Shows
Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves154: Freddie Woodword - The Quiet Identity Crisis of an OlympianSend us a textWhat do you do when your biggest career milestone happens at 23 and you're not even sure how you got there? For Freddie Woodword, representing Team GB in diving at the Olympics was both the dream and the beginning of a much deeper journey.In this episode, we dive into Freddie’s fascinating transition from elite athlete to cruise ship performer to entrepreneur in the generative AI space. His story is one of raw honesty, reinvention, and building a meaningful life after sport without following a traditional path.We ta...2025-07-021h 12Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves152: Tom Morton: A Tweet That Ended It All, Redefining Success After Pro RugbySend us a textWhat happens when your pro sports career ends with a tweet?Tom Morton found out the hard way. While playing rugby in New Zealand, he saw on social media that his contract with Sale Sharks wasn’t being renewed. No phone call. No meeting. Just a public post that blindsided him completely.From training with England’s under-20s to waking up across the world with no contract and no plan, Tom shares how he rebuilt not just his career, but also his mindset.We talk about what...2025-06-181h 04Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves150: Matthew Lloyd - From Olympic Cyclist to Recovery MentorSend us a textMatthew Lloyd, former Australian Olympic cyclist and King of Mountains winner at the Giro d'Italia, shares his powerful journey of transition after career-ending injuries led to addiction and ultimately transformation.In this episode, we chat about how he:• Found freedom and joy in cycling from childhood, exploring nature with his brother• Shifted from triathlon to cycling when coaches noticed his exceptional cycling talent despite poor swimming skills• Became Australian national champion in 2008 and represented Australia at Beijing Olympics• Won the prestigious King of Mountain...2025-06-041h 25Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves149: Danielle Jordan-Taft - The Power of Proving Yourself and Success RedefinedSend us a textFrom hiding handwritten goals under her mattress at age 12 to representing England in netball and later Jamaica in rugby, Danielle shares the defining moments that shaped her unique approach to achievement. She vividly recounts the emotional journey of childhood trials that became her catalyst for success—a painful rejection that transformed into an unwavering determination to prove herself worthy in everything she attempted.In this epsiode, we talk about: - Juggling multiple roles including netball at high level, rugby for Jamaica in both sevens and fifteens, and three separate bus...2025-05-291h 17Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves148: Jimmy Gavin - When the Ball Stops Bouncing: Navigating Life After Seven Years in European BasketballSend us a textJimmy Gavin’s path took him from crushing self-doubt and a life-changing health diagnosis in high school to seven seasons of pro basketball across Europe, through a humbling tech-sales gig, and now into a leadership role directing sports initiatives. Along the way, he discovered that raw honesty, relentless hustle, and a tight-knit support crew can flip every “end” into the start of something even bigger. In this episode, we talk about:- Ego vs. Teammate: Why Jimmy’s drive to build himself up sometimes clashed with coaches and peers...2025-05-2154 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves147: Lexi Chambers - Defying Limits: From Amputee to World Record HolderSend us a textIn this episode Ryan sits down with Lexi Chambers, an adaptive athlete who has shattered expectations and set multiple world records—all while using a standard NHS wheelchair. After a below-the-knee amputation due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Lexi refused to let disability define her. Instead, she turned to endurance sports, becoming the first person to wheel from John O’Groats to Land’s End (1,500km) in an everyday wheelchair. Now, she’s preparing for 10 ultramarathons in 10 days (50km/day) and an even bigger challenge: wheeling coast-to-coast across t...2025-05-1445 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves146: Jess Borg - How the Olympic dream led to unexpected career paths and a mission to help other athletesSend us a textWhat happens when an 8-year-old’s Olympic dream doesn’t pan out? For Jess, a former elite taekwondo and boxing athlete, it meant reinventing herself—twice—while battling concussions, identity crises, and the harsh realities of transitioning out of sports.In this episode, you’ll hear:- How a diagnosis of low muscle tone led her to taekwondo, and why she became the kid opponents feared- The brutal truth about combat sports: why concussions in taekwondo went unchecked for years- Her shocking career pivot: from taekwondo...2025-05-071h 01Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves145: Gavin Freeman: How Elite Athletes (and You) Can Master Decision-Making and Career TransitionSend us a textIn today's episode, we dive deep into the real psychology behind career transitions, decision-making, and finding your true path after sport — and why it’s way less logical and way more emotional than you think.We are joined by Gavin Freeman, a sports psychologist, MBA lecturer, and corporate strategist who shares fascinating stories from working with elite athletes, Olympic teams, and CEOs leading thousands. Together, we uncover why so many people struggle with change — and the surprising skills you already have to make smoother, smarter career moves.Inside this c...2025-04-3059 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves144: Greg Philips - Your Attitude Decides Your Altitude – The Relentless