The Next Playbook

Bet On Yourself: Kenneth Imo's Advice to Student Athletes

Sponsors Momentous [https://www.livemomentous.com/] - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five [https://goalfive.com/] - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Kenneth Imo shares his journey from being a Nigerian immigrant's son to becoming a college football player at SMU. He discusses the identity struggles of being a student athlete, the values instilled by his parents, and the importance of balancing academics with athletics. Kenneth reflects on his experiences in high school football, the recruitment process, and the pressures that come with being a student athlete. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and personal growth, offering advice to future student athletes about prioritizing their education and understanding their identity beyond sports. Kenneth discusses the challenges of identity shifts after sports, the lessons he imparts to his daughters, and his mission to help current and former athletes navigate their transitions. He highlights the value of mentorship, resilience, and the need to bet on oneself in pursuing personal and professional goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 The Identity of a Student Athlete 03:07 Family Values and Immigrant Experience 06:09 The Role of Football in Identity Formation 09:04 High School Football and College Recruitment 12:06 Transitioning to College Football at SMU 14:58 The Pressure of Being a Student Athlete 18:01 Experiencing Game Day and Success 19:54 Shifting Focus to Academics 23:03 Mentorship and Academic Growth 25:56 Advice for Future Student Athletes 27:27 The End of the Game: Embracing Change 31:38 Lessons from the Field: Transferable Skills 37:00 Parenting and Life Lessons: Teaching Resilience 42:13 Identity Shift: From Athlete to Student 50:21 Building a Legacy: Coaching and Consulting for Athletes Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com [http://www.thenextplaybook.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenextplaybook/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thenextplaybook] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-playbook/?viewAsMember=true] | Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mKzMoju4K2zGN6TCy4ri4] | Blog [https://www.thenextplaybook.com/toolkit#blog-posts]

The Comeback: Rachel Miller on Why It's Always Available

Momentous [https://www.livemomentous.com/] - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five [https://goalfive.com/] - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this engaging conversation, Rachel Miller shares her journey from a young athlete to a mother and entrepreneur, discussing the pressures of competition, the emotional challenges of stepping away from sport, and the inspiring story of her comeback. She emphasizes the importance of identity, support systems, and the impact of motherhood on her athletic career. Rachel also highlights her transition into personal training and her passion for empowering women, while reflecting on the lessons learned throughout her journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:01 The Journey of a Young Athlete 06:02 Navigating Pressure and Expectations 10:01 The Comeback Story Begins 19:49 Representing Your Country 25:06 Sharing the Comeback Journey 30:05 Transitioning Beyond Athletics 34:01 Building a Business and Identity 39:55 Goals and Future Aspirations Relevant Links & Contact IG:@millsthemain Linkedin 'rachelmillsmiller' to learn more about me Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com [http://www.thenextplaybook.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenextplaybook/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thenextplaybook] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-playbook/?viewAsMember=true] | Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mKzMoju4K2zGN6TCy4ri4] | Blog [https://www.thenextplaybook.com/toolkit#blog-posts]

Finding Alignment: Ed Lubowicki on the Athlete Edge

Sponsors Momentous [https://www.livemomentous.com/] - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five [https://goalfive.com/] - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this episode, Derika sits down with Ed Lubowicki, a former Notre Dame lacrosse player and current University of Pennsylvania researcher. Ed shares his journey from the "OG American sport" to a high-pressure career in cyber risk at Deloitte, describing the "slow burn" of realizing he was in a career that didn't align with his true strengths. Now an entrepreneur and graduate student, Ed discusses his research into "Athletic Identity Foreclosure" and his mission to help athletes realize they aren't struggling—they are simply overqualified for the "games" they've chosen to play in the corporate world. Chapters Introduction to Lacrosse The Road to Notre Dame The "Quick Switch" of Retirement The NYC "Slow Burn" Identifying the Gap Researching "Athletic Identity Foreclosure" The Athlete Edge Alignment System The Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship Final Thoughts Relevant Links & Contact website [https://luboadvisory.com/] assessment [https://athleteedge.carrd.co/], LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/edlubowicki] Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com [http://www.thenextplaybook.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenextplaybook/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thenextplaybook] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-playbook/?viewAsMember=true] | Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mKzMoju4K2zGN6TCy4ri4] | Blog [https://www.thenextplaybook.com/toolkit#blog-posts]

