Grand Slam Journey: Recent Episodes
Klara Jagosova
This podcast discusses topics revolving around finding purpose, maximizing our potential, sports, and life after sports. Topics ranging from what sport has taught us, how we transitioned from a singular focus and pursuit of our athletic goals and dreams to the decision to end our sports careers and move into the next phase of our lives. With my guests, I plan to discuss how competitive sport has shaped us into who we are today, the difficulties of transitioning from sport to a "normal civilian" life, as well as how we have carried the lessons of sport into our current careers.
Want a front-row seat to how a global CFO blends tennis-honed grit with people-first leadership to rethink telecom’s future? In this episode, Klara Jagosova sits down with Jurgen Arts, Vice President & CFO for Market Area Europe & Latin America at Ericsson, who brings nearly three decades of experience leading M&A, finance transformation, and cross-regional teams.
We trace Jurgen’s path from an introverted Dutch tennis kid to a global leader known for transparency, curiosity, and balance — in business and in life. He shares how authenticity builds trust, how honesty early in a role prevents friction later, and how sports resilience fuels strategic decision-making.
We explore:
• How culture shapes leadership across regions
• M&A lessons from integrating Cradlepoint and Vonage
• The evolving role of AI as a practical co-pilot
• Building connected global teams and financial agility
• 5G network APIs and the shift to pay-per-use models
• Continuous learning, mentorship, and curiosity as long-term success drivers
🎾 Plus: Jurgen’s reflections on cooking, running, padel, golf, and inspiring his two sons to carry forward the family’s love for tennis.
Connect with Jurgen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurgen-arts-ba808a3/
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
What if we could revolutionize healthcare and other industries by using the untapped computing power that sits idle in hospitals every night? Meet Rani Yadav-Ranjan, Chief AI Officer at Greycloud AI, who's pioneering a breakthrough approach to AI that respects both data privacy and urgency.
After watching her mother's medical journey, Rani had a revelation: doctors function as "databases" of knowledge, but these repositories remain isolated within individual hospitals. Her solution? A patented system that transforms existing computers in closed networks into distributed training devices, operating during off-hours to build sophisticated AI models without compromising sensitive patient data. "From six o'clock till six in the morning, that's twelve hours of computing power we could use," she explains, describing how her technology chunks and chains data through multiple nodes, each with a unique blockchain identifier to ensure validity.
This innovative approach reflects Rani's decades-long career at the intersection of emerging technologies. As one of the most influential women in tech, with over 20 patents, she pioneered mobile payments in the early 2000s, navigated cultural resistance to e-commerce in Japan, and continues to advocate for the ethical development of AI. Through personal anecdotes about balancing leadership with motherhood and observations about gender bias in corporate cultures, Rani offers a master class in resilience and strategic thinking.
Rani's perspective on AI's future is refreshingly nuanced. Rather than fearing job displacement, she sees AI as enhancing human capabilities while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of experience. "What I use AI for is code reviews," she notes. "It's awesome to say, 'here's 3,000 lines of code, tell me where the missing semicolon is." As she prepares to publish her book "Constitutional Democracy in the Algorithmic Age," Rani continues to champion responsible innovation that serves humanity's needs while respecting our rights and privacy.
Connect with Rani on LinkedIn to follow her groundbreaking work at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and ethical technology development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryadavranjan/
https://yadav-ranjan.com/
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Noah Sturm, Senior Vice President of Sales and Revenue at Augment AI, shares his journey from an unstructured upbringing through professional golf aspirations to becoming a transformative sales leader building AI-powered relationship technology to transform and redefine how B2B sales are done.
• Raised in a dynamic, homeschooled environment that fostered creativity, resilience, and comfort with uncertainty
• Developed extraordinary resilience, helping his family through his mother's cancer battle and later his father's passing during his college years
• Transitioned from a potential professional golf career to sales excellence, starting at RR Donnelly, where he grew from $70,000 quota to multi-million dollar accounts
• Joined N3 and later Accenture, becoming a vice president at just 28 years old, by focusing on execution rather than conventional experience
• Now building Augment to transform B2B sales by focusing on durable relationships and addressing the 83% of buying decisions that happen without salespeople present
• Believes AI should enhance human relationships rather than replace them, focusing on making mid-performers act like top performers through situational awareness
• Advocates for kindness, empathy, and spending less time on social media to foster genuine human connection
Get in touch with Noah on LinkedIn at noah-sturm-augment or email him at noah@augment.co
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Josh Payne shares his unique journey from musician to tech entrepreneur, exploring how AI is creating a more personalized, adaptive internet experience that could revolutionize how we interact with the internet, websites, and overall digital experiences.
• Personalization is fundamentally changing the internet, making it more contextual and adaptive to individual users
• Josh sees personalized experiences becoming essential, predicting A/B testing will eventually be obsolete
• Founding multiple startups, including AccessBell, Autograph with Tom Brady, and now Coframe
• Coframe uses AI to transform website testing from months-long processes to minutes or hours
• Working with major brands like OpenAI and The Economist to drive millions in incremental revenue through personalization
• Finding balance through music, playing with the SF Philharmonic, and using flotation tanks for deeper thinking
• Partnering directly with OpenAI to train specialized models for website code generation
• The importance of choosing founding team members based on working relationships rather than friendship alone
• Josh's perspectives on AI's rapid advancement and the need for responsible governance while embracing its creative potential
Learn more about Josh and Coframe:
https://www.coframe.com/
josh@coframe.com
https://x.com/joshpxyne
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Abby Davisson shares a comprehensive framework for making life's biggest decisions, from career transitions to family planning, with a clear process that reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
• The Five C's Framework: Clarify what's important, Communicate with those involved, Consider broad choices, Check in with trusted resources, and examine Consequences across time horizons
• Rest is not something earned after work is done – it's essential to incorporate deliberate breaks to enhance creativity and decision-making
• Career success and family life can coexist with strategic outsourcing and focusing parental presence during truly critical developmental stages
• Who you partner with can be either a career accelerant or roadblock – early honest conversations about expectations and values are crucial
• Decision-making skills improve with practice – finding the right conditions for important conversations (like hiking or walking by water) can facilitate better communication
• Entrepreneurship requires letting go of one trapeze to catch the next – small experiments can build confidence before making the full leap
• Financial planning should align with your values – clarify your needs, wants, and wishes to make more intentional choices
Watch it on YouTube
Abby's Substack
Abby's website
📖 Get the book: MONEY & LOVE: AN INTELLIGENT ROADMAP FOR LIFE'S BIGGEST DECISIONS
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing or dedicating one minute of your time to provide an official review wherever you listen to this podcast, or perhaps share this episode with someone who might also enjoy it.
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Picture this: a technology salesperson walks into a meeting armed with impressive specs—gigabytes, terabytes, processing power—only to face a small business owner who simply asks, "What will this do for my business?" This fundamental disconnect lies at the heart of why so many technology companies struggle to serve the massive small and medium business (SMB) market effectively.
In this conversation, "Magic" Maciek Szczesniak draws from his 25-year journey through Compaq, HP, HPE, and as a Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at B2SMB Institute to unpack the critical differences between enterprise and SMB technology sales. "SMBs don't care if the box is black or white," Magic explains. "They care what this box will do for them. It has to lower costs, make them more efficient, drive revenue, or please their customers." This business-first approach requires a complete rethinking of how technology is marketed and sold.
Beyond SMB insights, Magic shares powerful leadership wisdom that applies across organizations of all sizes. His approach to recognition stands out: "Recognition is a never-ending pot. The more audience you gather to recognize someone, the more everyone understands what behaviors are valued." He advocates for precise, public recognition tied directly to business goals — a practice that costs nothing yet yields tremendous results in building high-performing teams.
The conversation expands to explore international business dynamics, the critical transition from manager to leader, and how artificial intelligence offers SMBs a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the productivity gap with larger corporations. Magic estimates this gap represents 5-10% of GDP — real dollars, which small businesses can capture by embracing AI strategically.
Whether you're selling to small businesses, leading teams across cultural boundaries, or navigating the AI revolution, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's mastered the intersection of technology, business, and human connection.
Connect with Magic on LinkedIn
Watch it on YouTube.
Send us a text
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
This episode was produced by Google Notebook LLM using my latest blog post on my website: https://www.grandslamjourney.com/post/tennis-tuesdays
I'm curious what you think about it. I found this a fun experiment. https://notebooklm.google/
Send us a text
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unlock the secrets of transforming athletic discipline into entrepreneurial success with our special guest, James Hilovsky, a former minor league baseball player who now helms the FranDream. In this episode, we tackle the myth that franchising is just about food and restaurants, revealing opportunities in diverse fields, from pest control to pickleball clubs. James takes us through his journey of swapping baseball gloves for business strategies, showing how the competitive mindset from sports is a golden ticket to thriving franchise ownership.
We explore how athletes' natural teamwork and discipline translate seamlessly into managing and growing a franchise. James shares personal insights from his time in baseball, highlighting lessons in modern training methodologies and how these shaped his management style in the restaurant industry. You'll hear anecdotes about the transition from sports to business, shedding light on the importance of a supportive network and how the structure of franchising mimics a well-coached team.
Lastly, we delve into the crucial elements of franchise ownership, from capital requirements to in-depth research, comparing it with other investment avenues like real estate. James shares fascinating examples, such as athletes venturing into wedding dress franchises and dog poop cleanup services, and we discuss the impact of NIL on young athletes and the new opportunities they can start creating early in their lives. This episode is packed with valuable insights for athletes considering a new career path in franchising, offering a roadmap to success after sports.
Watch it on YouTube
Connect with James:
james@thefrandream.com
https://www.thefrandream.com/
Send us a text
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Send us a Text Message.
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your potential with our special guest, Dre Baldwin, a former Professional Basketball player turned entrepreneur, coach, and speaker. How do skills like communication, energy, and salesmanship multiply your success? Dre takes us through his unique journey from the basketball court to the boardroom, highlighting why mastering the art of selling matters more than just doing. Learn his top strategies for content creation, busting myths about video length, and standing out in a saturated market.
Ever struggled with balancing new projects while maintaining quality? We tackle this head-on, discussing how to overcome perfectionism and streamline your content creation process. Whether you're podcasting or posting on social media, Dre and I share actionable tips to focus on quality content over technical perfection. Plus, we explore the differences in podcast production approaches and how to create engaging material that resonates with your audience despite minor imperfections.
From effective communication to savvy marketing strategies, this episode is packed with insights on transforming your intellectual property into various valuable formats. Discover how to turn a single idea into keynote speeches, mastermind groups, and more, all while keeping your audience engaged. We also dive into the critical role of physical fitness in professional success and the rising trend of the coaching industry.
✂️ Discover the secret to beating perfectionism and making content creation easier
🎧 Why quality content keeps listeners hooked, no matter how long it is
📈 Unlock the marketing strategies that will skyrocket your audience reach
🤝 The powerful role of audience relationships in marketing success
🚀 How confidence and smart marketing can make you stand out in any crowded market
📚Claim Dre’s offer to get your free book The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/
Connect with Dre:
https://www.workonyourgameuniversity.com/
http://Twitter.com/DreAllDay
http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin
http://
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Ever wondered how the discipline of sports can catapult you into a life of entrepreneurial success? Join me as I sit down with former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur Dre Baldwin to reveal how the lessons from the court can translate into boardroom victories. Dre, known for his "Work On Your Game" philosophy, dives into his personal story of grit and determination, demonstrating how mental toughness and the ability to handle critical feedback are invaluable beyond the bounds of sports.
This episode isn't just about scoring points and mastering life skills. We'll unpack the nuances of transitioning from being an athlete to navigating the competitive world of entrepreneurship. From the discipline of 'third-day' training to understanding the synergy between individual skill and team dynamics, Dre's narrative is a playbook for anyone looking to harness their sports experience into professional prowess. We even tackle the traits of agreeableness versus disagreeableness and how this shapes our ability to innovate and lead.
But the true slam dunk? It's about developing a mindset that views every challenge as an opportunity. Dre shares how adopting a Michael Jordan-esque approach to business and life ensures that your energy and example resonate with your team. We'll also explore the strategies, systems, and accountability that have allowed Dre to replicate the success he achieved in basketball in the realm of business and how you, too, can collapse timeframes to escalate your expertise. Tune in for an episode that's more than just talking the talk; it's about walking the walk of a champion on and off the court.
📚 Claim Dre's offer and get your free book- The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/
Connect with and follow Dre:
https://www.workonyourgameuniversity.com/
http://YouTube.com/Dreupt
http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay
https://www.facebook.com/WorkOnYourGameUniversity
http://
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Thank you all for tuning in. I share some reflections on the past almost 1.5 years of creating content and releasing episodes on a weekly basis, as well as announcements of what's next.
I would appreciate it if you could share some feedback with me as I think through how to iterate on this podcast.
Send me an email to share your feedback: klara@grandslamjourney.com
Or submit it on my website: https://www.grandslamjourney.com/feedback
If you are unsure what to share, here are some sample questions:
1. If this podcast was gone, what are the 1-3 things you would miss the most?
2. Are there any guests or episodes that stood out to you? Why?
3. What do you think about the length and the format of the episodes?
4. What do you think about the cadence of the episodes? Do you listen to it weekly?
5. Are there any specific topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes?
6. How can we improve our interaction with you? What would you like us to see doing more of or less of?
7. What would make the show more enjoyable and valuable to you?
Watch episode #79 on YouTube: Dre Baldwin's Winning Playbook: From Hoops to Entrepreneur https://youtu.be/sAwTwxjBHIQ
It will be available on all podcasting platforms in an audio version on May 26th.
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Step into the dynamic world of visionary leadership and strategic innovation with Dr. Nicole Wieberneit, the Managing Director of Sales Strategy and Business Architecture Cross Solutions at Microsoft, whose journey from competitive skiing to global leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Our latest episode reveals how Nicole integrates Key Performance Indicators into her leadership style and the significance of celebrating team milestones. Her tales, from the snowy slopes of the German Alps to the boardrooms of tech titans, reveal the resilience and dedication needed to thrive in today's business ecosystem.
From the intricacies of family dynamics and career shifts across continents to the evolution of CRM and sales strategies, Nicole's narrative is a treasure trove of insights. Discover how her early days as an IT consultant within SAP laid the groundwork for her transformative role at Microsoft. We trace her professional growth, the challenges she's faced, and the triumphs that have defined her career, offering valuable takeaways for anyone looking to scale new professional heights.
As we conclude, Nicole reflects on the broader themes of gender equality in leadership and the integration of personal values into professional life, sharing how these principles shape her approach to parenting and mentorship. We also look ahead to the future of business and technology, with Nicole providing a glimpse into the potential impact of AI on CRM systems and customer engagement. Join us for a conversation that bridges the personal and the professional, celebrating the shared success stories that empower and inspire.
Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Discover the intertwined worlds of professional sports and corporate strategy as we sit down with business and tech titan George Mulhern, the former CEO of Cradlepoint. George shares his unique perspective on how the competitive drive and quick decision-making honed on the tennis courts served as the perfect training ground for his meteoric rise in the business world. From his early aspirations of professional tennis to leading Cradlepoint to a billion-dollar acquisition by Ericsson, George's journey is a masterclass in leveraging life lessons from sports for corporate excellence and relentless improvement.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the core principles that have underpinned George's success both on and off the court. The episode is rich with insights into the importance of staying humble, hungry, and emotionally resilient—qualities that define both a great athlete and a great business leader. Moreover, George reflects on the pivotal transitions in his career, from the world of sales at massive entities like General Electric and Hewlett Packard to the innovative environment at Cradlepoint, and how these experiences shaped his approach to leading teams and fostering a culture of trust and authenticity.
