Ep. 20 - From Heptathlete to UNC Chapel Hill Professor with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight

Ep. 20 - From Heptathlete to UNC Chapel Hill Professor with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight

The conversation with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight delves into the educational value of sport, the science of expertise, the emergence of sport performance as a major, and the impact of youth sports on education. Dr. Allen-Weight shares insights on the transformative power of sport and the need to recognize the holistic development and educational opportunities it offers. She also discusses the science of expertise, emphasizing the role of self-regulation and mentorship in achieving high performance. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating sport performance as a major in university education and the potential career pathways it offers. Dr. Erianne Allen Weight is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she serves as Director of the Center for Research in Intercollegiate Athletics (CRIA) and is an international leader in sport, leadership, and expertise development. A former NCAA Division I heptathlete, her work explores how people learn, grow, and perform at high levels across sport, business, education, and life. Dr. Weight has authored more than 100 scholarly publications, delivered over 150 invited presentations, and consulted with organizations across athletics, education, and leadership development. Her current work focuses on the science of expertise, self-regulation, human performance, and the future of athlete-centered education. She is also helping lead innovative national initiatives that position sport as a powerful pathway for leadership, STEM learning, identity development, and lifelong growth. Takeaways * Sport as Education * Expertise and Self-Regulation Chapters * 00:00 The Educational Value of Sport * 10:39 The Science of Expertise * 32:23 Youth Sports and Education Connect with Dr. Weight: Website: eweight@unc.edu Email: www.erianneweight.com Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

Ep. 19 - Building Basketball Pathways in Jamaica with P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy

In this episode Angela interviews Wayne Dawkins, Jamaican-Canadian sports entrepreneur, basketball development leader, and the Founder/Director of P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy. The conversation covers the topics of youth development through sports and the impact of international opportunities on young athletes. It delves into the challenges and successes of providing international opportunities for young athletes, as well as the importance of persistence and faith in the face of adversity. The conversation delves into the challenges and impact of youth sports programming, highlighting the importance of community support and the obstacles faced in providing opportunities for young athletes. It also explores the upcoming tournaments and programs of P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy, shedding light on the ways to support their initiatives. Takeaways * Youth development through sports * The impact of international opportunities on young athletes Community impact * Youth sports challenges Chapters * 00:00 Youth Development Through Sports * 16:36 The Impact of International Opportunities * 30:49 Overcoming Fear of Risk * 37:11 Supporting Youth Athletes * 45:06 Upcoming Tournaments and Programs Connect with Wayne https://www.phase1academy.com/ [https://www.phase1academy.com/] Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

Ep. 18 - From Athlete to Digital Marketing Manager with the Houston Rockets with Andrew Anderson

On this Episode Angela interviews Andrew Anderson, Digital Marketing Manager for the Houston Rockets. The conversation covers the introduction to digital marketing, the journey from athlete to marketing professional, foundational skills in marketing, the role of Google Ads in the marketing strategy, and the impact of AI on marketing. It provides insights into the transition from athlete to marketing professional and the foundational skills required for a career in marketing. The conversation covers the importance of engaging with fans and building a connection, the metrics and behaviors for long-term engagement, social media strategy and content distribution, the transition from athlete to business, and advice for breaking into the sports business without connections. Takeaways * Digital marketing strategies * Transition from athlete to marketing professional Engaging with fans * Building a connection Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing * 08:20 Foundational Skills in Marketing * 17:11 Google Ads and Marketing Strategy * 23:40 Engaging with Fans and Building a Connection * 31:32 Social Media Strategy and Content Distribution * 39:06 Breaking into the Sports Business Connect with Andrew Anderson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsandrewanderson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsandrewanderson/] Instagram - @ItsAndrewAnderson Email - andrewa@rocketball.com [andrewa@rocketball.com] Houston Rockets - rockets.com [http://rockets.com] Houston Comets - houstoncomets.com [http://houstoncomets.com] Connect with Angela Lewis Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

