What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty

Bryan Finnerty | Athletes to Entrepreneurs
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to "What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty," the ultimate podcast for athletes turned entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the journeys of former and current athletes who have successfully transitioned to the business world. Each episode provides invaluable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you elevate your business and life to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to new heights, "What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty" is your go-to resource for entrepreneurial success. Subscribe now and let's discover what's next for you!

  1. May 5

    41: The Truth About Starting a Brand (No One Tells You)

    Thinking about starting a brand? This episode will give you the reality most people skip. In this episode of What’s Next!, Bryan sits down with Rachel Erickson, founder of Unmarked Street and apparel expert who has helped scale brands from startup to $50M+ . She breaks down what actually goes into building a successful brand—and why so many founders get it wrong from the very beginning. From the importance of fit and truly understanding your customer, to budgeting before you ever design a product, Rachel shares the behind-the-scenes truths that can make or break a business. They also dive into why launching too many products too soon can kill your brand, how to properly test your product in the real world, and what it takes to build systems that actually scale. If you’re an entrepreneur, former athlete, or high performer thinking about building something of your own, this conversation will challenge your assumptions—and help you avoid costly mistakes. Chapters 00:00 – The biggest mistake founders make 03:00 – Why fit matters more than anything 06:00 – Defining your ideal customer 09:00 – How long it actually takes to build a product 13:00 – Working backwards from your launch timeline 17:00 – The cost of bad timing 20:00 – Why most brands launch too many products 23:00 – Budget before you design 26:00 – Building your first product the right way 28:00 – The importance of real-world testing 31:00 – Creating systems that scale 34:00 – What separates brands that grow vs stall 37:00 – Building a brand that lasts 39:00 – Profitability vs revenue Connect with Rachel Erickson Website: https://www.unmarkedstreet.comConnect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    43 min

  2. Mar 24

    40: From Broke at 20 to Building a Million-Dollar Business

    What happens when you hit your financial goals… and still feel like something is missing? In this episode, Bryan sits down with entrepreneur Landen Goodnight, who built a million-dollar insurance business from the ground up after starting with nothing—living in a low-income apartment, newly married, with a baby on the way and no money for diapers . Landen shares the real story behind his success, from grinding through the early years to leading a team of 40+ agents and creating a business that generates income without requiring his constant presence. But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t just the growth, it’s the shift. After achieving financial success, Landen found himself asking a deeper question: Now what? They dive into leadership, hiring the right people, building systems that scale, and the importance of aligning your business with your purpose. Landen also opens up about faith, identity, and why chasing money alone will eventually leave you stuck. If you’re a high performer, entrepreneur, or someone thinking about starting over, this episode will challenge how you define success, and what it actually takes to build a life you don’t want to escape from. Chapters 00:00 – From Broke to Business Owner 02:00 – Early Entrepreneurship & Challenges 05:00 – Hiring, Leadership & Building a Team 09:00 – Vision vs Execution: Finding the Right People 13:00 – Faith, Identity & Showing Up Authentically 16:00 – The Hidden Opportunity in “Boring” Industries 19:00 – Advice for Starting Over 22:00 – Building a Business That Runs Without You 25:00 – When Money Isn’t Enough 28:00 – Finding Purpose Beyond Success 31:00 – The Reality of Entrepreneurship & Relationships 33:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect 28:30 – Keeping Detroit’s top talent from leaving the market Connect with Landen Goodnight Website: http://www.landengoodnight.comLink for Kolbe Test www.kolbe.com Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    34 min

  3. Mar 10

    39: The Third Door in Soccer: Building Opportunity Where None Exists

    After years inside the traditional U.S. soccer system, Alex Lubyansky set out to build something radically different. In this episode, Bryan sits down with Alex, founder of Detroit Metro FC, to discuss his mission to create a new pathway for soccer players outside the pay-to-play system. From launching a club with no fees for players to creating the Merit Cup, a competition offering $10,000 with zero barriers to entry, Alex is challenging the way youth sports development works in America. They dive into the structural differences between U.S. and European soccer, why incentives in youth sports are often misaligned, and how merit-based systems can uncover hidden talent. Alex also shares lessons from his journey as an entrepreneur, attorney, and sporting director, explaining how competition, accountability, and authentic leadership can transform both sports organizations and businesses. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or leader looking to rethink traditional systems, this conversation highlights the power of creating a third door when the existing paths don’t make sense. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Alex Lubyansky and Detroit Metro FC 01:45 – The vision behind a completely free soccer pathway 03:30 – Where Detroit Metro FC fits in the U.S. soccer pyramid 04:45 – The idea behind the $10,000 Merit Cup 07:00 – Why the U.S. soccer system struggles globally 08:45 – The financial reality of youth soccer and pay-to-play 11:30 – Why most soccer investments don’t make financial sense 13:30 – The European soccer model vs the U.S. system 16:00 – Building a sustainable club and developing real talent 18:30 – Creating a real fan experience at Detroit Metro games 21:00 – The philosophy behind open tryouts and merit selection 23:30 – Developing accountable athletes and leaders 26:00 – Why honesty matters in player development 28:30 – Keeping Detroit’s top talent from leaving the market 30:30 – What Detroit businesses can do to support the mission 32:00 – Entrepreneurship, risk, and building bold ideas 34:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Alex Connect with Alex Lubyansky LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlubyansky/Website: http://acquisitionstars.comPro Soccer Team:  https://detroitmetrofc.com/Connect with Bryan Check out the website www.whatsnextpodcast.comConnect with Bryan on Instagram @bryanfinnerty22Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn @bryanfinnerty PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.   Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    34 min

