The Athlete Entrepreneur

Ever wonder how athletics and entrepreneurship intersect? Our guest, Fern Chan, a gifted athlete turned businesswoman and presentation expert, shares her insights on just that. She explores the parallels between the two, shedding light on the shared qualities of risk-taking, resilience, and self-belief that are integral to both fields. Fern unfolds her journey, reflecting on her experiences and how they molded her entrepreneurial spirit.While presentations may seem intimidating, Fern argues that they're a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. Drawing from her book, 'How Not to Suck at Presentations,' she shares her tried-and-true strategies for creating compelling, engaging presentations. She provides an intriguing breakdown of the C3PO formula—a guide to understanding your audience's needs and crafting your message accordingly. We also delve into storytelling techniques, exploring how to use them to captivate your audience and create a memorable, impactful experience.As we delve further into entrepreneurship, Fern emphasizes the importance of self-publishing a book and leveraging it to benefit your business. Whether it's a legacy piece, an onboarding tool for new employees, or a textbook, a self-published book can have various uses. Wrapping up our conversation, Fern shares her insights on presenting data effectively, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like investor pitches. Discover how to elevate your presentation game and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Have you ever found yourself completely immersed in a passion, pushing you to take daring steps towards discovery and fulfillment? Our guest today, Stephen K. Hayes, did just that when his childhood fascination with martial arts spurred him to journey across the globe, from the dojos of Japan to the spiritual heart of Tibet. In this remarkable episode, we're taken on his incredible journey filled with miraculous encounters, profound teachings, and transformative life experiences. How many people can say they've learned the art of ninja, spent time with the Dalai Lama, and introduced one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders to boxing legend Muhammad Ali? Stephen's story is extraordinary, to say the least. He talks about his time as a liaison between the U.S government and the Tibetan people, as well as the profound impact the Dalai Lama has had on the Tibetan people. Through the lens of Stephen's experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the Tibetan culture, the people's struggle, and their unwavering hope for a better future.Stephen's journey is not just about martial arts and spiritual enlightenment. It's a profound exploration of leadership, communication, discipline, and success. As we weave through the narratives of his life, Stephen shares the wisdom gained from his book, 'How to Own the World,' insights on how discipline is a crucial key to success, and his unique perspective on martial arts. This episode is an immersion into the world of a man who has found a harmonious blend of martial arts, spiritual teachings, and personal development. It's a compelling narrative that offers lessons and insights for anyone seeking to navigate life's complexities. So, buckle up and prepare to be inspired.

Today's guest, Brandon Phillips, boasts an illustrious MLB career. He is a 3-time All-Star, 4-time Gold Glove winner, a Silver Slugger awardee, and has achieved over 2,000 career hits along with 200 career home runs.Brandon, and his partner, All Elite Wrestler (AEW) former champion Jade Gargill, co-owns the Texas Smoke, the fourth franchise of Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF) based in Austin, Texas. Impressively, the Texas Smoke secured the inaugural championship of the women's professional fast pitch league.In our conversation, we discuss the Texas Smoke and Brandon's passion for elevating women's sports. We explore his personal journey in baseball and the game's evolution. Emphasis is given to the progression of the sport, where the focus now lies more on rules, regulations, and strategy rather than solely on inherent talent. Brandon offers insights into the current nuances of baseball and how teams today strategize to scout promising talent.

Ready to elevate your decision-making prowess? You're in the right place! We sit down with Christian "Boo" Boucousis, an experienced fighter pilot, to unpack the critical thinking behind each strategic move in the sky. This episode will arm you with decision-making techniques from the fighter pilot's cockpit that can be applied across all aspects of life, from the corporate boardroom to the battlefield of everyday decisions.We also navigate the role of Artificial Intelligence in the decision-making process. As we plunge into the potentials and pitfalls of AI, our guest illuminates the risks of overdependence on automation. We explore the indispensable role of a 'red team' in verifying AI decisions and highlight the importance of contextual knowledge. This episode, we ask, could you outsmart an AI?Fasten your seatbelts as we transition from the sky to the ground, examining the shift from being an athlete or a pilot to pursuing new ventures. We dissect how to craft the right narratives and barriers to success, and the art of finding purpose when the game changes. As we traverse through the journey of 'evolution or change', we distill the essence of 'pursuit of happiness' and discuss the importance of recognizing your value when forging a new path. Finally, we zoom in on the secrets behind the success of small to medium businesses (SMBs) and delve into the habits of top achievers. Let's embark on this flight of discovery together!

Lindsey Gorman, the founder of DROPBOMBS. Based in San Diego, DROPBOMBS is revolutionizing the approach to power hitting in sports, especially in softball and baseball, across the nation.About Lindsey Gorman:Athletic Background: A multi-sport athlete in high school, Lindsey's prowess earned her a full scholarship for softball at Iowa State.Accomplishments: Setting records in home runs and achieving the Big 12 Batting Champion title in 2002, she furthered her sports journey with UC Santa Barbara, continuing to break records and earn accolades.Education: Completing her degree in Kinesiology and Master's work in Sport Psychology at Fresno State, Lindsey fused her athletic experience with academic expertise.Creating DROPBOMBS:Vision and Mission: Lindsey shares the inspiring journey of starting DROPBOMBS, born out of her passion for powerful movements, individuality, and mental strength in sports.Unique Approach: Learn how DROPBOMBS is redefining power hitting by applying Kinesthetic Principles tailored to each athlete's anatomy, combined with science-based mental training.Discussion Points:Transition from Sports to Entrepreneurship: Explore Lindsey's shift from being an athlete to starting DROPBOMBS, and how her sports background influenced her entrepreneurial journey.Mental Aspects of Sports: A deep dive into the mental strategies and techniques crucial for athletes to excel both in their sport and life.Comprehensive Coaching: Understanding DROPBOMBS' holistic approach to coaching young athletes, focusing on both physical prowess and mental resilience.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to inspire millions, champion health, and embrace the power of humor, all while battling the biggest challenge of your life? Fitz Kohler, a celebrated fitness expert, race announcer, and breast cancer survivor, does just that. In our captivating conversation, she unveils her philosophy on health, her dynamic journey in the fitness world, and her unique role as one of America's top race announcers.Fitz's story is a testament to power, resilience, and the will to thrive. From her kickboxing roots to her commanding role as a well-renowned race announcer, she has a knack for connecting with large audiences and influencing lives. Fitz's story takes a poignant turn when she discusses her battle with breast cancer during the COVID-19 shutdown. Yet, with her indomitable spirit, she transforms her obstacles into opportunities for growth, finding solace in writing her book, 'My Noisy Cancer Comeback'.But the conversation doesn't stop there. Fitz enlightens us on the profound impact that community has on wellness. From her customizable presentations that inspire corporations like Disney, to the diverse running community she cherishes, Fitz emphasizes the power of togetherness. As we navigate the new normal brought on by the pandemic, Fitz leaves us with a lasting message of resilience, unity, and a call to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Join us for this inspiring episode and let Fitz's journey motivate you to rise above challenges and embrace your fullest potential.

