Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey

Rob Finkelstein | Founder of Alumni Direct
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'Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey' is a podcast where we speak with former college and professional athletes from all over the world as they share the joys, successes, failures and lessons on their entrepreneurial journey. Key topics include transitioning out of sports and teaching athletes that there is life after sports. Hosted by Rob Finkelstein of Alumni Direct, one of the top networks for alumni worldwide.

  1. Former College Beach Volleyball Player to Founder of Breaking Barriers | Hania Taduran

    4D AGO

    Former College Beach Volleyball Player to Founder of Breaking Barriers | Hania Taduran

    In this episode of **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey**, Rob sits down with former Division I beach volleyball athlete turned clinical psychologist and founder, Hania Taduran. This isn’t just about career change. It’s about identity. It’s about mental health. It’s about who you are when the game no longer defines you. Hania brings honesty and lived experience to one of the most overlooked transitions in sports — the mental shift from athlete to whatever comes next. --- ## 🧠 About Hania Taduran Hania is the founder of Breaking Barriers, a nonprofit advancing accessible mental health support for athletes. A former Division I athlete with a background in psychology, she is completing her licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical psychology, performance, and innovation — building scalable systems that help athletes thrive both on and off the field 5a05c366-a392-4ba5-81aa-bd4d921…. Her mission is simple and bold: Break the stigma. Improve access. Elevate the human behind the athlete. --- ## 🔥 What We Covered ### 1️⃣ Sport Shapes You — But It Can Also Contain You --- ### 2️⃣ The Transition Gap --- ### 3️⃣ Your Network Is the Long Game --- ### 4️⃣ Alumni Should Mean Community, Not Just Fundraising --- ### 5️⃣ Be Present — You’ll Miss This Chapter --- ## 💡 Key Takeaways - Your identity is bigger than your sport. - Mental strength requires emotional awareness. - Build your network before you need it. - Seek support early, not reactively. - Transition with intention, not reaction. --- ## 🌱 Learn More & Get Involved **Breaking Barriers** is expanding support through: - Athlete-to-therapist connections - Peer support groups - Educational webinars and panels - Community mental health initiatives Athletes and organizations interested in partnering or sharing their story can connect here: 📧 hania@breakingbarriersorg.com 🌐 https://www.breakingbarriersorg.com/ 📱 Instagram & TikTok: @breakingbarriersorg 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/breaking-barriers-org/ --- ## 🎧 Listen & Connect If you’re navigating life after sports… If you’re building something beyond competition… If you care about mental health in high-performance spaces… This conversation is for you. 👉 Follow **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey** 👉 Share this episode with a teammate 👉 Start the conversation before the final whistle blows 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders:** [https://www.alumnidirect.com](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) --- **Tags:** #AthletesToEntrepreneurs #MentalHealthInSports #AthleteTransition #Entrepreneurship #AlumniDirect #BreakingBarriers #PerformancePsychology #GrowthMindset

    34 min
  2. Former Johns Hopkins Quarterback to Co Founder and CEO of TEAMBUILDR | Hewitt Tomlin

    FEB 11

    Former Johns Hopkins Quarterback to Co Founder and CEO of TEAMBUILDR | Hewitt Tomlin