Wrapping up this enlightening discussion, we explore the nuances of leadership and personal growth that go beyond the boardroom. George opens up about his personal development journey, the value of being a perpetual learner and balancing ambition with a fulfilling personal life. Engage with us in an episode that celebrates the power of passion and the beauty of a well-played game—be it with a racket or a strategic business move.
Connect with George via LinkedIn
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Embark on a journey with Dan Gluck, a former competitive tennis player who's aced his way into the investment world as the co-founder and managing partner at Ground Force Capital. Join us as we explore the unique parallels between the discipline of sports and the dynamism of finance and entrepreneurship. Dan's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of a sports mindset in the boardroom, underscoring the vital role of physical well-being in achieving professional excellence. His tale is one of strategic rebranding and impactful investing, where the pursuit of robust financial returns goes hand-in-hand with fostering human health and environmental sustainability.
In this episode, we don't just talk shop; we delve into Dan's personal ethos, weaving together the threads of family, fitness, and leadership that define his approach to life. Discover how endurance sports like marathons and triathlons have sculpted Dan's mental fortitude—a strength he channels into his business ventures. His story is a rich tapestry that includes the founding of Health Warrior and its eventual acquisition by PepsiCo, illustrating the power of aligning one's passions with their entrepreneurial spirit. Dan's commitment to a balanced life, embracing both career ambitions and the joys of parenting, offers an inspiring blueprint for integrating one's personal and professional worlds.
As we wrap up the conversation, Dan imparts invaluable insights into the evolution of investment strategies in the face of burgeoning health trends. He reflects on the inspiring journeys of iconic figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, drawing parallels to his own path. Dan's firm not only aims for financial success but also champions the cause of a health-conscious, sustainable future. Listeners will gain a broader perspective on the critical intersection of nutrition, public health, and the business acumen required to navigate the complex landscape of modern investment management.
Dan's LinkedIn
https://www.groundforcecapital.com/
Book Recommendation: Wrong Fit, Right Fit
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Embark on a journey with us as we unravel the mysteries of psychedelics with the inimitable Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave. From the shackles of guilt and shame to a world of liberation and insight, Paul shares his extraordinary path, guiding us through the wilderness where ancient wisdom meets scientific inquiry. Together, we traverse the landscape of personal transformation, where psychedelics illuminate the canvas of our deepest selves, enabling us to sculpt the life we've always imagined.
This episode is a mosaic of shared experiences and sage advice, depicting the careful orchestration required for guided psychedelic journeys. Paul reveals the emotional pilgrimage of accompanying his father on a psilocybin trip, shedding light on the crucial elements of trust, preparation, and integration. In our conversation, Paul and I dissect the intricate dance between the individual's history and the mystique of psychedelics, offering a lens through which to view these powerful experiences. We navigate this space by understanding the variables at play, from the importance of intention to the profound impact of a guide's presence.
In the confluence of psychedelics and mind-body practices, we delve into how MDMA and ketamine are breaking new ground in mental health treatment, while traditional psychedelics offer gateways to profound healing. We explore how consistent practices like meditation and yoga can be interwoven with psychedelic experiences for enduring personal growth. As we close this chapter, we stress the significance of education in the realm of responsible psychedelic use, ensuring that each step taken is both informed and mindful. Join us for an episode that promises insights and a transformational shift in perspective.
Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w-L2MRb3CrE
Connect with and follow Paul:
https://www.paulaustin.co
https://www.instagram.com/paulaustin3w/
https://twitter.com/PaulAustin3w
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-f-austin/
https://thethirdwave.co
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
TESLA
Use my referral link for Tesla and get up to $250 off and 3-months of Full Self-Driving Capability
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unlock the secrets to unwavering commitment in your physical and professional pursuits as strength and conditioning sage James de Lacey joins us on a compelling odyssey through consistent performance. Let James, armed with a wealth of experience, unravel the myth that perfection trumps persistence. Together, we dismantle some of the fitness industry's most stubborn myths, providing clear-cut guidance for those on a quest to amplify their muscle mass and bolster their strength.
Witness the transformation of James de Lacey from tennis to strength and conditioning virtuoso, a journey sparked by a knee injury that steered him toward the shores of coaching and strength training. His story isn't just about personal growth; it's a masterclass in applying the power of 'intent' across various sports, tailoring training to the individual, and the indispensable role of strength and power. James's narrative also highlights the delicate dance of maintaining peak performance while staving off injuries, offering tips and insights for athletes at any level to preserve their edge and elevate their game.
As we wrap up our conversation, we explore the horizon of strength training not as a mere addition to your routine but as a cornerstone for lifelong health. Together, we challenge the prejudices of aging, discussing how to blend power, speed, and resistance training into one's regimen. We expose the fallacies surrounding strength and hypertrophy training, highlighting the potency of diverse workout structures. James's wisdom isn't just for the tennis enthusiast or the gym-goer; it's for anyone who yearns to forge a foundation of confidence and strength for the journey ahead. Join us for this enriching exchange, and remember to connect with James through our episode notes to continue the dialogue.
Watch it onYouTube: https://youtu.be/sm4NnJ9tUUA
Connect with James:
https://sweetscienceoffighting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sweetscienceoffighting/
https://www.youtube.com/@sweetscienceoffightingpodcast
https://liftbigeatbig.com/
https://www.instagram.com/liftbigeatbig/
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Embark on an inspiring journey with Mona Pretorius de Lacey, the karate world champion turned Olympic weightlifting powerhouse. She shares the mental fortitude that propelled her to the pinnacle of three sports: Karate, Olympic weightlifting, and CrossFit. Her candid revelations about tackling the psychological hurdles of Olympic weightlifting and the versatility needed to switch disciplines serve as a masterclass in mental resilience. Mona's narrative is a testament to the indomitable spirit of female athletes everywhere as she weaves through tales of personal triumphs and societal challenges.
This episode is a deep dive into the transformative power of strength, both in muscle and mind, that defines Mona's approach to life and coaching. She poignantly discusses the early stigmas and obstacles she faced, drawing on her own experiences and the influence of her father's sporting background. Empowerment and self-love take center stage as Mona recounts opening her own gym, fostering an environment where women can not only lift weights but lift each other up through every stage of life.
Listeners, prepare to have your understanding of training and mindset in sports elevated. Mona's insights into adaptive training methods for athletes, the crucial role of visualization in preparation for competition, and the art of building a symbiotic coach-athlete relationship are profound. Her strategies aren't confined to the weightlifting platform—they're life lessons in harnessing the power of a strong mindset, perfect for anyone seeking to uplift their personal journey.
Connect with and follow Mona:
📧 mona@liftbigeatbig.com
https://liftbigeatbig.com
www.youtube.com/@Strongbymona
https://www.instagram.com/strongbymona
https://www.facebook.com/monapretorius
https://twitter.com/MindsetMona
https://www.tiktok.com/@strongbymona
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
As I weave through the cherished memories of my grandmother's 91-year long life, a poignant tapestry of love, strength, and wisdom unfurls. Her time as a telegraph operator, her exceptional marriage, and the life lessons she embedded in the fabric of our family's history are stories I hold close to my heart. In this intimate episode, I invite you into our family circle to celebrate her legacy, sharing how she transformed the scarcity of her youth into a life rich with abundance and leadership—principles that she instilled in us through her exceptional culinary delights and her daily embodiment of grace and resilience.
Embark on a journey that travels through the art of connection, as we remember a grandmother whose calligraphy-like handwriting in letters and cards became the glue that kept our family bound across distances. Her global perspective and the courage to stand firm in her convictions are pillars of the character she cultivated within us. This episode also contrasts the diverse marital dynamics within our lineage, distilling the essence of trust and love's transformative power. Wrapping up with a tender reflection inspired by "The Little Prince," we unveil the wisdom that our most treasured relationships, much like the rose that is dear to the Little Prince, are those we have nurtured with our hearts. Join us as we honor the indelible mark these matriarchs have left on our lives, and perhaps find a reflection of your own family's matriarchs in the stories shared.
Find episode about my grandfather on Apple Podcast ︱Spotify︱Website
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Embarking on a leadership journey fraught with challenges and triumphs, I had the pleasure of engaging in an intimate conversation with Jeanette Irekvist, President of Ericsson Canada. From her modest beginnings in a small Swedish town to steering a tech giant, Jeanette's narrative is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the necessity of delivering exceptional work and navigating professional disagreements with grace. Tune in to uncover how embracing cultural diversity has been pivotal in fostering a collaborative atmosphere within her team, and how fairness has become the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.
Navigating the complexities of leadership, particularly as a woman, Jeanette shares the integral role of emotional intelligence in guiding a team through the unpredictable realms of technology and innovation. Her story exemplifies the power of adaptability, evidenced by her ascent from a background in business and law to a revered executive position. This episode explores the delicate balance between commanding respect and offering empathy and how maintaining calmness in the eye of a storm can be the most effective tool in a leader's arsenal.
As we peer into the crystal ball of the future, we engage with the profound advancements in Telecom, open systems, AI, and convergence, contemplating the ethical responsibility we bear in their deployment. This episode does not shy away from the pressing issues that accompany such progress, including the role of technology in reshaping the job market and fulfilling societal needs. Emphasizing the importance of mentorship and challenging the imposter syndrome, this dialogue encourages every listener to step confidently into their potential and embrace the transformative power of continuous personal and professional growth.
Jeanette's LinkedIn profile
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
When Mandy Marquardt wheels into the spotlight, her story unfolds with more twists and turns than a high-velocity velodrome. Mandy is a Professional Track Sprint Cyclist living and racing with type 1 diabetes for the USA Cycling National Team and Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all-diabetes professional cycling team.
In this episode, the 27-time US National Champion, 5-time American Record Holder, 2-time Pan American Games Medalist, and Olympic hopeful shares an empowering narrative of conquering type 1 diabetes and sprinting beyond her limits. With each chapter, we journey through Mandy's aspirations, her emotional battles after a life-altering diagnosis, and the unyielding support of her family that rekindled her passion for cycling and competition.
Mandy takes us down the road less traveled, revealing the intricacies of her bilingual upbringing and the cultural shift from Germany to the United States. The resilience she crafted from her personal challenges, including challenges related to managing type 1 diabetes, exemplifies the profound strength found within. This episode isn't just about athletic achievements; it's a deep dive into the day-to-day life of an elite athlete, exploring rigorous training routines, nutrition strategies, and the mental toughness required to compete at the pinnacle of sport.
Our conversation extends into the realm of technological advancements in diabetes care and their revolutionary impact on athletes like Mandy. She illuminates the balance of professional sports with personal well-being, providing a beacon of hope and guidance to anyone facing their own hurdles. Prepare to be inspired by tales of perseverance, adaptability, and the collective drive that propels this extraordinary athlete toward the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mandy Marquardt's journey is a masterclass in pushing boundaries and racing not just for victory but for the triumph of the human spirit.
Connect with Mandy:
🗞️ Subscribe to Mandy's newsletter, Mandy's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Ever pondered the intersection of technology and human creativity? Join me as I sit with Eve Psalti, a luminary from Microsoft Azure AI and ex-Google Cloud guru who passionately advocates for women's ascent in tech leadership. Our spirited exchange traverses the landscape of self-advocacy and confidence for women, distinguishing the finesse of networking for career upliftment from the simple joys of friendship-building. With Eve's remarkable insight drawn from her roles and serving on the WE Global Studios board, we carve a path through the entangled forest of gender equality and leadership in the tech wilderness.
The tapestry of Eve's journey is woven with threads from her Greek heritage, academic leaps across continents, and the bold embrace of new challenges that have shaped her illustrious career trajectory. Our conversation meanders through her cultural adaptations, the decisions that charted her course, and the influence of personal identity on professional success. We uncover the essence of navigating through the non-linear paths of growth and how embracing curiosity and ambition can lead to profound transformations in both business and life.
As we cast our gaze forward, we delve into the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing industries like healthcare and education. We dissect how AI tools enhance efficiency yet underscore the importance of vigilant engagement with these tools to avoid biases and safeguard human ingenuity. Wrapping up, we glimpse the horizons of 2024, discussing the power of gratitude, the necessity of lifelong learning, and the riches of community involvement. Eve and I share insights on weathering the storms of failure, the virtues of a growth mindset, and the impactful role of mentorship. Each word in this episode is a stepping stone toward a future where AI and empowered leadership coalesce to shape an inspiring 2024.
Connect with Eve: LinkedIn, Twitter
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
When words cross paths with destiny, they can ignite a journey beyond our wildest imaginations. Join me alongside the multi-industry maestro John Neville as we share tales of transformation and the profound influence tennis, business, and technology have had on our lives. From a serendipitous elevator pitch that catapulted my career into a new orbit at Ericsson to the woven intricacies of trust and positive reinforcement, our dialogue is a testament to the power of communication. We celebrate the swift passage of life, reminding listeners to indulge in passions that go beyond the material, for it's these pursuits that truly color our existence with joy.
The symphony of life often mirrors the ebb and flow of sports, a theme we explore fervently through the lens of John's evolution from team sports to the solitary dance of tennis. We take you through a voyage of adapting to the rigors of an individual sport, adjusting workouts as we navigate aging and injuries, and embracing the buoyant embrace of swimming to aid in recovery and maintain peak fitness. Every scar, be it from sports injuries or the passage of time, tells a story of growth and the opportunity to embrace new beginnings, and we're unearthing the treasures hidden within these narratives.
Lastly, we chart the course of John's 43-year odyssey across the ever-transforming landscapes of leadership and communication. Reflect on the lessons etched by industry titans and the trials that have sculpted John's approach to building resilient teams. John casts a vision toward the horizon of generative AI and sustainable technology, inspiring us to consider our legacies in the wake of a post-pandemic world. As we peer into the future, poised at the cusp of 2024, we invite you to ponder the impact of your own contributions to society's fabric of well-being.
Connect with John via LinkedIn
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unlock the secrets of mental toughness as Lee Zohlman, Chief Commercial Officer for Juncos Hollinger Racing, joins me on a riveting exploration of endurance sports and high-stakes motorsports. In our chat, we unearth the fascinating parallels between the resilience of athletes and the strategic savvy needed in the fast-paced world of racing. Discover how the relentless pursuit of incremental gains and unwavering attention to detail are shared traits that transcend the track and trail, offering valuable lessons for triumph in any endeavor.
Prepare to be captivated by the fusion of raw human potential and cutting-edge technology in the realm of motorsports. Lee provides a behind-the-scenes glance at how AI and data analytics are revolutionizing car racing, pushing competitors to new heights of performance. Furthermore, we discuss the immersive world of AR/VR and its transformative effects on the spectator experience. Meanwhile, our conversation also celebrates the personal aspects of the sport: the imperative of physical fitness, the courage to tackle fresh challenges, and the deep insights garnered from steadfastly chasing one's dreams.
As we wrap up this episode, Lee and I reflect on the synergy between precision, balance, and the art of relationship-building. You'll get an insider's perspective on the dynamic teamwork that's essential to an IndyCar crew's success. Whether you're someone who thrives on competition, seeks continuous self-improvement, or simply enjoys learning from life's trials, this episode is your ticket to inspiration. Share this wisdom with a friend, drop us a review, and join the Grand Slam Journey community for more exhilarating discussions. Thank you for tuning in, and here's to thriving on and off the track.
