporate world of banking
The story behind her Olympics moment in Hong Kong
Moving to find what fulfills her and her first step to working it out
The things she looked for and those she pushed to get her desired feelings
How much fun she has prepared for the adventure
The biggest challenge in her adventure and the highlights she took along
The most terrifying moment of her adventure and how she overcame her fears and self-doubt
Sarah's gems to those addressing their fear of taking action

… 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: @sarahpaddles

LinkedIn: Sarah Davis

References:

Paddle the Nile: One Woman's Search for a Life Less Ordinary by Davis Sarah

The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul by LaPorte Danielle

The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Tammy Parlour, a 5th Dan black belt holder in Korean martial arts hapkido, chiropractic advocate, and the co-founder and Chief Executive of UK-based charity, Women Sport Trust. Tammy also runs her own hapkido and meditation center in London, whilst being very active on the speaker and lecturing circuit.

During the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, Tammy realized that she hadn't been privy to women's sports, even as a female athlete. This drove her to make women's sports visible, unstoppable, and viable, and this passion gave birth to Women Sports Trust, a charity that has been raising the visibility and impact of women's sports for more than a decade now.

Tune in to learn more about:

Tammy's background in martial arts and what kept her in it
What inspired her to start her 1st martial arts club
How she transitioned from a ful time career to running her club as a martial arts instructor
How the London 2012 Olympics inspired her to set up the charity
Her amazing perspective on life has shaped her into who she is
The amazing evolutionary journey of Women Sports Trust
How she handles moments of reflection and adjustments
What's next in her personal life and charity wise

… and so much more!

Links:

Website: www.womenssporttrust.com

LinkedIn: Tammy Parlour

Instagram: @tammyparlour

: @WomenSportsTrust

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Toby Jenkins, an Australian water polo player, award-winning entrepreneur, leadership coach, keynote speaker, author, and a dad to three. And Toby has an amazing journey and hard pills he swallowed along that will be pure gems to not only your sporting career but entrepreneurial too.

Through his private consulting and coaching practice, Toby works with Olympic medalists, investors, founders, CEOs, and leaders in helping them deal with the inevitable pressure that comes with important decisions, difficult conversations, and ambitious opportunities.

Tune in to learn more about:

How water polo became part of Toby's world
Wrangle between academics and sports and how he came through it
Missing out on the Sydney Olympics and how Toby managed the rejection
His journey to reaching his sporting dream- the Olympics
Steps Toby took that shaped his life coming off the Olympic peak
What he brought to his entrepreneurial experiments from water polo
Why maintaining a good network and asking for help is a superpower
What keeps him going currently
How Toby is helping young athletes navigate their transition uncertainty, stress, and pressure

… 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: www.tobyjenkins.com

LinkedIn: Toby Jenkins

Instagram: @tobyjenkins

Twitter: @Toby_Jenkins

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Alex Wolf, performance sports and wellbeing educator, coach, co-founder of the Strength and Conditioning Academy, and amateur chef. He has spent over 20 years working within strength and conditioning, consulting widely within the area.

Alex previously spent 15 years working at the English Institute of Sport where he spent 5 years as Head of Strength and Conditioning and 2 years as Head of Learning. These experiences fostered his passion for coach and practitioner development where he was responsible for the EIS flagship practitioner development programmes RP5, Collaboration 4 Performance, and Skills 4 Performance.

Tune in to learn more about:

Alex's early childhood memories of sports
How he moved from yearning to be a pro athlete to supporting athletes
How coaching and performance planning has changed over the last two decades
The biggest breakthrough data and coaching revolution has brought to performance planning
How athletes are adapting to the changes
The role of creativity and we'll think ideas play in performance planning
Challenges athletes transitioning back to sports face in their mental and physical performance
What's we should expect next in coaching and supporting 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: www.strengthconditioning.academy

LinkedIn: Alex Wolf

Strength and Conditioning Academy

Twitter: @Alexpwolf

Company's Twitter: @S_CAcademy

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Jason White, an English former professional footballer, and current partner in Sovereign Financial and wealth advisory based out of Hong Kong. At 16 Jason put a pause on his academics to enjoy a 16-year professional football career. After his career came to an end, he opted for coaching alongside being a personal trainer.

Fast forward to today, Jason is in his third career, this time in finance, and he is passionate about financial planning and wealth management and loves meeting people. By listening and understanding an individual’s goals and dreams, Jason helps them build a financial plan to achieve their goals and live the life they want to live

Tune in to learn more about:

Leaving school to follow his pro footballing career despite the parental push for an academic excellence
Jason's experiences transitioning into different clubs, cultures, and team
The intra-competition that exists among teammates
Why in his 2nd Wind he didn't want to opt for fitness or coaching which is appealing for most athletes
Anything consistent that influenced his transition from his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd career
Jason's experiences working within the Financial Services and Wealth Management sector since 2005.
In what ways football is still part of what Jason does today

…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: Jason White at Sovereign Wealth

In this episode, Ryan speaks to Callum Walsh, the Head of Performance & Medical for Alanyaspor, one of the top Turkish football teams competing in the Super League. Callum specializes in movement analysis, improving speed, and injury prevention and has held roles across the English Premier League at Newcastle United, Cardiff City, Turkish National Team, and Huddersfield Town.

Inspired by his experiences, sacrifices, and uncertainty in his journey to fulfill his dream of working in the Premier League, Callum has a long time goal to make the world or at least one club/team come to terms with the fact that this constant change of managers is killing everybody, from the manager to the coaches and the backroom staff. He is on a mission to create an environment where people in clubs and teams are happy, feel secure, and give their ideas in a secure space.