  4. Feb 3

    38: Why Culture Fails Under Pressure And How To Fix It

    If you’re a high-performing leader wondering why your team of A-players still isn’t winning, this episode is your wake-up call. Bryan sits down with Katrina Ghazarian, a former athlete turned HR powerhouse, to unpack why company culture often crumbles under pressure—and how to fix it before your best people walk out the door. From simplifying culture audits to setting goals that can actually pass a stress test, Katrina shares sharp insights on leadership habits, vision clarity, and real-time feedback. She also opens up about how becoming a mom sparked her leap into entrepreneurship—and how taking control of her schedule turned into an eight-year consulting partnership. Whether you're a corporate executive, founder, or transitioning athlete trying to lead at the next level, this conversation is packed with clarity, challenge, and practical ways to build trust, drive results, and stop playing small. Chapters 00:00 – Cold opens & 75-degree weather gap 01:30 – Meet Katrina: Founder, athlete, culture fixer 03:00 – Culture isn’t a mystery—look at exec behavior 07:30 – Why your goals fail the pressure test 13:00 – The real reason Katrina became an entrepreneur 17:00 – Freedom > money: the power of choosing your time 21:00 – What separates ready clients from the rest 23:00 – Visionaries vs. resistant teams: what’s really going on 28:00 – Your ideas are valid—just ship them 30:30 – Want trust? Go talk to your people 34:00 – Building equity starts with teaching the business 39:00 – The truth is feedback in real time 43:30 – Final thoughts + where to find Katrina 38:10 – Like, Subscribe & Share What’s Next! Connect with Katrina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-ghazarian/ Website: https://gamedayhr.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gamedayhr/ Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    43 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    37: This Is What Every Retired Athlete Needs to Hear

    What if everything you've been told about finding your purpose after sports is wrong? In this powerful episode, Bryan sits down with Matt Granados—performance strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Life Pulse, to talk about what it really takes to transition from high-level athlete to fulfilled human. They dive into truth-based transformation, why chasing passion is dangerous, and how to identify your purpose by looking at your past, not your future. This is a must-listen for any athlete or high performer who feels stuck, searching, or like they’ve hit a ceiling. From practical tools to personal stories, Matt delivers a masterclass on creating a life aligned with your calling—not just your old identity. Chapters 00:00 – Why Passion Can Be Dangerous 01:18 – Meet Matt Granados & Life Pulse 02:40 – From High Performance to Optimal Performance 03:55 – Why Most Athletes Stay Stuck 06:25 – Identity, Calling & Assignment Explained 08:05 – Purpose vs Passion: A Wake-Up Call 10:00 – How to Discover Your Purpose 11:42 – A Real-Life Client Example 13:20 – Digging Deeper Than "I Just Love Soccer" 15:10 – Athletes as Products in a Business Machine 17:35 – What Bryan Learned from the MLB & NHL Orgs 19:00 – Structure + Intention = Perpetual Development 21:10 – The Triangle of Influence: Athlete, Exec, Entrepreneur 23:00 – The Power of Alignment & Community 24:20 – Realign Conference: Why It's Different 26:35 – What You Get at the Event 28:55 – Custom 90-Day Plan & Tool Access 30:00 – Integration of Faith, Business, and Life 33:20 – Obedience > Outcome 35:30 – Final Encouragements for Athletes 37:00 – One Thing Every Rookie Needs 38:10 – Like, Subscribe & Share What’s Next! Connect with Matt:  Website:: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/wnRealign Conference: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/realign-conferenceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNc15l_7JB8-aziMAnLPsA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifepulseinc/Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    41 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    36: Stop Chasing Success—Do This Instead

    After nearly a month on the road, from the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of The Bahamas and the soccer fields of Germany, Bryan returns with a new perspective on what freedom really means. In this solo reflection, he breaks down the four levels of freedom taught by Dan Sullivan: time, money, relationships, and purpose and shares how aligning them with your North Star can transform the way you live, lead, and build your business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing success but still missing meaning, this episode will help you pause, realign, and rediscover what truly drives you. Chapters 00:00 – Freedom Isn’t Something You Chase 01:00 – What Four Weeks on the Road Taught Me 02:15 – The Four Levels of Freedom (Time, Money, Relationships, Purpose) 05:45 – Lessons from the Mountains, Beaches & Fields 07:30 – Transactional vs Transformational Relationships 09:15 – Living in Alignment with Your North Star 10:30 – A Challenge for You: Take 10 Minutes of Stillness 11:30 – Final Thoughts & Freedom Reminders Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    14 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    35: This Is What No One Tells You After the Game Ends