Connect with Lee: websiteLinkedIn
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
As the racquet meets the ball, there's more at play than just a game of tennis; there's a world of strategy, resilience, and adaptability that mirrors the high-stakes realm of tech entrepreneurship. That's something Cole Crawford, the tech entrepreneur and former tennis pro, knows all too well. Join us on an exhilarating journey where we trace Cole's footsteps from the baseline of the court to the frontline of cutting-edge technology. We cover the inception of Vapor IO and how it's redefining the internet landscape, delve into the synergy between sportsmanship and business savvy, and discuss the potential of edge computing and AI to revolutionize industries from healthcare to sports betting.
Ever wondered how being an introvert shapes a leader? Get an intimate look at the intricacies of introversion as Cole and I unpack how this trait has played a pivotal role in the competitive worlds of both - tennis and business. From overcoming shyness to harnessing self-awareness as a strength, we unpack the unique challenges and advantages introverts face. We also celebrate the joy and challenges of past job roles—from Cole's days of embracing Linux to the thrill of building OpenStack—and the visionary steps that led to the foundation of Vapor IO. It's a tale of technological disruption, musical creativity, and the drive that blazes the trail in the startup landscape.
Prepare to have your perspectives challenged on everything from AI's role in our daily lives to the future of immersive technology. We explore the transformative potential of edge computing, the interplay with 5G networks, and how these advancements could change the way we communicate and experience the world. Cole shares his insights on AI fall detection in healthcare, the rise of micro-betting in sports, and the human side of technology—from VR for memory preservation to mental health and bridging the educational divide. This episode isn't just a podcast; it's an invitation to explore the profound impacts of our choices and the relentless pursuit to enrich the human experience through innovation.
Resources: https://www.vapor.io/ ︱ LinkedIn ︱Instagram
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
When Andrew McConnell steps up to the mic, you know you're in for a tour de force of entrepreneurial wisdom woven with personal anecdotes that hit close to the bone. A former competitive long-distance swimmer turned lawyer, consultant, and business creator, Andrew lays bare the transformative journey from defining oneself by titles to embracing a life led by true passion. The birth of his daughter and growing love for writing emerge as turning points, alongside his embrace of stoicism and a compelling argument for prioritizing effort over talent. As we unpack these layers, the conversation becomes a masterclass on the alchemy of turning one's multifaceted identity into a fulcrum of success.
Andrew's reflections on growing up in a melting pot of cultures and the rigors of swimming shape the narrative, shedding light on the intersection of self-care and ambition. The essence of self-care is often misunderstood as selfishness, but through my lens, it's the cornerstone of thriving in one's personal and professional spheres. Andrew and I share stories that reveal how mental fortitude and strategic time management, honed in the crucible of athletic training, are indispensable in the marathon of life and business. It's a dialogue that challenges you to audit and budget your 24-hour daily allowance, encouraging a reckoning with how we allot each priceless moment.
We round off our exchange with a look into Andrew's foray into the vacation rental industry and how the parallels between sports discipline and entrepreneurial drive are compellingly similar. From identifying niche markets to crafting innovative solutions that resonate on a global scale, there's inspiration at every turn. As Andrew gears up to launch hight next venture in holistic Health, we delve into the importance of a well-rounded approach to well-being, where fitness, nutrition, and stress management are as integral as social connections. His insights shed light on the power of a sound mindset and unrelenting effort as the linchpins of success—a testament to the fact that mastery, in any field, is not just a gift but a reward for perseverance.
Find Andrew:
📚 Get the book: GET OUT OF MY HEAD Creating Modern Clarity With Stoic Wisdom
https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandrewmcconnell/
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unlock the mysteries of your mind with Loretta Breuning Ph.D. as we explore the biological roots of unhappiness and the societal structures that sway our emotions. Our riveting chat strips away the veneer of societal expectations to reveal how our primal instincts for protection and social hierarchy affect our feelings and actions. Loretta Breuning, with her profound insights from "Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics," challenges the misconception that feeling down is a disorder, encouraging us to perceive it as a natural biological function.
Prepare to reshape your understanding of neural plasticity as we examine the power that lies within to rewire our brains. The episodes weave through the courage required to question medical and psychological standards to the societal tug-of-war between fitting in and expressing our true selves. We traverse the complex social dynamics that influence our sense of belonging and status and how these are imprinted upon us from our earliest experiences.
As we conclude our journey, we delve into the importance of self-awareness on the path toward personal growth and the enriching lessons cross-cultural experiences offer on perceptions of happiness. Loretta's perspectives promise to not just enlighten but also inspire you to harness the knowledge of biology and politics in your quest for a more fulfilling life. Share in the dialogue and extend the conversation with friends, as the quest for understanding happiness and unhappiness is a journey best traveled together.
Resources:Why You’re Unhappy: Biology vs Politics
The Happy Brain Podcast
Inner Mammal Institute
Reading List
Episode #56 on Apple Podcasts
Episode #56 on Spotify
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unlock the secrets of peak performance with Albert Matheny, the ingenious founder of PROMIX, as he unravels the intricate relationship between athlete nutrition and the U.S. food industry's shortcomings. This episode isn't just a deep dive; it's a full-scale expedition into the personal transformation of an endurance athlete turned visionary CEO, revealing the flawed one-size-fits-all dietary standards and how small, consistent changes can revolutionize athletic prowess. Join us for a journey through the rocky terrain of outdated nutritional advice and discover a path to a more truthful food system.
Navigating the murky waters of the nutrition and medical world can be daunting, but together with Albert, we cast a light on the archaic dietary guidelines that fail to meet the needs of athletes thirsty for peak performance. From a disciplined sports career to acquiring expertise in food science and dietetics, our conversation exposes the significant gaps in current dietary guidelines and the nutritional needs of active individuals. We also share valuable lessons from athletics, such as the importance of adaptability, whether you're training for a triathlon or running your own company, and how these skills are transferable to life beyond sports.
As we wrap up, we delve into the complexities of creating authentic, clean nutrition products and the power of simplifying one's approach to health and wellness. Albert shares his passion for formulating supplements that genuinely meet the needs of the health-conscious, and together, we discuss the importance of resilience – not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to diet and fitness routines. If you're seeking to optimize your health, performance, or simply want to feel your best, this episode with Albert Matheny offers a wealth of insights and practical tips for anyone ready to take their wellness to the next level.
Resources:
Albert's LinkedIN
Albert@promixnutrition.com
My favorite PROMIX product
Focus formula I took before the podcast, maybe it made me too fast! 😂🤣
What I'm ordering
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Ever wondered how the discipline from your morning jog could be the secret sauce behind your work achievements? Waqar Shaikh, an accomplished tech executive and endurance athlete, joins us from Karachi's bustling streets to the innovative corridors of T-Mobile, Google Cloud, and Accenture, unraveling this intricate web. His story is a testament to how applying sports principles to professional life can inspire growth, instilling vital traits such as persistence and meticulous attention to detail.
Childhood memories often include scraped knees and impromptu games of tag, but for Waqar, they were the building blocks for his illustrious career. We reminisce about how unstructured play and team sports imprinted essential social skills and a sense of community, which later translated into corporate success. Through Waqar's lens, we appreciate the unexpected twists of mentorship and seize opportunities that can define our path, whether in the field or in the boardroom.
As our conversation weaves through the stamina of running to the endurance required in the workplace, the parallels are clear: both demand consistency, routine, and self-care. We explore how these shared principles shape us into better athletes and more effective professionals, with Waqar's own journey providing a blueprint for balancing a tech-savvy career with a passion for pushing physical limits. Join us for this insightful synthesis of athleticism and innovation, where the four C's - Creativity, Curiosity, Communication, and Collaboration - emerge as cornerstones of fulfillment in both life and career.
Waqar's LinkedIn
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
As we wave goodbye to the year gone by, we're not just making resolutions; we're dissecting the intricate dance of technology and lifestyle that keeps us on our toes. Jump right in with us as we reflect on the wireless community's ingenuity and ponder what 2024 may bring in the telecommunications space, specifically private networks. Trevor McLaughlin joins the conversation, bringing a splash of cold reality to the hot debate on health fads like cold plunging. And while we're at it, we send a hearty thanks your way – our listeners – for turning our little podcast into a flourishing community.
Ever heard the one about the podcaster who moved across the country? Well, buckle up for our very own odyssey, complete with tire blowouts and the treasure hunt for the perfect brewery. This part of the journey isn't just about the miles; it's about the stories that sprout between Point A and Point B, the warmth of new neighbors, and the gastronomical promises of undiscovered local haunts. Our adventure through Texas's vastness isn't just a tale of relocation; it's a toast to the beginnings that await at the end of the road.
Imagine a world where your cell phone connects straight to satellites, where Walmart trucks never lose signal, and where the choice between 4G and 5G is more than just a number. We wrap our heads around these wireless wonders and forecast what shifts 2024 might usher in for private networks and enterprise and consumer connectivity empowerment. The airwaves are abuzz with the potential for change, and we're here to sift through the static, offering a glimpse into the future of connectivity that might revolutionize how you interact with the world right from your pocket.
Trevor's LinkedIn
networkfx.io
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Are you ready to redefine your perception of leadership, relationships, and holistic health? We prepared a power-packed conversation with fitness and nutrition coach, army veteran, and entrepreneur Ben Smith. Having transitioned from a decorated military life to becoming an Integrated Wellness Coach, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring personal journey that encapsulates the essence of health, both mental and physical.
Ben opens up about his identity crisis and how he found solace in fitness and nutrition. He explains how he uses physical health as a stepping stone to mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Plus, Ben shares with us the secrets of his coaching philosophy, which is rooted in building long-term relationships and fostering a safe space for clients to explore new horizons. Get ready to redefine your understanding of leadership and holistic health as we dive into the unknown depths of therapy, breathwork, and even psychedelic therapy.
This episode doesn't stop at offering fitness advice. As we traverse the path of Ben's journey, we encounter the challenges he faced in transitioning from military to civilian life. He shares his struggles with identity crisis and how he emerged more robust. We also delve into the importance of rituals in managing life effectively, from journaling to cold plunging, and how they can help in personal growth and development. We conclude with a heartwarming conversation about authenticity, connection, and appreciation, making this episode a treasure trove of insights. So, join us for this riveting exploration, and let's redefine leadership, relationships, and holistic health together. Be prepared to be inspired, informed, and invigorated!
Resources:https://www.instagram.com/benveesmith/
https://trainwithben.app/
https://linktr.ee/benveesmith
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
What if you could redefine your limits and ignite your potential? Embarking on this journey with us is none other than former world champion boxer turned entrepreneur and coach, Brett W Smith. We delve into Brett's sportive escapades, personal explorations, and endeavors of mental toughness, exploring his pathway to success as he shattered societal ceilings and navigated life's untamed waves. From the heart of Sydney to the depths of the Egyptian seas, Brett's life is a saga of courage, resilience, and an undying spirit.
Brett's candid recounting of his athletic journey and transition to coaching is nothing short of inspirational. His experiences, from the rugby field to the boxing ring, have shaped him, but it's his exploration of past traumas and their influence on his present reality that resonates deeply. Brett's insights into the mindset of a successful athlete turned coach illuminate the road less traveled, a path strewn with hard-learned lessons and hard-won victories.
Our conversation reaches a crescendo as we dig into mental health, self-care, and the power of pushing beyond one's perceived boundaries. Brett's story finds resonance not just in the sporting arena but also in the business world, where his drive, discipline, and resilience echo. His passion for aiding others in their journey towards personal growth and his zeal for teaching people to listen to their true selves is a testament to his strength and character. Join us on this enlightening journey with Brett W Smith, as he navigates life's challenges and motivating us to chase our dreams.
Find Brett on:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Have you wondered how a simple fitness tool could revolutionize your life? Prepare to be intrigued as we dive into an engaging conversation with strength and movement leader in kettlebell and bodyweight fitness and author Aleks Salkin. We'll uncover how kettlebell training can transcend your fitness level, gifting you with immense strength, stamina, and mental toughness. Aleks's personal journey from a non-athletic kid to becoming a beacon of inspiration for many will leave you in awe and certainly challenge your perspectives on fitness and natural abilities.
Shattering misconceptions around fitness, we delve right into the heart of finding activities you adore as we unravel why fitness isn't just about training. As we dissect the benefits of kettlebell training blended with bodyweight calisthenics, you'll be invigorated with a fresh outlook on workout routines. Aleks generously offers practical advice on approaching fitness sustainably and enjoyably. Prepare to be inspired as Aleks guides us on kickstarting fitness journeys with kettlebells and natural movements, highlighting the importance of small, practical steps and a supportive environment.
Drawing from Aleks's books "The No BS Kettlebell and Bodyweight Kickstart Program" and "Tamers of the Lost Arc," we provide an extensive guide to kettlebell training and beyond that caters to beginners and advanced practitioners. We'll tackle the misconceptions around fitness and highlight the significance of integrating activities you love into your routine. So tune in and get ready for a fitness transformation journey packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable advice. You'll be eager to embark on a personal quest for fitness, strength, and resilience! This episode doesn't just invite you to listen; it's a potent call to action to start your fitness journey today!
Resources:
Alek's website: https://www.alekssalkin.com/
Free challenge: http://9minutechallenge.com
The No BS Kettlebell and Bodyweight Kickstart Program
Tamers of the Lost Arc: Insider Tips on Smashing Your Plateaus, Kickstarting Your Progress, and Forging Bold New Strength in the Kettlebell Ballistic Lifts
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
TESLA
Use my referral link for Tesla and get up to $250 off and 3-months of Full Self-Driving Capability
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Happy November 15th and Happy National Recycling Day! Ever wondered how the world of tennis could contribute to sustainability? Buckle up for an exciting discussion with Sai Chaudhry, the founder of the RecycleBalls Ambassador Program, as well as Keaton Dassanayake and Heena Bharti. They all share a passion for tennis and creating a more sustainable future around the sport. We're serving up a conversation centered around RecycleBalls, a non-profit behind this initiative that is reducing environmental impact by recycling tennis balls, proof that every small action matters in the journey to a sustainable future.
Our journey doesn't stop there. We navigate the tumultuous journey from professional tennis to the corporate world, where I share my story and transition from the court to the telecommunications industry. Immerse yourself in stories of resilience, lessons learned, and heartfelt advice for young or older tennis players. Heena, Keaton, and Sai also let us in on their love for tennis, revealing its profound role in their lives.
As our conversation evolves, we examine the innovative potential of recycling in the world of tennis. Imagine turning used tennis balls into apparel, shoes, or a tennis court! We explore the role of sustainability and how individuals and organizations can contribute to a greener and better future. Gear up for a unique perspective on tennis, recycling, and sustainability in this riveting episode that promises a fresh perspective on making a positive impact on our planet. Remember, change begins with one recycled tennis ball at a time.
Resources:RecycleBalls websiteJoin the recycling program or become an AmbassadorEpisode #31 with Erin Cunningham - CEO or RecycleBallsErin's LinkedIn
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
What if you were given the key to understanding your own emotions and behavior? Prepare to venture on a fascinating exploration of the human brain with our esteemed guest Loretta Breuning Ph.D, the founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, an author of 8 books, and a host of The Happy Brain podcast. We delve into the power of brain chemicals - serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins and the impact of childhood experiences on our neural development, and strategies for managing our emotions.
We're not stopping there. We're also diving deep into the role of cortisol - the stress hormone often overlooked in discussions about emotions. We examine our responses to fear and survival, and how these are linked to our evolution. Moreover, we provide practical tips on how to relieve cortisol and shed light on how our brain's operating system functions.