Welcome to this conversation with Steve Ryan, the Managing Director of the National Rugby Football League (NRFL). With a compelling backstory as an athlete turned entrepreneur, Steve's insights into the strategic blueprint of launching the premier rugby league in North America are nothing short of intriguing. We discuss the role of renowned sportspersons like Bo Jackson and Meta World Peace in this venture, and why rugby style tackling is catching the American fancy.Our dialogue shifts gears as we explore the power of storytelling in nurturing a US fan base for rugby. Steve and his team offer an inside look into how they envision fostering a rugby culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and respect. The distinctive camaraderie and sportsmanship that set rugby apart from other sports, and the significance of betting on the right athletes to create superstars, are key highlights of our conversation. We delve into the tactical side of making professional rugby ownership accessible, the influence of celebrities in this game, and the potential influence of the Rugby World Cup on the trajectory of the NRFL. This episode is a deep dive into the exhilarating world of risk, reward, and the promising future of rugby in America. Tune in for a conversation that's as inspiring as it is enlightening!

Have you ever wondered how to turn rejection into redirection, or how to build unshakeable self-esteem despite growing up in a challenging environment? We tackle these questions and more in a riveting conversation with the multitalented Clarissa Burt, acclaimed media personality, supermodel, author, and CEO of Limelight Media. We shine the spotlight on her journey from supermodel stardom to becoming a beacon of empowerment and resilience. In this engaging session, Clarissa candidly shares her experiences, from growing up in a violent environment to meeting Pope John Paul II. She reveals her transformative strategies for self-improvement and resilience, underscoring the importance of being the best version of ourselves. We also delve into the insights from her best-selling book, 'The Self Esteem Regime', and its mission to empower individuals around the globe. But this chat isn't just about self-esteem and resilience, we also explore the often-overlooked challenges men face in today's world. Clarissa shares her thoughts on the importance of giving men more love and attention, while also discussing our shared responsibility in creating a more balanced and respectful society. It's a profound conversation that will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way. Tune in, and empower yourself with the wisdom and experiences of the extraordinary Clarissa Burt.

What happens when you combine the passion of storytelling, the heart of an athlete, and the drive for positive change? You get Jamie Middlemann, the powerhouse founder and host of Flame Bearers, the world's premier storytelling platform dedicated to women Olympians and Paralympians. Join us as we uncover the intricate layers of her exciting work, discuss her impressive media background, and delve into her unyielding mission to spark change through her podcast. Discover the intricate process behind the highly produced podcast and feel the palpable dedication it takes to become an Olympic athlete.We also venture into the minds of elite athletes as they transform feelings of failure into stepping stones for growth. Listen to compelling stories of how a strong support network and the courage to openly discuss mental health struggles have been instrumental in their journeys. Hear Jamie's insightful conversations with athletes like Deja Young Craddock and be part of a broader discussion on imposter syndrome and mental health.As we wrap up our conversation, we turn our attention to the shifting landscape in professional sports and the emerging opportunities for women athletes to build their brand. We address the daunting task of creating a lasting brand post-retirement and the persistent gaps in traditional sponsorship opportunities. Find out more about Jamie's innovative Fellowship Program and how the Flame Bearers podcast empowers athletes to share their stories and build their brand. So, if you're ready to be inspired by Jamie's unwavering dedication to elevating the voices of women athletes, tune in and ignite your passion for sports and storytelling.

What does it truly mean to be successful? How can we find fulfillment in our lives, both financially and spiritually? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with self-made business leader, author, and inspirational figure Nathan Landcree as we explore the answers to these critical questions.Throughout our chat, Nathan shares his unconventional philosophy on success and dives into his approach to self-discovery, bridging the gap between understanding and action. Together, we uncover the importance of emotional endurance, understanding our true calling, and being aware of what we are feeding our emotions. Nathan also reveals the challenges he faced in his own journey to becoming the president and CEO of one of the largest auto groups in northern Ohio and how he overcame them.In this captivating conversation, we also discuss the importance of leading by example, creating a vision beyond a paycheck, and finding a balance between external and internal motivations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Nathan Lancry on your journey towards success, happiness, and personal fulfillment.

What if you could unlock the secret to unyielding vitality and a high-performing team culture? What if the key to mastering your craft lies in the overlap of the sports and corporate world? These are questions we explore with our phenomenal guest, David Lindsey - a wellness coach, keynote speaker, and seasoned athlete from Sydney, Australia. David's journey from Aussie rules football through professional arm wrestling and MMA and his unique approach to fostering health, vitality, and team culture make for an inspiring listen.Our conversation ventures into the power of music and posture as tools for energization, and the application of the Pomodoro technique for time management. David shares the importance of taking strategic steps back to realign and refocus, and how these are not indicative of quitting but rather of maintaining direction. We transition into a discussion about remote work and the absolute necessity for initiating connection and fostering a positive company culture that breeds innovation.Rounding off our chat, David takes us through his thrilling sojourn in the world of combat sports, underscoring the importance of mental toughness, coachability, and the ability to embrace constructive criticism. We delve into strategies for building resilience once the structure of a competition has disappeared, and the power of overcoming fear as a stepping stone to success. Join us for this stimulating episode, and let David's lessons empower you to elevate your personal and professional life.

