Athletes To Visionaries

Hi Hello Labs Network

Athletes to Visionaries is a podcast about navigating modern sport with clarity and perspective. Hosted by former elite athlete and advisor Morgan Jones, the show explores identity, pressure, NIL, early visibility, and life beyond competition, and how today’s athletes, families, and leaders are making sense of it all. Through honest conversations with athletes, coaches, parents, and industry leaders, the podcast looks at sport not just as a performance system, but as a platform for growth, leadership, and long-term development. This is about helping people understand the journey while the game is still being played.

Episodes

  1. 19h ago

    11. Women’s Sports Is Booming. But Who’s Getting the Money? with Khadijah Campbell

    In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries: Money in Motion, Morgan Jones sits down with Khadijah “Kiki” Campbell, Senior Manager, Partnerships & Purpose at THINK450/NBPA, for a candid conversation about the money, influence, relationships, and people behind the scenes driving the sports business. As investment in women’s sports reaches new heights, Khadijah challenges us to look beyond the headlines: Who is actually benefiting from all this growth? While athletes, leagues, and brands see unprecedented opportunities, many women working behind the scenes still fight for equitable compensation, recognition, and access. Drawing on her experience across the New York Knicks, NBPA, brand partnerships, sponsorship activation, and experiential marketing, Khadijah breaks down what makes an athlete-brand partnership truly valuable—and why follower count alone doesn’t determine influence. For her, the real ROI starts with authenticity, alignment, and trust. Morgan and Khadijah also explore athletes as multi-hyphenate talent, building wealth without becoming overwhelmed, navigating the sports industry as women, the power of relationships, therapy and personal growth, and what it really means to create—or build—your own table. This is a conversation about the people behind the deals, the relationships behind the opportunities, and what needs to happen for the rising tide of women’s sports to lift everyone. Connect with Khadijah: https://www.instagram.com/sameolki24/ Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  2. 4d ago

    9. You Are the Business: Building Wealth & Legacy Beyond the Game with Traci Gage

    What happens when athletes stop seeing themselves solely as players—and start seeing themselves as businesses? In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries: Money in Motion, Morgan Jones sits down with Traci Gage, an organizational management and executive operations professional with more than 25 years of experience, including over a decade supporting professional athletes. Traci breaks down the infrastructure athletes need to protect what they’re building—from attorneys and accountants to trusted advisors, business management, and the checks and balances that can help safeguard their careers and wealth. They explore why today’s athletes must think like entrepreneurs from the beginning, how NIL and social media have changed the business of sports, why trust alone isn’t enough when building a team, and how athletes can begin preparing for life beyond the game while they’re still playing. Traci also challenges athletes to think differently about philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and legacy—including why starting your own foundation may not always be the best first move. This conversation is a blueprint for athletes who want to turn access into opportunity, income into infrastructure, and a playing career into something that lasts far beyond the final whistle. Connect with Traci: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tragage/ Book: https://a.co/d/0bqadSUB Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  3. Oct 19

    8. Make Your Money Work for You: Coach Ashleen Bracey on NIL & Wealth

    UIC Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ashleen Bracey joins Morgan Jones in Chicago for a conversation about what it means to lead, build wealth, and create impact in a rapidly changing sports landscape. Coach Bracey opens up about navigating NIL and the transfer portal, preparing college athletes to manage money, and why she refuses to let the changing business of college sports change the values at the heart of her program. She also shares her own financial journey—from realizing the opportunities she missed early in her coaching career to building wealth through real estate, investing, and becoming an investor in Chicago’s Level Sporting Club. They also dive into the realities of recruiting in the NIL era, the importance of financial education for young athletes, women investing in women’s sports, mentorship, and the leadership philosophy behind Bracey’s transformation of UIC Women’s Basketball. This conversation reminds us that earning money and building wealth are two very different things—and you don’t have to wait until you have a fortune to start thinking like an investor. Connect with Coach Bracey: https://www.instagram.com/coachbracey/ Ashleen Bracey is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and an investor. Since taking over the Flames in 2022, she has led the program to three consecutive postseason appearances, including back-to-back WNIT berths, while developing multiple All-Missouri Valley Conference honorees. Bracey was named the 2023–24 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association NCAA Division I Co-Coach of the Year, becoming the first UIC coach to earn the honor. Prior to UIC, she built a strong reputation in recruiting and player development at Mizzou, helping the Tigers reach three NCAA Tournaments and secure the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. Beyond the court, Bracey is an investor passionate about building wealth, expanding opportunities for women, and investing in the continued growth of women’s sports. Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  4. Oct 17