Tune in to learn more about:

Skype coaching from the tender age of 14
The brutal piece of advice that changed his life's trajectory for the better
His road towards getting his dream job at the premier league and the turning point in his career
Taking the delayed gratification path and the sacrifices made by his other half in support of his dreams
What it was like for him to achieve his dream of being in the premier league
How the constant change of managers is killing everybody, from the manager to the coaches and backroom staff.
What Callum did to get to the same level as multiple managers he's worked with
His gems to those aiming to be coaches

… 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: Callum Walsh

Twitter: @Walsh2123

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to James Matheson, a former double Olympian who represented Australia at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics. James is also the host of The Athlete Collective Podcast having retired from freestyle skiing to the corporate world over a year ago just after the Beijing Winter Olympics.

He initially moved into banking and payments consultancy, and then into one of the fastest-growing payment tech firms. James believes in the power of storytelling and his Athlete Collective Podcast uncovers untold stories from athletes who are often portrayed from a singular perspective.

Tune in to learn more about:

James's earliest sporting memory and how he was introduced to skiing
His pathway to becoming a professional skier
The sacrifices his parents made in support of his sporting career and transition
The amazing life of an Olympic skier
The limbo between sports and 2nd wind that athletes find themselves in
How he transitioned on his terms and had an end date for sports
How he has reframed his success right now
Why purpose is ever-changing and not an end goal
His gems to young winter 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: www.theathletecillective.com

LinkedIn: James Matheson

Instagram: @jamesmatheson333

Podcast: The Athlete Collective

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Eyong Enoh, a Cameroonian former professional footballer. Eyong is the CEO of 4P Baller, an investor, a keynote speaker, a life coach, and the host of the Enoh Reunited Podcast. During the span of his career, Enoh experienced top-level football on four different continents.

At the age of 28, Enoh found himself on the unpleasant side of the market window and had to spend half a year at home. During this period, he had a chance to pen down his journey, identify the gaps, and launch 4P Baller. 4P Baller is a sports management and educational agency which helps aspiring, active and transitioning professionals escape the pit hole of bankruptcy at retirement.

Tune in to learn more about:

Getting laughed at during his initial football experiences
The challenges athletes face when scaling up
Taking the risk to opt for his football career and putting aside his academics despite opposition from loved ones
How his dad's tough motivation drove him to explore his dreams at different levels, places, and cultures.
Stepping from Cyprus to South Africa and Amsterdam with his focus intact
How staying at home due to the closed market window helped him delve into his 2nd wind
Penning down his sporting journey into a magnificent book and how it has formed his 2nd wind trajectory
How he is helping professionals achieve all-round 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:

Website: www.4pballer.com

LinkedIn: Eyong Enoh

Instagram: @eyongenoh_official

Podcast: ENOH REUNITED - AFC JAX

Resources:

How to Become a Successful Professional Footballer: The 4p's to a Successful Career by Eyong Enoh

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Dover Thrift Editions)

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Myriam Glez, a former French-Australian Olympic synchronized swimmer and the founder and CEO of Athletes Soul. After representing the French national team at the Sydney Olympics, she retired to attend Business School, then went into the corporate world and eventually resumed her sporting career.

Following her second retirement, Myriam founded Athletes Soul, a non-profit organization that supports athletes that are transitioning out of sports. Her goal is to raise awareness about the challenges of athletic retirement by helping them take advantage of a community of former athletes.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Myriam switched focus between her Olympics career, academic, and the corporate world
Myriam's first retirement from a synchronized swimmer to attend business school
Importance of more process goals rather than outcome goals
Transitioning twice from being at the top end of elite sports
How she is using her experience from dual retirement to help other athletes in their transition
Why it is valuable to allow other people to help you out in your transition
More gems for athletes trying to balance through niche 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: www.atheletessoul.com

LinkedIn: Myriam Glez

Instagram: @glez.myriam

@athletessoul

YouTube: @Athletes Soul

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Richard Lang, former Australian elite cyclist, and serial entrepreneur. From the age of 16, Richard wanted to be a professional cyclist, a feat he achieved, representing and winning for his country, Australia along the way. He's got an interesting story of achievement in sports, academia, and a new business.

Richard is the founder of Spoked, an AI Cycling platform that is different from most training apps that give you copy-and-paste plans that don’t flex around real life. Spoked is built by professional coaches and shaped by everyday riders, every Spoked plan is personalized to the client and adapts based on your training progress and personal feedback. It also works around your life, with full flexibility built in from the start.

Tune in to learn more about:

The debut of his cycling career and dream to get into the pro circuit
The super influential moment in his career that completely changed his journey
Richard's passion for health and fitness and how he found the confidence and conviction to follow through with it
The mental perspective difference between 18-year-old him and the current him
How he got out of his head and lived in the present
His hardest moments and golden nuggets on how he brought things together
How he created a business directly from his cycling experiences and the impact Spoked is bringing

…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.spoked.ai

LinkedIn: Richard Lang

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Lloyd Owusu, an ex-professional and Ghanaian international football player. He's Brentford football Club's all-time goal scorer, and popularly referred to as the ‘international footballer who missed out on the World Cup due to injury'. His first season in professional football started impressively with Owusu taking out the Golden Boot after being the top goal scorer of the league with 25 goals in 56 appearances.

Lloyd is currently living a life he loves in Sydney, Australia as the director of XL Soccer and coach at one of the most prestigious private schools (Cranbrook School) as their general duties master and first-team coach for their senior football team. He also runs a player consultancy company, Owusu Management Services, with the goal of encouraging the growth and development of players while seeing them mature into professionals.