Discover the secrets behind achieving optimal performance and longevity with our exceptional guest, Don Moxley, the director of Applied Science at Longevity Labs and co-creator of HRV+. As a leader in human performance, Don shares his expertise in sports science and the importance of creating data streams to help coaches and athletes make better decisions. Together, we break down dogma and emphasize the need for quantifying results to create personalized programs for athletes.In our enlightening conversation, we explore the fascinating world of heart rate variability (HRV) and its impact on performance. Don discusses the benefits of HRV-monitoring devices like the Aura Ring and Garmin Watch, as well as the physiological and psychological aspects of HRV. Learn how engaging in parasympathetic activities and understanding the role of the vagal nerve can significantly enhance performance and health.But that's not all – we also dive deep into nutrition, supplements, and the importance of grounding and purpose for longevity. Gain insights into how autophagy can help restore our endocannabinoid system and the exciting advancements in HRV tracking. Plus, Don shares valuable recommendations on the best products to track HRV and how you can have a phone call with him if you buy HRV+. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your knowledge on HRV, longevity, and the science behind achieving optimal performance.Don Moxley's Info:Email: don@longevitylabs.ioSkype: @donmoxleyWebsite: www.modemethod.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donmoxley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donmoxley/Twitter: https://twitter.com/donmoxley?lang=en

What if AI's impact on the global economy surpasses that of the internet or the Industrial Revolution? Ahmed Reza, a tech CEO and founder with a diverse background, joins us to discuss the pervasive influence of AI, its ethical implications, and how it shapes our lives in this thought-provoking conversation. Together, we explore the potential of AI and the future it holds for our children in this rapidly evolving landscape.In the entrepreneurial world of tech, Ahmed shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the workforce, the significance of the hacker spirit, and the importance of nurturing individual talents and passions in the age of automation. We also discuss his upbringing in Bangladesh and its influence on his perspective towards the current 'monoculture' of the tech world. Additionally, we delve into the potential of synthetic agents in revolutionizing communication and the future of work, as Ahmed unveils his experience creating a digital clone of himself.Throughout this stimulating discussion, we examine the future of AI integration into our daily lives, the power of communication in streamlining businesses, and the critical role of creativity and the human touch in our work. Don't miss this opportunity to gain unique insights from Ahmed Reza on the future of AI and its profound impact on society.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of managing EMF exposure for optimal health and performance? Don't miss our conversation with Justin Frandson, founder of Athleticism and EMF Rocks, as he shares his insights on the impact of EMF on athlete performance and overall health. With over 25 years of experience working with athletes, Justin's expertise on EMF and its effects on the human body is truly eye-opening.We discussed the differences between native and non-native EMFs, and the alarming correlation between the rollout of non-native EMFs and the increasing number of deaths. Justin shared valuable tips on reducing EMF exposure at home, such as turning off Wi-Fi at night, putting phones on airplane mode, and avoiding close proximity to laptops. We also explored how EMF affects different age groups, blood types, and individuals with preexisting conditions - vital information for anyone looking to take control of their health in our increasingly EMF-filled world!Finally, we dove into the entrepreneurial opportunities surrounding the growing awareness of EMF and its impact on health. We touched on the importance of spreading the message of awareness, health, and performance, as well as the potential to sell products through doctor clinics. Justin's company, EMF Rocks, offers innovative solutions like curated health products and grounding bags designed to help reduce EMF exposure and better manage its effects. Tune in to learn more about these cutting-edge solutions and the urgency of addressing EMF exposure today.

In this episode of "The Athlete Entrepreneur," we sat down with Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed, the dynamic duo behind Huupe, a game-changing startup that's innovating basketball training. Sharing a lifelong passion for the sport, these childhood friends envisioned a way to play together remotely and enhance their skills despite living in different cities. Their solution? A smart basketball hoop that allows for remote play and provides interactive training videos.Huupe is not just a hardware product but a blend of physical components, software, and media streaming. Its innovative design features sensors that monitor the balls' performance and a video screen on the backboard, providing users with real-time feedback and training videos during play.Fuelled by $11 million in funding from multiple investors, including Protagonist VC and Marvan Ventures, Huupe is set to bring its unique product to a market hungry for innovation. While the initial offering, including the smart hoop and video content access, comes at a premium price, plans are in place to make it more affordable as production scales up.The founders see vast potential for their product beyond individual consumers. They envision Huupe transforming basketball training in gyms, fitness centers, community courts, and schools. And while their current focus is solely on basketball, the concept of Huupe could very well expand into sports like lacrosse, soccer, and hockey in the future.Join us as Paul and Lyth share their entrepreneurial journey, which started as a side project in 2015 and has now attracted significant investment due to their hard-working approach and the potential for community building and gamification in their product. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, sports, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we sit down with highly successful entrepreneur Christine McDannell to discuss the art of selling your company. With over 20 successful business exits under her belt, Christine shares her experience and insights on building companies to sell and developing a system for buying, selling, and acquiring businesses.We dive deep into her journey as an entrepreneur, from starting her first company with just $300 and a vacuum cleaner to founding The Magnolia Firm, a highly specialized boutique business brokerage firm that helps entrepreneurs through the process of selling their companies.Christine shares her strategies for identifying the right time to sell, preparing for a sale, and navigating the negotiations and due diligence process. We also discuss the importance of maintaining the longevity of your businesses, even after a sale, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can negatively impact the value of your company.If you're an entrepreneur looking to sell your company or build a company to sell, then this episode is for you. With her wealth of experience and passion for entrepreneurship, Christine McDannell is sure to provide valuable insights and strategies for anyone looking to achieve success in the business world.

In this episode, we sit down with Fred Cary, an accomplished senior executive, strategic consultant, attorney, and investment banker with a track record of building successful global companies from startup stage through exit by IPO or M&A.With over 250 startups under his oversight, Fred shares his expertise on positioning and branding, funding and growth, building efficiencies, creating partnerships, increasing margins, motivating employees, M&A strategies, organizational structure, and balanced scorecard. He also shares his insights on building high-growth businesses in a variety of industries, including finance, enterprise software, mobile technologies, web services, digital video, HDTV, broadband, personalized television, and consumer-related products.Fred's ultimate goal is to help build successful businesses that can make a positive difference in their sector. He believes in empowering businesses at every stage, from an idea on a napkin to a 1,000-employee company. He is ready to offer help, inspiration, or direction if you are doing something unique and compelling.In addition to his professional experience, Fred obtained his JD degree from Thomas Jefferson in California, completed post-graduate studies at Harvard Law School, and obtained his international MBA with Honors from the University of Liverpool.If you're interested in learning from a seasoned business leader who has helped build successful global companies from the ground up, then this episode is for you. Fred shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise on what it takes to succeed in today's competitive business landscape.

