Backpacks and Barbells

I’ve been working on something personal. It feels strange to call it a memoir, but it's my story. The real story behind The Athlete Identity Project and the mission I want to serve—and it's the reason I support Forging Youth Resilience (FYR - pronounced🔥).  FYR creates safe, healthy communities for underserved youth.  Through fitness, nutrition, mentorship, and mental health, clubs around the country give every kid the opportunity to thrive.  So, in honor of Mental Health Awareness month and FYR's IGNITE campaign , I’m sharing a piece of what I've been working on.  Because   even the strongest among us need a place to belong.  Built for More: An Untold Story of High-Level Sport, Identity & Becoming Content Note: This piece includes references to eating disorders and mental health challenges. While not described in detail, please read with care if these topics are sensitive for you. .... I pushed through the double doors, leaned on a beam, and looked ...

Imagine interviewing someone with 15+ years of experience… in an industry that’s not the one you’re hiring for. We’ve all been there. It’s a hard sell. Usually a no. Now imagine sitting on the other side of that table. After going all in on The Athlete Identity Project, I had to come to terms with a new reality: while I’ll never lose the skills and experience I gained, they don’t directly translate to what I’m doing now. I'm the one sitting on the other side of the table.  Here’s what I’ve had to wrestle with: It might be a long time before I make the salary I made as a consulting partner. There’s a chance I never will in this new industry. My previous title? Just that— previous . Maybe it holds weight for those who know consulting, but it’s kind of like saying I won state when I was 16. Meaningful to me. Not necessarily relevant here. Did I mention the money? I did. Why is that the part that’s so hard? I drive a 10-year-old Subaru and love a good thrift store… but I al...