In this episode Ben opens up about growing up as a late bloomer in South Australia, how adversity at a young age became his superpower, and the frameworks behind having difficult conversations that shaped him as a leader and captain.

We get into the 80 coffees he had before landing his role, how he pitched a job that did not exist, why your network as an athlete is bigger than you realise and the financial advice he wishes someone had given him earlier in his career.

If you are an athlete figuring out what comes next, or someone mid transition wondering whether the grind is worth it; Ben's story is proof that backing yourself and getting out of your comfort zone is always the right call.

Hosted by Alex Opacic, founder of Athlete2Business and former professional basketball player.

🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @athlete2business

🔗 Learn more at athlete2business.com

In this episode, Alex and Patricia get into the full journey: growing up at the pool chasing her brother, making the national team, competing at a home Olympics, dealing with injury at the event, and then navigating the messy, non-linear path into a career she didn't plan for.

They cover:

• Why Trish didn't fall in love with sales until year 15 (and what finally changed)
• How the discipline of elite diving translated directly into business performance
• Why sales is the best unpaid university degree you'll ever get, except it pays you
• The leadership principle she borrowed from her coach
• What athletes get wrong about sales (hint: it's not about pitching)
• This one is for every former athlete who's ever thought "what now?" and who hasn't quite found their second sport yet.

🎙️ Presented by Athlete2Business | athlete2business.com

In his first episode, Michael broke down the mechanics of high level enterprise sales. This time, he opens up about walking away from all of it. The secure salary, the corporate ladder, the identity he'd built over 15 years — and why he gave it all up to bet on himself.

We get into the raw reality of leaving corporate for real estate, nearly going broke, discovering high ticket sales, and how one conversation with a mindset coach changed the entire direction of his life.

Michael now runs his own mindset coaching business and in this episode he breaks down the science behind manifestation, why your subconscious mind is either working for you or against you, and the daily practices that separate people who achieve their goals from those who just talk about them.

This one goes deep. Whether you're an athlete figuring out your next move, an entrepreneur in the middle of a leap of faith, or someone who just knows there's more — this episode will hit differently.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify.

In this episode, Dan opens up about the reality of life after sport, how he translated elite habits and routine into a high-performing sales career, and why culture fit can make or break your transition into the corporate world.

We get into the power of networking, why vulnerability on LinkedIn landed him his current role, and what businesses and athletes are both getting wrong about the transition.

If you're an ex-athlete figuring out your next move — or a business wondering how to get the best out of one — this one's for you.

From growing up in regional Queensland to standing on top of the Olympic podium, Mark shares the mindset, resilience, and self-determination that shaped his career. We dive into overcoming injury setbacks, leading elite teams, and the hard truths about maintaining high performance over time.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, self-awareness, and transitioning from sport into business; packed with lessons for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing excellence.

Matt shares his journey from discovering basketball late, to competing at the highest levels internationally, and ultimately transitioning into performance advisory work with organizations. The conversation dives into imposter syndrome, leadership, team dynamics, and why clarity in systems often unlocks the best performance from individuals.

Matt now works with leaders and organizations through People Performance Advisors, helping businesses build high-performing teams by applying principles learned from elite sport.

They also explore lessons from playing alongside elite athletes, what separates high performers from the rest, and how the principles of high-performance sport translate directly into building successful teams in business.

If you're an athlete navigating life after sport, or a leader looking to build stronger teams, this episode is packed with insights.

Check out Reps With Jazz.

Check out his Insta and his LinkedIn page.

Takeaways

• Ariah's journey showcases the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks.
• Football played a crucial role in shaping Ariah's leadership skills.
• Transitioning to college football in the US presented unique challenges.
• Experiencing a health scare led to significant changes in Ariah's life.
• Finding a new purpose after football was essential for Ariah's growth.
• The birth of Drinxactory marked a new chapter in Ariah's career.
• Building a business requires patience and a willingness to learn.
• Navigating challenges in business is a common experience for entrepreneurs.
• Team culture and support are vital for business success.
• The athlete's mindset can be a powerful asset in the business world.