Liminal Space: Dawn Sanders on Riding the Wave of Transition

Sponsors Momentous [https://www.livemomentous.com/] - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five [https://goalfive.com/] - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this episode, Derika speaks with Dawn Sanders, co-founder of Winwell, about the complex journey of athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Dawn shares her personal evolution from a track athlete and England rugby player to a pioneer in "performance lifestyle coaching" at the UK Sports Institute. The conversation delves into the identity crisis that follows retirement, the "silent army" of support staff helping athletes plan for life beyond the field, and how sports organizations can better support their human capital throughout their entire career cycle. Chapters 0:00 Introduction how a LinkedIn algorithm brought Derika and Dawn together. 01:33 Dawn's early athletic career, including her 18th birthday party with Paula Radcliffe. 03:10 The daunting experience of playing for the national team and the resilience required in the semi-pro era. 05:55 Addressing the psychological impact of "hanging up the boots" and the physical changes that follow. 08:38 Replacing the rugby team environment with local field hockey and maintaining social connections. 10:55 Dawn’s 23-year career at the Institute and shifting from "advisor" to "practitioner". 16:21 Breaking down the five phases of transition support and helping athletes find their "why". 26:07 The responsibility of governing bodies and advice for loved ones during an athlete’s transition. 33:01 Dawn’s journey into entrepreneurship and her global goals for the "performance lifestyle movement". 38:13 Final thoughts on being kind to yourself during life's uncomfortable middle zones. Relevant Links & Contact Website: www.winwell.org.uk [http://www.winwell.org.uk]  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders [http://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders]  Email: dawn@winwell.org.uk [dawn@winwell.org.uk] Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92] Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com [http://www.thenextplaybook.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenextplaybook/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thenextplaybook] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-playbook/?viewAsMember=true] | Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mKzMoju4K2zGN6TCy4ri4] | Blog [https://www.thenextplaybook.com/toolkit#blog-posts]

Parallels: Where Sport and Business Intersect with Jenny Casson

Sponsors Momentous [https://www.livemomentous.com/] - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20 Goal Five [https://goalfive.com/] - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15 Summary In this conversation, Jenny Casson shares her journey as a multi-sport athlete who transitioned into rowing and ultimately became a two-time Olympian. She discusses the importance of a diverse athletic background, the challenges of identity and injury, and the emotional rollercoaster of competing at the Olympic level. Jenny also reflects on the post-Olympic experience and the mental health challenges that can arise after such significant achievements. Jenny emphasizes the transferable skills from sports to business, the need for adaptability in a constantly changing environment, and the significance of personal growth and community support. She also touches on her current role in AI and the balance between her personal and professional goals, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys and never underestimate their achievements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 The Importance of Multi-Sport Backgrounds 05:46 Identity and Injury in Sports 08:59 Transition to Rowing and Discovering Talent 11:46 The Road to the Olympics 15:07 Experiencing Olympic Competition 18:07 Post-Olympic Reflections and Challenges 25:06 The Emotional Toll of Transitioning from Sports 26:37 Preparing for Life After Competition 28:51 Finding Purpose Beyond Athletics 30:41 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 33:06 Translating Athletic Skills to Business 36:17 Navigating the Uncertainty of Business Goals 38:13 Embracing New Challenges in AI 42:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Goals 44:41 Staying Active and Engaged 47:03 Final Thoughts on Connection and Growth Relevant Links & Contact @Jenny_joan_casson (IG) @daylilie_bras (IG) www.jennyjoancasson.com [http://www.jennyjoancasson.com/] (website, personal) Follow The Next Playbook  www.TheNextPlaybook.com [http://www.thenextplaybook.com/]