    In this episode of **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey**, host **Rob Finkelstein** sits down with **Hewitt Tomlin** — former **Johns Hopkins quarterback** and Co-Founder & CEO of **TEAMBUILDR** — to explore what it really takes to **rebuild identity, purpose, and discipline after sport**. **Hewitt** shares his journey from a **Division III college quarterback** to leading a global strength-and-conditioning software company, offering a raw, thoughtful look at what athletes often lose when the structure of sport disappears — and what must be rebuilt intentionally to succeed in business and life. This conversation goes far beyond stats and startups. It dives into the **real transition moments** athletes face: losing daily structure, navigating identity shifts, managing health without coaches, and learning how to compete again — just in a different arena. Rob and **Hewitt** dive deep into: - Why **athletic identity doesn’t automatically translate** to career success - The hidden challenge athletes face when **structure, coaching, and programming disappear** - How **discipline and follow-through** matter more than talent after sport - Why networking is about **effort, not leverage**, especially for young athletes - The role of **alumni engagement and mentorship** in smoother transitions - Differences between Division I and Division III athlete transitions - How athletes must **redefine competition and purpose** post-career - Lessons from building a **B2B SaaS company** in the strength & conditioning space - Hiring athletes vs. hiring **coaches** — and why empathy matters - The realities, opportunities, and challenges of **NIL** - Why long-term **health outcomes** often worsen for former athletes - Building tools that support athletes **after the final whistle** At its core, this episode is about: **discipline over identity, intention over nostalgia, and building systems that outlast the sport.** --- --- ### **About Hewitt Tomlin** **Hewitt Tomlin** is a former collegiate quarterback at Johns Hopkins University and the Co-Founder & CEO of **TEAMBUILDR**, a leading performance software platform used by strength coaches, athletic programs, and training facilities worldwide. After experiencing firsthand how difficult life after sport can be — especially without structure or guidance — Hewitt dedicated his career to creating tools that help athletes and coaches train smarter, stay connected, and perform with purpose. His work bridges the gap between elite performance, entrepreneurship, and long-term athlete well-being. He is also the creator of **Identity (IDNTY)**, a free training app designed specifically for former athletes to help them stay active, competitive, and connected after sport. --- Resources & Links - TEAMBUILDR: [https://www.teambuildr.com](https://www.teambuildr.com/) - Identity App (IDNTY): [https://www.identityapp.com](https://www.identityapp.com/) - Hewitt Tomlin on LinkedIn - Alumni Direct: [https://www.alumnidirect.com](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) At **Alumni Direct**, we believe the athlete journey doesn’t end at the final whistle — it evolves. If you’re navigating life after sports, building something new, or looking for a community that understands the transition: 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders:** [**https://www.alumnidirect.com/**](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — **when you don’t walk it alone.**

    34 min
  3. Former University of Georgia Swimmer to Founder of Swim Like a Fish | Abigail Fish

    FEB 4

    Former University of Georgia Swimmer to Founder of Swim Like a Fish | Abigail Fish

    In this episode of **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey**, host **Rob Finkelstein** sits down with **Abbie Fish** — former competitive swimmer and founder of **Swim Like a Fish** — to explore what it really takes to **build a life and career after sport**. **Abbie** shares her journey from a **multi-sport athlete with Olympic aspirations** to becoming an innovator in swim education and athlete development. Her story is a candid look at how discipline learned in the pool translates into leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term impact — even when the competitive chapter comes to an end. This conversation goes beyond medals and milestones to unpack the **real transition moments** athletes face: identity shifts, changing expectations, and the pressure to redefine success once eligibility ends. Rob and**A bbie** dive deep into: - How a **multi-sport background** builds adaptable leadership skills - The pursuit of Olympic dreams — and how goals evolve over time - Why **support systems and alumni engagement** matter more than athletes realize - How networking through athletic communities opens doors beyond sports - Navigating identity loss and rebuilding confidence after competition - The impact of **NIL** on collegiate and Olympic athletes, especially in swimming - Preparing intentionally for life after sports — before the career ends - Building innovative coaching tools through **video analysis and online training** - The importance of **mental and emotional health** in athlete performance - **Abbie’s** global work with swimming federations and long-term athlete development At its core, this episode is about: **adaptability over titles, community over isolation, and building skills that outlast the sport.** ### **About Abbie Fish** **Abbie Fish** is a former competitive swimmer, entrepreneur, and the founder of **Swim Like a Fish**, a company dedicated to helping swimmers and coaches improve performance through education, video analysis, and virtual training. With a background in multi-sport athletics and experience working with organizations like **USA Swimming** and **World Aquatics**, **Abbie** brings a global perspective to athlete development. Today, she focuses on creating tools and systems that support athletes not just in competition, but through transition, growth, and long-term success beyond the pool. Resources & Links - Swim Like a Fish - [Abby Fish on LinkedIn](https://www.notion.so/Abigail-Fish-2eaabe92eb02819dad33f897ec271add?pvs=21) - [IG](https://www.notion.so/297abe92eb0280d490dbced817b46bae?pvs=21) - Swim Like a Fish on TikTok - USA Swimming - World Aquatics --- At **Alumni Direct**, we believe the athlete journey doesn’t end at the final whistle — it evolves. If you’re navigating life after sports, building something new, or looking for a community that understands the transition: 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:** [**https://www.alumnidirect.com/**](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — **when you don’t walk it alone.**

