Summary Kareem Rae, founder of One Soccer Nation, shares his journey from playing soccer to starting his own professional soccer team. He discusses the audacity and ambition it takes to pursue such a goal at a young age. Kareem highlights the challenges and requirements of starting a USL One franchise, including the need for a high net-worth individual and a strong ownership group. He emphasizes the importance of community relationships and authenticity in building a successful team. Kareem also shares his favorite athletes, including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

Summary

Chris Osei-Kusi discusses his multifaceted career as a football player, lawyer, and entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of separating different roles and prioritizing them based on the season of life. Chris shares his motivation to avoid regret and his dedication to giving his all in every endeavor. He talks about his experience at the Cleveland Browns mini camp and the decision to attend law school. Chris explains the articling process and the different areas of law he has explored. He also discusses the working hours of a lawyer and the billing structure for legal services. In this conversation, Chris Osei-Kusi discusses lawyer fees and compensation, the transferable skills from sports to law, balancing training and lawyering, the vision for Switch Mentality, his favorite athletes, and the importance of articulation and communication skills.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:05 - Is Lawyering a Word?

3:19 - Driven by the Fear of Regret

4:56 - Football Origin Story

6:57 - Clevland Browns Mini Camp

8:54 - Leaving Football to Study Law

12:10 - Becoming a Junior Lawyer

15:27 - Types of Law

18:55 - 14-Hour Days!

20:27 - How Lawyers Get Paid

25:25 - High Pressure Situations

28:44 - Discipline, Not Motivation

31:22 - Preparing Athletes for Life After Sports

39:38 - Build Skills

44:00 - Top 3 Athletes

NFL Imposter Syndrome

This chapter explores the journey from doubt to success, highlighting the challenges faced and strategies employed to overcome them through perseverance and positive affirmations.

Dealing with Injuries and Doubt

This segment reflects on coping mechanisms for injuries and doubts in one's career, emphasizing faith, support systems, and self-talk in overcoming setbacks.

Adjusting to the NFL as a Canadian

Henoc remembers the challenges faced when transitioning to the NFL from the CFL as a Canadian who has never played American Football.

Your Mindset is Your Biggest Asset

This section emphasizes the value of maintaining a positive mindset as a key asset in facing challenges and achieving objectives, with a focus on its impact on performance and resilience.

Embracing Healthy Paranoia

The significance of maintaining a healthy level of paranoia to stay focused and prepared. A little fear goes a long way.

Adaptability and Resilience

The mindset of always having a backup plan and remaining adaptable in the face of adversity is explored, drawing on experiences to illustrate the importance of flexibility.

Josiah Effect - Inspire to be Inspired

This segment highlights the transformative effect of mentorship, emphasizing the value of giving back and inspiring others based on personal experiences. If you want to be inspired, spend time mentoring other people.

Public Speaking Debut

Insights are shared from the experience of stepping into public speaking and mentorship roles, stressing the importance of knowledge-sharing and inspiration.

Community Engagement and Giving Back

This chapter delves into the journey of starting a foundation and making a positive impact on the community, highlighting the importance of leaving a legacy.

Brand Partnerships with Athletes

The reasons behind brands seeking partnerships with athletes are explored, focusing on authenticity, influence, and alignment with brand values. Courtney talks about the possibilities that Henoc represents for young people all over.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:40 NFL Imposter Syndrome

07:14 Dealing with Injuries and Doubt

10:07 Adjusting to the NFL as a Canadian

11:15 Visualization and Mental Preparation

14:48 Mindset is an Asset

18:48 Developing a Healthy Paranoia

23:33 Every Play is Plan "A"