Tune in to learn more about:

A fascinating story of how Lloyd’s sporting dream came true
Lloyd in the hall of fame Brentford
The magical moment that stands out for him from Brentford
What happens when you move from one club to another
How adopting a positive mindset amidst his injury salvaged him
His dream and experiences of coming back to football after a major injury
What triggered his migration to Australia
Why networking was his top strategy when thinking of his second wind
His transition journey into a coach and a sports master

…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:

Company's Website: www.xlsocceracademy.com

LinkedIn: Lloyd Owusu

Instagram: @lloyowusuofficial

Twitter: @LloydOwusu

Company's Instagram: @xl_soccer

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Shay Spitz, a former professional footballer having played in the US, Australia, and Hong Kong. Shay has a fascinating background concerning his route and determination to make it as a pro especially because he was impacted in Hong Kong through the protests and COVID.

With over a decade of playing and coaching within Professional Football, Shay has been able to apply his drive and skills within Sales Recruitment. He is currently a recruiter in the data analytics space connecting elite data and machine Engineers with innovative data-driven businesses across Australia.

Tune in to learn more about:

Shay's early sporting memories
His experience working in the corporate world and as a semi-professional footballer in Australia
Why you shouldn't shy away from networking as much as you can
A fascinating story of his football experience in Hong Kong
Shay's experience in sampling to find what clicks and would stick
Transferrable nature of skills, competencies, and experience of being an athlete
Why athletes do well in sales and recruitment
Emotions he's learned in his 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: Shay Spitz

Instagram:@shay-spitz

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Chris Broadfoot, a former professional footballer that played in North America and Australia. Chris didn't make his professional debut until around 28 years old and he has an inspiring story of how success has been defined and redefined as he's grown older and wiser from his learned experiences

Fast forward to today, Chris is a senior foreign exchange broker and the founder of CB3 Global Payments. He helps businesses with international trade strategies, including risk management and foreign exchange markets. He has previously written for Channel 9's currency news, in addition to weekly market updates for staff and clients.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Chris got the balance between sports and school and how it impacted his sporting journey
Making his debut in professional football at the age of 28
What had inspired him to delve back into football after setting out into the corporate world
Key moments in his professional career that stirred up his preparation for his second wind
How he learned to be an entrepreneur
Chris's experience running his own business in the foreign exchange sphere
The most challenging moments of his career and how he got through them

…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: Chris Broadfoot

Twitter: @cbroad08

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Duncan Casey, a former professional rugby Union player for Munster in Ireland and Grenoble in France. Casey has been a thrill seeker both during and after his rugby career and has won awards in recognition of being vocal about a range of issues. He also gained his master's in politics whilst playing professionally.

Spending almost a decade in professional rugby and subsequent years in private and public sector policy communications gave him a unique set of transferable skills and experience and following his retirement a few years ago, he has worked in Brussels most recently for the EU. He's currently the rugby columnist for The Irish Examiner, where he brings a great perspective to the game.

Tune in to learn more about:

Casey's early sporting career and what kept him playing under the age of 16
How he learned of his biggest hurdle: imposter syndrome and the major life turn he took after
His standout moments in his rugby career
How Casey's refocused to study positively shaped his after-sports decisions
The common misconception about the importance of applied knowledge experience
How the amazing practical exposure of France's players puts them ahead during their second wind
Casey's moments of most struggles and the steps he took to get through them
His amazing exploration of different potential careers

… 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: Duncan Casey

Twitter: @DuncanCasey

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Angela Wilson, the CEO, and founder of Angela Swim School. Starting her swimming career at just five years old, she competed at the highest levels achieving national champion status by the age of 11, qualified for the British Olympic team, and successfully competed in the Commonwealth Games representing Scotland.

Angela is now the founder of Angela Swim School, a UK-based Swim School franchise, whose program designed by Angela herself has yielded brilliant athletes in swimming and beyond. The swim school teaches children from as young as 4 months how to swim, and offers swimming lessons to all ages, including adults.

Tune in to learn more about:

Her debut in swimming from the tender age of 5 and competing against European swimmers by the age of 11
The abrupt end of her Olympic dreams and how she picked herself up
The emotional and mental devastation impact it had on her individuality and career-wise
Carrying on with the grit and determination to live your dreams
Being a swimming instructor to take care of her funding and how it evolved into a successful franchise
Golden nuggets on the power that lies in being resilient from her journey
How Angela is seeing, tapping, nurturing, and protecting potentially talented kids

…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: Angela Beckford (Pendrich)

Company's Website: http://angelasswimschool.com

Company's LinkedIn: Angela's Swim School

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Justin Morris, a former professional cyclist based in Michigan. With his dreams being threatened at the tender age of 10 by type 1 diabetes, Justin found his healing in cycling. In 2009 he signed his first professional contract with Australian MACE/Wilson racing and joined team Novo Nordisk the following year.

With a wealth of stories and experience in dealing with challenges on and off his bike, Justin's organization, Mind Matters Athlete Coaching, offers a more holistic approach to athlete and personal development. Justin is also a public speaker, and blogger, and runs the Mind Matter Athlete Coaching podcast whilst continuing to be one of Novo Nordisk Global's standout ambassadors.