    7. From WNBA Player to Investor: Chelsea Poppens on Building What Comes Next

    What happens when the game ends—but your ambition doesn’t? In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones sits down with former WNBA and overseas professional basketball player Chelsea Poppens to talk about the evolution from athlete to entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and mother. Chelsea opens up about playing in the WNBA when a second-round salary was just $36,800, competing overseas while navigating injuries, and realizing early that basketball—and her body—wouldn’t last forever. That realization pushed her to keep learning, earn her MBA, explore new industries, and ultimately build an identity far beyond the court. Now, Chelsea is helping create the future she wishes more female athletes had access to. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome in venture capital, investing in women’s professional sports, creating opportunities for young athletes through her nonprofit work, and why today’s athletes should begin thinking of themselves as businesses long before retirement. Morgan and Chelsea also unpack the explosive growth of women’s sports, the importance of financial and business education for athletes, motherhood, embracing uncomfortable career pivots, and why having women at the ownership table matters. This conversation is about more than transitioning out of sports. It’s about building the confidence, skills, relationships, and ownership mindset to create your next chapter before the final whistle. Connect with Chelsea: https://www.instagram.com/chelseapoppens/ Chelsea Poppens is a former WNBA and international professional basketball player turned business leader, investor, and entrepreneur. Drafted 18th overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, she went on to compete professionally across seven countries after a standout career at Iowa State, where she became one of only three players in program history to record 1,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds. Today, Chelsea serves as COO of DayCloud Studios, founded CKP Athletics and the CKP Foundation, and is a co-owner and investor in League One Volleyball’s San Francisco Signal. Through her work, she is passionate about expanding access to sports, investing in women’s athletics, and helping create pathways for athletes to build impact beyond the game. Athletes to Visionaries*explores what happens when athletes take the discipline, resilience, and leadership developed through sports and use it to build businesses, wealth, impact, and legacy. Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  5. Jun 9

    6. What does it really take to transition from athlete to entrepreneur, executive, and business owner?

    In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones sits down with Kevin Carr, Founder & CEO of Pro to CEO, former NBA Vice President, sports business executive, and one of the architects behind athlete development programs that helped shape generations of professional athletes. With more than 25 years of experience in sports business, leadership development, and athlete career transition, Kevin shares his journey from Florida State University to the NBA, where he helped launch the G League, worked alongside some of basketball’s biggest stars, and guided athletes in preparing for life beyond the game. Kevin also shares insights from his work with AAU, athlete development programs, and his mission to help athletes become CEOs of their own lives and careers. Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, entrepreneur, sports executive, or former athlete navigating life after competition, this conversation provides a blueprint for building sustainable success beyond sports.  Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more conversations around athlete identity, leadership, mental performance, relationships, and life after sports. Follow Us: Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ Morgan Jones: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  6. May 11

    4. Why Most Athletes Struggle to Communicate: Jarrod Uddin on How to Fix It

    In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones sits down with executive communication coach Jarrod Uddin to break down how athletes, coaches, and leaders can master communication, build confidence, and truly influence others. Jarrod has coached Fortune 500 and Fortune 10 executives, helping them communicate with clarity, presence, and impact in high-stakes moments. In this episode, he shares the exact frameworks athletes can use to build their voice, connect with audiences, and stand out in today’s evolving sports landscape—especially as women’s sports continue to grow into a multi-billion dollar industry. Whether you’re a basketball player, coach, or aspiring leader, this episode will help you develop communication skills, leadership presence, and confidence on and off the court. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Jarrod Uddin08:04 – The rise of women’s sports and athlete visibility11:20 – How to connect with your audience first20:04 – Generational differences in leadership and communication26:10 – Daily mindset habits for athletes35:07 – The 95/5 rule for preparation vs performance40:47 – Why women have an advantage in communication49:17 – What to do when someone interrupts you56:22 – Jarrod’s app, coaching, and final thoughtsLike and subscribe for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and thought leaders. Share this episode with someone who needs to find their voice. Follow Us: Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ Morgan Jones: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  7. Apr 27

    3. Don’t Chase Highlights: Coach Kim Davis-Powell on Building Real Players

    What’s REALLY happening to youth basketball, NIL, and the future of athletes? In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones sits down with legendary girls basketball coach Kim Davis—leader in AAU basketball, Nike EYBL board member, McDonald’s All-American Selection Committee member, and founder of Essence Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Coach Kim has: Sent 250+ athletes to college on scholarshipCoached 75+ All-AmericansDeveloped 15+ WNBA playersThis conversation breaks down the REAL issues in modern sports: 01:16 – How she got into coaching & early beginnings 12:15 – NIL era: Is education getting lost? 16:31 – Why fundamentals are disappearing in basketball 23:03 – Top 3 priorities for parents raising athletes 33:04 – Fixing the transfer portal system 39:22 – How to choose the RIGHT coach or program 50:37 – Turning failure into opportunity 58:40 – Coach Kim’s vision for the future of the game Coach Kim also shares powerful stories about developing WNBA talent like Erica Wheeler, her experiences on the EYBL circuit, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level. This episode is for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone navigating the evolving world of sports. If you want to understand where the game is headed—and how to stay grounded in the process—this is the conversation you need. LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that help athletes transition into their next chapter. ------------------------ This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  8. Apr 13