29:39 Josiah Effect - Inspire to be Inspired

32:25 Public Speaking Debut

37:00 Finding Your Calling

39:34 Starting a Foundation

48:55 Why Brands Work With Athletes

52:40 Favourite Athletes

In this episode, we learn about data analytics and business intelligence in sports to with our special guest, Andrew Descovich, from Zoomph, a leading SaaS company at the forefront of measuring exposure and contextualizing value for sports and entertainment entities. Watch this episode to uncover the transformative power of data that is revolutionizing sponsorships, fan engagement, and the strategic decisions shaping the future of sports. Key Highlights: An overview of Zoomph and its pivotal role in sports analytics, providing essential data for sports properties and brands. The significance of social media in making sports more accessible is that it allows athletes and teams to engage directly with fans. The Impact of Data on Sports Marketing: Insight into how Zoomph's analytics help track campaigns, evaluate partnerships and guide data-driven decision-making.The evolution of sponsorship towards programmatic advertising and the innovation of digitally enhanced signage. The Business Intelligence Edge: Discussing the crucial role of business intelligence in sports, enabling organizations to optimize operations and maximize fan engagement. The inherent value of sports properties through reach and emotional engagement with fans. Championing Women's Sports: The untapped potential and benefits of investing in women's sports, highlight opportunities for brands to achieve a significant return on investment. Athlete Personal Branding: Exploring the rise of athlete personal branding and the effectiveness of authenticity in connecting with a dedicated audience.Strategies for athletes to leverage their personal stories and unique identity in building their brand. The Future Powered by Data Analytics: Delving into how data analytics reshape sports, from improving team performance to enhancing sponsor relationships.The growing importance of analytical insights for all stakeholders in the sports ecosystem. The Personal Touch - Favorite Athletes: Reflecting on how favourite athletes influence fans, inspiring loyalty and fostering deep emotional connections both on and off the field. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:48 Valuing Sports Teams & Players 04:27 Impact of Social Media on Broadcast and Athlete Brands 06:55 Using Data Analytics to Set Value of Sponsorships 09:06 Data Tools to Identify Influencers 10:19 Importance of Actionable Data 11:14 Evolution of Data Measurement in Sports 12:56 Highlight Consumption vs Full Games 16:22 Digitally Enhanced Signage and Virtual Sponsorship 20:26 Careers in Business Intelligence & Data Analytics 26:33 Challenging the Status Quo of Data Measurement 28:19 How Much do Sports Teams Spend on Data 29:30 The Value of Sports Properties 31:26 Investing in Women's Sports 35:24 Opportunity for Athletes with Small Followings 38:44 The Power of Data in Sports 44:31 Favorite Athletes

Jamie Lee Rattray takes us through her journey in women's hockey, from her personal life to her playing career in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

Jamie’s Hockey Journey

Jamie shares her experiences transitioning from the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) to the PWHL, including the challenges of building a new team culture.

Dual Careers and the Grind:

Discussion on the demanding nature of playing in the CWHL, where players juggled full-time jobs with their sports careers.

Motivation and Team Dynamics:

Jamie talks about her motivation stemming from a sense of responsibility towards her teammates.

Life in the PWHL:

Insights into the improvements and differences in the PWHL, such as full-time staff and better facilities, having the freedoms to focus solely on hockey.

League Growth and Fan Support:

Jamie highlights the exciting moments in the league and appreciates the growing support from fans.

Advancements in Compensation:

She discusses the progress made in compensation for women's hockey players and the strides still needed for equality

Partnership with Team LTD:

Jamie talks about her merch line and the importance of visibility and representation for women's hockey through partnerships and branding efforts.

Personal Branding and Social Media:

Jamie emphasizes the role of social media in building personal brands for athletes, and sharing strategies for leveraging online platforms to create opportunities.

Impact of Personal Branding and Role Models:

Reflections on the influence of personal branding in being a role model and its impact on women's hockey.

Team Naming and Branding:

Thoughts on the naming and branding of teams in the PWHL and its significance for visibility and fan engagement.

Game Preparation and Mental Resilience:

Jamie shares her approach to preparing for games, staying focused, and dealing with adversity.

Top Athletes and Role Models:

Discussion on the figures who have inspired her and the importance of role models in the sport.

Follow Jamie Lee Rattray on Social Media: @ratt26

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:51 Everyone’s a Rookie

4:09 CWHL Grind

7:44 Staying Hungry

10:12 Life in The PWHL

14:44 Salary & Pay in CWHL

17:25 “Women In Sports” Merch

21:00 Pride Tape

22:58 Being a Role Model

24:39 Original 6 Branding

26:43 Preparing To Play

29:44 Dealing With Adversity

33:53 Top 3 Athletes

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we delve into entrepreneurship through the lens of sports, specifically focusing on the basketball training and mentorship program, Dream Chaserzzz. Our discussion covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of learning from mistakes and taking control of one's destiny, to the intricacies of scaling a business and negotiating brand partnerships. Join us as we explore the keys to building a successful business, the value of a tailored approach to training, and the power of a personal brand in the sports industry.

