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

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

Tune in to learn more about:

- Why and how early-life challenges often fuel athletes' ambition and, sometimes become a double-edged sword.

- The psychological and emotional toll of stepping off the podium and the journey to redefine one’s self-worth and purpose beyond achievement.

- Why it’s difficult for athletes to publicly acknowledge mental health struggles and why open discussions are crucial for healing.

- How athletic discipline impacts cognitive resilience and contributes to mental toughness.

- The challenges and rewards of transitioning from a performance-oriented mindset to a more academic one

- Insights into her current work in clinical psychology research on how athletes cope with life off the podium

- Erin’s perspective on resilience, recovery, and the value of community support in overcoming life’s setbacks.

…and so much more!

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

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

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

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

- Exploring the surprising parallels between the two sports

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

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

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

…and so much more!

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

Links:

Website: https://www.joshperrybmx.com/

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

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

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

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

Tune in to learn more about:

- How Andrew balanced sports and academics while swimming for Australia and studying law at the University of Queensland.

- The inspiration behind Batch Mewing Lawyers and its growth from a two-person startup to a 30-person team across Australia.

- A sneak peek into Relative Age Effect, how it impacted Andrew’s early athletic career and how he overcame it.

- The surprising parallels between swimming laps and legal strategy

- The Importance of leaning on your Support Network and how Andrew's family and friends played a vital role in his journey from sport to law.

…and so much more!

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

Links

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

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

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

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

Tune in to learn more about:

- The step-by-step process of launching a franchise, from that first call to signing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

- Insider tips on evaluating a franchisor’s support system and navigating the FDD.

- Why athletes have a unique edge in the franchising world, and how you can leverage it.

- How to validate a franchise opportunity, including what questions to ask existing franchisees.

- Realistic expectations, common misconceptions and pitfalls in franchising, and how to stay proactive in your business journey.

- A sneak peek into examples of franchises athletes are conquering, from fitness centers to niche services like dog poop cleanup.

- Why athletes often find more satisfaction in the autonomy and challenges of running their own business.

…and so much more!

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

Links:

Website: https://www.thefrandream.com

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

Email: james@thefrandream.com

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

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

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

Tune in to learn more about:

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

…and so much more!

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

Links:

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

Send us a text

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

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

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

Tune in to learn more about:

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

…and so much more!

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

Links:

Website: https://www.soccerparenting.com

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

X: https://twitter.com/SoccerParenting

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

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What happens when a promising football career is suddenly cut short and the real world comes calling? In this episode, Malvin Kamara reveals the untold story of his rise and fall in professional football, and how the same drive that once fueled him on the field helped him reinvent himself as a successful entrepreneur. From playing for top clubs like Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town to facing the harsh realization that his football career wasn’t forever, Malvin takes us on a rollercoaster of ambition, failure, and ultimate redemption.

But this is not just another career pivot story. From the intensity of the football pitch to the relentless grind of entrepreneurship, Malvin shares the gritty details of life after football: navigating financial struggles, working odd jobs, and finding himself door-knocking in rural Yorkshire before his breakthrough moment in business. Now, as the CEO of Valum Associates, a recruitment firm with a bold vision for success, along the way, he navigated financial struggles, personal challenges, and the daunting leap into an industry he knew nothing about, and he’s here to tell you exactly how he did it.

This is more than just a transition story; it's a blueprint for anyone looking to rise from the ashes of a failed dream and create a new legacy. Prepare for a candid, inspiring, and brutally honest conversation that will leave you questioning: when your first dream dies, what’s your next move?

Tune in to learn more about:

- Malvin's passion for football as a child fueled a singular focus, his dreams entirely consumed by the vision of becoming a professional footballer.

- How Malvin’s football career shaped his competitive edge and prepared him for entrepreneurial life.

- The defining moment that led him to shift gears into the business realm and how he navigated early struggles

- His step-by-step journey from financial struggles and odd jobs to launching and scaling a successful recruitment company across international markets.

- Candid insights about the importance of resilience, having the right support network, and knowing when to shift gears in pursuit of long-term success.

- The challenges of building an international business and why resilience is key.

Personal insights on the sacrifices and lessons learned along the way to entrepreneurial success.

…and so much more!

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

Links:

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

Website: https://vallumassociates.com/

Send us a text

In today’s episode, we dive into the mind of Myriam Robitaille, a Canadian professional beach volleyball player who is redefining what it means to be an athlete. For Myriam, sport is more than just physical prowess; it’s a mental battlefield that pushes the limits of the human spirit. From being scouted at 14 to dominating the indoor volleyball scene, Myriam’s journey has been one of intense physical and mental challenges. The routine of the sport, relentless training, and emotional isolation in Europe left her craving something more.

Her bold pivot to beach volleyball wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a deliberate step into the unknown, where unpredictable elements like wind and sand demand constant adaptation. In this space, Myriam found her edge, not through brute strength, but through deep mental resilience. Alongside her athletic career, Myriam is thriving as a recruiter at Zeffy, a fast-growing tech startup that supports non-profits through innovative fundraising, satisfying her intellectual hunger in an environment just as intense as her sporting life.

Tune in to Learn more about:

- How Myriam’s transition from indoor to beach volleyball reignited her passion and adaptability.
- Parallels between transitioning from sales to recruitment and from one sport to another.
- The critical role of mental toughness and the importance of working with a mental coach to excel under pressure.
- Strategies for staying motivated and avoiding burnout when passion starts to feel repetitive.
- The significance of mindfulness and presence in overcoming challenges.
- How Myriam’s feedback approach in recruitment mirrors her athletic mindset, emphasizing immediate adjustments for success.
- Her unique strategy for harmonizing dual careers to excel in both arenas.
…and so much more!

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

Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myriamrob
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriamr-?

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