Ep. 17 - The Athlete Mindset in Business & Exceptional Leadership with Megan Renaldo

Megan Renaldo, a performance consultant and leadership coach, shares her journey from being a D1 soccer player to becoming a leadership coach. She discusses the impact of sports on her life, the role of a goalkeeper in soccer, and the importance of exceptional leadership. Megan emphasizes the need for clear information, psychological safety, and the transition from MVP to leader of MVPs. She also highlights the athlete mindset and the challenges in providing clear information in organizations. The conversation covers topics such as clear communication, building psychological safety, efficiency and productivity, transitioning from individual contributor to leader, delegating tasks effectively, creating job aids for delegation, capturing delegation through video and other methods, preparing student athletes for the workforce, belief in leadership potential, and the importance of clear communication and culture. Takeaways * The athlete mindset values feedback as a gift and seeks continuous improvement. * Providing clear information and creating psychological safety are essential for effective leadership and team performance. Clear communication and follow-up are essential for building psychological safety and ensuring efficiency and productivity. * Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader requires effective delegation and a focus on helping others succeed. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Megan Rinaldo * 06:05 The Importance of Exceptional Leadership * 11:33 Creating Psychological Safety in Organizations * 19:45 The Athlete Mindset and Feedback * 25:24 Challenges in Providing Clear Information * 30:33 Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader * 37:08 Capturing Delegation through Video and Other Methods * 44:09 Belief in Leadership Potential Connect with Megan Renaldo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-renaldo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-renaldo/] Website - https://renaldoandco.com/ [https://renaldoandco.com/]  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meganrenaldo/ [https://www.instagram.com/meganrenaldo/] Connect with Angela Lewis nstagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/] Website: https://angelarlewis.com [https://angelarlewis.com] Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

Ep. 16 - More Than the Game: Identity, Purpose, and Growth with Pasha Cook

On this episode of A Ball and A Chance, Angela talks with Pasha Cook and covers a wide range of topics, including the lifesaving power of sports, personal development, the impact of women's sports, and professional work. Pasha shares valuable insights on identity, values, relationships, and the purpose of sport, offering advice and wisdom for personal and professional growth. As a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor, Pasha Cook empowers visionary women in leadership, high-impact athletes, and industry executives worldwide. A proud Houston native, her journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and international impact. After dropping out of high school, she earned a basketball scholarship at 24 and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of Memphis, where she played as a point guard. She went on to compete as a semi-pro basketball player, further honing her leadership and competitive edge. Transitioning from sports to New York City’s men’s fashion industry, Pasha spent over a decade styling elite NBA and NFL athletes and guiding top talent through pivotal career transitions. From 2014 to 2017, she provided image consulting and career transition support for WNBA draftees, helping emerging athletes refine their professional presence as they entered the league. In 2018, Pasha made history as the NFL’s first female collegiate speaking ambassador for the Player Engagement division, delivering keynotes and programs that empower student-athletes to navigate life and leadership beyond the game. Her unique approach has enabled her to connect deeply with elite performers across sports, business, and culture. Internationally recognized, Pasha has been featured by Chinese media as a leading consultant in global branding for professional athletes abroad. Her creative reach includes serving as an international film consultant for projects in China and Hong Kong that spotlight stories blending global sports, branding, and culture. Pasha’s story exemplifies what’s possible through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to growth—empowering clients to achieve lasting success, international influence, and transformative results. Takeaways * The transformative power of sports as a lifeline and lifesaver * The importance of authentic relationships and core values in personal and professional development Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Reunion * 05:05 The Purpose of Sport and Transferable Skills * 13:24 The Impact of Sport and Women's Sports Today * 18:31 Personal Journey and Professional Work Connect with Pasha Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/] Website - https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha [https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/ [https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/] Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/] Website: https://angelarlewis.com [https://angelarlewis.com] Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]