    In this episode, Bryan sits down with U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Marcelo Balboa for a powerful conversation about life after the game. Marcelo opens up about the emotional crash after retiring from professional soccer, navigating identity loss, divorce, and personal transformation. From captaining the U.S. Men's National Team through three World Cups to rediscovering purpose through broadcasting, coaching, and fatherhood, Marcelo shares vulnerable lessons on leadership, growth, and what truly matters. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing major life transitions. Chapters 00:00 – Let Them Do Their Job: Marcelo on trust & creativity 00:48 – Bryan introduces Marcelo and their SDSU connection 01:35 – Marcelo’s legacy: U.S. Men’s National Team, World Cups, and the mullet 03:15 – The dark side of retirement: Drinking, depression, and identity loss 05:00 – Marcelo admits: “I wasn’t a good husband or father” 06:30 – The turning point: Two soccer moms changed everything 07:30 – “You grow more from failure than success” 08:40 – Who showed up during the hard times — and who didn’t 09:50 – Advice to his younger self: Own your mistakes 10:45 – Breaking into broadcasting (and bombing at first) 12:00 – Getting his shot with Mark Cuban and Glenn Davis 13:15 – How JP Dellacamera mentored him through early TV days 14:25 – Why being bilingual became a superpower 15:30 – Transitioning from athlete to analyst to coach 16:45 – The evolution of leadership beyond the field 17:55 – What corporate leaders can learn from locker rooms 19:00 – Micromanagement kills creativity 20:15 – Marcelo on the biggest youth soccer challenge in the U.S. 21:20 – The broken “pay-for-play” system 22:30 – Advice for parents: Support without pressure 23:50 – Marcelo’s pet peeve: negative coaching 24:45 – Why sports prepare kids for life 25:40 – Marcelo’s life now: coaching, family, and peace 27:00 – “Enjoy every day you have” 28:00 – Reflections on legacy and giving back Connect with Marcelo:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelo-balboa-4933114/X: https://x.com/marcelobalboa17?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelobalboa17/Connect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    29 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    34: How to Build a Business You Don’t Have to Sell

    In this solo episode of What’s Next!, Bryan breaks down a powerful framework on how to build a business you don’t have to sell, but could if you wanted to. Fresh off his talk at the U.S. Indoor Sports Conference, Bryan shares real-world insights from his own experience owning and exiting multiple businesses. He walks through the five key drivers of value beyond EBITDA: growth strategy, risk reduction, team strength, market opportunity, and financial fundamentals, and how aligning those elements creates a business that runs without you and attracts buyers. Whether you're building to exit, pass it down, or turn it into a long-term cash machine, this episode gives you the roadmap to create a valuable, scalable, and sellable business on your terms. Key Moments 00:00 – Build a Business You Don’t Have to Sell00:30 – Intro: Lessons from the U.S. Indoor Conference01:20 – Bryan’s Experience: Exits & Equity in Action02:30 – The EBITDA Formula (and Why It’s Just the Start)04:15 – Adjusted EBITDA: What to Add Back In06:00 – How Multiples Impact Valuation07:15 – What Drives Value Beyond EBITDA08:45 – Warren Buffett’s Take on Real Business Value09:40 – Growth Strategy: Past, Present, and Future Direction11:00 – Why Staying On After the Sale Can Pay Off Big12:10 – What a Good Strategy Looks Like (Not a Zigzag)13:30 – Risk Factors That Kill Business Value14:45 – Sacred Cows & Hidden Risks15:50 – Team Competency Formula: IQ + EQ – Ego17:05 – The 6 Things Buyers Look for in Your Team18:20 – Market Opportunity: Are You Solving a Real Problem?19:30 – Customer Acquisition Strategy = Real Power20:50 – Strong Financials: What Buyers Actually Want to See22:00 – The 4 Financial Fundamentals of a Sellable Business23:30 – Recap: 5 Drivers of Value Beyond EBITDA24:40 – The 3 Ways All Businesses Eventually Transition26:10 – Avoiding the Operating Table (and the Fire Sale)27:30 – Final Thoughts & How to Work with UsConnect with Bryan: Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22 Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty  PS- Do you love this podcast?  We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show.  This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next. Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

    20 min
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About

Welcome to "What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty," the ultimate podcast for athletes turned entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the journeys of former and current athletes who have successfully transitioned to the business world. Each episode provides invaluable insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you elevate your business and life to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to new heights, "What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty" is your go-to resource for entrepreneurial success. Subscribe now and let's discover what's next for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan Finnerty | Athletes to Entrepreneurs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty
  • Show Website
    What's Next! with Bryan Finnerty