Connect with Matt HERE

We dive into how her athletic mindset and competitive nature helped shape her approach to business, as well as the routines and habits that drive her success. Whether you’re an athlete exploring life after sport or someone looking for motivation to push through your own career transition, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to hear AJ’s inspiring story of transformation and her pursuit of excellence beyond the tennis court.

He shares valuable insights on the power of networking, the importance of authenticity, and how athletes can leverage their unique skill sets to create success beyond sports. Whether you’re an athlete planning your next chapter or someone passionate about personal growth and branding, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Jason navigated his career transition and what it truly takes to win in a new arena.

He shares how his relentless work ethic, competitive spirit, and strong networking skills opened doors to new opportunities, offering valuable insights on balancing passion with practicality. Whether you're an athlete considering a career change or simply looking for motivation to take your next big step, Todd’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance and adaptability.

From the rugby pitch to the boardroom, Andrew’s story is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of proactive career planning. Tune in to hear his insights on navigating life after sports and building a thriving career in the corporate world.

In this episode, we explore the challenges and victories of navigating a major career transition, highlighting the resilience and determination it takes to succeed in a completely new field. Whether you're curious about recruitment or seeking inspiration to make your own career move, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Harry is the CEO of UFC Gym Japan, with a business career that spans several decades, including Wall Street. Alfonso is the Japan Managing Director of a global technology company and an expert in digital transformation. Both are a former elite Kickboxers and have used the habits, strategies from fighting to succeed in business. Now they're teaching you those same principals. A truly unique outlook on leadership and high performance in business.

Ted’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, his early years in the ring are filled with captivating stories of grit, resilience, and triumph. Now, as a business owner and consultant, he’s making waves in the world of entrepreneurship across multiple ventures.

Join us as we explore Ted’s inspiring path from professional athlete to successful entrepreneur. He shares the lessons he learned in and out of the ring, his approach to overcoming challenges, and how he’s built a life of purpose and achievement.

Don’t miss this engaging and motivational conversation with Ted Cofie, perfect for anyone passionate about sports, business, or personal growth. Tune in and be inspired!

In this episode of the Athlete2Business Podcast, we sit down with Kurt Dillon, a former NRL player who has made an impressive transition from professional sports to the recruitment industry. After starting his recruitment career just three years ago—knowing little about the field—Kurt has quickly risen to success and is now thriving at Allura Partners.

Join us as we explore Kurt’s journey from athlete to recruitment professional, the challenges of stepping into an entirely new career, and his insights into why athletes are uniquely suited for roles in sales and recruitment. Kurt shares his inspiring story, practical advice for career transitions, and a deep dive into the recruitment world.

Whether you’re curious about recruitment, looking for career inspiration, or eager to learn how athletes can excel in business, this episode is filled with genuine, relatable, and actionable insights. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Kurt Dillon on the Athlete2Business Podcast!

In this episode of the Athlete2Business Podcast, we sit down with Mandy Rawlinson, a former elite equestrian vaulter who competed at the highest level, becoming a world champion in this unique and challenging sport. Following her athletic career, Mandy transitioned into law and eventually found her calling as a senior executive in the finance industry, working with the global firm Aberdeen.

Join us as we explore Mandy’s journey from elite athlete to corporate leader, her strategies for successfully navigating major career changes, and her valuable insights for maintaining professional growth and financial stability along the way. Whether you're interested in the world of finance, career transitions, or learning how athletes can leverage their skills in business, this episode is packed with authentic, actionable advice for anyone considering a bold new path.

Join us as we discuss her journey from athlete to entrepreneur, her insights into recruitment and sales, and practical advice on navigating career transitions. Whether you're curious about the recruitment industry, starting your own business, or learning how athletes transition to new careers, this episode offers genuine, deep, and honest insights.

She shares her story of success in the sport, and how resilience and determination helped her reach the Olympics. Along with sharing insights into how she landed a successful career as a Business Analyst with Westpac post sport.