Tune in to learn more about:

The crush of Justin's childhood dream (to be a jet fighter pilot) after being diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes at age 10
How the diagnosis rid him of competitive sports and changed his perception of life
How riding his bike to evade being teased led him to his professional career
Slowing down his degree to focus on cycling and his perfect blend of the two
How he used the storing accumulated in cycling in his storytelling and how he uses it in his mentor role
How Justin turned rejection into motivation and start his cool business Mind Matters

… 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:

Company's Website: https://mindmatterscoach.com/

Justin's LinkedIn: Justin Morris

Justin's podcast: Mind Matters Athlete Coaching Podcast

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Marcia Bailey Richardson, the performance lifestyle Technical Lead at the English Institute of Sport. She is a former English athlete who specialized in sprinting events and has competed in World Championships representing Great Britain in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics in 104 by 100-meter relay, as well as the 98 Commonwealth Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the four by 100 relay.

With the desire to be back and be part of the journey of many athletes, Marcia is now the senior Performance Lifestyle Advisor, working to deliver outstanding support that enables sports and athletes to not only improve their sporting performance but also transition on their terms.

Tune in to learn more about:

How pursuing sprinting for belonging and just winning became her dream career
The moment her resilience started to build
The tough competition among athletes to be the recognized creme de la creme of their countries
How hard it was for her to completely walk away from what had been her life; sports
Difficulties during 2nd Wind and how she had a fulfilling one with no regrets despite
Top tips and perspective for a fulfilling career transition

… 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:

Company's Website: www.eis.win.co.ku

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Shannon Cole, a former professional footballer, football coach, trained actor, and author. At 24, Shannon signed with Sydney FC, but before that he traversed the globe looking for opportunities. Leaving his acting classes at university behind for the New South Wales State League, he soon left for the US to play college soccer, before trying his luck in New Zealand, Israel, and the lower leagues of England.

Fast forward to today, Shannon has transitioned to be a successful recruitment consultant. He now balances that with being a family guy and also being a football coach and a mentor to the next generation of players coming through. He has also penned down his series of sci-fi e-books.

Tune in to learn more about:

Shannon's total dedication and drive early in his life
His experiences before making his professional debut
How what he loved the most turned out to be his top stressor
Shannon's impact in creating a culture for meetups in football
His amazing adventures after the league
The time and steps he took for his 2nd wind before his 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: Shannon Cole

Twitter: @shannon_ cole

This episode is special. Ryan invites The Schofield brothers; Jayden and Luke Schofield, Sydney University club Elite triathletes. They recently finished 1st and 2nd in the pro field at the Nepean Triathlon in 2019, and in February 2021, Luke and Jayden earned podium finishes in the Australian National Triathlon Sprint Championships against the elite and u23 field.

The duo is in their final year of combined Engineering and Science degrees and are earning distinctions despite their busy schedule of training and competing in triathlons. They share valuable insights and perspectives on how to achieve a smooth balance in your chosen field.

Tune in to learn more about:

Their early sporting experience
Why they found it hard to figure out what they wanted to do ad ho they chose what they are pursuing
How they have been managing a smooth balance between competition and studies
What's next for them from a triathlon perspective
How to find balance in achieving excellence in a chosen field
The added advantages of having a twin in the same sports and career line

… 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:@theschofieldtwins

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Eleanor Webster-Hawes, a senior jockey from Bathurst. Webster-Hawes recently became a part of racing history in New South Wales as one of the first to be granted a dual trainer-jockey license, a career path also taken by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne.

Eleanor has had a twelve-year career as both an apprentice and jockey and she is currently studying at CSU through a 3-year course to qualify as a paramedic.

Tune in to learn more about:

How she became a jockey
The day of an apprentice and her highlights as one
How sexism is diminishing in the hockey space
The time she found the courage to sit back and think of her life after sports
Having the courage to experiment till you fulfill your passion
Her career journey toward being a paramedic

… 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:

Facebook: Eleanor Webster-Hawes

Instagram:@eleanorwebsterhawes

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Stephen Dennis Surridge, a former New Zealand Rugby Union player and two times Super Rugby winner with the Crusaders. He also played with the All Blacks that toured Great Britain and Ireland. Steve's disciplined and focused nature, coupled with a drive towards high performance from sports helped him transition successfully to a corporate career.

Steve is the founder of Forbury, a Commercial Real Estate Valuation Software that is redefining commercial real estate investment tools by providing tools to quickly and confidently determine the value of property assets.

Tune in to learn more about:

His interesting sporting childhood playing various sports
How Steve juggled between rugby, rowing, national championship with judo, and Engineering
His journey while pursuing his passion for an executive corporate career
The steps he took to transition from being a high-performing rugby player to his second wind
The key trade lessons he brought from sports to his business

… 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: Steve Surridge

Company's Website:www.forburyproperty.com

Company's LinkedIn: Forbury

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Mick Griffin, a former professional rugby football league player in Salford, England. Mick is also a keynote speaker and educator in sales and Business development. His journey through sales began when he looked for a career that didn't require a degree but could play to his core strengths around resilience.

He is a consummate e-commerce and e-marketing professional. Mick has also ventured into the world of Recruitment Tech and ATS and is now the co-founder and chief growth officer at a tech company based out of Poland.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Mick's opportunities in professional rugby led him to turn down his levels course
The end of his professional sports career
How being a sportsman landed him a role in sales with no degree and zero qualifications
Why and how young professionals are romanticizing their opportunities in sports
Mick's great insights and valuable perspective on how parents, players, and clubs should help young players identify and practice their 2nd wind career whilst in the game

… 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:Mick Griffin

Twitter: @MickGriffin

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Max Cotton, an endurance athlete and former professional mixed martial art fighter based in the UK. Max came to MMA whilst at the University studying English literature and had to balance fighting and injuries alongside a sales career that ultimately relocated him to the London scene, where it all started to check. He is the founder and CEO of Another Round.