In this episode, we chat with former NFL player turned successful entrepreneur, Chase Minnifield. Chase founded Helping Hand LLC, a company that provides services to college dormitories and student housing complexes, and EZTURN, a centralized operations software for property managers.Chase shares his journey from being an undrafted NFL rookie to building and running successful startups in the housing industry. We discuss the evolution of Prop Tech, multi-family operations, student housing operations, and vendor-to-business relations, as well as the challenges he faced and strategies he used to overcome setbacks.As a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, Chase also shares his insights on what inspired him to start his own business, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the role of technology in the future of the housing industry.If you're interested in learning from a former NFL player turned successful entrepreneur who is using his experience and passion to make a difference in the housing industry, then tune in to this episode.

In this episode, we speak with Peter Schroeder, founder of Telzio, a pre-unicorn unified communications company that streamlines and simplifies telecommunications for businesses. With over 20 years of experience creating cutting-edge technologies for companies such as Facebook, Samsung, and Airbnb, Peter shares his insights on how to create innovative solutions that make people's lives easier.We also delve into Peter's background as an artist and top EDM DJ, and how his experiences in the music industry led him to discover the power of focus and simplify technology through Telzio. With a passion for provoking people to see things from a different perspective, Peter shares his tips for managing overwhelm and overcommitment, and how he turned his struggles into successes.If you're interested in learning from a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator who knows how to simplify the complex, then this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Rosenberg, serial entrepreneur and founder of Krete, a skincare brand specializing in organic-based products designed for men's skincare needs. Jake shares his journey from founding an e-commerce software platform to launching an investment fund in the cryptocurrency industry and building a fashion brand that incorporated functional crypto tech into its designs. We discuss his motivation and passion for entrepreneurship and how his experience in various industries has helped him in building and scaling Krete. Jake also shares his insights into the men's skincare industry, including the challenges of product development and marketing for a male audience. We also cover topics such as building a successful supply chain, digital marketing strategies for growing an e-commerce business, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a serial entrepreneur. Whether you're interested in skincare, entrepreneurship, or building a successful brand, this episode offers valuable insights and tips from a seasoned entrepreneur.

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Ammon, a former D1 swimming team captain turned professional coach and founder of Performance Reimagined. Lauren specializes in leadership development and mental coaching for current and former athletes of all ages and levels, helping them to perform at their highest in all areas of life. Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the challenges of transitioning from an athletic to a non-athletic life, the importance of mental support for athletes and coaches, and strategies for handling the pressure of athletic competitions. We also discuss the mission and vision of Lauren's coaching practice, which is dedicated to changing the way elite student-athletes view their performance and helping them reach their full potential both on and off the field. Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your mental game or a coach or parent looking to support your athletes, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies for success.Learn more about Lauren and Performance Reimagined at: www.performancereimagined.com

In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur and bestselling author Brian Will to discuss his journey from dropout to multi-millionaire. Over the course of his career, Brian has created or co-created seven highly successful companies across four different industries, with a peak combined value of over a half billion dollars. In our conversation, Brian shares his insights and strategies for success in entrepreneurship, including the importance of taking calculated risks, the key principles of sales and management consulting, and the challenges of juggling multiple businesses simultaneously. We also discuss Brian's book, "The Dropout Multi-Millionaire," and the lessons it offers for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting out in business or looking to take your ventures to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.

On this episode of the Athlete Entrepreneur podcast, we are joined by Steve Kidd, a #1 international bestselling author, business coach, and expert digital marketer with over 30 years of experience. Steve shares his unique approach to helping others write bestselling books and leverage their success to achieve their goals. We discuss the importance of writing a book for business leaders, the power of perceived expertise, and the process of publishing a successful book. Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Kidd on the power of writing a bestselling book.

In this episode of the Athlete Entrepreneur podcast, we speak with Will Basta, co-founder of Ascend, an e-commerce automation company that provides a unique approach to creating passive income streams.Ascend is vertically integrated and works with individuals looking to build a profitable e-commerce store. Unlike other companies that focus on digital marketing or product sourcing, Ascend serves as an alternative investment vehicle. With infrastructure in place across the entire e-commerce value chain, Will sources consumer items at large discounts and sells them on Amazon and Wal-Mart, undercutting the competition while remaining profitable.Will's goal is to create a passive revenue stream for investors and then build value in the store through sales, reviews, and other metrics, which investors can later sell for 3x to 10x revenue. With a guaranteed return on the initial investment and a buyback policy for unsold inventory within 90 days, Ascend offers a differentiated solution in the e-commerce industry. It's a fascinating model that has gained the attention of over 300 clients, several warehouses, and hundreds of employees after just a few years of operations.In this episode, Will shares his journey and the strategies he used to create a successful company. He also talks about the benefits and guarantees that Ascend offers to its clients, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a passive income stream in the e-commerce industry. Tune in to learn from Will's experience as an athlete entrepreneur and discover how Ascend can help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.Social Media:Business Social MediaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-ecom/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AscendCapventures/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascend_cv/Website: www.ascendcapventures.comPersonal Social Media:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbasta/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wbasta/?hl=en

On this episode of the Athlete Entrepreneur podcast, we are excited to welcome Paige Lawrence, a former Olympian turned executive coach and mentor. Paige's passion for figure skating led her to compete at the Olympics in 2014, and she credits her success to her mindset, skillset, and mental resilience.As an executive coach, Paige brings this same philosophy to her clients, helping entrepreneurs and small business leaders develop a high-performance mindset that leads to outstanding results and long-lasting career success. In our conversation, we'll be discussing Paige's journey to the Olympics, her transition from athletics to her professional career, and how she helps entrepreneurs adopt the habits and mindset that brought her to the top of her sport in their own businesses.With her unique experience as an Olympic athlete and executive coach, Paige draws from both worlds to support and challenge her clients as they work to evolve into what they are ultimately capable of. So join us as we dive into our conversation with Paige Lawrence and learn from her insights and expertise as an athlete entrepreneur.