    31 min
  4. Former Boston College Athlete, Performance Coach & Founder of The Cave — John Damon

    JAN 29

    Former Boston College Athlete, Performance Coach & Founder of The Cave — John Damon

    Most athletes aren’t short on drive. They’re short on guidance once the uniform comes off. In this episode, Rob Finkelstein sits down with **John Damon—one of the most trusted performance coaches in the country—to talk about what *really* determines success after sports: **support, standards, and who’s in your corner when the game changes. John has trained Hollywood talent, elite athletes, and Fortune 500 executives. But his edge isn’t just physical—it’s philosophical. A former **Boston College football scholarship athlete**, John understands the identity shift, the void, and the danger of trying to “figure it out alone.” That’s why he built **The Cave**—a private training and recovery sanctuary in Charlotte, NC—designed not just to train bodies, but to **protect standards, culture, and mental health**. About the Guest: John Damon John Damon is a celebrity trainer, performance coach, and gym designer, widely respected for his intentional, high-standard approach to human performance. His philosophy is simple—and uncompromising: Every session is intentional. Every moment is coached with purpose. Every outcome reflects the standard. Through his work with elite performers and executives, John has become a trusted voice for athletes navigating transition, entrepreneurs building discipline, and leaders who refuse to lower the bar. 🔗 Website: https://johndamon.com/ What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why **athletes don’t fail in transition—systems fail them** - How **networking and alumni engagement** change post-sport outcomes - Why **vulnerability is a strength**, not a liability - How teamwork applies just as much in business as it does in the locker room - What most athletes misunderstand about money, identity, and career longevity - Why environment matters—and how **The Cave** was built to protect it - The difference between chasing opportunity and **building standards that travel** 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:** [**https://www.alumnidirect.com/**](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — **when you don’t walk it alone.** **Connect with Alumni Direct:** - Website: https://www.alumnidirect.com/ - Instagram: @alumnidirect - X (formerly Twitter): @alumnidirect - Facebook: Alumni Direct - LinkedIn: Alumni Direct

    40 min
  5. Former Harvard Basketball Player to Co Founder of Skye Performance — Ciaran Brayboy

    JAN 21

    Former Harvard Basketball Player to Co Founder of Skye Performance — Ciaran Brayboy

    In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein sits down with Ciaran Brayboy — former Harvard basketball player whose path to elite athletics didn’t begin with early stardom, but with late discovery, discipline, and an open mind. Ciaran shares a refreshingly honest look at what it means to find your lane after the game, especially when your athletic journey starts later than most. From initially disliking sports to discovering basketball in eighth grade, to earning Division I opportunities and competing at Harvard University, Ciaran’s story is rooted in growth, curiosity, and perspective.This conversation goes beyond stats and highlights to explore the real transition moments athletes face — identity shifts, pressure to “have it all figured out,” and the often-overlooked power of relationships. Rob and Ciaran dive deep into: Why networking isn’t transactional, but relationalHow cross-sport and non-athlete connections open unexpected doorsThe role of alumni mentorship in shaping life after sportsWhy staying present matters more than chasing the next titleAt its core, this episode is about:curiosity over ego, relationships over resumes, and growth beyond the scoreboard.About Ciaran BrayboyCiaran Brayboy is a former Harvard basketball player whose athletic journey began later than most — and became stronger because of it.After discovering basketball in middle school and rapidly developing through discipline and work ethic, Ciaran earned Division I opportunities and ultimately competed at the Ivy League level. While at Harvard, he balanced elite athletics with academics, initially pursuing a medical path before realizing the long-term value of relationships, mentorship, and alumni connection.Today, Ciaran is passionate about helping athletes think beyond their sport, encouraging them to build authentic networks, seek diverse perspectives, and prepare intentionally for life after competition.At Alumni Direct, we believe the athlete journey doesn’t end at the final whistle — it evolves.If you’re navigating life after sports, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for a community that understands the transition:👉 Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:https://www.alumnidirect.com/Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — when you don’t walk it alone.Connect with Alumni Direct:Website: https://www.alumnidirect.com/Instagram: @alumnidirectX (formerly Twitter): @alumnidirectFacebook: Alumni DirectLinkedIn: Alumni Direct