In the latter stages, we navigate the complex terrain of negative thoughts, pursuits, and disappointments, expectation setting, unraveling how these scenarios impact our neural pathways. We also discuss the differences in behavior between men and women from an evolutionary perspective, and how our expectations are directly linked to our dopamine levels. Join us as we reveal the power of creating new neural pathways, even in the face of fatigue or hardship. This episode is an essential listen for anyone wanting to decode the intricate science behind our emotions and behavior.
Resources:Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Endorphin LevelsThe Happy Brain Podcast
Inner Mammal Institute
Reading List
Anger Management: I Feel Pretty
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
What if the strategic thinking you cultivate on the tennis court could shape your corporate journey? That's precisely what tennis enthusiast and corporate community-building expert Dani Weinstein did, and he's here to discuss his journey from the tennis courts to the corporate world and to the heart of Israel. He shares some lessons from his tennis pursuits, emphasizing how maintaining focus, learning from losses, and adopting effective routines can transition seamlessly into your professional life.
Dani's expertise doesn't stop at applying the mental skills honed on the tennis court to his corporate journey. A master diplomat between technology and consumers, Dani unveils his unique MSEE model, a strategic framework for community building that propelled him to launch seven language communities in 15 months. Hear how he navigated the corporate landscape, from his experiences with two high-achieving unicorns, Domo and Kaltura, to his current role at SAP.
As an Israeli, Dani lends insights into the multifaceted conflict gripping the region. Urging listeners to dive into history and absorb multiple perspectives before forming judgments, Dani underlines the importance of nuanced understanding in the face of complex realities. So, buckle up for an enlightening discussion that traverses personal journeys, corporate landscapes, and global issues. Dani's story will inspire and provoke thought, so don't miss this captivating episode.
Resources:
Connect with Dani: Linkedin, X Learn more about Community Building: Community Strategy Academy, In Before the Lock Podcast, Build Better Communities, CMX Hub
Books: People Powered: How Communities Can Supercharge Your Business, Brand, and Teams, The Business of Belonging: How to Make Community your Competitive Advantage, Building Brand Communities: How Organizations Succeed by Creating Belonging
List of causes and organizations supporting Israelis in this challenging time:Jewish Agency Fund for Terror Victims
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Get set for a candid story about the lesser discussed aspects of tennis; I share my personal experience with a strategy that has divided opinions - hitting the opponent during matches. I will take you back to the time when I re-joined USTA after a break from competitive tennis, as well as tips for your doubles strategy for those who are not afraid and want to win while staying within the boundaries of the tennis rules. This episode also brings an experience of my friend Irina from Episode #11 and the wisdom our dads passed onto us about self-protection in the game. Tune in as we serve up a story from tennis that translated beyond the court.
LinkedIn pole
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Ever wondered how your life could be simplified by the wonders of automation? We promise you, by the end of our chat with dynamic duo Anna and Dana, you'll have a completely new perspective and insight into the fascinating world of automation - from automated driving and smart cities to the concept of robotic home assistants. We explore critical topics like privacy, data security, and the role of AI in automation.
In this tech-saturated episode, we step inside the future, where mundane tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing are all taken care of by automation. Imagine having a personal robot assistant seamlessly integrated into your life, lending you a hand (or a wheel) to manage your time more effectively. Anna, Dana, and I share our personal experiences with home and work automation and how it has transformed the way they live and work - for the better or worse.
Wrapping up this tech bonanza, we delve into the world of digital assistants and reveal the importance of control and transparency in the decision-making process. We weigh up the benefits and challenges of automation in our daily lives and share our favorite tools and tips for making the most of this revolutionary technology. Join us for a fascinating journey into the future, where the line between human and machine becomes beautifully blurred. Remember, technology is here to help us apply our human potential to the things we are passionate about. Tune in, learn, and let automation take the wheel!
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
What could be more intriguing than a sneak peek into the world of wireless technology through the lens of an industry pro? Brace yourselves for an exciting episode as we sit down with our prominent guest, Trevor McLaughlin, a wireless technology expert with a remarkable three-decade-long career. Our conversation draws you into Trevor's unique professional journey, from his humble beginnings at a mall kiosk to commanding key roles at giants like T-Mobile, Ericsson, and Samsung.
Trevor shares interesting anecdotes from his career, underlining examples of cultural differences and values that can significantly influence an employee's experience. We also dissect the industry's stumbling blocks, like spectrum investment, return on investment, and the formidable resistance to change the status quo. One highlight is Trevor's breakdown on simplifying the complexity of the wireless industry, a must-listen for those looking to navigate this field, especially in the realm of private networks.
Stay tuned till the end for Trevor's refreshing perspective on the current state of private networks, 5G, the buzz around 6G, and the invitation for conferences to start addressing real issues instead of only promoting the marketing pitch and message. Join us for this enlightening discussion, and we promise you'll come away with a richer understanding of the wireless technology world. Whether you're an industry professional or just curious about wireless technology, this episode will deliver a wealth of insights. Get ready for a fascinating ride into the wireless universe!
Resources:Trevor's LinkedIn Profile
Next Industry Event
networkfx: https://networkfx.io/
Trevor's cell number: 253-266-9981
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Unravel the secrets of leadership with Ahmed Moussa, the Managing Director of Signature Markets at Verizon Business Group, as he explores how his upbringing in Kuwait and Egypt has influenced his leadership style. Discover the curious connection between tennis and leadership that Ahmed wrote about in his article Nerves in Leadership - The Wimbledon Edition as his observation about the Women's Wimbledon Finals and the critical role curiosity plays in staying ahead of technological shifts. You'll be inspired by his journey, adapting from Egypt to New Zealand, and his continuous learning of new skills – a story of adaptability that is as compelling as it is insightful.
Dive into the depths of leadership and technology as Ahmed shares his experiences and mindset, shaped by his upbringing and his journey through the global telecommunications industry. Learn from a captivating conversation about the importance of understanding culture and environment when making decisions. Also, delve deeper into the role of curiosity in leadership and how it's essential to understand the technology leaders manage to help unlock the team's potential.
This episode doesn't shy away from hitting some sensitive notes - we talk about the often-overlooked loneliness of leadership, drawing parallels between leadership roles and sports. You'll hear about the importance of feedback and seeking support, as well as the pressures and expectations from teams that can become overwhelming. We wrap up with a reflection on management and leadership styles. Ahmed shares his experience as a middle manager and how it has shaped his understanding of empathy and vulnerability in modern leadership. This is an episode you won't want to miss - join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of leadership with Ahmed Moussa.
Resources
Nerves in Leadership - The Wimbledon Edition
The Mindset Of a Winner | Kobe Bryant Champions Advice
MAMBA MENTALITY - Kobe Bryant Motivational Speech
Lex & Yuval Noah Harari podcast
8 EIGHT SLEEP
Save $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustment
LEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEAR
Get 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performance
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and join the LinkedIn community.
Picture this: A kid growing up in Perth, Australia, watching his father - a famous Australian tennis player - coaching tennis legend Margaret Court. I am fortunate to have Skip Bowman in conversation with me in our latest episode about all things tennis, scuba diving, and leadership, whether it's on a tennis court, in a deep blue ocean, or a corporate board room.
Skip's journey from being a Master Scuba Diver and Instructor to studying organizational psychology and coaching and consulting leaders in some of the largest organizations in the world is an intriguing one. We chat about the revolution of tennis in the 60s and 70s, the remarkable women who paved the way, and the challenges they faced. We delve into how Skip's scuba diving experience and his international cultural immersion when he moved to Switzerland and then Denmark without knowing the language can unleash the next level of growth mindset, leadership, and understanding of the true meaning behind psychological safety. We reflect on the significance of curiosity, reflective capability, and confidence in nurturing a growth mindset and how leaders can tap into these elements to unleash team potential.
We explore the digital age, its influences, and implications. We underscore the need to discern between manipulation and exploitation, the various leadership styles we see in global corporations, and how Dolphins - a metaphor for an exemplary leadership style - can shape a safe environment for self-expression. Skip argues that relationships play a crucial role and proposes an interpersonal theory of growth mindset that focuses on helping each other grow and mobilizing supporters. We also discuss the societal programming that leads to the promotion of narcissistic leaders and the need for more complex and clever strategies in today's world.
Finally, we address cognitive and collaborative overload in our workspaces, the potential benefits of hybrid working, and the role humor plays in leadership. Join us as we journey through topics of tennis, psychology, leadership, and more - you're in for a thought-provoking ride!
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiporgcoach/
Website: https://www.skip-bowman.com/
Get "Safe to Great: The New Psychology of Leadership" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4ljM6wD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmindset325
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Sit down with us as we delve into an intriguing discussion with the brilliant Annie Duke. She navigates our listeners from the world of academia to the high-stakes realm of poker, and back, sprinkling invaluable insights along the way. The episode unfurls the hidden similarities between poker and tennis, and brings to light how the strategic game of poker has influenced her approach to tennis. We also uncover the role of skill and luck in the world of competitive games and how these elements can affect short-term outcomes.
Annie bares her personal journey as a woman in the predominantly male field of poker, bringing forth the challenges she faced and the decision that led her to quit. She enlightens us on the power of knowing when to walk away, a skill that is often overlooked. Our discussion also ventures into the purpose of betting in poker, proving that it is more than a gamble; it's a way of gathering information about your opponent.
In the concluding part of our conversation, we explore the connection between forced quitting, decision making, and opportunity costs. Annie's books serve as a backdrop as we navigate through the concept of open-mindedness and the complexity of changing beliefs. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation that's brimming with strategies and insights from the captivating world of poker, academia, tennis, and beyond. You'll be left contemplating your own decision-making strategies and maybe even your next move in poker, or life in general.
Check out:
Annie's Website: https://www.annieduke.com/
Annie's Substack: https://annieduke.substack.com/
Annie's Podcast: The Decision Education Podcast on Apple Podcast, https://alliancefordecisioneducation.org/podcasts/
Annie's Books: https://www.annieduke.com/books/
Alliance for Decision Education: https://alliancefordecisioneducation.org/
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Ever wondered how grit and tenacity in sports can translate into business acumen and leadership? Meet Lisa Litherland, a former corporate leader turned entrepreneur who used her athletic background to launch her successful entrepreneurial journey. With a multicultural upbringing in Japan and an impressive stint in various contact and extreme sports, Lisa's unique perspective adds an exciting flavor to her tale.
Lisa shares her transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, painting a vivid picture of the joys and challenges that come with such a bold move. She delves into her experiences with Social Optics, her innovative Ed-Tech startup that seeks to foster social and emotional well-being. Lisa's sporty spirit doesn't just stop on the field – she brings the same competitive drive and discipline to developing her business.
Stay tuned as Lisa also gives us a peek into her book 'Live Your Passion: How to Leave the Corporate World and Begin Your Startup Journey,' providing a unique insight into the writing process with the aid of generative AI. She doesn't shy away from sharing her personal journey, instilling a sense of inspiration and encouraging others to chase their dreams and passions. Grab your headphones and join us on this enriching journey of passion, tenacity, and entrepreneurship, as Lisa Litherland shows us what it truly means to live your passion.
Social Optics website: https://www.mysocialoptics.com/
Best way to reach Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalitherland/
Get Lisa's Book: https://a.co/d/cPITsHh
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
What does it take to be an NFL quarterback, and how does the journey shape the psyche of an athlete? In a riveting conversation with former NFL quarterback and current CEO of The Post, Christian Ponder, we explore answers to these compelling questions and more. We journey with Christian from his high school football days through college, and his tenure in NFL, dissecting the mental resilience, leadership requisites, and the impact of injuries on an athlete's performance.
Christian doesn't just stop at his time in the NFL. He takes us through his transition from professional sports, detailing the identity issues, the absence of structure, and the community void he experienced. This discussion leads us to the inception of The Post, an athlete community designed to address these very challenges. We delve into the ethos of the 'Athlete Operating System' and how a champion's mindset can significantly enhance success, not just in sports but in all walks of life.
We wrap up our enlightening chat by examining the core components of The Post: the community, coaching, teams, and clubhouses. Christian sheds light on his vision to replicate the locker room environment fostering vulnerability, ambition, and accountability. He underlines the significance of introspection and self-scouting as tools for success. If yyou'rea former athlete seeking a community that understands your journey, this conversation promises to be an enlightening exploration. Join us to unravel the layers of an aathlete'smind, the challenges they face, and the community that supports them through it all.
To learn more visit: https://www.thepost.co/
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Ever wonder what it takes to turn personal struggle into a groundbreaking app? Our guest for this episode, Vanessa Jupe, did just that. Vanessa is the CEO and Founder of Leva, an innovative platform designed to support new moms, and she's here to share her journey with us. From her personal struggles with breastfeeding, which sparked the idea for Lava, to her decision to forego a corporate role to focus on making a difference for new moms, Vanessa's story is one of resolute ambition and purpose.
Navigating through Vanessa's experiences, we discuss the trials and tribulations she faced as a female leader and entrepreneur. She draws a fascinating parallel between skills honed in the world of athletics and those needed in the corporate sphere. We also delve into her approach to handling the emotional rollercoaster that comes with running a business, a testament to her resilience. Vanessa is candid and open, offering a raw account of her journey in entrepreneurship.
We also open the floor to discuss broader societal issues, such as the stigma around women's health and some of the misconceptions Vanessa and her team face when scaling their mission. Join us for a powerful and enlightening conversation, a rollercoaster ride through passion, purpose, and entrepreneurship with Vanessa Jupe. This episode is not just for new moms or entrepreneurs but for anyone who has ever faced hurdles in life and is looking for inspiration on how to turn them into stepping stones.
https://www.levaapp.com/
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through hormetic stress response. Save $100 with "GSJ100"
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Life's a series of transitions - whether it's starting a new job, moving to a different place, or even your kids graduating to higher school levels. This is a journey we've all taken, and we're here to tell you that navigating through these can be less daunting and more fulfilling than you think. Join us as we delve into our personal experiences and dish out practical advice to help you brave these changes and come out victorious.
We discuss workplace transitions. We highlight the importance of curiosity when venturing into something new and how celebrating even the smallest wins can be a game-changer.
We dive into the specifics of adjusting to a new language, culture, schools, and college athletics. Reflecting on our own journeys, we underline the importance of understanding your role as an athlete and the balance between going fast and slow. We also discuss how simple questions can lead to valuable insights.
We also contemplate the growing influence of AI technology and how technology is impacting our lives. How can we foster critical thinking and creativity in our children, ensuring they use the new technology for good?
We also emphasize the critical role of parents in aiding their children's transition to high school and college. Let's embrace these transitions together, learn, grow, and set ourselves up for success.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through hormetic stress response. Save $100 with "GSJ100"
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Have you ever stood alone in a place so unfamiliar that even the air feels different? This episode is all about embracing that exact sensation! I'll tell you about my personal experiences of stepping away from my comfort zone and hiking to places untouched by the clutter of internet signals. There's profound beauty in such journeys, and I'll tell you all about the culture shocks, the newfound appreciation for everyday comforts, and how a game of tennis can open your eyes to the world's diverse cultures.
Unfamiliarity doesn't always equal discomfort; sometimes, it's the beginning of a beautiful learning curve. Together, we'll explore how these unique life experiences and cultural immersions have shaped my worldview. Inspired by the master of innovation, Steve Jobs, I'll share words of wisdom from his book, Make Something Wonderful. Just as I've learned, I hope my stories inspire you to step onto the path less traveled to appreciate the world we live in and the differences that make us unique. To all my listeners, your unwavering support is deeply cherished. Now, let's embark on this journey of discovery and growth together!