Welcome to another episode of the Athlete Entrepreneur podcast, where we explore the journey of successful individuals and the parallels between sports and business success. Whether you're an athlete or not, you'll find value in this show as we dive into the mindset of an Athlete Entrepreneur and how it can help you launch and grow your business.Today, I'm joined by Dr. Darryl Stickel, one of the world's leading experts on Trust. With a PhD from Duke University and 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and even consulting with the Canadian government on rebuilding trust in hostile areas, Darryl is a true authority on the subject.In this episode, Darryl shares his insights on trust and its critical role in the business world. He'll discuss his new book, "Building Trust - Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World", and share his thoughts on how to gain the trust of your employees, customers, investors, and Board. So sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with Dr. Darryl Stickel on the Athlete Entrepreneur podcast.

Born in the South, briefly ran track for Vanderbilt. Formerly a touring professional fire juggler. Michael's career has centered around technology - programming, project management, and most recently sales. In 2016, left the US for 2 1/2 years to kiteboard, surf and explore over 50 countries. Upon returning, focusing on meditation practices such as Vipassana and Sadhguru.  Most recently practicing Dr. Joe Dispenza's work combining neuroscience, epigenetics and quantum physics. Currently living in Laguna Beach where he efoils and returned to Slalom, a global consulting firm.

Gene is the Founder & CEO, of Athletes Untapped a marketplace that connects qualified coaches with aspiring athletes. Athletes Untapped fosters strong connections between athletes and private coaches. We enable the relationships to last by backing them with dynamic technology.Gene is also the President, at VeryApt, a national real estate technology company dedicated to helping renters find their ideal apartment. We focus on partnering with major universities and employers to assist incoming graduate students and employees with their housing search. Gene was a former professional basketball player, Galway Titans (2016-2017) and has a BA in economics from Johns Hopkins (2016) where he was varsity basketball captain and conference scholar-athlete of the year. 

Rick Elmore is an entrepreneur, sales and marketing expert, and former college and professional football athlete. As the Founder and CEO of Simply Noted, Rick developed a proprietary technology that puts real pen and ink to paper to scale handwritten communication, helping businesses of all industries scale this unique marketing platform to stand out from their competition and build meaningful relationships with clients, customers, and employees. Founded in 2018 and based in Tempe, Arizona, Simply Noted has grown into a thriving company with clients of various sizes across the country including in hospitality, real estate, insurance, nonprofit, franchise, B2B, and others. Rick has served as the company's CEO since its founding, for more than three years, and has over a decade of sales and marketing industry experience.

A lifelong athlete turned Nutrition Expert, Chris founded LyfeFuel as a way to share his passion for health and wellness.Upon learning that many of the nutrients we should be getting from food are non-existent in modern diets, and discovering that the supplement industry is saturated with petroleum-based synthetic ingredients and chemical extraction methods, I felt compelledto seek out a cleaner, more natural way to meet my daily nutritional demands without trading health for convenience.Borrowing from my experience as a professional athlete I immersed myself in the world of functional medicine to search for a competitive edge that could position LyfeFuel as uniquely different and more effective than anything else on the market. Years of research, personal experimentation, and cultural insights from living abroad ultimately led to a simple revelation... harnessing the power of plants to put back what's missing from food.Taking a holistic approach to nutrition that uses real whole foods to deliver the essential nutrients missing from modern diets, our formulations are arguably the cleanest, most complete, and delicious on the market, each taking years to develop.Every aspect of LyfeFuel is backed by science, right down to the amounts of each ingredient. Instead of simply throwing healthy ingredients together, LyfeFuel's products are engineered with the specific purpose of aiding absorption to make sure the body receives the full benefits of each and every life-sustaining nutrient.With a vision to become a leader in personalized wellness, LyfeFuel launched its first product, The Daily Essentials Shake, in September of 2016. The purpose of the flagship formula was to provide the core nutritional components that most Americans don't get enough of, in a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal on the go. It's nutrition, simplified.

Jelani Jenkins is a 5 year NFL Vet and Certified Performance and Mindset Coach. He is also the founder/CEO of Postseason – a social learning app that helps athletes continue their growth, success, and fulfillment beyond sports.Jelani built his coaching practice in response to the challenges he went through after retiring from the NFL. Built on two key principles, his methodology emphasizes Self-Discovery and Self-Mastery. Through mindset training, he helps athletes and high-performers overcome their subconscious limitations to achieve their goals quicker, easier, and with more fulfillment.About Postseason Postseason is founded by a Jelani Jenkins who knows about the challenges that former college and professional athletes face, and backed by a team of individuals that are passionate about helping athletes succeed. We didn't just have our brilliant team run surveys on athletes. We brought our struggles, challenges, and successes to the table along with those faced by our friends and teammates. You always have one of our leaders to connect with.

James Mayo is the Co-Founder and Chief Hydration Officer of SOS Hydration, an electrolyte drink created from a need to hydrate better in his professional running career. Mayo understands the difficulties of trying to remain hydrated as well as optimizing performance while participating in world-class athletic events. James was the British National Mile Champion and traveled the world to compete. He was an Army Infantry officer for six years, where he continued to push his performance boundaries. Despite his elite athlete status, Mayo became pre-diabetic, and it was a wake-up call for the sugary drinks he had been consuming for performance fuel. He teamed up with his brother Tom and his wife to test out their own formula and created a hydration formula specifically designed for active lifestyles, that's backed in research without the added sugars and unhealthy ingredients.James has grown SOS Hydration to triple-digit growth, bringing on board members including Shark Tank “Shark” Kevin Harrington and former NBA great/Olympian Charles Smith. James launched SOS' philanthropic efforts including partnering with Global Empowerment Mission.James is a father of two beautiful girls and a husband to his co-founder, Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo.