Max is currently a serial entrepreneur and they're having this particular chat with Ryan a week or so ahead of the launch of his AI-driven training app. His company, Another Round, offers personal training enhanced with artificial Intelligence tailored to your goals, likes, and dislikes.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Max got into a martial art career and the highs and lows he experienced before being a professional
The disappointments and death of his fighting dream that led to his debut of being a serial entrepreneur
The difficulties he faced during his 2nd wind having built his identity around being a fighter
What he brought from MMA to entrepreneur and how it now translates into his business
The eve of his AI training App release on his 3rd startup

… 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:

Company's Website: http://anotherround.co.uk

LinkedIn: Max Cotton LinkedIn

Company's LinkedIn: Another Round

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Laura Gallagher, a world-class gymnastics trampolinist who has so far been awarded eight World and European Championship medals. Having begun competing at just 12, Laura competed internationally from 15, won the junior world championship in 2007. She represented Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is aiming to represent once again at the 2023 World Championships in the UK.

Laura's career also came with mental stress and anxiety that had her taking time away from sports, rehabbing, and even exploring opportunities outside sports. For Laura, getting back to sports was what got her through all the strain and helped her come out stronger and more resilient as an athlete and a person.

Tune in to learn more about:

Laura's upbringing, her first trampoline breakthroughs from age 15, and her fantastic senior career
The struggles to keep up with the expectations that came with being a world junior champion
Her first and second rock bottom mental journey and how she out more resilient and stronger than before
Laura’s routine of excellence when she was rock bottom
Laura's exciting explorations out of sports
Finding a stable competitive mindset whilst balancing part-time work and studies
Training whilst pregnant

… 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: Laura Gallagher

Twitter: LGallagherTra

Instagram: @Lauragallagher26

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Dan Annan, former professional footballer and chief executive officer of Cosmos Asset Management. Dan has extensive experience in the local and global funds management industry, with over 15 years having been dedicated to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). He has prior experience with BetaShares, BlackRock, and AllianceBernstein.

Cosmos Asset Management enhances investor portfolios by providing access to digital asset opportunities with zero hassles. The Australian asset management company oversees a range of digital assets, including digital currency and indexed funds with the goal of bringing innovative exposure to investors.

Tune in to learn more about:

Annan's transition from free football to organized soccer
How his father instilled in him the fundamentals of after sports career from a young age
Turning down his athletics scholarship to join a small liberal college
What playing pro soccer has taught him about success in any space
How maintaining a healthy network helped him in his transition to EFTs and Crypto

… 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://cosmosam.com.au

LinkedIn: Dan Annan

Cosmos Asset Management

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Stephen Baster, a top-class former jockey and Chairman of the Victorian Jockeys Association. Having left home at the young age of 15 to follow his career, Stephen has experienced a 30-year successful career and over 1200 wins in horse racing. He is also the first Australian jockey to compete in Ninja Warrior.

He has brought the same passion and competitive drive to deliver successful results for his clients in real estate. Stephen is currently the real estate agent for Marshall White on Morning Peninsula. With a long-held interest in the property including buying and selling numerous properties of his own, he provides professional service and support to clients who need to take the next step on their journey as homeowners.

Tune in to learn more about:

His experience leaving home at 15 to apprentice as a jockey
His thrill and love in riding for his loyal and close support crew
Stephen's experience being the first Australian jockey to compete in Ninja Warrior
How early planning, hard work, and work ethic helped him during his career transition
What he found most difficult with the transition from jockey to realtor

… 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: Stephen Baster

Twitter: @stephenBaster

Email: stephenbaster@me.com

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Alex Opacic, a former NCAA Division 1 player whose first sporting love was football. Alex gained a full scholarship to Furnham University in South Carolina where as a four-season USD one college Pro, he played against the likes of Steph Curry. Over the years, he has gained professional contracts and has also played in some of the top European basketball leagues.

Fast forward to today, Alex is the founder and CEO of the Australian-based company Athletes2business. Alex’s company is a recruitment agency specializing in placing former professional athletes into roles that maximize their unique skills and experiences. The company also helps athletes transition into a post-sport career by teaching them how to utilize their skills & experiences from sports to gain a competitive advantage in the business world.

Tune in to learn more about:

His first love is football and how he transitioned to basketball
Alex's basketball college route and what was his success there
His clear focus on what he was set to achieve
When his dream of playing in Europe for a long time and joining the NBA crashed
Gaining back his fulfillment but in another field
His transition from basketball to being a business owner
Great insights on athletes thinking about their 2nd wind

… 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:http://www.athlete2business.com.au

LinkedIn: Athletes2business

LinkedIn: Alex Opacic

Twitter: @aopacic

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Sebastien Bassong, an ex-international football player, who was born and raised in the rough streets of Paris but opted to play for the Cameroon National Team. He is currently a keynote speaker and a certified life and performance coach specializing in personal development.

Sebastien, having gone through his football career caught up in the football world with the mindset of ‘there's plenty of room to transition later' is now leaving a profound mark on young footballers by providing them with what he didn't get during his time. He is a dynamic and detail-oriented coach elevating the game through empowering, inspiring, and motivating the younger generation of footballers. He is keen on helping them overcome life obstacles and unlock their full potential.

