Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves
Former professional footballer Ryan Gonsalves dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of transitioning from elite sports to fulfilling careers. Through candid conversations with athletes, the Career Clarity Podcast explores their inspiring journeys, uncovering lessons on identity, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you're an athlete or simply seeking inspiration for your next chapter, this podcast will empower you to unleash your second wind.
Ryan Gonsalves transitioned from professional football with Huddersfield Town in the English Footbaal League, to a career in financial services by leveraging his adaptability, transferable skills, and willingness to embrace new opportunities.
While playing semi-professional football, he pursued education and began working at GE Money Capital Bank, where he gained global experience and developed expertise in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement. His sports background often helped him stand out during interviews, creating memorable connections with hiring managers.
Later, Ryan joined HSBC in Hong Kong, where he worked for nearly a decade in consumer banking, focusing on global projects such as researching homeownership behaviors. His ability to understand consumer insights and behavior became a cornerstone of his success in the financial sector. After over 20 years in banking (including back in Australia at AMP, Westpac, COmmenwealth Bank and NSW Treasury, Ryan transitioned into career coaching, inspired by helping fellow athletes navigate their post-sports careers.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with Ryan at letschat@2ndwind.io.
Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves
EP 53: Wesley Barnett - From Olympic Weightlifting to Successfully Working His Way Up The Corporate Ladder
In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Wes Barnett, a former two-time Olympic Weightlifter based in Colorado, United States. Wes' journey in the sport began at the age of 12, and it's remarkable how quickly he found success. In fact, he achieved an impressive 4th place in his very first competition, just one hour after learning to lift. With a remarkable career spanning 17 years, Wes has earned numerous accolades and accomplishments along the way.
Wes embraces his introverted nature and finds it to be a valuable asset in his journey. Currently serving as the vice president at Thorne Health Tech, he uses his strengths to bring peace of mind to athletes through high-quality supplements. Wes attributes his success to his networking skills, which he has developed over time despite being an introvert. His unique perspective and ability to connect with others in meaningful ways set him apart in his field.
Tune in to learn more about:
- How much Wes benches
- His humble beginnings in weightlifting and why he pursued it afterward
- Wes' fascinating story of his first time in the Olympic arena and how it is a fond memory he holds
- Why he deliberately took steps to build and connect his network
- How the combination of your athletic novelty and networking is a recipe for a successful transition
- Insights on keys to working your way up in the workforce
- What was his drive to provide peace of mind to athletes in the world of supplements
- Transferable skills that would put athletes in a better position in workplaces
… and so much more!
Are you looking for Career Clarity for your next step, for more information, or to book a consultancy, make sure you check out
Links:
LinkedIn: Wesley Barnett
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