Marissa is an innovative, prolific Senior Marketing Director with a demonstrated track record of achievement in digital marketing, social media advertising, B2B and multichannel marketing, content development, campaign planning and management, brand communications, audience development, and community building. Utilizes strong communication skills to interface with key influencers and decision makers, provide training and development, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Proven aptitude for increasing traffic, driving sales/revenue, and enhancing the overall digital experience.Honors include being named as one of Marketing Insider Group's Top B2B Marketing Experts to Follow (2022), Named by CVENT as one of the 20 Event Professionals You Should be Following (2021), Top 29 Event Industry Influencers to Follow by G2 Planet, named as An Influencer by Hubilo in their 2020 Ode to Women In Events Industry, nominated as one of Eventex's 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry, named a Top 5 B2B Content Marketing Influencer on Social Media by B2B Marketing, and more.You can follow Marissa on Twitter @MarissaPick, and visit her blog Marissa's Picks at marissapick.com.

Park Lane is an investment bank founded to provide sports finance advisory services to a variety of clients in the sports industry. Edwin has been a member of Park Lane since 2017 and is actively involved across all of the firm's services. Edwin's primary responsibility is leading the firm's efforts with sports franchise valuations and due diligence, which include client relations, market awareness, and deal sourcing & execution.  He also plays an integral role in the firm's Sports Team M&A, Capital Group, and Traditional Real Estate strategies. Before his time at Park Lane, Edwin was a professional basketball player in Europe. During his 10-year career, Edwin competed and won championships in countries such as Switzerland, France, and Hungary. Toward the end of his professional basketball career, he founded the private wealth management/financial planning firm Diesel Financial where he helped professional athletes build a strong financial future. During that time, he earned his C.F.P. (Certificate of Financial Planning) and E.A. (Enrolled Agent) distinction.Edwin earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University and M.B.A. at the U.S.C. Marshall School of Business. He holds Series 63, 79, and 82 securities licenses.

Former NFL Oakland Raiders Tight End John Madsen has spent his career trying to help others master fitness, mindset and success.  He launched Supra Human in 2021; teaching high-performance behavior and mindset to over 10,000+ individuals, ranging from former NFL players, MLB athletes, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and high level executives-- and even ordinary men who want to level up. Madsen started as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) for high school athletes looking for college scholarships. Within one year, he launched a 7 figure business, already earning a Clickfunnels 7-Figure Award. Madsen's goal with Supra Human is to transition the Business Man into the Business Athlete. Madsen was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife and 3 ½ year old daughter.  His motto is something he lives and breathes personally: “Go Get What's Yours.”Website: http://www.johnmadsen.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmadsenofficialFollow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTubeFind me on LinkedIn

After 2 years in the NFL, Brendan was able to channel his competitiveness & drive into a sales career. Today, the team-building & coaching skills he learned from football are ones that he leverage day-to-day.He joined Yelp in 2007 as an Account Executive & its 60th employee. In that time, he hit his benchmarks and was consistently promoted, moving from an individual contributor role to a leadership position in 2009.In 10 years of management experience (12 total years in sales), He has managed several hundred individuals in fast-paced environments. He has deep industry expertise & experience both with private & public companies. He also has extensive experience working with SMB owners, listening to their current challenges, and helping them create solutions to help their businesses.Learn More: https://www.athleteentrepreneurship.com/ Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTubeFind me on LinkedIn

Lauren Foundos is the Founder and CEO of FORTE. Lauren was a 2x All-American Field Hockey player at the University of Maryland. After spending a decade on Wall Street, she founded FORTË in 2015. FORTË has revolutionized the fitness industry by providing access to avant-garde boutique studio classes coached by leading fitness experts worldwide. Both a technology and subscription-based streaming platform, FORTË installs hardware and software into boutique studios, which enable the classes to be streamed live to FORTË 's platform.A FORTË subscription gives you access to this curated, cutting-edge, fully immersive, social, data-driven, interactive, real time, unedited, and unparalleled fitness experience with unlimited content and classes from the most elite boutique studios and coaches around the world. FORTË's subscribers have the opportunity to experience their favorite classes live or through their on-demand library, but however or wherever you consume it, maximize your workout, smile, and have fun withFollow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTubeFind me on LinkedIn

Casey LeBlanc is the CEO of New Venture Escrow. He is a serial entrepreneur that has led several small to medium-sized businesses that have experienced rapid growth and scale. He is also a business development addict who thrives on innovation and promotes healthy leadership.Casey was born and raised in the Bay Area. He played collegiate football at San Jose State for four years, where he was a captain for both his junior and senior years. Casey credits his athletic background to learning the importance of leadership and hard work.Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTubeFind me on LinkedIn

Mike Reilly, the official "Voice of IRONMAN" worldwide and a member of the IRONMAN Hall of Fame, the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, and the Running USA Hall of Champions, is the only person to have been inducted into all three.Mike has also done on-site announcing and television coverage for over a thousand other triathlon and running events in 10 countries. October 2021 will mark his 31st appearance as the IRONMAN World Championship announcer in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.He's called 194 IRONMAN races worldwide, and his iconic call of "You are an IRONMAN!" has been heard by over 350,000 finishers.

Taylor Monks | Co-Founder & CEO @ BasicBlock.io  Taylor went from a college dropout who hit it big in Bitcoin to a tech entrepreneur with a whos who of silicon valley investors almost overnight. BasicBlock just closed a $78M round of funding.   BasicBlock, at its very high level, is a company that offers a mobile document scanning solution to trucking companies. The solution we provide helps trucking companies digitize their workflow and automate part of the billing process. We save current clients tens of thousands of dollars with a simple download of an app, but more importantly, they don't have to change a single bit of their current process to do so.Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTubeFind me on LinkedIn