    32 min
  6. Former College Football Walk-On Turned Scholarship Athlete and Founder & CEO of Too Cool Alkaline Water | Gerald Hearns

    JAN 14

    Former College Football Walk-On Turned Scholarship Athlete and Founder & CEO of Too Cool Alkaline Water | Gerald Hearns

    In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein sits down with **Gerald Hearns** — former college football **walk-on turned scholarship athlete**, entrepreneur, and **Founder & CEO of Too Cool Alkaline Water. Gerald shares a raw and real look at what happens when the game ends and life begins. From grinding his way onto scholarship, to building businesses, to leading as **President of Team America**, Gerald breaks down the mindset shift every athlete must make to win beyond sports. This conversation dives deep into the realities of **identity, discipline, networking, and life after the scoreboard**, and why athletes who prepare early don’t just survive the transition — they thrive. At its core, this episode is about: **owning your identity, building relationships, and choosing discipline over regret. *About Gerald Hearns **Gerald Hearns** is a former college football player who went from **walk-on to scholarship athlete**, proving that discipline and consistency create opportunity. Today, he is the **Founder & CEO of Too Cool Alkaline Water**, an entrepreneur in the beverage and vending space, and the **President of Team America**, a nonprofit dedicated to helping athletes grow through education, exposure, and leadership development. Gerald is deeply committed to **mentorship, alumni engagement, and preparing athletes for life after sports** — financially, professionally, and personally. --- **Connect with Gerald Hearns** - **Facebook:** Gerald Hearns - **Instagram:** @GeraldHearns | @TooCoolWater - **LinkedIn:** Gerald Hearns At **Alumni Direct**, we believe the athlete journey doesn’t end at the final whistle — it evolves. If you’re navigating life after sports, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for a community that understands the transition: 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:** [**https://www.alumnidirect.com/**](https://www.alumnidirect.com/) Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — **when you don’t walk it alone. Connect with Alumni Direct:** - Website: [alumnidirect.com - Instagram: [@alumnidirect] - X (formerly Twitter): [@alumnidirect] - Facebook: [Alumni Direct] - LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct]

    32 min
  7. Former College and Pro Hockey Player to founder and CEO of Job Commander | Chris Izmirlian

    12/17/2025

    Former College and Pro Hockey Player to founder and CEO of Job Commander | Chris Izmirlian