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through hormetic stress response. Save $100 with "GSJ100"
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Step into the world of sports and technology innovation as we embark on a fascinating journey with our guest, Adam Battersby, the creative genius behind Pro-Batter Sports. We'll be delving into the crux of how his revolutionary virtual reality pitching machine is stepping up the training game for hitters.
Beyond baseball, we'll walk you through Adam's personal and business journey, highlighting how his baseball and wrestling experiences have honed his entrepreneurial spirit. Hear about the challenges brought on by the pandemic, their impact on his operations, and how diversification became a survival mantra. And amidst all this, we'll get to unravel Adam's philosophy on the constant cycle of disruption, an inevitable part of any business journey.
We explore the worlds of baseball, cricket, softball, and tennis. We'll examine how these sports are leveraging tech innovations to increase their fan base and player skills, with insights from Adam's invaluable experiences. From the affordability of advanced machines to the potential growth of these sports, we'll cover it all. So, buckle up and join us as we traverse the intersection of sports and technology.
https://probatter.com/
Call Us: 203-874-2500
sales@probatter.com
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through hormetic stress response. Save $100 with "GSJ100"
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Do you crave to unlock the resilience and grit of an athlete within your business framework? Then saddle up as we dive into a fascinating dialogue with David Lindsay, a maven in the realm of sports and business. His life, fraught with challenges and victories, from rugby league to martial arts, has honed a competitive edge that has propelled him into entrepreneurial and workplace success. David spills the magic potion of his five-step system towards improved workplace vitality, including 'snap,' 'nap,' 'tap,' 'clap,' and 'recap,' which infuses the essence of sports into a business workplace setting.
David's journey has not been a piece of cake. From overcoming two knee reconstructions to an injury which paralized his arm, he's tasted the bitterness of failure and the sweetness of resilience. He unpacks the emotional baggage accompanying injuries and identity shifts that led to significant life alterations following his sports career. The narrative of his journey is sure to resonate with anyone grappling with upheavals and identity shifts in their personal or professional lives.
But the rollercoaster ride doesn't stop there. David takes us through the pragmatic and power-packed five-step system for enhancing vitality in the workplace. Imagine applying the adrenaline rush of a sporting match to your work - that's what David's system promises to deliver. The conversation culminates with a call to action for all who desire to propel their businesses to new heights, leveraging the nuances between sports and business. Tune in to be jolted into a world where the athletic mindset is no longer confined within the four lines of a sports field but finds a new home in the boardrooms and desk jobs.
David's Website
Email: david@davidlindsay.com.au
David's LinkedIn
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
"Winners never quit," we've all heard this well-intentioned advice, but have you ever dared to challenge it? Join me and my wonderful guests, Anna and Dana, as we tangle with this age-old wisdom and posit that perhaps quitting could be the unsung hero of success. We'll share personal stories, propose a fresh perspective on the power of quitting, and scrutinize the concept of 'blind perseverance,' which often leaves us committing too much to a cause that might not even align with our ambitions.
"Quit when it's right!" is the mantra we dissect. We navigate the complex decision-making process, discuss the challenges of quitting, and how to strike a balance between perseverance and knowing when to step away. We spotlight 'grit,' often hailed as the secret sauce for success, but we argue that it's not just about being tenacious; it's about discovering the right cause to be determined about. We'll also talk about how making the brave decision to quit can potentially open doors to new opportunities.
Lastly, we will introduce you to a support framework to assist you in making these critical decisions. We also dive into the power of discipline and its role in achieving our aspirations. So, brew yourself a cup of coffee and join Anna, Dana, and myself in this riveting discussion. Remember, quitting doesn't mean you've lost; it could just be the first step toward a win.
This conversation is inspired by the book Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke.
Other resources: New York Times Article, "People I (Mostly) Admire" Podcast
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through hormetic stress response. Save $100 with "GSJ100"
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Ready for a game-changing partnership and a life-transforming move? Join me as I reveal my exciting collaboration with Noble Hormetics and their outstanding product, the Noble Sisu Cold Plunge. I'll let you in on why I specifically chose this cold plunge over others and how it perfectly fits my needs in terms of pricing, portability, and insulation. Plus, discover the incredible benefits of cold plunging for recovery and pushing through personal limits.
I also share my recent experience of relocating to Austin, Texas, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with it. From the challenges of moving to the exhilaration of new beginnings and routines, I'll take you through my journey of settling in this vibrant city. With the hot Texas weather, the Noble Sisu Cold Plunge is just what I need to elevate my recovery routine. So, come along as I explore all that Austin has to offer and embark on this thrilling new chapter in my life!
Noble SISU Cold Plunge
The SISU Cold Plunge creates health benefits through the hormetic stress response. Noble Hormetics is a local Austin, TX, company that specializes in helping people get cold. Ditch the bags of ice; visit nobleplunge.com for more information. Use coupon code GSJ100 to get $100 off your plunge.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
What if compression garments could not only enhance your athletic performance but also boost your confidence and self-assurance in everyday life? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Oe, the visionary designer and owner of Leorêver, a luxury activewear brand that's revolutionizing the world of compression garments for men and women.
Discover how Jonathan's journey took him from growing up in Venice, California, to working with the LA Lakers and The Chargers and eventually launching his own fashion brand. We dive deep into the benefits and real-world applications of Leorêver's products, from reducing fatigue and improving blood circulation to empowering professionals in demanding professions like the CIA and FBI. Jonathan also shares inspiring stories of athletes whose performance skyrocketed after incorporating his compression garments into their routines.
But our conversation doesn't stop at athletics. We also explore Jonathan's design philosophy and the creative process behind his captivating Monte Carlo and Roma collections, as well as how he's breaking down stigmas and pushing boundaries in the fashion industry. Get ready to be inspired by Jonathan Oe's incredible story and the transformative power of Leorêver compression garments.
Jonathan's Email: jonathan@leorever.com
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
What happens when you combine a passion for technology and a dedication to creating meaningful AI careers? You get Polly Allen, a professional business manager and leader with over 20 years of experience in high tech. In this engaging episode, I chatted with Polly her journey from a remote part of Canada to leading the team that launched the very first generative AI answers on Alexa. Discover how Polly's upbringing and early exposure to computers sparked her lifelong love for technology and led her to become a prominent figure in the AI industry.
During this episode Polly and I dive deep into the exciting world of AI and its implications, from cybersecurity and fraud concerns to the importance of risk review and governance in AI projects. Uncover how AI is developing to become more sophisticated and the potential for open source projects and no-code tools to make powerful systems more accessible to everyone. Plus, we touch on the challenges and opportunities of bringing more women into computer science and the tech industry.
Listen in as we discuss the importance of getting hands-on experience with AI projects and the tools available to build generative AI prototypes. Learn the best ways to stay up-to-date with AI advancements and be inspired to explore the possibilities of AI in your own career and life. Don't miss this insightful conversation full of valuable advice from a true AI enthusiast and expert — Polly Allen.
Polly's website with current and upcoming courses and get your free AI Learning Guide: https://www.aicareerboost.com/
Sing up for Polly's newsletter: https://www.aicareerboost.com/interested
______________
Partnerships:
- Noble Cold Plunge: https://www.noblehormetics.com/product/sisu-cold-plunge/ Get $100 discount with code: GSJ100
______________
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Learn more about me and the podcast on my website, where you can subscribe to stay updated about my projects.
Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or join the community on LinkedIn and Facebook. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Anna-Maria Moonen has had various leadership roles in the Information Technology and Telco services industry. She thrives in environments that enable innovative thinking with a focus on growing the most important asset of the company – the people.
Dana Jaber Diab is an Information and Communications Technology Business Leader with an unquenchable curiosity for all things tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
During this episode, Anna, Dana, and I discuss the difficulty of feeling uncomfortable and how to deal with it. We all shared our experiences when we felt uncomfortable and things that helped us overcome the feeling and reframe. We discussed the importance of being intentional about how one projects themselves and cost-benefit analysis.
We discussed the importance of getting to know yourself, being comfortable with your capabilities, and the difficulty of talking about your achievements.
We also discussed the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow and suggested setting a time limit to vent negative feelings and allowing one to move on. We also emphasized the importance of having a support system to help navigate difficult situations.
Questions explored:
- What makes us label a potentially negative outcome as negative?
- How can I be more certain about and own who I am as a human, the strengths I have, and the things I have achieved?
- Is this serving me?
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Navigating Uncomfortable Situations and How to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable
- Exploring the Psychology of Rejection
- Experimenting with Different Leadership Styles
- A Discussion on the Journey of Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy
- Exploring the benefits of stepping out of comfort zones
- Exploring discomfort and managing stressful situations
- Setting up a complaining appointment to overcome negativity
- Overcoming the fear of the unknown
- Discussion on overcoming procrastination and discomfort when tackling unfamiliar tasks and problems
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Mark Reifkind website: https://giryastrength.com/
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Training, competing, and obsession with movement have been Mark's passions for 50 years. Gymnastics taught him a love of pure movement and an appreciation for what the human body can do. Endurance training taught him to breathe and keep going, no matter what. Strength training and powerlifting taught him focus, power, and intent. Now back full circle with kettlebells and the weightlessness of gymnastics. Coaching and teaching have always been as natural to Mark as breathing. He loves to help others experience the joy of strong movement and physical courage.
This is the second part of our conversation, where Mark and I explore topics around navigating health and fitness as we age. Mark answers my questions and things I have been personally struggling with that I wanted Mark's guidance and perspective on.
We cover:
🌱 The importance of recovery and how to think about recovery as we age - as athletes and humans in general
🌞 The power of routines, routine & efficiency, Mark's morning routine
✨ How to think about Quality and Quantity of training as we age
🧓👵 Exercise, Longevity, and Blue Zones
🤯 Stress and longevity
😫 Handling pain - good pain vs. bad pain
🎈Appreciation of nothingness, building yourself up, letting things go
🔥 Are you willing to pay the price needed for what you want to accomplish
❌ Saying No, giving ourselves the permission to do what we know is right
🎯 Discipline of elite athletes
📌 Approach to coaching and sustaining clients for over 20+ years
💡 The importance of mindset
🆕 Tips on how to increase general fitness - how and where to start?
🔄 Consistency
🔗Go to this article to download a free Body Maintenance ebook by Mark Reifkind.
Podcast #GrandSlamJourney #FitnessJourney #Aging #Recovery #Mindset #StrengthTraining #Discipline #Consistency #FitnessTips #FitnessGoals
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Mark Reifkind website: https://giryastrength.com/
Instagram
Facebook
Training, competing, and obsession with movement have been Mark's passions for 50 years. When he stepped foot in a gymnastics gymnasium at age 14, he knew he had found a home. Gymnastics taught him a love of pure movement and an appreciation for what the human body can do. Endurance training taught him to breathe and keep going, no matter what. Strength training and powerlifting taught him focus, power, and intent. Now back full circle with kettlebells. Back to swings and the weightlessness of gymnastics. Coaching and teaching have always been as natural to Mark as breathing. He loves to help others experience the joy of strong movement and physical courage.
During the Part 1 of 2, we discuss:
- 🏆 Mark's journey of sports and fitness: from being an elite athlete -gymnastics, marathon, ultramarathon, triathlon, iron man, bodybuilding, powerlifting - to the gym owner, coach, professional trainer
- 1️⃣ N = 1 vs. the theory of everything
- 🤸🏼♀️ Gymnastics for understanding movement vs. competitive gymnastics
- 🤕 Dealing with setbacks and injuries
- 💯 Mindset to succeed
- 🌟 Standing on the shoulders of giants, choosing your coaches and mentors, and learning from the best
- 👑 Mentioned in this podcast Louie Simmons, Scott Willson, Kurt Thomas, Christopher Sommers, Paul Chek functional fitness, Kelly Starrett, Pavel Tsatsouline
- 🧑🏼🔬 Science vs. 🏋️♀️Understanding the body as a coach and athlete
- 💪 Importance of strength for health
- 🧑🎓 Difference between a client and a student
- 🏃♂️ Primal patterns of movement and qualities
- 🧱 Building your foundation & base
- 🦸♂️ What's the action hero walk?
- 🚀 The Importance of Experimenting and trying something
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This is one of my solo episodes where I cover:
- Updates & Announcements
- Share my cold plunge experience at @Rikke's place. Listen to episode #33 for more details and feel free to check my my instagram highlight where Rikke is guiding me through it. Thank you 🙏 Rikke! The best cold plunge guide I could ever ask for. 🤩
-
AMA - I received number of questions which I attempt to answer in this episode
-
What's the Best Coffee Shop on the West Coast? Kean’s coffee. Definitely check it out if you are in SoCal https://keancoffee.com
- How do should one hold a tennis racquet - Do pros hold the racket very loosely?
- What are the keys to a good forehand What are some of the things you learn at junior to hit a good forehand?
- What elevated your tennis to the next level?
- What are some of the footwork drills that one should be doing? This might be a good tool for footwork drills. You can have a lot of fun with it.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Rikke's website: https://rikke.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikkechiro/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RikkeChiropractic/
Text: (650) 484-0110
Email: hello@rikke.us
We discuss:
- Rikke's athletic background: Handball 🤾🏼♀️, powerlifting & bodybuilding 💪 , triathlons, 🚴🏼♀️🏊🏼🏃🏼♀️
- 🇩🇰 A journey from Denmark to the USA 🇺🇸
- 👩🏼⚕️ Becoming a doctor of chiropractic
- ❓ How to find the right doctor for you
- 🗝️ Key to personal growth
- 🔉 Shockwave therapy
- 🧊 Cold plunge benefits and protocols
- 😴 Tips for rest and recovery
- 🥗 Tips about nutrition
Rikke has 30 years of experience in practice as a doctor of chiropractic. Rikke truly believes that nobody deserves to live in pain. She graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in 1992, started practice in a large, sport-focused chiropractic clinic, and then established her individual practice in 1997.
Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians – board eligible
Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Radiologists– board eligible
Rikke's private chiropractic practice consists of many elite athletes who require the most recent and effective health care for optimum performance. RiKKE® Chiropractic was conceptualized out of the recognition that health care, rehabilitation, and prevention require more than what traditional chiropractic and medical care can provide.
For ongoing rehabilitation to occur in patients dealing with musculoskeletal conditions, and for anyone wishing to avoid injuries or conquer chronic problems, it takes active participation, as well as having access to quality support services such as myofascial therapy, core strengthening, supervised rehabilitation as well as individualized guidance on nutritional supplementation.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Before you listen to this episode, I highly suggest watching this TED Talk first.
Dana Jaber Diab is an Information and Communications Technology Business Leader with an unquenchable curiosity for all things tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Anna-Maria Moonen has had various leadership roles in the Information Technology and Telco services industry. She thrives in environments that enable innovative thinking with a focus on growing the most important asset of the company – the people.
This episode plays with the idea of what we would do if we were diagnosed with an untreatable illness and had to face our mortality:
- What would you change?
- What would you stop doing?
- What would you create time for?
- Who would you spend more time with?
- How would you enjoy the present moment?
- What is preventing you from starting all this now?
- We use this conversation setting as an opportunity to slow down and reflect, explore our regrets and how we think about past decisions that, from hindsight, may not have been the best, prioritizing and saying NO, creating time for inspiration, how we recharge, and fun vacation plans
Mentions in this podcast:
- Ghandi Quote
- Instagram - saving the life of a kitty cat
- Weeks of My Life poster on Amazon
- Daniel Pink The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward
- Episode #18, where I talk about one of my biggest regrets
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Erin Cunningham is a Social Impact Executive at RecycleBalls. Erin has been creating magic by integrating partnerships and programs that are more than the sum of their parts with the most prominent nonprofits in the country, such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America, and the largest corporations in the world, such as Microsoft, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Gap Inc. CVS, AT&T, and Best Buy. She worked with the World Economic Forum and Uplink to create a global challenge elevating tech solutions to support young people and their mental health.
