WIN: Championship Traits For Life - Adam Power
As athletes, we dedicate ourselves to being the absolute best we can be at our craft. No matter the field of play, for most, the journey eventually focuses on one sport. Adam Power was on the hot route to professional hockey before his dream was derailed by injury. Instead of turning to coaching or other work within the game, he decided to pursue one of the hardest things to do in athletics, become a pro at a different sport – and he did just that.
Adam “AJ” Power, is a former hockey player turned professional golfer who currently plays on the mini-tours in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and California. AJ has been in the top 15 of finishers on several events and is grinding away to achieve his first win. With a long game that is well known by coaches and competitors – we don’t think he’s far off.
AJ grew up playing hockey and his talents took him from the amateur AAA level to the WHL, cutting his teeth with the legendary Spokane Chiefs as a 16-year-old. Known as a highly talented puck-moving defenseman, His speed, toughness, heavy shot, and 6’5, 200lb frame excited coaches and scouts alike. AJ was on the path towards the NHL draft before, unfortunately, injuries and concussions forced him to retire.
While he may have been finished with hockey, he was not finished with sports. Shortly after retiring, AJ made the bold decision to dive headfirst into golf and began training with legendary Coach Greg LaBelle at the famed Butch Harmon School of Golf. The rest, as they say, is history.
AJ is married to his beautiful wife Danielle, they have a Chocolate Lab named Ruby, and they recently welcomed their first child, son Oliver Power.
Life After the Military: CAPT (Retired) Steve Jordon
Are you a military veteran or spouse who needs access to free legal services?
Are you fighting legal battles with the Department of Veteran Affairs to increase your benefits and compensation?
Are you interested in working for a non-profit organization that helps veterans and military spouses?
Check out this week’s episode of Life After the Military with Captain (Retired) Steve Jordon – you will LOVE this episode!
Steve, a Navy veteran of 27 years shares:
- invaluable advice and lessons learned from his transition to the non-profit sector
- how he served transitioning veterans with the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Veteran Employment Initiative
- how he supports the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program which provides a range of free legal services to veterans in need with a 90% success rate
Steve also describes the incredibly meaningful and valuable work he and his wife do with the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation that raises money to help children and families battling pediatric cancer in memoriam to his 5 ½ year old daughter, Emma.
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-jordon/
- Veterans Consortium Pro Bono: https://www.vetsprobono.org/
- Northern Virginia Technology Council Veterans Initiative: https://www.nvtc.org/NVTC/About/NVTC_Foundation/NVTC/About/NVTC_Foundation
Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation: https://kidzfightingcancer.org/
0:00 Lee opens the podcast
00:26 Lee introduces Steve
02:25 Steve talks about how his military service shaped him
10:53 Steve shares his advice and lessons learned from his military transition
17:10 Steve describes his failure and his lack of preparation for transition
19:21 Steve talks about how he had “100 cups of coffee” with others to network
22:50 Steve shares about filling the void of losing the military community
27:30 Steve describes the work he did with the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Veteran Employment Initiative (NVTC VEI)
32:57 Steve shares that the Veterans Employment Initiative also serves military spouses
34:40 Steve describes the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program that provides a range of free legal services to veterans in need with a 90% success rate
45:18 Steve talks about the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation
53:40Steve shares how he managed the stress of military service, managing stress in life today, and how he strengthens his own mental fitness
1:04:35 Lee gives Steve his book titles
1:05:20 Steve reminds us of the value and strength of networking and community
1:06:42 Lee closes out the episode
WIN: Championship Traits For Life - Sam Ball
As athletes and coaches, we can often get lost focusing on our own path, our own goals, and our own struggles. In reality, no matter what your personality, past or purpose, none of us can succeed on our own. Our guest this week, Sam Ball, will serve as both an anchor and example of someone who lived at both sides of the success spectrum while crafting himself into the tremendous servant leader he is today.
After many years of struggling with addiction and trying to get sober with little Success, Sam Ball realized in order to stay sober and grow he had to build a community and look at the whole picture of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. And that’s just what he did.
Sam currently coaches at Warrior Strength, a non-profit gym built around support and community. He is a Strongfirst Certified Kettlebell and Barbell instructor as well as a certified Peer Support Specialist. He is also a nutrition coach though he prefers to use his knowledge to help his peers rather than take on clients.
Sam is also the Program Manager and Recovery coach at Flourish Bakery, a non-profit that helps people coming out of treatment or incarceration to rebuild their lives by teaching them to bake, introducing them to resources, teaching them life skills such as finance and nutrition, but most importantly helping them to build a community.
In addition to everything we said above, Sam is also a traditional archer, scuba diver, chef, dog lover, and powerlifter.
Sam is a man of integrity and compassion. He holds space for people to be exactly where they are at and will love and support them through the process.