    In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurship: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein sits down with Chris Izmirlian, founder of Job Commander — a compatibility-based hiring platform designed to fix what’s broken in traditional recruiting.Chris breaks down why resumes fail most job seekers, how hiring managers spend just 3–6 seconds reviewing applications, and why ghosting has become the norm instead of the exception. Job Commander flips the model by focusing on who fits, not just who checks boxes — blending hard skills, soft skills, personality traits, and values into smarter job matching.This conversation is especially powerful for student-athletes and emerging professionals navigating career transition — people with discipline, leadership, and coachability who often struggle to translate their experience onto a resume.At its core, this episode is about: Compatibility, fairness, feedback, and restoring humanity to the hiring process.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🧠 Why Resumes Are Broken: The truth about how little time recruiters spend reviewing applications.🤝 Compatibility Hiring Explained: How Job Commander matches people based on who they are, not just keywords.📄 Beyond the Resume: Why resumes fail to capture leadership, teamwork, and adaptability.🤖 AI in Recruiting: How AI is reshaping hiring — and where it helps vs. hurts.📬 Ending Ghosting: Why every applicant deserves a response, even if the answer is no.🎓 Student-Athlete Advantage: Why athletes are ideal candidates — and how Job Commander helps translate their value.🚀 Streamlined Hiring: How simplifying applications benefits both employers and job seekers.🔄 Career Transitions Done Right: Supporting emerging talent through clarity, feedback, and fit.About Chris IzmirlianChris Izmirlian is the founder of Job Commander, a compatibility-based hiring platform built to modernise recruiting by focusing on fit, fairness, and feedback. His mission is to eliminate ghosting, reduce bias, and help employers connect with high-potential talent — especially student-athletes and emerging leaders transitioning into the workforce.Chris is passionate about using technology to connect people, humanise hiring, and create better long-term employment outcomes.🔗 Connect with Chris: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jobcommander](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-izmirlian/)At Alumni Direct, we help former athletes build meaningful communities long after the roar of the stadium fades. If you’re navigating a career transition, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for peers who understand the journey — you’re not alone.👉 Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:https://www.alumnidirect.com/Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — when you don’t walk it alone.

    35 min
  8. Former College and NFL player to Co-founder and CEO of Tully - Adam Redmond

    12/10/2025

    Former College and NFL player to Co-founder and CEO of Tully - Adam Redmond

    In this week’s episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurship The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former NFL offensive lineman and Tully co-founder Adam Redmond— an athlete who went from Harvard football to the NFL, and then forged a new identity as a builder in the sports-tech world. Adam opens up about the real challenges athletes face when the final whistle blows: rebuilding identity, expanding your network beyond the locker room, understanding life after sports, and pursuing new passions with the same discipline you brought to the game. This conversation is a masterclass for any athlete navigating transition — especially those stepping into entrepreneurship, tech, or leadership roles beyond the field. The heart of this episode? reinvention, relationship-building, curiosity, and the courage to chase interests beyond the sport. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - 🏈 Sports Was the Foundation: How Adam’s competitive mindset and discipline shaped every chapter of his journey. - 🎓 Harvard to the NFL:*What it taught him about pressure, preparation, and the value of academic and athletic balance. - 🚀 Building Tully:** Why Adam co-founded a sports-tech company focused on simplifying athlete performance data — and how it’s changing youth sports. - 🤝 **Networking the Right Way:** Why true networking is about *relationships*, not transactions… and how that mindset opened unexpected doors. - 🎯 **Preparing for Life After Sports:** The role Harvard’s career services played, and why athletes must explore interests early. - 📊 **Performance Data, Simplified:** How Tully removes the friction of collecting and analyzing athlete data for coaches, parents, and organizations. - 🔍 **Identity Beyond the Game:** Adam’s honest look at the challenges of stepping away from the NFL and building a career from scratch. - 🧭 **Chasing Curiosity:** Adam’s advice for athletes: *follow your interests, build real relationships, and allow the next chapter to unfold.* --- About Adam Redmond A former **Harvard offensive lineman** and **NFL player**, Adam Redmond spent multiple seasons in the league before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Today, he is the **co-founder of Tully**, a sports-tech platform designed to streamline performance data collection for athletes and coaches at all levels — especially youth sports. Adam is passionate about athlete transitions, relationship-driven networking, and empowering the next generation of athletes through accessible technology. 🔗 Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-redmond-30a49757/ --- Special Invitation from Alumni Direct** At **Alumni Direct**, we help former athletes build meaningful community long after the roar of the stadium fades. If you’re navigating your own transition, exploring entrepreneurship, or simply looking for peers who understand the journey — you’re in the right place. 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, creators, and leaders:** https://www.alumnidirect.com/ Because the transition is easier — and far more powerful — when you don’t walk it alone.

    39 min
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'Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey' is a podcast where we speak with former college and professional athletes from all over the world as they share the joys, successes, failures and lessons on their entrepreneurial journey. Key topics include transitioning out of sports and teaching athletes that there is life after sports. Hosted by Rob Finkelstein of Alumni Direct, one of the top networks for alumni worldwide.

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