RecycleBalls is a national player-driven initiative to reuse and recycle all tennis balls. They are the first organization in U.S. tennis history with a large-scale collection solution for all played tennis balls in this country. Their patented QUICKSHIP bin/program is the simplest way for individuals and facilities around the nation to recycle tennis balls. Not only does the program provide pre-paid shipping, but it also provides a tax donation for every ball donated.
RecycleBalls created Green Gold in 2017. This unique crumb rubber product, made from tennis balls, can be easily incorporated into many existing processes. This rubber product was the result of developing a process that removes 99% of the felt from tennis balls in a cost-effective manner. In February 2019, Recycleballs was one of four nonprofits nominated as an environmental finalist in the prestigious 2019 Halo Awards.
This episode talks about:
- ❤️🔥 Erin's path to scaling social impact
- 🎯Recycle Balls mission
- ⁉️ Why should we recycle tennis balls
- 🤝 How can you help
- Don't forget to recycle your 🎾🎾🎾, find your passion ❤️, and be intentional bout the change you want to create in this world 🌎
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This episode is a compilation of some of the wisdom from my interviews. One of the commonalities I have observed from speaking with my guests who excel at different sports and professions, including my own experience, is the importance of our support system.
- What is the importance of a support system?
- What does your support system look like?
- Is your support system supportive of your growth and your goals?
- Do you know what support system you need to grow?
- What are you missing?
- What is holding you back?
Links to episodes cited in this episode
Conversation with Takeshi Fujiwara
Conversation with Wayne Ferreira
Conversation with Christian Wassmer
Conversation with Mitch Williams
Conversation with Jesse Burdick
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Today Anna Moonen and Dana Jaber join me for our regular coffee chat series.
Anna-Maria Moonen has had various leadership roles in the Information Technology and Telco services industry. She thrives in environments that enable innovative thinking and has always focused on growing the most important asset of the company – the people. Her passion lies in fostering a good character of leadership throughout the organization.
Dana Jaber Diab is an Information and Communications Technology Business Leader with an unquenchable curiosity for all things tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In March, many, if not all, corporations celebrate women. We wanted to explore this topic and share some of our reflections based on our experience, observations, and upbringing about how far we have come and the role of resource groups in Corporate America.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Phil Lyne is the owner and coach at THRYV Coaching, a cognitive transformation coaching practice that helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, both internally and externally, to achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life.
Phil is a single father of three teenage daughters whose mother died suddenly as a result of homicidal violence in 2016. He struggled to accept his new role in life and, as a result, developed end-stage liver disease that presented itself at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Phil underwent life-saving transplant surgery a year later and has developed multiple businesses during the last 2+ years. Coaching was always a hobby and a productive distraction. Once Phil realized that coaching was his calling, he devoted his time to the art and science of coaching and cognition.
With a background in engineering and cognition, Phil has rededicated his career to helping individuals gain self-awareness, overcome their limitations and achieve their goals. He is passionate about teaching individuals how to navigate their thoughts and emotions and how to take action to make positive changes in their lives. He believes that everyone has the potential to achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life, and he is dedicated to helping clients unlock that potential. He is committed to providing his clients safe, supportive, and empowering environment, and his coaching is grounded in the latest coaching education, research, evidence-based practices, and efficacy in cognitive transformation.
https://www.thryvcoaching.com
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
MS walk Phil mentioned: Please Donate to Multiple Sclerosis Cause
We discuss:
- Phil shared losing his ex-wife Ingrid Lyne as a result of homicide
- Struggles with coping with trauma
- A path of healing and helping to transform human lives
- Taking ownership of your path and decisions
- Coaching and the role of a coach
- The importance of Love and coming from a place of
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This episode is dedicated to my grandpa - Josef Chmelar - today, March 14th, is his Birthday. He was my role model, so I share some main characteristics and qualities I admire about him and my struggles with him passing away many years ago, embracing impermanence, and finding gratitude.
Warning - this episode might be a bit emotional.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Sarah Brummitt is an Executive coach, leadership development facilitator, award-winning Personal Branding expert, sought-after keynote speaker, and published author of 3 books in the areas of personal branding, executive, and remote presence. Sarah worked with over 15,000 professionals across more than 30 countries. Sarah started her own business in 2005 and has more than 25 years of experience working with clients in a variety of ways, including 1:1 coaching, organizing leadership development workshops, and teaming up with a global team of faculty around the world to support and deliver her content in the local language. Sarah's expertise is leadership, coaching high-impact communication, storytelling, and persuasion.
Sarah's belief is that as our career evolves, the critical skills to develop are those of exquisite influence. In a fast-paced, digitally disruptive, attention-deficit economy, these skills are the critical differentiator to professional growth and success in business today.
We discuss:
- Sarah's path to finding her passion for Learning, Development, and Executive Coaching
- Leadership, authenticity, executive presence, creating and strengthening relationships, building authentic connections and friendships
- Presence: what's the best version of the real you
- Strengths: focusing on what you are great at
- Strategies for growing strategic alliances and why we should invest the time and energy into them
- Measuring satisfaction and the regular practice of reflection
Sarah's books
- Remote Presence – A Practical Guide To Communicating Effectively In A Remote Environment
- Executive Presence – Demonstrating Leadership In Times Of Change And Uncertainty
- Brandtastic Or Brand Terrible?
Find Sarah on:
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Company Page
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
My today's guests are Dana Jaber and Anna Moonen.
Dana Jaber Diab is an Information and Communications Technology Business Leader with an unquenchable curiosity for all things tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Anna-Maria Moonen has had various leadership roles in the Information Technology and Telco services industry. She thrives in environments that enable innovative thinking and has always focused on growing the most important asset of the company – the people. Her passion lies in fostering a good character of leadership throughout the organization.
This episode talks about some new things that happened since our last episode and things we have been experimenting with, including generative AI #chatgpt.
Some resources discussed in this episode:
- Dana's chocolate chip muffins
- New York Times article
- How I built This with Sam Altman
- Grit Podcast with CEO of GitHub, Thomas Dohmke
- All-In Podcast #115 and #116
- Ember Mug
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This is one of the brief episodes reflecting on some of the past things that happened during the last month - me becoming American and sharing a bit about my personal journey - where I came from, my decision to play D1 college tennis, my naturalization experience, and some personal advice and lessons.
- You never know how life may turn out
- Be open to opportunities - especially the ones that scare you
- Trust yourself, the process, and effort and skill building
- Don't be afraid of failures; take them as the best mechanism to learn more about yourself and iterate from
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This is part 2 of my conversation about Power with Tiziana Casciaro. Tiziana Casciaro is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and the Marcel Desautels in Integrative Thinking at the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto. Her research on organizational networks, professional networking, power dynamics, and change leadership has appeared in top academic journals in management, psychology, and sociology and has received scientific achievement awards from the Academy of Management. Thinkers 50 has recognized Tiziana as one of the thirty thinkers most likely to shape the future of how organizations are managed and led. Her research has been featured in the Economist, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the New York Times, CNN, CBC, Fortune, and TIME magazine. She is the co-author of the book Power, for All: How it Really Works and Why It Is Everyone's Business(Simon & Schuster, 2021) that received the 2022 George R. Terry Award, granted annually by the Academy of Management to the book judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to the global advancement of management knowledge during the previous two years.
This episode discusses:
- The Book Power, for All: How It Really Works and Why It's Everyone's Business Apple Books, Barnes&Noble, Amazon
- Why should power be everyone's business
- Power can be dirty, it often is, but it doesn't have to be
- Examples of movements that used power to create positive change
- Agitate, Innovate, Orchestrate
- Confidence and power, how to grow confidence
- How can we inspire more people to be aware of and create power?
Other resources relevant to this conversation:
- Tennis article
- A study Tiziana described
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Tiziana Casciaro is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and the Marcel Desautels in Integrative Thinking at the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto. Her research on organizational networks, professional networking, power dynamics, and change leadership has appeared in top academic journals in management, psychology, and sociology and has received scientific achievement awards from the Academy of Management. Thinkers 50 has recognized Tiziana as one of the thirty thinkers most likely to shape the future of how organizations are managed and led. Her research has been featured in the Economist, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the New York Times, CNN, CBC, Fortune, and TIME magazine. She is the co-author of the book Power, for All: How it Really Works and Why It Is Everyone’s Business(Simon & Schuster, 2021) that received the 2022 George R. Terry Award, granted annually by the Academy of Management to the book judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to the global advancement of management knowledge during the previous two years. Originally from Italy, Tiziana received her B.A. in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Organization Science and Sociology from Carnegie Mellon University. Before joining the University of Toronto, she served on the faculty of the Harvard Business School.
This is Part 1 of 2 of my conversation with Tiziana Casciaro. I decided to split this episode into two, so you can digest it easier.
This episode discusses:
- The Book Power, for All: How It Really Works and Why It's Everyone's Business, you can find it in Apple Books, Barnes&Noble, or Amazon
- Tiziana's path to academia and focus on organizational networks, power dynamics, and change leadership
- The process behind writing the book
- Definition of Power, what it is and what isn't power, why power for all, misconceptions about power
- Safety, Self-estee
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Natalie Novosel is a former college and professional basketball player. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and played collegiately for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Some of her best memories include helping Notre Dame to 2 National Championship Games, winning a gold medal with Team USA at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China, being selected 8th in the 2012 WNBA Draft, and five seasons playing professionally in the U.S. and overseas.
Natalie works at Transamerica & World Financial Group, revolutionizing the financial industry. Natalie applies her basketball lessons to her entrepreneurship journey - the camaraderie and being part of a team, winning culture of never being satisfied, and surrounding herself with like-minded individuals who want more for their lives. What drives Natalie? "The constant self-improvement and quest for being the best version of ourselves, and the opportunity to change our family's legacy and others' lives forever."
We discuss:
- Natalie's upbringing and journey to finding her passion - basketball
- College basketball career at Notre Dame University - why she picked the school, challenges she faced, top highlights of her basketball college career
- Struggles with finding and owning your voice, creating teamwork, believing in yourself, building confidence, creating authority
- Leadership by example vs. leadership by example with clear communication - stepping into your power
- Being drafted for WNBA Washington Mystics and adjusting to the culture, believing you belong and are good enough
- Playing basketball professionally in Romania and Australia and country and culture fit
- Natalie's transition from Basketball to Entrepreneurship, creating daily program and routine, and updating our belief system
- Creating a thriving team, inspiring, leading self & leading others, earning respect "Business is all about the people you meet"
- Tips on personal finance from Natalie's expertise
Get in touch with Natalie:
Instagram: @ifnatmethanwho
Twitter: @NatalieNovosel
Cell Phone: 859-519-8063
Email: natalie.novosel.wfg@gmail.com
Favorite quotes: "It doesn't matter what you look like, you can play; people respect you."
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
My today's guests are Dana Jaber and Anna Moonen. I met Dana and Anna when I worked at Ericsson, and we became friends over the years, sharing tips about how to grow our leadership in our careers and outside of our profession.
Dana Jaber Diab is an Information and Communications Technology Business Leader with an unquenchable curiosity for all things tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Anna-Maria Moonen has had various leadership roles in the Information Technology and Telco services industry. She thrives in environments that enable innovative thinking and has always focused on growing the most important asset of the company – the people. Her passion lies in fostering a good character of leadership throughout the organization.
This episode talks about #goals and #goalsetting:
- Why set goals
- Tools and mechanisms we use to set goals
- The power of intentions and systems
- Achieving potential
- Staying flexible and adaptable
- Celebrating small wins
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
This episode is a continuation of episode # 16, where I talked about power and the book Power for All by Julie Battilana & Tiziana Casciaro. This episode discusses chapter #4 and answers the importance of understanding "Who controls access to what they value."
I also talk briefly about quitting and a new book that I'm listening to from Annie Duke, Quit: The power of knowing when to walk away. This is a good podcast to listen to if you want to learn more about Annie and quitting.
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Coach Agustin Moreno is currently the Women's Tennis Head Coach at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and the Head Coach of Mexico's Billie Jean King Cup Team.
Agustin Moreno LMU webpage
Email: agustin.moreno@lmu.edu
Instagram
Agustin Moreno was named head coach of the women's tennis program on June 28, 2015. During this short time, he has created and coached the team to achieve LMU Tennis record results and conference placements. The 2015-16 season was Moreno's first with the Lions after coming off nine-plus seasons leading South Florida's program, guiding them to a pair of conference championships and six NCAA tournament appearances.
Morena has vast college coaching experience leading teams and players to National tournaments and appearances, winning conferences, and gaining honors. Moreno's extensive coaching resume includes a wealth of international experience guiding women's and men's programs: Mexican Women's Federation Cup Team and the Billie Jean King Cup Team, Mexico's Women's Continental Cup Team, an 18-and-under squad, Women's Pan-American Team (2004), Mexican Davis Cup Team, and the Mexican 14-and-under World Youth Cup squad in Japan.
Moreno played one season (1985-86) at Pepperdine, earning a No. 4 national ranking in doubles and helping the Waves to the national indoor title and an appearance in the NCAA Championship title match. Moreno enjoyed a successful professional career on the ATP tour, achieving a 120 ranking in singles and 40 in doubles. Moreno owns career singles wins over Thomas Muster and Petr Korda.
We discuss:
- Agustin's journey to tennis growing up in Guadalajara Mexico
- Junior's tennis and ATP tour professional tennis experience
- College tennis at Pepperdine
- College Tennis Coaching - LMU, USF, University of Georgia, TCU
- Coaching Women's Tennis and the mental aspect of the game
- Developing teams and players, NCAA tournament appearances, Conference Wins
- College Recruiting, choosing the right college and coach to develop your tennis game
- How to navigate difficult life and tennis situations, adaptability, life transitions, happiness, regrets
- LMU's fantastic tennis season and some key wins, LMU defeating UCLA for the first time in history at their home courts
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Sandy Farquharson is the Founder of The Padel School and the Host of The Padel School Podcast. He has over a decade of professional padel coaching experience. He is currently one of the LTA's lead coach educators and is responsible for designing and delivering the LTA's padel coach education program. To date, he has trained 100+ padel coaches across the world. Alongside his coaching experience and expertise, he plays on the GB national men's team and is also the team coach.
An entrepreneur at heart, Sandy is driven by his desire to grow the game of padel across the globe and to provide everyone with access to high-quality padel training advice.
Sandy is also my former tennis teammate. Sandy and I overlapped during my first year competing for a D1 tennis team at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Website: https://thepadelschool.com/
Apple Podcast: The Padel School Podcast
Instagram: The Padel School
Facebook: The Padel School
YouTube: @ThePadelSchool
LinkedIn: Sandy Farquharson
LindkedIn Company The Padel School page, Twitter, Tiktok
We discuss:
- Sandy's athletic background, his experience playing many different sports, and reasons he focused on tennis
- Sandy's college selection and collegiate tennis journey, including the challenges he faced
- His attempt to continue playing on the ATP tour while gaining his education as a Master of Sports Science focusing on Human Performance
- What it takes to be a great tennis player and some differences between the ATP and WTA tour, including mindset and the support that a coach provides
- And then last but not least, we talk about padel. We discuss Sandy's transition to the sport and why he enjoys it, including some tips on how to transition from Tennis to Padel and wh
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Some announcements, consistency, and my contemplation about Power as I reflect on my reading "Power for All" by Julie Battilana and Tiziana Casciaro.