Tune in to learn more about:

How playing football as an escape from home and the rough streets of Paris landed him in the best pre-academy in the world
Sebastien's experience in Claire Fontaine and how it shaped his sporting career
The thin line between aggression and passion and how he tamed it
The big role family and community played in spiking up his hunger for sport
Why PFA talks almost have no impact on younger footballers
His life-changing insight on finding the mix between just studying and gaining knowledge

…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: www.Sebastienbassongnguena.com

YouTube: Sebastien Bassong Nguena EN

LinkedIn: Sebastien BASSONG NGUENA

Instagram: @officielsbn

Growing up, Tenaya did most of her career together with her twin sister, Chiara. And by the age of 16, things started to get really serious for them, and so they had to start identifying their individuality. Tenaya has since become a long-time Rangers star, and she talks all about it in this episode. The always busy Tenaya is a passionate musician & fashion designer, giving her projects to work on during those lockdowns, but sport is still her core focus. Tune in to find out how she went from being in an Institute of Sport scholarship, getting the court off her back, and finally getting back to speed into the game.

In a nutshell, we chat about:

What sport was like for her growing up
What has contributed to the strong relationship in her team
Where academics ranked in her life and what she did to prioritize it
A time when she found out she had a bone tumor in her femur and how that affected her psychologically.
Her recovery journey and the birth of her clothing line, TEP clothing.
The highs and lows of her playing career
Her definition of 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:

Twitter: Tenaya Sooalo (Phillips)

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Conrad Balatoni, a former full-time professional footballer who at the tender age of 31 is playing semi-professional. He featured for several clubs across Scotland's Premier League and Championship.

After 11 years of being a professional footballer, Conrad decided to steer away from full-time football to fulfill a new career in financial advice. He’s focused on helping those in professional sports as well as those in full-time work to achieve their financial goals and objectives. Mr. Balatoni helps clients with retirement planning, protection policies, investment planning, savings, and inheritance tax planning.

Tune in to learn more about:

Conrad's time in professional and semi-professional football
The career goals he set for himself and great foresight in his transition
His kickstart on a dual career in football whilst establishing himself as a financial planner
How does he determine his worth during payment negotiation and financial savviness amid the uncertainty of contracts
What he was able to clean from the football career that is helping him in his financial practice

… 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:Conrad Balatoni DipPFS

Twitter:@conradbalatoni

Email: Conrad.balatoni@sjpp.co.uk

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Rachel Newborough, a professional footballer from Charlton Athletic and founder of SunUp Creative, a marketing company predominantly for startups. At about six years old, she was one of only two girls in the league playing football.

After years of personal and professional experience, she founded SunUp Creative to help start-ups and small businesses grow their businesses through the power of marketing. The company specializes in website design, social media management, and traditional marketing such as presentations and brochures.

Tune in to learn more about:

Rachel's early experience as one of only two girls in the league playing football
The limited space for full-time football profession for women in the past
Striking a balance between job, football, social life, and studying.
Rachel's switch from semi-professional to professional in the women's football space
The decisions she made to start a business in her area of interest

… and so much more!

Links:

Company Website: www.sunup.creative.co.uk

LinkedIn: Rachel Newborough

Instagram: @rachelnewborough

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Chris Irwin, a former rugby league player and founder of The EdStart Group incorporating EdStart Specialist Education and EdStart Sports Coaching. He is also the Director of Wellbeing Through Sport and a board member of the Children's Activity Association.

Chris is an innovator of models to tackle childhood obesity and mental health. Starting his career as a professional rugby league player, he later channeled his love of sport into the world of teaching where he saw a real need for a fresh approach to children’s fitness. His mission has been to encourage children to develop a lifelong positive attitude to physical activity & healthy living.

Tune in to learn more about:

Chris's experience playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country
How he balanced playing rugby, being a practical teacher, training, and family
Being fearless at opportunities that come your way during your career transition
How he's heightening the emotional intelligence that most athletes lack in the emergent talent group he's working with

… and so much more!

Links:

LinkedIn: Chris Irwin

Twitter: Chris Irwin

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Rob Young, the CEO at Switch The Play Foundation and a board member of Greater Sport. Rob has a passion for the positive role that sport can play in changing lives, and has a track record of working across the sport and physical activity sector.

Switch the Play was set up in 2014 by a group of sport specialists and former sportspeople, with the team now including the Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, International Badminton player Emma Mason and former England and Leicester Tigers rugby union player, Leon Lloyd. In 2020 it gained charity status, allowing them to help more people than ever before. Its mission is to empower sportspeople to plan for and manage a successful transition to life outside of sport.

Tune in to learn more about:

The role sports people have in creating social impact
Rob's inspiration behind Switch the Play and the impact it has had on athlete
The role of identity in an Athlete
The 90/10 principle of creating healthy distractions away from competing
The importance of creating a healthy environment where athletes can grow and develop as individuals first

… and so much more!

Links:

Company's Website: www.switchtheplay.com

Rob's LinkedIn: Rob Young MBE

Rob's Twitter: @RobYoung78

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Ewan Dowes, a former rugby league football player with a prestigious career in both national and international rugby. He's represented England, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull, winning the 2005 Challenge Cup and 2006 Super League as well.

Ewan is the director at Dowes Wealth Management Ltd, a company that provides bespoke financial services to both private and business clients, with advice tailored to meet clients' personal and business objectives.

Tune in to learn more about:

How Ewan got involved in Rugby League after growing up playing the opposite code
The balance between the focus on sports and that on academic work
How he toggled through tough times and depression at some point in his professional career
What made him start thinking of his after-sports life

… and so much more!

Links

Company's Website: https://doweswealthmanagement.co.uk

LinkedIn: Ewan Dowes DipPFS

Twitter: @EwanDowes

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Jack Madgen, a professional Australian rules footballer playing for Collingwood in the Australian Football League (AFL). He previously played professional basketball for Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League (NBL) and College Basketball at Delta State University.