Key Takeaways: Embracing Mistakes and Destiny: The path to building a successful business is paved with the lessons learned from past mistakes. Taking charge of your destiny is a fundamental step in this journey. About Dream Chasers: Dream Chaserzzz goes beyond basketball training by offering mentorship and life skills development, catering to athletes across various age groups. The Bootstrap Ethos: Starting small and bootstrapping your venture is often a necessary phase before transitioning to a larger scale operation. Business Fundamentals: Understanding the importance of calculating expenses and valuing your time is crucial for business success. Customized training methods are essential due to the unique nature of every individual. Learning in business transcends formal education, encompassing self-teaching through books and practical experiences. Engaging with brands requires a grasp of different partnership types and an effective approach strategy. Personal Branding & Scaling: Building a personal brand is vital for athletes and trainers to stand out and secure brand partnerships. Scaling a business involves delegating tasks and establishing systems for sustainable growth. Negotiating brand partnerships demands a clear understanding of your value proposition to potential partners. Strategic Separation:

Keeping a personal brand distinct from the business allows for individual growth and focused personal objectives. Mindset for Success:

Transitioning a side hustle into a successful business requires a mindset shift, treating it as a full-time commitment. Market Savvy:

Effective pricing and packaging of services or products entail a deep understanding of the market and the ability to quantify value. Educational Resources:

Courses on branding, marketing, and basketball training can offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Inspirational Figures:

The episode also touches on how iconic figures like Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr. have inspired Justin through their self-belief, determination, and impact on society. Join us in this episode as we uncover the secrets to building a successful business in the sports industry, highlighted by the inspiring journey of the founder Dream Chaserzzz, Justin Alliman.

Chapters:

00:00 Starting from the Bottom 02:03 Eviction 04:12 What Is Dream Chaserzzz? 06:12 Bootstrapping and Scaling 08:00 Opening a Training Facility 09:29 Calculating Expenses and Time 13:55 The Vision for Dream Chasers 16:05 Pros Mentoring Youth 18:39 Opportunity with the Raptors 26:17 The Barber Chair Story 27:17 Experience, Confidence & Mastery 29:28 Fred VanVleet 30:41 Learning Business (12 Books a Month) 33:15 Brand Partnerships 37:42 Separating Personal Brand from Business 39:05 Mindset Shift for Business Success 41:05 Transitioning from Side Hustle to Business 45:09 Building a Personal Brand Course 46:09 Becoming a Basketball Trainer Course 49:00 Favourite Athletes

Welcome to MVP Sports Business Podcast: From Athlete to Entrepreneur with Kwaku

In this episode, your host Courtney sits down with Kwaku, a former professional football player turned entrepreneur, to discuss the journey of transitioning from sports to business, the mindset of a student athlete, and the critical importance of financial literacy and real estate investment.

The Athlete's Mindset in Career Transitions

• Kwaku emphasizes the necessity of a mindset shift for athletes moving into new careers, highlighting the role of continuous learning and adaptability.
• Courtney reflects on Kwaku's successful transition from a fifth-round draft pick to a top-paid CFL player, underlining the importance of preparation and confidence.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

• Kwaku shares his personal journey from university student athlete to professional football player and the challenges of balancing academics with athletics.
• The discussion reveals how Kwaku managed to work with PwC while also making significant strides in his athletic career, showcasing his exceptional ability to excel in both domains.

Life Lessons from Football to Business

• Kwaku discusses the valuable lessons learned from his family's struggles and successes, emphasizing the importance of working smart and the influence of his parents' hustle and determination.
• The founding of Sacks for Racks, Kwaku's player agency, is highlighted as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and strategic planning.

Football Journeys and Personal Growth

• Sharing the highs and lows of his football career, Kwaku talks about the tough decisions surrounding retirement and the shift towards focusing on his business ventures.
• His commitment to giving back through community initiatives in Canada and Ghana is discussed, illustrating his dedication to the sport and community upliftment.

A New Chapter in Sports Management

• Kwaku announces his plans to transition towards a sports management group combining his expertise in finance with athlete representation.

Mastering Personal Finance

• Kwaku and Courtney discuss the critical aspects of personal finance management for athletes, stressing the importance of building a solid financial foundation and living within means.
• Insights into budgeting, debt management, and the psychological aspects of financial discipline are shared, along with a light-hearted mention of saving for a PlayStation 5.

Investing in Yourself and Real Estate

• The importance of self-investment and financial planning is explored, with Kwaku sharing his approach to financial coaching and the value of investing in oneself before exploring external investment opportunities.
• Kwaku's journey into real estate investment is detailed, from buying a condo during the pandemic to expanding his portfolio to include multiple properties.

Real Estate as a Path to Wealth

• Further discussing his real estate investment strategy, Kwaku emphasizes the long-term benefits, challenges in property management, and the importance of having a clear goal in real estate investment.

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