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 and NBA Basketball Player to Pastor Billy Thompson

    3D AGO

    Former College and NBA Basketball Player to Pastor Billy Thompson

    In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former Louisville basketball standout, NBA player, and pastor Billy Thompson Sr. Billy shares how sports shaped his discipline and mindset from a young age, his journey through college basketball into the NBA playing alongside legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the transitions he faced throughout his professional career—including playing internationally in Israel. He also opens up about life after basketball, answering a higher calling into ministry, and how he now helps others navigate purpose, relationships, and identity beyond the game. Key Topics Discussed - Growing up playing multiple sports and ultimately choosing basketball - Early influences and competing against older athletes to develop his game - Playing at Louisville and transitioning to the NBA - Experiences playing with the LA Lakers and Miami Heat - The importance of relationships and networking during and after sports - Cross-sport connections and how relationships open business opportunities - The transition from professional basketball to life after sports - Challenges athletes face with identity and purpose after their careers end - Being called into ministry and shifting from the basketball court to serving others - The role of mentorship, faith, and personal development in long-term success - Supporting youth through the Billy Thompson Foundation, including education and financial literacy Key Takeaways - Relationships built during your playing career can open doors long after sports. - Success after sports requires more than talent—it requires intention and connection. - Transitioning out of sports can be challenging, especially when identity is tied to performance. - Many athletes face emotional struggles after their careers, including loss of purpose and direction. - Having heart, commitment, and willingness to learn matters more than having all the skills. - True success includes both professional achievement and personal alignment. - Mentorship and guidance are critical in helping athletes navigate life beyond sports. Guest Bio Billy Thompson Sr. is a former Louisville basketball star, NCAA champion, and NBA player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He also competed internationally in Israel, where he won championships overseas. Following his basketball career, Billy answered a calling into ministry and has been a pastor for over 25 years. He is also the founder of the Billy Thompson Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth development, education, and financial literacy. Guest Social Media Links - Instagram: @IAmBillyThompson - Website: [https://jpproclaim.org](https://jpproclaim.org/) ## 🎧 Listen & Connect 👉 Follow Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey 👉 Share this episode with a teammate 👉 Start building your second act before the final whistle blows 👉 Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders: [https://www.alumnidirect.com](https://www.alumnidirect.com/)

    30 min
  2. Former College and Pro Basketball Player to Program Director of LAND (Life After Notre Dame)

    MAR 24

    Former College and Pro Basketball Player to Program Director of LAND (Life After Notre Dame)

    In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former Harvard basketball captain and retired overseas professional player Brandyn Curry. Brandyn shares how sports shaped his identity from an early age, what it was like transitioning from college basketball to playing professionally in Europe, and the difficult reality of having his career cut short by injury. He also opens up about the emotional and practical challenges athletes face after sport, and how his work with LAND is helping former Notre Dame athletes navigate mental health, career, and physical health transitions. Key Topics Discussed Growing up in a sports-centered family in New JerseyChoosing to specialize in basketball after moving to North CarolinaPlaying at Harvard and the value of relationships, mentorship, and networkingWhy athletes should build connections while they are still actively competingThe importance of cross-sport and campus-wide networkingAdjusting to professional basketball overseas, including cultural and lifestyle changesThe difficult transition out of sports after a career-ending injuryIdentity loss, pride, and the importance of asking for help during transitionThe mission of LAND and how it supports former athletes through life after sportsWhy more schools need better support systems for athletes beyond graduationKey Takeaways Athletes should take full advantage of the relationships, resources, and opportunities available while they are still playing.Networking is a skill that gets stronger with practice and can open unexpected doors later in life.The transition out of sports can be emotionally, physically, and professionally challenging, even for high-achieving athletes.Losing the role of “athlete” can create an identity shift, which makes community and support especially important.Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, especially during major life transitions.Organizations like LAND are making a real difference by helping former athletes with career support, mental health resources, and physical recovery.Guest Bio Brandyn Curry is a former Harvard men’s basketball captain and 2014 graduate. After college, he played six seasons of professional basketball overseas in Holland, France, Germany, and Slovenia. He now serves as Program Director for the Shield Foundation, where he helps former athletes navigate their transition out of sports through LAND, a program supporting life after athletics. Guest Social Media Links Instagram: @brandyncurryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyn-curry-a807b7142/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandyn.curry👉 Follow Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey 👉 Share this episode with a teammate 👉 Start building your second act before the final whistle blows 👉 Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders: https://www.alumnidirect.com 🎧 Listen & Connect

    37 min
  3. Former college Pro Football player to founder and CEO of Fitness at your Door