    2. From Athlete to ESPN Analyst: Brooke Weisbrod on Identity, Injury & Reinvention

    From pro athlete dreams to a 20+ year career in sports broadcasting, Brooke Weisbrod shares the untold truth about what it takes to reinvent yourself after sports.In this powerful episode of Athletes to Visionaries, host Morgan Jones sits down with one of the most experienced voices in NCAA basketball and the WNBA to talk about identity, adversity, and building a career beyond the game. Brooke opens up about: Losing her athletic identity after a career-ending injuryThe mental health struggles athletes face post-careerHow she broke into sports broadcasting with ZERO experienceThe harsh feedback that changed her life foreverWhy authenticity is the key to winning in the NIL eraBehind-the-scenes moments covering college basketball & the WNBAAdvice for athletes who want to get into broadcasting This episode is for athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to find purpose after a major life transition. If you're navigating life after sports, this is a MUST watch. COMMENT BELOW: What was your biggest takeaway from Brooke’s story? SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that help athletes transition into their next chapter. FOLLOW US: Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ Morgan Jones: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  9. Mar 23

    1. When The Game Becomes Your Identity

    The world of youth sports is changing fast. Early specialization. NIL deals. Social media pressure. Rankings at younger ages than ever before. In this episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones breaks down what’s really happening in today’s sports culture—and what athletes, parents, and coaches need to understand to navigate it. Drawing from her journey as a Top 10 nationally ranked basketball player, Division I athlete, and former professional, Morgan walks through the 4 key phases of an athlete’s development: Phase 1: Environment & Belonging (1:56)Phase 2: Trajectory & Exposure (10:00)Phase 3: Identity, Performance & Pressure (22:31)Phase 4: Transformation & Purpose Beyond Sport (32:00)This episode dives deep into: Youth sports development and athlete identityThe impact of NIL and early exposurePerformance anxiety and pressure in college athleticsLife after sports and athlete transitionHow parents and coaches shape confidence and identityWhy purpose matters more than performanceWhether you're a student-athlete, former athlete, parent, or coach—this episode will help you reframe what sport is really about. Sport is not the finish line—it’s the platform. Subscribe for more conversations on athlete mindset, identity, leadership, and life after sports. Follow Us: Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ Morgan Jones: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

  10. Mar 16

    The Scoreboard Lied to Me: What Sports Never Teach Athletes About Identity

    In sports, the scoreboard tells you who won. But it never tells you who you’re becoming. In this opening episode of Athletes to Visionaries, Morgan Jones shares a deeply personal story from the NCAA Elite Eight—sitting on the bench while his team competed among the top teams in the country. From the outside, it looked like success. Inside, it sparked questions about identity, pressure, and purpose. Why do athletes tie their worth to performance? What happens when the role you built your identity around changes? And how can sport prepare you for life beyond the game? Morgan breaks down the critical transition from athlete to visionary—from executing within the system to interpreting experiences and using sport as a platform for leadership, purpose, and impact. This episode explores: The hidden pressure athletes carry when identity becomes tied to performanceWhy the scoreboard never tells the full storyThe difference between performance and purposeHow athletes, parents, and coaches can rethink success in sportsWhy sport should expand life—not define it If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, struggled with identity in sports, or wondered what comes after the game, this conversation will change how you see athletics. Welcome to Athletes to Visionaries. ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Hi Hello Labs Produced at: Hi Hello Labs Connect with Morgan:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganjonesvision/ Athletes to Visionaries Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletestovisionaries/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjonesvision/ Website: https://morganmjones.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganjonesvision This podcast was produced and sponsored by Hi Hello Labs: www.hihellolabs.com

About

Athletes to Visionaries is a podcast about navigating modern sport with clarity and perspective. Hosted by former elite athlete and advisor Morgan Jones, the show explores identity, pressure, NIL, early visibility, and life beyond competition, and how today’s athletes, families, and leaders are making sense of it all. Through honest conversations with athletes, coaches, parents, and industry leaders, the podcast looks at sport not just as a performance system, but as a platform for growth, leadership, and long-term development. This is about helping people understand the journey while the game is still being played.