Jack's outstanding passion for creating relationships through storytelling and shared experiences, especially in the sports industry, has helped him build a small business called Athlete Inspired. Athlete Inspired is a platform where athletes share their stories and experiences through articles and blogs to humanize athletes, educate, inform and inspire other athletes and the general population.

Tune in to learn more about:

His life as a youngster coming up through sports in the USA
Jack's smooth transition from NBL to NFL
What he's doing to prepare himself for a career after sports
Educating and humanizing fans in the media
His Passion project and the steps he has taken to get it running right

… and so much more!

Links

LinkedIn: Jack Madgen

Instagram: @big_jack_madgen

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Kaarle McCulloch, a former Australian professional track cyclist, four-time World Championship in the team sprint, and 15-time national champion. She also won three golds at the Commonwealth Games and an Olympic bronze medal.

Kaarle is passionate about awakening and coaching athletes to find interests and skills that could turn into a passion. According to her, adopting interests outside athletics will help them find better focus pre and post-retirement, and acknowledge the importance of dual careers without them waiting for ‘the trauma'.

Tune in to learn more about :

Insights Kaarle grasped at after her deselection due to injury
How funding has changed the nature of Olympics in Australia
The shift from pre-injury to when she decided she still had a crack at the sport
Her passion for coaching and the essential role coaching took in the making of her career
How athletes can get engaged post-retirement without first undergoing ‘the trauma

… and so much more!

Links

Twitter: @kaarlemcculloch

Instagram: @kaarlemcculoch

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Ollie Phillips, ex-England 7s captain, and multiple world record holders. Philips's 14year professional rugby career was prematurely terminated in 2014 due to an injury, having captained England to 3 World series Cups. He is the founder and director of Optimist Performance, an organization that helps leaders to develop strong teams with resilience to grow, face the challenges of change and personal development, and reach a new level of performance.

Tune in to learn more about:

The start of his good career at the age of four
Phillips's amazing but traumatic early retirement experience after an injury
How he structured his career after the injury
Running his successful business ( PwC) and other things he is working on currently
Their amazing opportunity to become head of performance for China Rugby

… and so much more!

Links

Company's Website: www.optimistperfomance.com

LinkedIn: Ollie Philips

Twitter: @olliephillips11

Instagram: @olliephillips11

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Christopher Billy, a retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Notts County, Bury, and Carlisle United. After a 17-year career as a professional footballer, Billy happily transitioned into a career in sales.

He is currently a senior sales and Account Manager at Talent Track, a game-changing AI-based platform that connects the whole talent acquisition journey through deep data insights. Talent track is a candidate attraction platform that specializes in driving more applications into businesses as well as providing real-time Analytics and reporting.

Tune in to learn more about:

Billy's 17year career as a professional footballer
What got him thinking about his 2nd wind, life after his sporting career
His experience in the business space as a Sales a d Account manager
The future of Association football and what it means to kids growing up today

… and so much more!

Links:

Website: https://TalentTrack.co

LinkedIn: Christopher Billy

Twitter: @cbilly7

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Claire Bennett, a former GB Fencer. She was a member of the Great Britain Women’s foil fencing team and part of the World Class Performance Programme. After 17 years of dedication, she missed out on the Olympics, a feeling she describes as a shot in the stomach and the hardest thing she’s had to deal with. Since she retired from fencing in 2012, Claire has been keen to inspire and encourage young people and adults alike to achieve their potential.

Claire is currently working with elite musicians from Southbank Sinfonia and the BBC covering topics such as resilience, motivation, and thinking correctly under pressure. She is also the Director of Programmes at the Women's Sport Trust. She is also helping in making an impact on young people’s lives and raising aspirations whilst working on the Sporting Champions program.

Tune in to learn more about:

Claire's sporting journey and the biggest shift in her sporting career
How and when she got the freedom to move on in her life after sports
Her amazing company and her career as a performance coach

… and so much more!

Links

Twitter:@CBennetGBR

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Chris Alcock, a rugby union footballer. After an extensive professional rugby career, Chris felt that he had put his body into a fair share of stress and damage. He retired and transitioned into recruitment where he could use his interpersonal skills and work ethic to create an impact.

As a 360 recruiter, Chris has experience in end-to-end coordination and delivery of the recruitment process which includes planning his business development strategy, pitching to clients, sourcing, and delivery of strong candidates, which has given him insights into project coordination.

Tune in to learn more about:

Chris's win ratio in his rugby career and why he left his professional career
How the relationships he had established in his sporting career came in handy during his transition
His goals and aspirations in the corporate world
The things that Chris feels he sacrificed during his sporting career - and why you shouldn’t.

…and so much more!

Links

LinkedIn: Chris Alcock

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Taryn Nadine Woods, an Australian water polo player from the gold medal squad of the 2000 Summer Olympics. Taryn was part of the national women's team for around 12 years.

Taryn is currently a marketing and communication professional excelling in the Communication and Stakeholder Engagement role at Aurecon. Following 12 years as a professional athlete culminating in a Gold medal at the Sydney Olympics, Taryn has extensive experience in developing, managing, and delivering B2B partnership arrangements for the government sector and has completed a Digital Marketing Executive Certificate at UTS.

Tune in to learn more about:

The start of Taryn’s professional career and the highs and lows she experienced
Taryn's return to the top and going through her studies simultaneously after a car accident
How and when Taryn sensed the end of her elite playing career
Her advice to young players in terms of retiring in their 20s and 30s

…and so much more!

Links:

LinkedIn: Taryn Woods

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

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Sarah Alexander, an accomplished skater, rower and triathlete. Sarah rowed for Dartmouth and as a Triathlete her peak ITU World Ranking was 62, and was 4th in the Elite National Championships before the COVID-19 pandemic became a drag on her progress.

