2ndwind Academy Podcast Ryan Gonsalves

Ever wondered how the grit of a sports field can pave the way for success in the corporate world? Join us as we sit down with James, whose journey from elite rugby to a vibrant career at Unity is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation peels back the layers on the transformative power of opportunities, even those seeming miles away from the try line.

James candidly shares the emotional upheavals of leaving a professional sports career, the tenacity required to overcome injuries, and how such setbacks can lead to unforeseen ventures like coaching. His story champions the idea that life's crossroads, while daunting, are brimming with growth potential. Through our discussion, we uncover the parallels between the determination on the rugby pitch and the corporate hustle, offering you a playbook for channeling your own inner resilience.

Tune in to learn more about:
James' childhood aspirations of his rugby venture as an eight-year-old and how they shaped his journeyReflections on his total dedication to rugby and invaluable lessons learned from those momentsImportance of embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than fixating on them as setbacksJames’s feelings of betrayal  from rugby, his fallout from the game, and how he found his way back to rekindling his love for rugbyHow James cracked his way into his dream industry gaming and finding new sense of fulfillment beyong  the sportsEvents that led to his shift in playing rugby for enjoyment and how this positively supplements his off-the-field careerWhat success looks like for James in the gaming spaceHis passion and dedication for leadership and how he is prepping to make a change and impact the current and next generation of leadersWhat an individual needs to shed to embrace transformative and successful leadership…and so much more!


Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io   


Links:
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-thacker/ 
Linkedln Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12949484/ 

Join 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 quest for personal growth and the profound impact one can have on the next generation, affirming that true success is not always measured in medals, but in the milestones of life's relentless race.

Tune in to learn more about:
A sneak peek into the activities in the Rocky side of Canada and her first love, biathlonHow she used negative experiences as fuel in her athletic careerHer first super highs in cross-country skiing How she went around the thoughts of throwing in the towel in the hard phase of her transitionRedefining her definition of success and how it resulted in a beautiful experience during her last race The values of having interests beyond sports that are worth your every minute  Finding the rhythm in her shift to the non-profit worldHurdles she had to face whilst building a family, running her charity, and doing her MBAWhat she would opt to do differently about her transition and setting herself up for her present lifeAre you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io   


Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandracrawford? 

When 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 the face of change but the mind too.

Our dialogue extends beyond the pitch, focusing on the critical need for financial literacy and tailored advice for those whose careers peak early in life. Tune in for an episode that tackles more than just rugby tales — it's about navigating life's financial scrums and scoring goals for the future.

Tune in to learn more about:
The deep-rooted significance of rugby in South African heritage and what inspired Jason's journey into the rugby fieldsJason’s aspirations as a 16/17 year old rugby player in a a professional setupHis proudest moment playing internationallyReflections and insights on getting a degree whilst playing professional sports and how it shapes his futureChallenges he faced in his effort to strike a balance between sports and his academic lifeThe moment it dawned on him to put things in motion for his second wind and the opportunity he went ahead to create for himselfFinancial situations and challenges commonly faced by athletes and invaluable insights on securing a stable financial futureJason’s nuggets of wisdom on financially setting yourself up for life beyond sports… and so much more! 


Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io   


Links:
Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbaggott12/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonbaggott12 

Imagine the discipline of an elite athlete fused with the grit of a Royal Marines commando. That's the extraordinary life of Jordan, our guest this week, who shares his gripping tale of mastering the art of transition. His life is a masterclass in adaptability - from ruling the basketball court to serving with honor in the military, and now inspiring others through his coaching business. Jordan's journey isn't just about changing careers; it's about the undercurrents of perseverance, identity, and the pursuit of excellence.

Jordan's story is more than just an interview; it's a potent mix of strategy, inspiration, and real-world advice. So tune in, as we journey through the life of a man who's redefined what it means to transition and triumph, inviting us all to discover success in the unexpected.

In a nutshell, you will  learn more about:


What was on the back of his head juggling three spheres; elite sports, military, and coachingHis secret to stitching all the three together and making all work outThe role basketball players in his childhood as one of mixed raceHow to strategize against obstacles that come along in your life and find the solace to trust the process from his personal experiences Transferable skills and lessons he brought from basketball that support his military and business career Get to know his analogy of the two types of Ayers; the piano player and piano pusher Sneak peek of what sports is like in the military and why young athletes that are transitioning should eye on it… and so much more! 




Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io  

Do you ever look at a champion athlete and wonder what mountains they'll conquer when the cheering crowds have faded? Today, I have the pleasure of bringing you the extraordinary story of Peter Bakare, an Olympian whose competitive edge on the volleyball court has spiked into the imaginative realm of creative entrepreneurship. With the launch of Nutritroops, Peter is volleying his way into the hearts and minds of children, educating them on nutrition and health through the captivating world of animation.

Navigating through career transitions is no small feat, as Peter attests with the mental fortitude and strategic steps he employed. He shares practical tips on breaking down grand ambitions, utilizing networks, and positioning unique skills for success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or someone at the threshold of change, Peter's insights are a playbook for transforming passions into purposeful pursuits. So come along and get inspired to set your own career transition in motion with wisdom from an Olympian who's rewritten the rules of the game.

Tune in to learn more about:
How he's changing the lives of the youths through his organization, NutritroopsPeter's first love, basketball, and how he got into playing itHis frustrating transition to volleyball and when he became good at itWhy did he sacrifice his passion for animation and script writing to play volleyball he didn't hold dear and the mental dilemma his decision bearedWhat motivated his focus on making it to the 2012 Summer OlympicsProfound insights on breaking down the fears you built up and how to reaffirm yourselfThe dynamics of starting afresh that athletes face after the sporting dreams they pursue come to an endThe process he followed in pursuing his passion and building the right nodesWhat he would change in his history but still end up doing the amazing work he is doing today … and so much more! 


Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out http://www.2ndwind.io/


Links
Website Website: https://www.nutritroops.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterbakare/ 
X: https://twitter.com/peterbakare
    https://twitter.com/nutritroops  

From the relentless push of an oar against water to the strategic planning within the halls of Volleyball England,  Guin Batten's story is one of incredible transformation. As a world-class rower turned Deputy CEO, she joins us to unravel the journey that connects the adrenaline of elite sports with the finesse of sports administration leadership. In our conversation, Guin charts a course through the challenges of career transition, reminding us that success is hardly ever a straight sprint to the finish line.

Tune in to learn more about:
- The diverse existing and emerging disciplines encompassed within Volleyball England
-  Playing loads of sports when she was younger as a means to get respect 
- Nostalgia of how the one sport that she wasn't instantly good at brought her fond memories and adventures
- How she embraced the shift from being a team athlete to an individual athlete
- Beautiful perspective on caging out your inner confidence from her confidence battles
- The time she realized her rowing flame had dimmed and the first step she took
- How she learned to build and maintain a meaningful network as an athlete
- Insights on the struggles athletes undergo when pitching themselves in their post-sports career
- Motivation behind the amazing helpful work she has been doing 
… and so much more! 


Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out www.2ndwind.io