Mindset of a Champion SwimmerSend us a textGreg's journey isn't your typical athlete-to-executive story. This is about what happens when you walk away from elite sport cold turkey (for 10 years), then suddenly find yourself pulled back in – while building a career, starting a family, and even stepping into a boxing ring.In this episode, we get raw about:That moment a 24-hour bus ride revealed his untapped swimming potentialWhy he took a demolition job after retiring from international competitionThe $35,000 mindset shift he wished he'd had earlierHow getting knocked out in business (figuratively) prepared him for getting in th...2025-04-231h 09Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves143: Aleisha McCall: Building a Business - Lessons from an Athlete EntrepreneurSend us a textAleisha’s journey from elite synchronized figure skating to founding a rockstar media company is inspiring, and a masterclass in translating athletic discipline into business success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the gritty reality of career transition: the identity crises, the $35,000 gamble that changed everything, and why "trust the process" isn't just a sports cliché, it's the secret to outlasting 98% of startups. If you've ever felt lost after a major life pivot, or wondered how to turn your competitive edge into career fuel, this episode is your playbook.2025-04-1652 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves142: Rachel Lewis: "Why Can’t We Dream Bigger?" – Olympic Sacrifice, Identity, and Life After SportSend us a textWhat happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the Olympic dream becomes a memory? For Rachel Lewis, the transition from elite athlete to "what’s next?" wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity crisis, a financial struggle, and ultimately, a mission to change the game for future athletes.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Rachel opens up about:Writing "Olympic volleyball player" in her yearbook at 15—before she even knew how to play the sport.Training with boys, living in fire stations, and ridi...2025-04-0959 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves141: Marnie Wills: Sport, Business, and AI: You Never Lose, You Only LearnSend us a textIn today's episode, Ryan sits down with Marnie—a former dual international athlete (representing England in both netball and touch rugby), mum of two, and entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing early-years sports education and AI adoption in business.Marnie’s story is one of relentless determination, adaptability, and learning to thrive in multiple arenas—whether on the pitch, in the boardroom, or at home with her young family. From her early days as a self-described "B-team player" in Australia to captaining England teams and launching her own business, Marnie shares how she’s navigate...2025-04-0246 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves140: Kuhoo Garg: Blinded By Sporting Excellence - From World #34 to Indian Police ServiceSend us a textWhen Kuhoo Garg tore her ACL during her comeback tournament after COVID, little did she know this injury would redirect her life's purpose. As a former world #34 badminton player representing India, Kuhoo had dedicated everything to her sport—sacrificing normal college experiences, social connections, and career exploration in pursuit of Olympic dreams.The forced pause from competition created space for a profound realization. Despite reaching elite levels in her sport, Kuhoo began questioning whether the singular focus had been worth it. "I had a lot of resentment towards the sport," she co...2025-03-2553 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves124: Andrew Mewing - From Elite Swimmer to Thriving Construction Law EntrepreneurSend us a textImagine 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...2024-11-1253 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves121: Skye Eddy - From Professional Soccer to Empowering Parents in Youth Sports and Real Estate SuccessSend us a textEver 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...2024-10-2345 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves118: David Watters - From Tech Innovator to Transforming Inclusive Gay Rugby GloballySend us a textIn honor of LGBTQ History Month, Ryan is excited to speak with David Watters, an LGBTQ+ rugby player, innovation consultant, and business coach based in the UK. While many of our guests transition from sports to other fields, David's story is unique: he transitioned from the boardroom to the rugby pitch. Now playing for the Airmill Warriors, David is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As an innovator and startup accelerator, he specializes in integrating new technologies into transportation and city infrastructure.David’s journey marks a significant shift si...2024-10-0248 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves117: Marilyn Okoro: Olympian to Shaping Inclusive Leadership - Navigating Cultural Expectations and Systemic ChangeSend us a textWhat if the toughest streets of Stonebridge, Northwest London, were the unlikely training ground for a future Olympian and corporate leader? In this episode, Ryan dives deep into the life and career of Marilyn Okoro, a British track & field athlete, 800m specialist, and Athlete Welfare Change Maker. She represented Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she was part of the 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal (upgraded to silver in 2016).From a young girl with a passion for running to becoming one of the...2024-09-251h 06Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves115: Anna Pixner - Speed Skateboarder to Championing Gender Equality in Extreme SportsSend us a textWhat does it take to skateboard at 100 kilometers per