Don Davey was the first, and is still the only student in NCAA history to be named to GTE's prestigious First Team Academic All-American Team in four consecutive years.  After earning his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wisconsin, his unique combination of intelligence, talent, and unrivaled work ethic propelled him through nine successful seasons in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers (1991-1995) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-1999).  Since retiring from the NFL, Don has immersed himself in several entrepreneurial, charitable, and athletic endeavors: ·       He is the owner of Disciplined Equity Management, an institutional wealth management firm for professional athletes, business owners, executives, and other high net worth investors.·       He is the largest Firehouse Subs franchisee in the country, developing more than 30 Firehouse Subs locations in Florida and Wisconsin.·       He is the owner of Parrothead Property Investments, a real estate investment company with commercial and residential holdings in Florida and Wisconsin.·       He donates considerable time and resources to several non-profits including the University of Wisconsin, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, and the Ironman Foundation.·       He fuels his competitive drive by competing in Ironman Triathlons, having completed eleven full distance IRONMAN events around the world.  Don recently became only the second modern era NFL player to complete the grueling Ironman World Championship course in Kona, Hawaii.Don is married to his high school sweetheart and fellow Wisconsin Badger Kristen.  They have five beautiful daughters named Livy, Carly, Kuki, Chloe, and Kasey and reside in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Zachary Colman, the CEO of CreatitiveCreatitive is a sports branding agency based out of Arizona. They use their combined sports and web background to help athletes brand themselves, increase their value to sponsors, and help sports and athletic organizations increase their revenue. Founded in 2014 by Zach Colman, CEO and Creative Director; his father is a former NFL player.Trademarked BrandBuild® process helps clients create customized branding, public relations and website strategies. Creatitive can also provide ongoing implementation as part of a long-term partnership.Experience with a wide range of athletes and companies to develop their brands, including MLB's Phil Coke and NFL's Calvin Prior, and businesses such as the Phoenix Suns.Connect with ZacharyTwitter: https://twitter.com/athletiticInstagram: https://instagram.com/creatitiveFacebook: https://facebook.com/creatitiveYoutube: https://youtube.com/creatitive

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Therese GeddaTherese Gedda is an award-winning entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Reimaginez. She brings nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial experience from running multiple companies including tech startups to her executive coaching and cultural consulting practice. She has developed proprietary frameworks proven to deliver transformative change in both fast-growing companies and large corporations. Therese has actively engaged with over 1,000 founders, CEOs and executives. Her company, Reimaginez, reimagines the workplace by supporting startups and scaleups in becoming more people and purpose-centric. She is also a sought-after Executive Coach for high-achieving founders, investors, and the C-suite.Therese has been an invited Keynote Speaker in over ten countries on topics such as Company Culture, the Future of Work, and the High Achiever Mindset where she has inspired more than 30,000 people. Therese has been featured at exclusive invitation-only events led by companies such as Apple and LVMH as well as international conferences such as Inbound in Boston alongside Michelle Obama, Adam Grant, and Brené Brown. Other notable conferences include Viva Tech in Paris, TEDx in Stockholm, and Web Summit in Dublin. Offstage, Therese has been featured in NBC News, Fortune, and VentureBeat, to name a few.As a result of her dedication to entrepreneurship and company culture, Therese has been recognized by Nordic 100 for her cultural and Future of Work efforts, naming her one of the most influential and impactful people in the Nordics. The list is equivalent to the ‘Forbes 30 under 30' and ‘Forbes 40 under 40' in the United States. She's also been recognized by the SKAPA foundation via the Future Innovator Award given in memory of Alfred Nobel. This award is one of the most prestigious of its kind, and the recipients are considered to be “Swedish Champions of Innovation”.More about Therese Website: http://www.reimaginez.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/theresegeddaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresegedda/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therese.geddaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7n7W17UuaNf345yLa0o2tA

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features my good friend and co-founder of Hero Barbell Co.,  Lt. Col. Frank "Squiggy" Savarese. Lieutenant Colonel Savarese was born the son of a Marine attack pilot.  He graduated the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelors of Science in History and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 2002.  In June 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Savarese finished his initial training at VMFAT-101, and reported to the Death Rattlers of VMFA-323 for follow on training.  He also deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (II) in 2007 and again in 2009 in support of theater security operations in the western pacific.  He was designated Air Combat Tactics Instructor in December 2008. Departing from the Snakes in July 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Savarese received orders to become a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor and reported to VMFAT-101.  While with the Sharpshooters, he was selected to attend the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and was designated a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor in June 2011. Lieutenant Colonel Savarese received orders in August 2012 to report to Marine Aviation Training Systems Site (MATSS) Iwakuni, and relocated his family to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.  While assigned to MATSS Iwakuni, he served as MATSS operations officer and as the MAG-12 standardization evaluator.  In July 2013, he received orders and reported to the Bats of VMFA(AW)-242 and serve as the pilot training officer.  He attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-14 was designated a WTI in October 2013.  For his efforts as training officer, he was recognized as the 2015 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Aviator of the Year. Subsequently, Lieutenant Colonel Savarese reported for duty as Air Officer, 11th Marine Regiment in April 2015.  Upon graduating Tactical Air Control Party School and being designated a Forward Air Controller (FAC), he attended WTI again as an air officer.  While at WTI, he received the India 14 award, distinguishing him as top FAC.  During his tour with 11th Marines, he was responsible for Joint Terminal Attack Controller training throughout 1st Marine Division.In October of 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Savarese reported to the Death Rattlers of VMFA-323 for his department head tour.  During this tour, he served as the maintenance officer in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and deployed with Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in June 2017.  He returned in December of 2017 and served as the executive officer until his departure in March of 2019. After departing the Death Rattlers for a second time, he reported to Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) to serve as the Tactical Aircraft Integration (TAI) officer.  For his continued efforts to integrate both the Navy and Marine Corps, he was recognized as the 2019 USMC Tailhooker of the Year.His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of second award).  Throughout his flying career, he has accumulated over 2300 mishap free F/A-18 hours, over 150 combat hours, and 364 carrier-arrested landings.LtCol Savarese is happily married to the former Jamie Alameda of Yuma, Arizona.  They have four children, Charlotte (10), Reid (8), Frances (4), and Margot (1).

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur feature James WuJames Wu is an executive at Sirius XM Radio. Raised in the suburbs of LA. After an elbow injury ended his baseball career prematurely, he jumped into football full time.  Although he was All-Conference, All Valley, All San Gabriel Valley Decades team, he received no scholarship offers out of high school. After a stint at the local Junior College, he received a number of non-scholarship offers from Ivy League schools but wanted to go somewhere where they paid his way. After his coach at Junior College made a call to the Defensive Coordinator at San Diego State University, he ended up enrolling as an undersized Defensive End where his dedication and work ethic made him a favorite amongst the coaches and earned the respect of his peers. After graduating with honors, he became a stockbroker and in a stroke of terrible timing, opened the doors to his financial services firm on Monday September 10, 2001.Several years later, he was brought on to run American Honda's licensing portfolio.  He turned a $500K/yr business into a $10M/yr business.  He negotiated a $100M/yr guaranteed licensing deal for Honda but Honda Japan stepped in a killed it.  Frustrated with big company culture, he went to work at XM Radio pre-merger with Sirius but left to join a startup called Stitcher Radio. While running business development for Stitcher, he got Stitcher into 5M cars and is the reason why Stitcher is the native podcasting application for both AppleCarPlay and Android Automotive. He was recruited back to SXM in 2013 where he now serves as Vice President of Automotive Partnerships. 