You can find Sam’s work at warriorstrengthgym.com and flourishslc.org.
Sam walks us through his journey – 2:16
Sam shares the moment that changed his life – 4:39
Sam defines mental fitness – 9:11
Sam discusses his decision to go into servant leadership – 12:42
Sam shares his internal breakthrough and what it felt like – 14:28
Sam talks about fitness and body building and its importance to him – 16:40
Sam discusses the need for community – 23:02
Sam talks about gaining the trust of those he works with – 29:51
Sam shares advice for someone who is struggling – 31:59
Sam reflects on his journey – 33:17
Life After the Military: Captain (Retired) Ted Digges
In this week’s episode of Life After the Military, Lee and Howie interview Captain (Retired) Ted Digges. A GREAT listen for active duty military members, transitioning veterans and military spouses – ESPECIALLY if you are interested in a financial management/services career!
Ted, a veteran of 27 years of military service as an officer in the United States Navy, shares invaluable advice and lessons learned from his transition to the private sector. He challenges transitioning veterans to think strategically, build out their professional network, find a mentor, and be OK with asking for help.
Ted talks about being OK with “not sticking the landing” on your first try and “opening up your aperture” to the potential opportunities that a military experience gives the men and women who serve.
Ted shares great insights on the value of the financial management scholarship program offered to active military, veterans, and military spouses by the American College of Financial Services.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-digges-3059856/
American College of Financial Services on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-american-college-cp/
American College of Financial Services: https://www.theamericancollege.edu/
0:00 Lee opens the podcast
00:26 Lee introduces Ted
01:47 Ted talks how his military service shaped him
05:04 Ted describes how he prepared for and executed his transition from the military and shares his advice and lessons learned
08:43 Ted reflects on the three important things to focus on: think strategically, find a mentor, and create and leverage your network
11:18 Ted dives more deeply into the value of mentorship and the need to OK with asking for help and “having a cup of coffee” with others
16:50 Ted advises transitioning veterans to “open their aperture” to opportunities and how they translate their skills and experience
20:03 Ted talks about why he chose to pursue the financial management field for post military employment
21:00 Ted describes the veteran scholarship opportunity with the American College of Financial Services and what he did to build up that program
23:38 Ted describes the American College of Financial Services and what the program offers to veterans and military spouses
27:40 Ted provides advice on how to apply for the scholarship
29:00 Lee gives Ted his book title
29:50 Lee, Howie and Ted talk about Ted’s positive spin on “not sticking the landing” if a veteran chooses to change jobs
31:50 Ted describes the transition he is going through now using the James Michener metaphor of “shocking the dying apple tree to bear fruit”
35:56 Ted talks about how managing the stresses of life today
40:19 Lee closes out the episode
Aligning Missions Externally and Internally with Dale Pfeifer, Founder and CEO of Goodworld
“Make sure that the whole person is looked after.” We are so lucky to be joined by Dale Pfeifer, who took time to stop by We Are Everyone to share insight from her journey to becoming one of the leading charitable entrepreneurs through the creation of Goodworld, a company that powers mission-driven organizations with technology that transforms workplace culture, communities and customer connections. Here’s a hint – it includes emphasizing mental wellness.
She also details why it is so important for her company to support its team as they work to support others. From the practices that her company instills to the view of employee care that they have implemented, we think there will be a lot to take away from Dale as a team member, entrepreneur, changemaker, you name it.
Dale Pfeifer LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-pfeifer-a907761/
Dale Pfeifer Twitter – https://twitter.com/dale_pfeifer
Goodworld Website – https://goodworldnow.com/
Goodworld Twitter – https://twitter.com/goodworld
Goodworld Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.me/
Goodworld Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/goodworld/
Goodworld LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodworld
2:31 Dale answers the question, “How does social entrepreneurship play into having a healthy mindset?”
5:00 The discussion continues on the learning curve in becoming a charitable entrepreneur, and how businesses adapted during the onset of the pandemic
7:00 Being able to manage a business during the pandemic helped owners retain a semblance of control and stability during a tumultuous time
9:22 Dale discusses how growing new competencies through online courses in marketing and communication helped her to cultivate a sense of resilience
12:03 Dale gives her definition of mental fitness: taking care of your health from a preparatory stance
13:02 Dale details what her company implements to take care of their employees – mandatory 14-day paid leave, extra time off during major holidays, check-in’s, etc.
15:25 As a company with a social impact-based mission, Dale details how she ensures that the values are aligned externally and internally
17:33 Acknowledging the human element in communication and business relations is very important to the longevity of a company
20:15 Formalized mental recess breaks could be very beneficial to the corporate world; mental breaks already serve to help employees and business owners alike. Dale details the mental recess practice she implements with her life partner.