If you’re an athlete wanting to run your own sports coaching business, be self employed and make 6-figures doing what you love, this is how!

Welcome to the Athlete to Business Podcast! Today, we're stepping into a unique zone with an episode that ventures beyond our usual interviews with former pro athletes turned successful business executives. Our guest, Chris Wilson, is a stress scientist a role dedicated to measuring and managing stress levels.

In a world increasingly defined by stress and anxiety, particularly among high-performing business leaders facing burnout post-COVID, Chris offers invaluable tools, tips, and strategies for stress regulation. His expertise, honed from working with elite athletes and now corporate executives, centers on using hard data to navigate when to push forward, when to ease off, and when to recharge.

Join us as we delve into topics ranging from stress management techniques and optimizing sleep to understanding how diet impacts stress levels. Whether you're striving for peak performance or seeking to reduce stress in your life, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Dunn, a professional Ironman whose remarkable journey began at the age of 35. Despite early dreams of becoming a professional footballer, Jason found success in the finance world before transforming his life through endurance sports.

Join us as we delve into Jason's inspiring story of self-discovery and purpose, highlighted in his book "Unlimited: The Art of Being Limitless." Jason shares the challenges he faced, including 35 hospital visits, and offers invaluable insights into managing stress and anxiety in today's fast-paced world.

Discover the tools and tips Jason uses to combat burnout and maintain peak performance. Don't miss this engaging and motivational conversation with Jason Dunn, an elite athlete who has impacted millions with his journey and wisdom. Tune in and be inspired!

In this episode, Goran shares how he balanced the rigorous demands of corporate life with being an elite athlete in a sport that doesn't offer the financial rewards of football or basketball. Discover his strategies for effective time management and prioritization, and be inspired by his journey of resilience and dedication.

Tune in for a highly motivational discussion that offers valuable insights for anyone striving to excel in multiple fields. Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Goran Tomasevic.

Alongside his impressive AFL career Dean worked his way up in the finance sector over a 30-year career. Dean is currently CEO of Leading Teams, an organisation which helps individuals and teams be high performing.

Join us as we explore the hurdles and triumphs of Ryan's transition, offering valuable insights for athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

In the conversation today, Ryan illustrates the good, the bad and the ugly about his journey as a professional footballer and shares how he was able to turn his passions away from sport into a profit.

As the founder and director of Geek Media, Ryan is now a successful Digital Marketing Specialist with a passion for helping others succeed.

Deanna is an absolute go getter in everything she does, and she is a standout performer in the recruitment industry.

Before he made his mark in the world of technology recruitment, Stephen spent an impressive 12 years as a professional cyclist in Belgium. Today, he shares with us his journey that takes us from the world of professional cycling to the dynamic realm of business.

As an athlete, he hadn't given much thought to what lay beyond the world of sports. When he eventually left professional cycling, he found himself feeling like he didn't have much to offer. Yet, as we'll discover, he quickly learnt of the hidden strengths his cycling career had built within him, and he was able to apply these to the world of business. Stephen explains the structured process that has led him to success and discusses how he was able to transition his skills, habits, and routines from the world of cycling to the technology industry.

So, whether you're an athlete pondering your next chapter or someone seeking inspiration in the face of a career shift, you're in for a treat. Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of Stephen Halpin, a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the art of turning life's transitions into triumphs.

Among his proudest ventures is iDlvr, a game-changing delivery service reshaping the landscape of logistics in Australia. As the nation's first personalised same-day delivery platform, iDlvr offers a remarkable range of vehicles, from utes to vans and flatbed trucks, ensuring that customers receive items of any size delivered straight to their door. Solving logistical challenges with utmost efficiency, iDlvr stands as a secure choice, providing shoppers with a trusted personal errand driver, all authorised through a seamless in-app process. To learn more about iDlvr check out, iDlvr - Order your way. Get it same day. or download from the app store here, iDlvr on the App Store (apple.com).