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Femi Ayanbadejo Femi Ayanbadejo was a member and significant contributor on the 2000 Ravens Super Bowl XXXV championship team.Femi's football career began as an undrafted free agent in 1997 with the Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at San Diego State where he also earned his BA in Psychology He also played for the Baltimore Ravens (1999-2002), Miami Dolphins (2002-2003), Arizona Cardinals 2004-2007), Chicago Bears (2007), and California Redwoods (2009) of the UFL.Since retiring from professional football in 2010 Ayanbadejo has been immersed in the health technology space. He was co-founder and operator of a private training facility where he was a personal trainer and nutrition consultant. He then sold his equity in the company and enrolled at Johns Hopkins University where he received an MBA focused on Digital Health.Femi is the founder of HealthReel, Inc. and the creator of the AI-powered HealthReel body composition and health assessment app. HealthReel began with technology Ayanbadejo exclusively licensed from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. NASA's stellar algorithm is the engine driving HealthReel.Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTube Follow Femi on TwitterFollow Femi on Instagram

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Dan BerzanskyMy guest for this episode is Dan Berzansky. Dan is currently the founder and CEO of OneTeam360, a SaaS solution that “gamifies” employment management to improve engagement, management, training, and reporting, specifically for the part-time hourly workforce. Dan is a multi-time founder who also Owns and Manages Premier Aquatics, a full-service aquatics management and staffing firm with over 600 locations. Dan swam competitively and earned his undergraduate degree from Division 1 Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York and he earned his MBA from Pepperdine University.Dan is the Vice President of Stop Drowning Now, a national drowning prevention education program designed for use in the elementary school setting. He is also the upcoming Vice-Chair of the Orange County Drowning Prevention Task Force.Follow the show at:  https://www.athleteentrepreneurship.com/

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Charley DehoneyCharley is the CEO of FreightMango, a Global Digital Freight Marketplace focused on streamlining and automating global trade. Charley is also a Vice President at Zebox, an international incubator and accelerator for startups, primarily in the transportation and logistics space.  Charley is a visionary sales executive with a charismatic leadership style, and an expert knowledge of transportation, supply chain, and logistics technology (SaaS, PaaS, IoT, Sensors, Telematics, Geofencing, WMS, TMS, API, ERP and CRM). Entrepreneurial, innovative, and agile are just a few words that describe him and honesty, loyalty, perseverance, integrity, team-building, and outstanding problem-solving form the foundation of his management success.Charley and I go way back when our athletic careers first crossed paths in high school. Charley went on to play football at San Jose State University where he had a chance to see the ups and downs of technology startups first hand. I first had a chance to work with him professionally when he joined my company Events.com as our VP of Sales. Charley was one of the most effective sales leaders I have ever had a chance to work with. He has a charismatic leadership style, he's a true student of the SaaS world and knows logistics and supply chain technology landscape as well as anyone. Charley has had leadership roles at Airspace Technologies, ShipHawk, and Cargomatic and is a Contributing Autor at FreightWaves. Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTube 

Pat Swanson is currently an Executive Vice President at Colliers International. He is one of Southern California's most accomplished multi-family investment brokers. Throughout his real estate career, his accomplishments have been recognized with multiple awards - the most recent being  CoStar's Power Broker Award, which celebrates the Top Commercial Brokers in the Country. From a number perspective, he was the top multi-family Brokerage in California for Colliers from 2016-2019.Pat was a state champion in the 110M Hurdles and attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship where he was a 3-year starter.   We talk about how Pat bypassed offers from other Divison 1 program out of high school and instead bet on himself and spent a season junior college to pursue his dream school of USC. We talk about his decision to let his sons play football. His battle with Leukemia and what it was like to receive a 50/50 chance of survivalHe had some amazing tips and tricks for building relationships and how he was able to establish himself in the highly lucrative, but competitive commercial real estate industry. 

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features Andrew Kline Andrew is the Founder and Managing Director at Park Lane. Park Lane is a Los Angeles-based Investment Bank that provides sports finance advisory services. Andrew has been involved in M&A transactions in all of the major sports (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, etc.) and has been fundamental in obtaining financing for many early-stage sports-based businesses Andrew was my teammate at San Diego State University where we played together on the offensive line. Andrew was drafted by then world champion St. Louis Rams where his career was unfortunately cut short by concussions. Andrew is a born entrepreneur, having founded the Australian Surf Academy after returning home from a surf trip in Bali and The Athletes Agency after waking up from a dream one night with an idea to connect professional athletes with corporations. Both of which he had successful exits with. Andrew is currently a member of the Stanford Executive Circle, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Association of Corporate Growth, the NFLPA, and the NFL Retired Players Association.In 2013, at the age of 36, Kline was named to The M&A Advisor's 40 Under 40 list. Kline was also named to SportsBusiness Journal's 2016 Power Players List in the Advisory category.Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTube Find me on LinkedIn

This episode of The Athlete Entrepreneur features John Mallinger. John Mallinger is a PGA Tour veteran who earned his Tour card in 2007. That year he finished runner-up to Brandt Snedeker for Rookie of the year honors. He has since played in just under 200 PGA events, with a number of Top 10s and Top 25s to his name and a win at the Pebble Beach Invitational. John is also the co-founder of the clothing brand, TravisMathew. TravisMathew changed golf apparel and possibly business casual forever. We talk about how John and his roommate came up with the idea for the brand. How he took a huge bet on himself going "all-in" to seed the company and how they built a successful lifestyle brand. John also shares a story about how he left a tournament mid-round to celebrate with his friends when they closed the sale of the company to Callaway Golf. We also spend some time discussing the mental side of golf and why he thinks he was able to succeed on tour when many more talented players were not. Finally, we discuss the foundation John started and the annual pro-am golf tournament that he hosts which has raised over  $700,000.Follow us on Twitter @greg_spillaneFollow us on YouTube