24:44 Dale brings home the facts, that talking about mental health is incredibly important and beneficial for us all, especially when viewing statistics surrounding employee engagement
Quotes Mentioned:
“Mental fitness is key to surviving as an entrepreneur.” – D
“I don’t believe that you can be a successful entrepreneur if you don’t have an optimistic mindset.” – J
“Resilience and grit – something that entrepreneurs have born within them, or you have to acquire that mindset.” – J
“A lot of angst comes from the lack of control.” – J
“I can control my environment and if I need to come up with something to sell… I can do that.” – J
“We live in such a comparing society, which is detrimental to our mental health.” – J
Being able to block out that noise and to stay your course… takes that entrepreneurship mindset and applies it to the greater good for mental fitness and mental health.” – J
“What kind of control can you have over your life when the world hits you with something unexpected?” – D
“A friend that will tell you the truth if the news isn’t good, is a friend indeed.” – D
“…Mental health, but doing it from a preparatory stance.” – D
“When it comes to mental fitness, my guess is that everybody is slightly different?” – D
“I also think of mental fitness as an employer, and I think that’s very important.” – D
“When people are working really really hard, that can impact their happiness, their wellbeing, and their productivity in the long term.” – D
“Make sure that the whole person is looked after.” – D
“As a company culture, we have an open [Slack] policy so that you can talk to anyone, at any moment. We encourage asking questions.” – D
“Communication and witnessing the whole person rather than just the person at work are two very important things.” – D
“The more that we can lean into [the why’s] the more we’re going to have a productive workforce, and the more we’re gonna have happy people.” – J
“Kids have a period of time to run around, adults need that too.” – J
“Mental recess/mental reset can be instilled in corporations.” – J
“We do a 3-minute meditation and a 1-minute gratitude practice… That really helps to focus my mind on all the great things we have already.” – D
“Make a safe place to have a conversation, welcome people’s feelings and thoughts.. they are very very important right now for a growing and thriving team.” – D
“Treat people with grace.” – J
WIN: Championship Traits For Life - Andy Neary
As athletes and coaches, roadblocks and hurdles in our journey are expected. However, those that garner the skill sets, mindset and mentors that teach us to get through those times is what ultimately makes us winners. Our guest this week, Andy Neary, helps to create winners.
Andy is a former professional baseball player, two-time Ironman finisher, business coach, and founder of the complete game coaching program.
As we dive into Andy’s life today, you will find that no matter the arena, he was able to draw on his experience as an athlete to break through adversity to succeed.
In addition to being an achiever, Andy is also the host of the Bulldog sessions, a podcast dedicated to helping athletes and business professionals make the successful transition to the next chapter of their life. He is also a contributing author on the Amazon bestseller, Breaking Through the Status Quo.”
– Andy talks about being an undersized athlete and making it in professional baseball: 2:13
– Andy dives into what it means to do the work in the dark place: 7:15
– Andy shares how he dials in to compete in the Ironman Competitions: 12:13
– Andy walks us through the moment of exhaustion in competition and the breakthrough: 14:47
– Andy discusses the “Leaders Eat Last” mentality: 19:47
– Andy shares the influential people in his life: 26:07
– Andy talks about transferring his sports experience into his business: 30:32
– Andy shares advice for younger athletes: 33:59
From Investigative Reporter to PR & Media Guru and the lessons she learned along the way
Emmy award winning journalist and entrepreneur, Christine Haas shares with us her journey to becoming an investigative reporter to ultimately leaving her profession to start her own media consultancy. She speaks openly about the circumstances driving those decisions and all the lessons she learned along the way. Christine inspires us with her wisdom and enthusiasm around the power of believing in yourself.
Guests Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.christinehaas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christine-Haas-310933232259775/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christinemhaas/
0:00 Intro
0:54 Christine shares a little background of how she got into journalism as a career
3:09 Christine talks about how long she has been in the journalism career and how she even became an investigative reporter
7:08 Christine talks about how she is using her expertise to help her clients in Haas Communication grow their businesses
9:47 Christine talks about where she got the courage to leave one career to go and start her own company
12:00 Christine talks about what gave her the strength to get through a divorce and at the same time starting a company
15:05 Christine talks about her success in business and what she contributes that success to
17:06 Christine talks about the importance of always believing in yourself and stop criticizing yourself
19:04 Christine talks about how being in the public eye also impacted her after leaving her career and starting a business
21:33 Christine talks about some of the obstacles that she faced along the way before she became successful
26:20 Christine talks about what mental fitness means to her and some of the things she does to stay mentally fit and stay positive
31:22 Christine talks about the importance of resilience and continually doing the things that help you succeed regardless of what people say
33:42 Christine talks about accountability and why it is important to hold yourself accountable for things
35:00 Christine shares pieces of advice to people that are going through hard times to motivate them to keep on working hard
Life After the Military: Sergeant Major (Ret) Michael Quinn
In this week’s episode of Life After the Military, Lee and Howie interview Sergeant Major (Retired) Michael Quinn. An absolute MUST listen for transitioning veterans and their family members.