hour down treacherous terrains while breaking gender barriers? Join Ryan today as he sits down with Anna Pixner, Austria’s fastest woman on skateboards. Anna is a two-time world champion in downhill speed skateboarder, coach, writer, and advocate for greater recognition and equality for women in extreme sports. Known for her technical prowess and fearless approach to some of the most challenging mountain roads, Anna has mastered the art of navigating hairpin turns at breakneck speeds - all while advocating for greater recognition and eq...2024-09-1132 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves113: Jori Davis: From Pro Basketball to Bringing Transparency to Athlete Management, Agents and ContractingSend us a textIn today's episode, Ryan dives deep with Jori Davis, a seasoned professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, whose journey spans over 13 years, nine countries, and four continents. From the early days in New Orleans, Davis realized the importance of independence and self-reliance, especially in the competitive world of sports that crafted her into a strong advocate for athletes rights.After experiencing the challenges and frustrations of negotiating sports contracts through agents and partners who often underpaid athletes, she realized the need for a platform that could bridge the gap between athletes and...2024-08-281h 11Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves103: Carla Ryan - From Cycling Champion to Athlete Manager: Navigating Passion and Career ChangeSend us a textFrom living on a friend's floor to conquering the world of professional cycling, Carla's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover the sacrifices she made, including financial struggles and overcoming severe injuries, to achieve national championship status. You'll hear how Carla juggled her academic pursuits with her sporting ambitions, ultimately earning a degree in Business Sports Management and setting the stage for a thriving career in sports management with Compress Sport.Curious about how social connections can ignite a passion for sports? Carla's story vividly illustrates the power...2024-06-1950 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves101: Taj Dashaun - How a Sense of Falling Short Lead Me to Thrive After SportsSend us a textToday’s episode marks our 101st episode of the podcast. So what's better than creating a 101 of Athletic Career Transition. In this episode, Ryan, along with Taj Dashaun, founder of Thrive After Sports Life, peel back the layers of the athletic mindset, sharing their own pivots from competitive play to carving out new professional identities. Their dialogue illuminates the critical steps in crafting a 'second act' that's as fulfilling as the first. Whether you're a former athlete or someone seeking to channel your drive and passion into a new vocation, this he...2024-06-0549 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves95: Chandra Crawford - What to do after winning Olympic gold?Send us a textJoin the conversation as Ryan chats with the extraordinary Chandra Crawford, Olympic gold medalist turned inspiring life trailblazer. Chandra's journey from the snow-clad peaks of Canmore to the uncharted terrains of life beyond the podium is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we navigate her story, you’ll be privy to an intimate discussion on the transformative power of persistence, the joy of discovering new passions, and the courage to redefine identity when life calls for a new chapter. This is not simply a tale of athletic prowess, but a testament to the undying qu...2024-04-2451 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves94: Jason Baggott - How do I prepare my financial future after sport?Send us a textWhen the roar of the stadium fades into the quiet buzz of an office, life takes an unexpected scrum. Former rugby professional Jason joins Ryan to share his remarkable journey from scoring tries to advising on financial ties. An athlete's path is never linear, and Jason's tale is a testament to the tenacity required both on the field and in the world of finance. We traverse his transition from the Southern Kings to capturing Google Maps footage, then to his adept hand at wealth management — proving it's not just muscle that flexes in th...2024-04-1749 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves87: Andrew Barton - An Athlete's Journey to Human Resources ExcellenceSend us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to tackle a career pivot with the same force you'd tackle an opponent on the football field? Andrew, a former collegiate football star turned senior people partner in the cybersecurity industry, joins Ryan to unravel the playbook of his impressive transition. Together, they chart the course from the adrenaline of recruitment to the strategy behind talent management, offering you a seat at the table of an athlete's mind turned corporate maven.Shifting gears from the gridiron to the corporate ladder, they unpack the emotional...2024-02-2751 minCareer Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves81: Calum Giles - An Olympic Hockey Player's Insights on ADHD, Neurodiversity, and Life Beyond the FieldSend us a textWhen Calum Giles, a double Olympic hockey player, steps into our studio, he brings with him a narrative that goes beyond the hockey field. His personal battles and victories over ADHD are as captivating as his athletic accomplishments. Understanding his journey helps us unravel the tight weave between neurodiversity and peak performance. Calum doesn't shy away from discussing the role of mentors in recognizing and nurturing the potential of young athletes, a perspective that's shaped his roles as director of junior coaching at Blackheart and Altamium’s Hockey Club and managing director of St...2024-01-1657 min