Sarah is currently a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Combining the drive of a former professional athlete, the resilience and agility of an entrepreneur, and the analytical problem-solving skills of a Chicago Booth MBA, she is on a mission to bring meaningful change. Sarah is passionate about women’s empowerment, health and wellness, sustainability, and the future of mobility. This is why she’s set to identify opportunities for impact that others have previously overlooked.

Tune in to learn more about:

An amazing sport, triathlon, and Sarah's journey as a professional triathlete
What propelled her to start thinking about branding and building her business as an athlete
Her transition to consultancy and the skills she brought from her sports experience

…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 2ndwind.io

Links:

Instagram: @sarah_alxndr

LinkedIn: Sarah E. Alexander

In today's episode, Ryan speaks to William Tuffley, a partner in the business services team at BDO In Brisbane. William specializes in sports wealth advisory, providing accounting and financial service advice during and after athlete sporting careers. Will was a dual sportsman in first-class cricket and rugby in Brisbane and semi-professionally in Hong Kong.

William has been in and around sport all his life, and has seen first-hand the difficulties athletes face in their transition to life after sport. This is why he is passionate about getting athletes educated early on financial management.

Tune to learn more about:

Will's sporting background
The other side of his career apart from sports and the course he picked
Will's thought process in dual-tracking finance and the sporting world
Why athletes transition too early or too late in their careers

…and so much more!

Links

To get in touch with William: william.tuffley@bdo.com.au

William on LinkedIn: William Tuffley

Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out secondwind.io

In today's episode, Ryan chats with Bridget Johnston, a driven and passionate government worker currently in the NSW Government Program as a Policy Officer at the office of the secretary at customer service. Bridget graduated from the University of Sydney in December 2020 with a major in government and International Relations. Whilst completing her degree, she worked as an Electorate Officer, Office Assistant, and Water Polo coach.

At 11, Bridget began playing water polo and at 12 she made 1st state team younger and won nationals, fast forward a few years she made her 1st Professional League in water polo at Melbourne. She has also triumphed with a gold medal in the Australian Women’s National League in 2017 and a silver in 2018.

Tune in to learn more about:

Bridget juggled her sport from age 11 and managed to do well in school
How she bridged the gap between the junior and senior world champs
Not enjoying water polo and moving from it.
Why she picked politics and international relations at the University
What drew her passion back to water polo
What was the difference between her 1st water polo career and the current one
Her retirement from playing national team to focus on her career
How she was balancing an excellent emerging career and being a goalkeeper
If she sacrificed other things that she regrets not experiencing

…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 secondwind.io

Links:

Check out Bridget on LinkedIn: Bridget Jonhston

In this episode, Ryan chats with Sam Wykes, who retired from Super Rugby in June 2021. After a career spanning more than a decade, which includes over 100 Super Rugby caps, and five years playing in exciting Japan Sam is well into the transition of a career beyond sport, working as a recruiter in the construction industry. Sam and Ryan not only chat about the transition, but also share some insights and lessons on what Sam has observed and learned about himself in the journey to finding his position behind the desk.

Tune in to learn more about:

How sports was introduced to Sam
Sam's tough medical history, benign tumors while growing up
The clubs he played for and the experience he got
Sam's brilliant career
How Sam felt walking off the professional sports field
How he felt moving from a master in the field to where he is today

…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 secondwind.io

Links:

Sam Wykes on Instagram: @Samwykes4

Sam Wykes on LinkedIn: Sam Wykes

At only 16, Amy Sayer made her international debut for the Matilda's, the senior Australian women's football team. Shortly afterward, she won the W league championship with Sydney FC and is now a sensation playing in the US for Stanford Cardinal. Currently at Stanford University doing a double major in Human Biology and Philosophy, Amy is a perfect example of a young player with a solid grounding, prepared to make difficult decisions in striking a balance between sport and education.

Tune in as we chat about:

How she whilst being a top-performing athlete and international footballer at a young age
How Amy has managed to find the balance between academics and athletic excellence
Why academics are still important to her and what she is pursuing at Stanford
The role parents, role models, and coaches have played in her focus
Balancing football career and work and why Matilda's embrace a lot more than the football career

…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 secondwind.io

Links:

Check out Amy's Instagram:@amysayer

Amy on Twitter: @amysayer10

Bryany Parker, 25, is an ex-professional footballer, an entrepreneur, and founder of The Sponsorship Platform. She works in football part-time and studies full-time. Parker is almost completing her Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science at UTS. With her colleague from the football club, they launched a startup that delves into sports sponsorship - The Sponsorship Platform. The startup focuses on the small to medium scale of sports sponsorships, motivates athletes and small to medium businesses, and tries to pair them up. She is also currently going through candidacy for an honors project at the University.

Tune in as we speak about:

Parker's life before 10 years and how her school experience was
How she managed to strike a balance between sports and academics after her parents gave her space to figure it out by herself
How and when football become an important part of her life
The severe knee injury that almost marked an end to her career
Parker's disrupted educational journey at the university
Her experience in the navy and her quarter-life crisis
The pivotal moments of her journey and what she is currently doing

…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 secondwind.io

Links:

Parker's LinkedIn: Bryany Parker

Parker on Instagram:@bryanyyyp

Ex professional footballer Ryan Gonsalves gets to the root of transitioning from an elite sports career to the world of work. Join a cadre of athletes for the ups and downs of entering an exciting new chapter of their lives. Are you ready to unleash your second wind? Schedule a conversation with Ryan at the 2ndwind Academy now on letschat@2ndwind.io