Michael is a 2X LinkedIn Top Voice who created HireMilitary, the Digital Networking Professional Program and Tenova, LLC to aid and bring value to transitioning military veterans and their families at no cost to the veterans they help.
HireMilitary is a veteran staffing company that provides the direct placement of veterans and military spouses and heavily leverages the DoD SkillBridge Program. The Digital Networking Professional Program trains and certifies individuals to leverage LinkedIn in support of personal or corporate branding, growing a network, engaging with content and leveraging their free tools. Tenova LLC is a service-disabled veteran owned small business that brings the unique quals of HireMilitary and the Digital Networking Professional Program, couples them with training, communications, and change management, to support government and commercial clients of all sizes.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnmi/
HireMilitary: https://www.hiremilitary.us/
Tenova LLC: https://www.tenovallc.com/
0:00 Lee opens the podcast
00:26 Lee introduces Michael
02:15 Michael talks how his military service shaped him
08:15 Michael describes how he prepared for and executed his transition from the military and the value of networking
11:10 Michael reflects on the three turning points in his transition that changed things significantly
12:15 Michael talks about the value of creating a profile on LinkedIn and connecting with others for advice, guidance, and mentoring
17:18 Michael describes the challenge of being comfortable with the uncomfortable and how he dealt with the discomfort of transition
20:15 Michael reinforces the importance and value of conducting informational interviews and connecting with people who are doing what you want to do
24:00 Michael talks candidly about what employers want to know about a veteran’s capabilities and experience and how it will drive business success
28:03 Michael implores transitioning veterans to figure out what they want to do and seek out mentors to help them
29:47 Michael describes how he created the vision for Tenova LLC and HireMilitary
44:00 Michael talks about entrepreneurship, the value of building trusted relationships, and the requirement for making tough business decisions
48:49 Michael provides invaluable advice about using LinkedIn to connect with others to grow and expand your professional network
54:14 Michael shares his perspective on the value of informational interviews, the need to ask questions, and the strength of building relationships
1:04:34 Lee gives Michael his book title
1:06:00 Michael talks about how he strengthens his mental fitness, candidly talks about his challenges with his transition to the private sector, and the need to stay connected
1:16:09 Lee closes out the episode
WIN: Championship Traits For Life - Coach Boris Sapone
Whats your why? Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you coach or play sports? Why do you go to school or work?
Our guest today, Coach Boris Sapone, will show you the power of having an answer to that question.
– Boris takes us through his journey to personal training and owning his business – 2:15
– Boris shares his vision in designing his business and how he strives to be different from the typical CrossFit box – 11:04
– Boris talks about getting younger athletes into fitness – 17:56
– Boris shares the best approach when talking to someone about making fitness more of a priority in their life – 20:59
– Boris discusses the mental fitness piece of physical fitness and how important it is in his business – 27:47
– Boris shares words of wisdom for young coaches – 34:40
– Boris discusses adversity and his tactics for overcoming adversity in his life – 36:42
– Boris shares his thoughts on maintaining a positive mindset – 45:00
– Boris gives his perspective on the opportunities available in American in contrast to other countries – 49:31
Erin Washington finds balance with Squats & Margaritas
Erin Washington shares with us her incredible story of discovering her best self mentally and physically once she changed her definition of healthy. In this episode, Erin shares how she went through this process and found her purpose in sharing her journey with others.
Guests Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.squatsandmargaritas.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-washington-627a608/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squatsandmargaritas/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Squats-and-Margaritas-312195776310189/
0:00 Intro
1:57 Erin talks about what the term healthy means to her now as opposed to when she was young
4:25 Erin talks about her book and what it is all about and some of the reasons that made her write that book
10:17 Erin talks about some of the things that got her through when she was going through dark times
12:33 Erin talks about why she hid from people that she had an eating disorder and the impact it had on her life
16:01 Erin talks about the importance of sharing your secrets with other people that you feel might be shameful
19:34 Erin also talks about the importance of asking yourself if you are being true to yourself doing what you are doing
24:04 Erin talks about why you should do what makes you happy and not be bothered by what other people say
25:44 Erin talks about her brand Squats and Margaritas, how she came up with it and what’s its purpose is
33:10 Erin talks about why people need to focus on what’s working for them instead of what’s not working for them
37:05 Erin shares her thoughts on why people should have people to listen to them and guide them through like a therapist
40:25 Erin explains why people need to be real especially when it comes to the social media and the impact it will have on other people