Link to an article I wrote about consistency.
I would appreciate your feedback on how you enjoyed or didn't enjoy this episode.
powerforall #consistency #power
Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. I enjoy hearing from you.
Learn more about me and the podcast on my website & blog, where you can subscribe to stay up to speed on all my projects.
Join the Grand Slam Journey community on LinkedIn and Facebook, or follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. This content is also available on Substack and YouTube.
I appreciate you!
With grateful ❤️
Klara
Tracy Reifkind is the Author of "The Swing!" Lose the Fat and Get Fit with This Revolutionary Kettlebell Program. Tracy's book is inspired by her transformation journey and is a fantastic manual that is detailed yet simple to follow and can be easily personalized. At forty-one years of age, Tracy, after being overweight her entire life, made a fantastic transformation and lost 120 pounds by using kettlebells, cleaning up her diet, cooking her meals, and using her mindset to create a lasting change. Tracy is a sought-after personal trainer and motivation and nutrition coach featured in Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Body. In 2006, she became a certified Russian kettlebell instructor. Since then, she has developed a unique training program that works for everyone at any fitness level.
We discuss:
- Tracy's transformation journey to becoming the athlete she always wanted to be
- Tracy's book and how it came to life
- Kettlebell training - why is it so effective
- The importance of progressions, looking at trendlines, gradual goal setting
- Mindset: Readiness zone, drive, inspiration, consistency, confidence, visualization
- Taking responsibility and getting rid of thoughts that don't serve us, such as being-a-victim
- The importance of self-love and being selfish, creating time for yourself
Purchase Tracy's book: "The Swing!" Lose the Fat and Get Fit with This Revolutionary Kettlebell Program.
Tracy's training program: https://swinglean.gumroad.com
Tracy's Youtube channel
My training session with Tracy on YouTube
Tracy in The 4-Hour Body video trailer by Tim Ferriss
Instagram
Facebook
Blogs:
Training, Food, and Thought
Girya Strength
SwingLean
My experience of working out with Tracy Reifkind
Favorite quotes:
"Kettlebell Swing: It's the biggest bang for your buck as far as exercise goes. If you want to do the littlest amount of work with the most potential for change - then kettlebell swing is it."
"Always reflect and act from a place of pride about who you are today and who you will become in the future."
Zachary Green's experiences in the Marine Corps shaped his destiny. His time in the military, then as a firefighter, gave him the resourcefulness, integrity, and grit to become a highly successful entrepreneur. Taking risks, trusting himself, and never letting go of his dreams drove him to create, produce, market, and sell a product that saves lives. Zachary was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and has testified in front of the US House of Representatives Small Business Committee. Zachary's entrepreneurial journey has been featured on the front page of Yahoo.com and also covered by CNN, USA Today, CBS, and many other major news outlets.
Key topics discussed in this episode:
- We talk about Zachary's book, Warrior Entrepreneur: Lessons From The Battlefield To The Boardroom.
- Zachary claims that being a warrior and a successful entrepreneur is the same, and the skills that helped him succeed on the battlefield are the same skills that carried him forward as an entrepreneur.
- Zachary talks about fundamental warrior principles: Teamwork, Purpose, Confidence, Tenacity, Adaptability, Never giving up, Grit, Sacrifice, Morals, and Serenity.
- We dive into grit: the importance of prevailing through crucibles, learning to overcome challenges, and the critical lessons that overcoming challenges teach us - how they sharpen the warrior's character and skills.
- We also dive into purpose, adaptability, sacrifice, and the importance of creating your serenity practice and a support team
Resources:
Email: zacharylgreen@gmail.com
Zachary's LinkedIn
Zachary's website
Zachary is also a Co-host of the Warrior's Voice Podcast.
Purchase a signed copy of the book here.
Purchase the book on Amazon here.
Amy Eliza Wong is the Founder of "Always On Purpose" and an author of an upcoming book "Living on Purpose." Amy is a transformational coach and facilitator working with the biggest names in tech, organizations such as Salesforce, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. Amy offers transformative leadership development and cutting-edge communication strategies to executives and corporate teams worldwide and in the halls of academia, with institutions such as Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. Amy pulls from various disciplines, studies, and practices to find a consilient approach to achieving genuine and lasting success - what she refers to as "the fundamentals of thriving." Amy has an intense passion for helping people experience meaningful joy and satisfaction in their daily lives, free of fear and false perception. In short, she thrives on assisting others to live and lead on purpose. For more than twenty years, Amy has devoted herself to the study and practice of transformation. As a certified Executive Coach using expertise in transpersonal psychology, design thinking, interpersonal neurobiology, and Conversational Intelligence, Amy has provided thousands of transformative experiences for individuals, executives, teams, and organizations. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in mathematics and has an M.A. in transpersonal psychology from Sofia University. When she's not writing, researching, and speaking, Amy spends time in the Bay Area with her husband and two children.
Key topics discussed in this episode:
- We go through the five choices that Amy talks about in her book Living on Purpose
- The importance of having a mindfulness practice
- Side effects of Living on Purpose
You can pre-order Amy's book "Living on Purpose: Five Deliberate Choices to Realize Fulfillment and Joy" on Amazon today or through other ways, which you can find on Amy's website.
All resources discussed in this podcast can be found on Amy's website. Here is a link to Amy's articles, related to the discussion in this episode where you can find information on how to strengthen your self-awareness. You can then register and use text reminders to harness your focus, live on purpose, and thrive. I registered yesterday and find this practice to be a great addition to my morning routine. Please check out Amy's website for more information and an opportunity to participate.
"Conversational Intelligence: Increase your Impact" Stanford Continuous Studies class we discuss in this episode.
You can reach Amy via her website or social media accounts: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.
Samah Damahoori is the co-founder and creator of Madina Papel. You can subscribe to this channel on YouTube.
Please watch the eight-minute story of Madina Papel before listening to this podcast.
Samah grew up in Saudi Arabia and came to the USA in 2014 to pursue her Master's degree in Creative Writing at Notre Dame de Namur University. Samah worked for some of the largest tech companies in the San Francisco Bay area and HBO, where she managed the production of a VICE News episode, which followed the struggles of two Saudi sisters who escaped from their family and struggled to break free from a life dictated by Saudi Arabia's oppressive guardianship laws.
During this episode, we discuss various topics revolving around:
- The movie and story behind Medina Papel
- The process of creating an animation
- We discuss Samah's journey and the difficulties for her to come to America to pursue her education due to the male guardianship laws in Saudi Arabia
Favorite quotes from this episode:
On finding and owning your uniqueness:
"When I started this whole journey, I was living as a survivor. I wanted to secure myself and make sure that I didn't end up in a bad situation or regret choosing to stay here and work for myself and my freedom. I buried the pain that I was abandoned by my country and my family for a very long time - for almost seven years. I left the Bay area a year ago to live in LA, and that was the first time I lived in another place that is not the Bay Area. I have been to many states here, but I never lived and changed locations. That hit me hard and made me more aware of that pain to come out. It made me learn to accept, for people like us, who choose to be free and break so many cycles and break so many traditions, to really accept that we are alone. Not in a bad way, but you really are alone, you are different, you are so unique, and if you look around you, there is no one like you, and sometimes this is painful. And I used to bury that pain. Now I have come to a point where I fully accept this and am fully aware of it. It is ok to be unique; it is ok to be lonely; it is ok to be different and enjoy the moment and the people around me no matter what the past is bringing to me. And I am also learning that we are systems and these stories when they come back, we have the power and control to re-write them and make them in a way that we can still see the beauty in a day."
What should we be doing more of or less of in 2022?
"Keep going, don't give up!"
Irina Lykina, originally from Kazan, Russia, played lines 1 and 2 for the University of Oklahoma's women's tennis team between 2003-2007. During her time at OU, their team was ranked #15 NCAA Division I. Irina's best NCAA D1 singles ranking was #63 and was named All-Big 12 Women's Tennis Singles Player in Spring 2005, a four-time member of the Academic All-American ITA Team, and four-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll member. Before college, during her Juniors tennis career, Irina was ranked in the top 300 in the world and achieved #1 ranking in Russia 16 and under in 2000. Between 2005-2008 Irina was also traveling with and coaching her younger sister, Ksenia Lykina, whose highest junior ITF ranking was #4 in the world during their joint work. Ksenia Lykina became a professional tennis player, achieving a career-high ranking of 171 in singles and 108 in doubles. Irina now works as a CPA but has kept her tennis passion alive, competing at different USTA tournaments and playing invitational tennis exhibitions. During her time in the Cayman Islands for work reasons, Irina won the Cayman Islands Championship in women's doubles in 2016 and mixed doubles in 2014 and 2016.
Key topics discussed in this episode:
- Tennis game and mindset: what does it mean to be a tennis player, exploring all aspects of the game
- Differences between being a competitive college tennis player and playing professionally
- How does one choose a college tennis team and the benefits of playing college tennis
- How do you find resilience and stay positive through injuries and find the courage to go back to the sport that hurt you in the first place?
- The mindset and things Irina has learned when playing tennis that helped her excel in her professional career
- Fear setting: The power of living through the worst-case scenario and how you can use it for growth
- Creating boundaries and structure during COVID, gratitude, and choosing to focus on things that you can control and that bring you joy
- Trusting the journey, finding your passion, confidence, purpose
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You can't control everything in tennis. You have to react very fast, and adjust, and continue to be challenged."
"In tennis, you can't replay things the same way, every point is a new page, and you don't know how it's gonna go, and that adds challenges to staying fit and injury-free, that element of needing to react."
"That sense of togetherness is something I have not experienced until I got to college and I was 19 years old."
"An advice I would give when people are looking at choosing a college for their college tennis career - find your passion and what inspires you, what do you want to do, and who do you want to do it with."
"Teamwork is absolutely something huge in the work I do, I lead a team of brilliant accounts, and I am only as good as my team, and that is something that college tennis has taught me and really made me value."
"Sports have taught me that: Find what you can do and push hard, don't give up, communicate well, make sure that everyone is aware of the situation and try to enjoy what you do have even when things don't always go as planned."
"It's one of the things that tennis teaches you, and something that you learn is the reality of not performing. If you didn't win, you didn't make money. How are you going to pay for the hotel? How are you going to pay for the flight to travel?"
"How do you find resilience and stay positive through injuries? How do you go back to doing something that hurt you in the first place? By making choices and following your heart."
"Change your life for your knee, or change your knee for the life you want - only you know what the answer is."
Jesse Burdick's contact info: jesseburdick@gmail.com. You can also find Jesse on all social media under Jesse Burdick and check out his strength program at PowerWod.com. Instagram Twitter
Topics discussed in this episode: 1. Using sport to build your network of people, 2. The importance of asking questions and being curious, 3. What it means to be a dad to three daughters, and how Jesse goes about his fatherhood, 4. What does it mean to be an athlete, 5. Generosity, helping others, and paying things forward, 5. Baseball and the importance of strength and power for baseball players, 6. The importance of strength and simple tips from Jesse on how to build strength and power, 7. Importance of goal setting, 8. Cooking and nutrition, 9. The art of starting with the small, focusing on the low-hanging fruit - and building good habits that will drive significant benefits in the long term, 10. The importance of consistency
About Jesse: Jesse Burdick is the owner and the head Coach at PowerWod. He has spent nearly two decades with some of the best athletes on the planet. Jesse is a former NCAA Division I baseball player and competed at the semi-pro level after college. After baseball, Jesse transitioned to powerlifting. Jesse has squatted 909 pounds, bench pressed 601 pounds, and deadlifted 820 pounds in competition, and holds an elite status in 5 consecutive weight classes—a feat accomplished by very few lifters. He trained with some of the greatest athletes in the sport's history, such as Chuck Vogelpohl and Paul Childress.
Jesse's quest for diverse and extensive knowledge in athletic training and life has led him to share some of the most respected people in the industry, and Jesse, through his achievements and results of the athletes he now coaches, has undoubtedly become one of those people himself. He is a highly sought-after Trainer and Power Lifting Coach helping to produce a long list of successful athletes from NFL, MLB, NCAA, navy Seals, UFC, Lion Fight Bellator, and the Crossfit Games. Jesse is a father to three girls that mean the world to him and husband to Crossfit Games competitor Katie Hogan.
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
On Jesse's transition from baseball to powerlifting: "For the next four years, I never missed a meal; I never missed a training day; I slept 8 -10 hours a day."
On what being an athlete taught Jesse:
"Being an athlete means you have a built-in identity. Everybody should be at least a little bit of an athlete as long as their abilities will allow them to."
"I have been very lucky to have been taught to ask questions, to be curious, and always gonna keep improving one way or another."
"If you can accomplish the big goals, that is awesome, but - very cliche - the reward is the journey. "
"You should want to be the best at something, and if life gets in the way or you don't necessarily accomplish it, you are not a failure. You went all in, and you did what you could. Let the chips fall where they may. It is what it is."
Balancing nutrition, recovery, mobility, training:
"It is a giant ever-changing puzzle that it doesn't matter which one you start with. You just need to start."
"We can complicate this stuff but get really good at something first before you need to complicate it. Start with the basics and move from there."
"Take a look back, look at things as a whole, and find the low-hanging fruit. The easy stuff that we can plug into people's lives. These small little bread crumbs that they can do over and over again that can become a good habit that therefore lead to greater things as they go."
Don Tirsell and I reminisce on our athletic college years. Don talks about his basketball journey, what his sport taught him, and how his Basketball journey evolved from being a competitive collegiate basketball player to using his sport as something that allows him to create new friends and support groups at work. Don also talks about him being a father, his journey of supporting his kids to choose their sport, and letting them find their passion. Last but not least, Don was also a Basketball coach, and we discuss his coaching principles and the mindset he has learned playing and coaching basketball, and how he applies it in his everyday life and at the workplace.
Don is currently the Head of Alliance Partnerships and Business Development at Google Cloud. I had the pleasure to meet and work with Don in my previous job when I worked for Ericsson. From my experience, Don has a genuine partnership approach to business, which I find is very rare to find nowadays.
Some key topics we explore in this episode:
- Competitiveness and goal setting
- Simplification, structure, and accountability
- The transition from being a college athlete to the next chapter of our lives
- Mindfulness, valuing the present moment, facing adversity, and the importance of celebrating the mini-wins along the way.
- High-performing teams in sports and at the workplace
- The value of diversity and appreciating our differences
Some of my favorite quotes:
On the transition from basketball to real life: "The six months were tough for me too, in terms of a transition. Realizing that I was at the end of one journey and then had to figure out what's the foundation for the next path."
On parenting: "Finding those areas that you have in common that you can share and make sure you are not trying to push too much. You are supporting. You are not pushing."
What sport taught us: "Set audacious goals, with a timeframe for completing them, but that you actually believe you can complete, and create space to form the plan to get to that end destination."
"Holding each other accountable on that journey and celebrating milestones, the mini-successes."
On mindfulness: "I think it is a really good concept for people to absorb - the concept of mindfulness, of being focused on the immediate rather than worrying about the big is an important one for the workplace and important one for us as people. It helps you tackle every day."
"That whole mindset has been a good thing for work because it allows you to let stuff go, allows you to refocus on things, and that mini-celebration concept is something that keeps me motivated in adversity but also allows me to have pleasure in little things too."
Teamwork: "How we learn and appreciate our differences will make us a better humanity and have more enjoyable experiences."