    MAR 11

    Former college Pro Football player to founder and CEO of Fitness at your Door

    In this episode, Kashawn Fraser shares a story many athletes know all too well—the moment when the game you love forces you to choose a new path. After a promising football career was cut short by multiple knee injuries, Kashawn faced a crossroads. Instead of allowing adversity to define him, he used it as fuel. What came next wasn’t just a career pivot—it became a mission. Today, Kashawn is the Founder and CEO of Fitness At Your Door, a concierge wellness platform designed to remove the barriers that keep people from prioritizing their health. His mission is simple but powerful: help people build stronger bodies, disciplined minds, and healthier lives—right where they live and work. This episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and how the lessons learned on the field can become the foundation for building something bigger than the game itself. 00:00 – Introduction to Kashawn Fraser and athlete transition 02:24 – Life as a college and professional football player 03:49 – The reality of injuries and unexpected career endings 06:14 – Identity beyond sports and finding a new mission 08:29 – The mindset shift from athlete to entrepreneur 13:04 – Building relationships and community through sport 16:13 – Turning adversity into purpose 18:23 – Advice Kashawn would give his younger self 21:07 – Discipline, faith, and accountability in success 23:47 – Transitioning from athlete to founder 28:23 – Launching Fitness At Your Door 36:40 – Technology and customization in wellness services 39:05 – Where to connect with Kashawn and learn more Kashawn Fraser is the Founder and CEO of Fitness At Your Door, a concierge wellness platform that brings personal trainers and wellness professionals directly to homes, HOAs, and corporate communities. A former professional athlete whose career was impacted by multiple knee injuries, Kashawn turned adversity into purpose—dedicating his life to helping others build strength in both body and mindset. Through Fitness At Your Door, he is building a movement centered on accountability, wellness, and helping communities create more good days through healthier living. 5f9808c5-0567-4e47-be95-16f891a… Fitness At Your Door Start Here: ⁠https://FitnessAtYourDoor.com/start⁠ Alumni Direct Pro Athlete Community Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fitnessatyourdoor/⁠ Facebook ⁠https://facebook.com/fitnessatyourdoor2⁠ LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashawn-fraser-439472116⁠ YouTube ⁠https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Fitnessatyourdoor⁠ Kashawn’s story is a reminder that setbacks often become the beginning of something greater. The same discipline, resilience, and commitment that shape elite athletes can also build impactful businesses and healthier communities. His journey shows that when the game changes, the mindset that made you successful can still carry you forward. Key Topics Timestamps About Kashawn Fraser Resources & Links Connect with Kashawn Fraser Additional Notes

    37 min
  4. Former Notre Dame Lacrosse player to Founder and Coach for Lubowicki Performance Advisory | Ed Lubowicki

    MAR 4

    Former Notre Dame Lacrosse player to Founder and Coach for Lubowicki Performance Advisory | Ed Lubowicki

    In this episode of **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey**, Rob sits down with Notre Dame lacrosse alum turned performance coach, **Ed Lubowicki**. This isn’t just about career transition. It’s about mindset. It’s about identity. It’s about recognizing the skills you built on the field — before you’re forced to figure it out without the jersey. Ed brings clarity and hard-earned perspective to one of the most misunderstood shifts in sports — turning athletic resilience into a powerful second act. --- ## 🧠 About Ed Lubowicki Ed is a former Notre Dame lacrosse athlete who transitioned into performance coaching, working with athletes and professionals to unlock their potential beyond competition. His work focuses on helping athletes reframe identity, leverage their competitive mindset, and intentionally build networks that create long-term opportunity. At the core of his philosophy: Your athletic DNA is an asset. But only if you learn how to articulate and apply it. --- ## 🔥 What We Covered ### 1️⃣ The Mental Shift from Athlete to Professional --- ### 2️⃣ The Hidden Skills You’re Overlooking --- ### 3️⃣ Vulnerability Is a Networking Advantage --- ### 4️⃣ Build the Network Before You Need It --- ### 5️⃣ Universities Must Do More --- ## 💡 Key Takeaways - Your sport built you — but it doesn’t define your ceiling. - Identity work is performance work. - Reflection and self-awareness are competitive advantages. - Networking is a long game built on authenticity. - The earlier you broaden your perspective, the smoother your transition. --- ## 🌱 Who This Episode Is For - Current athletes preparing for life after sports - Former athletes navigating second careers - Coaches and athletic departments supporting player development - Youth development professionals thinking long-term --- ## 🎧 Listen & Connect If you’re approaching retirement… If you’re already in the corporate world… If you’re trying to translate your competitive edge into business or leadership… This conversation is for you. 👉 Follow **Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey** 👉 Share this episode with a teammate 👉 Start building your second act before the final whistle blows 👉 **Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders:** [https://www.alumnidirect.com](https://www.alumnidirect.com/)

    33 min
  5. Former College Beach Volleyball Player to Founder of Breaking Barriers | Hania Taduran

    FEB 25

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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