Nadia Belkind is passionate about supporting work environments that thrive on interpersonal communication. She sees it as her mission to help generate trust, mutual understanding, connection, and positivity. After her relocation to Stanford in 2018, Nadia started teaching her class called "The Secrets of Interpersonal Communication" at Stanford Bechtel International Center, helping dozens of international spouses communicate confidently and effectively. In 2019 She co-led a MasterMind Job Search group, and in 2020 she worked as a Teaching Assistant at Stanford BioSci Career Center, supporting a group of Ph.D. students. Today she is an Operations and HR Generalist at the Silicon Valley startup ScyllaDB. Nadia holds a Master's degree in Sociology of Education from Tel Aviv University.
Nadia and I talk about the importance of relationships and interpersonal communication. Nadia is a fantastic storyteller, and I appreciate the examples she shared from her life journey growing up in Israel and then moving to the USA. In both instances, she relied on her interpersonal communication to create new relationships. As Nadia would say, "Communication is not that much about what we say, but it is about how we say it. It is how we make people feel about themselves - that is what they will remember."
I love Nadia's larger societal view and, at the same time, her skill of being able to see the individual pieces of the puzzle and how they fit together. What stood out to me about Nadia the most is her positivity, curiosity, energy, and ability to think things through from all perspectives.
Favorite quotes from this episode:
"Kindness has no language. If you are kind to another person, they will feel it no matter what."
"Great things happen when we genuinely enjoy doing something for others."
"I realized how important is non-verbal communication in this context - when you are a foreigner - when English is not your first language - when you are trying to make new connections with people. It is all about communication but not the verbal communication that we think is so important. It's not about the words that I say as much as how do I make the other person feel."
"When we have too much choice, it is very hard for us to focus."
Today's episode is with my friend, a former colleague, and a professional racquetball player, Mitch Williams.
Mitch and I started at Ericsson at the same time and on the same team. Much of our telecom journey to date has been very similar as we seemed to make similar moves at almost the same time and in a similar direction. I had a lot of fun speaking with Mitch about many topics related to sports, cross-pollination of sports, how sports shaped us, including the joy and pain we get from winning and losing. We discuss the painful transition from the sport we loved into what I call the normal civilian life and the mindset we have learned by playing the sport, and how we are now applying it in the next chapter of our lives.
Mitch shares many fun stories from his upbringing, racquetball journey, and his current life of being a dad to three young daughters and the only male in his house - living in Arizona with his wife, three young daughters, and two female dogs.
Other topics covered in this podcast:
- Mitch gave great examples of strategic alliances and having a network of people who helped him get to different positions.
- The importance of timing in life, measuring what matters, and focusing on the things that make a difference.
- The importance of knowing yourself, knowing what drives you, and being self-aware of where one finds purpose, fulfillment, and career/ job-fit.
Article about Mitch and his racquetball retirement
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
Winning and losing:
- "I learned in racquetball; there is a lot of different ways to win. You don't have to win just by doing this one thing."
On the transience of a loss or a win:
- "That's the hardest thing to tell a kid that you coach: It doesn't matter how you win the game today. You win. You are going to play tomorrow. And tomorrow, you can wake up and have the worst game of your life, or the next hour or the next match, it all disappears."
- "I love sports. I love the immediate response of a win or a loss. That's the greatest equalizer in life."
Racquetball and sports in general:
- "Racquetball definitely gave me a different view of the world and how I conduct myself in the professional life."
Timing:
- "If I were to summarize my professional racquetball career, these were the two big examples to learn from that: 1. Timing is everything in life, and what you do with that and what you do with that time and that opportunity is important, and 2. then how do you step back and really focus on what's important and how do you make yourself better."
Preparing and doing less is more:
- "And a lot of it was early on; I never allowed myself to be successful because I was chasing a dollar and not preparing. So that's that mentality of how do you learn to be a professional. That was eye-opening. How do you focus on the things that are really impactful?"
On transitioning from racquetball to the next chapter of life:
- "I needed to get to the professional environment and learn a trait or a skill outside of playing racquetball for lack of better terms. So it all kinda worked out, and it was the right time. It wasn't at the time. It was a pretty dark couple of years of my life because everything gets taken away when things are going well. But in the end, it made me realize two things: 1. At anyone one point in time, something can be literally taken away from you, whether you like it or don't like it. 2. So enjoy the moments that you do have with something."
Today's discussion is with my former UTA tennis coach, Christian Wassmer. I had so much fun speaking and re-connecting with Christian that we ended up running over our reserved time, and I still had many questions left.
Christian and I talk a lot about tennis, our college tennis journeys, and different coaching styles - things we could have done better and things we have implemented to maximize our athletic potential. We dive into sports mindset, confidence, the importance of goal setting, injuries, sports in general, ethics in sports, anti-doping, and the meaning of sportsmanship. We also discuss creative problem solving, teamwork, collaboration, commitment, and cultural awareness needed when organizing Olympics, as Christian worked for the International Olympic Committee.
Christian and I dive into all parts of his journey and career change decisions. I find Christian's journey fascinating, and I am amazed how he has been able to make career choices that aligned with his passion and talents and, at the same time, pushed him to learn more and grow. What also stood out to me were his transitions. The way I hear Christian narrate his journey, it appears that he has a strong sense of inner wisdom where at specific points of time, he has decided to slow down, or outside circumstances forced him to slow down and re-examine his passion, growth, and what he wants to put his energy into next.
Christian Wassmer is currently the CEO of betheone-sports in Germany, where he does sports consulting and management with different clients. His primary operations focus is on institutional consultancy, including governance, strategic planning, development, project management, and GAISF/IOC recognition.
Link to a story that Christian shares in the latter part of the podcast from Wall Street Journal on how they saved the Men's Alpine Skiing Olympic Championship in Sochi, Russia is here.
Additionally, Christian lectures International Sports, Intercultural Communication, and Sports Law at the Berlin Steinbeis University Bodensee-Campus.
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
On navigating career changes:
"You are happy. You are successful. Do you really want to move forward? Ask yourself: Do you really want to do something different?"
On the importance of focus and goal setting:
"The key ingredient is to focus on the next step. The next step allows us to focus on the goals. Setting goals is super important. But to set realistic goals is almost equally important. If you set the goal too high, it is good because you will improve, but sometimes you might not know where you're going. If the path in front of you is not laid out properly, it might be difficult to achieve the big goal or to make a change. Now, with the next step approach, with smaller steps that are achievable, people are more likely to succeed."
About tennis, coach & player fit, style of coaching:
"This is why tennis is such a fascinating sport because you can become successful with so many different ways of coaching and playing. It just seemed that this style of coaching and focus on my strengths fit me better than trying to improve my weaknesses."
On transferring to a different university:
"Something wasn't right for me in the environment. I didn't feel 100% comfortable."
Today's conversation is with Liz Goldman. Liz is my personal life coach. Liz has been assisting individuals and groups in accessing their unique gifts and wisdom for over 20 years.
Link to Liz's website.
Liz and I discuss her diverse and cultural upbringing in New York City, family dynamics, the importance of support systems, communication and challenges, coaching, the benefits of coaching, trust, and Liz’s journey to becoming a life and business coach. Liz also shared several tips and important skills that might be useful for your journey and self-reflection.
Key topics:
- What does it mean to be a coach, the value of a coach, and how coaching fits into a support system
- Leadership, building your leadership and its relation to inspiration
- Benefits of slowing down and connecting to your inner wisdom
- Being more courageous and be willing to be messy, clucky, and awkward
- The importance of cultivating greater trust and self-trust, starting from us first, changing our conversation or starting a new conversation with ourselves that allows us to change how we see our reality and move into a space of possibilities
Some of my favorite quotes:
"I believe we all come into our lives with certain lessons to learn and opportunities to grow."
"It was difficult as a kid to feel so much and not know where to go with it or how to understand it. That was a very clunky experience when I was young, and I know it let me to where I have gone professionally."
"Anything is possible for people, regardless of where they came from."
"It's important to give people the space to be real and to have people hear them and all that in service to where do they want to go."
"If we don't know what's happening right where we are, we don't have a very good shot at creating much that is of value in the world, much that is satisfying or fulfilling for every one of us."
"One of the most productive skills I have seen people take into their lives is to be willing to be messy, to be willing to be clunky, and to be willing to be awkward."
"If we start with us, everything is an extension out of that."
"If we slow down and focus on ourselves, bring it back into what is happening inside of us, what do we need, how can we show up better, what are our values, and to really look at us...and then extend out from there, we can change our reality, sometimes very quickly, and sometimes it is a longer process, but there is so much more possible from that place."
I enjoyed listening to the stories that Liz has shared about her life so openly. This conversation allowed me to see the connection of how her journey and experiences contributed to Liz being the person she is today.
I got so curious about many things that we ended up running out of time, plus I faced some technical difficulties with my internet connection. Technology - we cannot live without it, and it rarely works as we would like it to when we need it the most. I hope to record another conversation with Liz about many more topics that I am curious to discuss with her in the future.
Wayne Ferreira is a former ATP tour professional tennis player from Johannesburg South Africa. Wayne had an outstanding tennis career. He won 15 top-level singles titles and 11 doubles titles. His career-high rankings were world no. 6 in singles and world no. 9 in doubles. Wayne is the third tennis player with 56 consecutive Grand Slam appearances in men's tennis.
During this podcast, Wayne and I talk about his upbringing and his route to tennis. We discuss some of his wins and achievements and the diverse styles of tennis players he competed against. We also discuss his longevity and being able to compete at the topmost levels for 16 years and playing against the best tennis players of three different eras starting from Borg, Lendl, McEnroe, Connors then competed against top players such as Edberg, Becker, Sampras, Agassi, Chang, Ivanisevic and at the end of his career having an opportunity to play against Federer and his era of younger uprising generation at that time.
Wayne achieved the semi-finals of the Australian Open twice and we also discuss his three Olympic appearances.
We talk about Wayne's transition from professional tennis to becoming a father and focusing on family life, his entrepreneur journey, and then transition to becoming an ATP coach. Wayne is currently coaching Francis Tieafoe.
What stands out to me from this conversation is Wayne's talent, commitment to work hard, and ability to easily transition between different journeys and careers of his life. It is almost as the life is unfolding itself for him as he moves forward through different stages. He makes it seems very graceful and almost effortless. I appreciate Wayne's straightforwardness, transparency, and all he shared about his life journey. I love how grounded Wayne seems to be and his humble, open and warm personality.
Some of my favorite quotes from this podcast:
- On never giving up: "Ultimately you want success at the end and I still had the ability to focus and concentrate and fight hard enough for what it is that I wanted even though it may have taken me much longer than I would have liked it to. I still wanted to try to succeed."
- On losing: "Sometimes losing when you are younger is better than winning because you learn how to compete and you learn how to learn to win."
- On mental toughness, self-confidence and perseverance, being able to fight and come back to win matches despite being behind: "In my senior career, I often came from behind to win because of my belief and the will to win. I realized that if I just hang in there, the opportunity of my opponent getting worse and helping me out was a lot and I won a lot of matches that way. And it became almost a test for me… How many times can I win when being down? It is a lot more fun to win matches when you are down…. Deep down.
- On trust & teamwork: "Trust is key in creating teamwork. You can only have success when everybody works together as a team."
- On life: "There is always good and bad, in everything that you do."
- On challenges & commitment (paraphrasing): There are challenges in everything that we do and that is also what makes life interesting. We try to get a result and you try to win. And being a tennis player and wanting to win, and wanting and trying to have success can be a good and a bad thing. You may not always make it but ultimately you will be better off for trying and learning. Commit, work hard and preserve through challenges and obstacles and you will have a chance of making it.
Fazal is a tennis coach a former professional tennis player and a friend of mine. We met in Dallas in 2007 playing mixed doubles together. He was #1 junior in India, represented India in Davis Cup 1998-2001, and achieved top 200 and top 400 ATP ranking in doubles and singles, respectively. Fazal was the National grass-court Champion of India in 2000. He was a Bronze medalist at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok and earned No. 1 ranking as an Amateur by the USTA 1997-98. He also won the 1997 USTA National clay court championship. After his retirement in 2002, he coached Mahesh Bhupathi (former No.1 doubles player) and Martin Damm (top 10 Doubles) on the 2005 US Open circuit.
During our podcast we discussed Fazal’s upbringing and how was it to grow up playing tennis in Kolkata, India. Fazal shared his challenges about having good quality coaching and support system that prevented him from reaching higher levels in professional tennis. We discuss his decision to come to the US and play tennis for a D1 University at Temple Philadelphia, a decision to quit school to go represent India at Davis Cup and play the ATP tour for 3 years, and then another decision to quit tennis and go back to school to finish his education. After finishing his university degree Fazal ended up accepting an investment banking job in Dallas. That was two years before the market crash happened. During the market crash, he lost his job and ended up moving back to Philadelphia. His route of self-awareness took him back to his purpose and passion - tennis. Fazal founded and runs his own tennis academy named Level 7 Tennis and coaches kids of all levels and ages to become better tennis players, and ultimately, better human beings.
What I admire about Fazal is his state of harmony that he mentioned numerous times during our discussion. His ability to look at life through the positive lens, gratitude that he holds in his heart, hunger for constant learning, strong resilience, and determination to keep going without worrying what other people may think. We talk about a strong commitment and drive to achieve his dreams no matter how crazy or wild they may seem… and through it all, always be giving back and serving others who may need our help.
My favorite quote from this podcast: “Our actions reflect what we leave behind.”
My favorite topics from this podcast: #purpose, #passion, being of service to others, the joy we get from helping to transform human lives, finding flow, balance, harmony, self-awareness
Book recommendations:
The Fountainhead
The Footsteps of the Prophet
Biology of Belief
The Hidden Messages in Water
How to Read a Book
About the podcast: Takeshi and I talk about his multi-cultural upbringing, the launch of his new book "Strong Like Never Before" and his path towards becoming an olympic athlete. What stood out to me during this conversation is Takeshi's well roundedness, optimism, deep wisdom and ability to build in space for grace. We talk about the importance of having a good support system, setting goals, believing in yourself and your goals AND through it all - having fun and cultivating joy through gratitude.
Takeshi's book: "Strong Like Never Before: Transform your life in 12 weeks" is a fantastic manual to becoming a more fit human being, or an Olympic athlete - if you wish, and his food plan is very flexible and simple to follow.
About Takeshi: Takeshi Fujiwara is a Japanese athlete in possession of Tokyo’s and El Salvador’s Record in the 400 meters race. As an athlete he has participated in the Olympic Games of Athens 2004, 6 World Championships in Grosseto 2004, Osaka 2007, Valencia 2008, Doha 2010, Istanbul 2012, Bahamas 2017, and one Universiade in Belgrade 2009. He was born and raised in El Salvador to a Japanese father, and Salvadoran mother. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, an Online Professional Certificate in Data Science from Harvard University and an MBA at The University of Texas at Arlington in Economics and International Business. Cofounder of Green Dreams athletics youth club and entrepreneur. Currently, he is in preparation for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
Link to purchase the book: Strong Like Never Before: Transform your life in 12 weeks.
Link to Takeshi's website.
Link to Takehi's Tedx Talk on: How to Achieve your Goals.
During this episode, Julianna Gates and I explore the beginnings of our tennis journeys, what it takes to be a professional tennis player, and the importance of mental toughness.
We talk about the benefits of slowing down, visualization, productive vs. unproductive thoughts and the awareness of our thoughts. We also discuss how to rewire our brain to improve productivity and the power of reframing.
Julianna is a tennis coach in San Diego. If you would like to improve your tennis game and work with her please reach out to me and I will share her contact information.