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 55. Carissa Gump - Why a Mental Shift is the Missing Piece to a Thriving Sports Career
In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Carissa Gump, a former American Olympic weightlifter from Vermont who participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Carissa is a multi-American record holder and five-time consecutive American Open champion since being singled out as a talent in middle school gym class with her PE teacher.
Fast forward to today, Carissa who is a fair play and clean sport advocate, is the Foundation Executive Director at National Strength and Conditioning Association NSCA. This organization supports and shares research that helps athletes develop their performance and fitness. Before that, Karissa had worked for nonprofit sports organizations often helping athletes transition out of sport and this included working for the United States Olympic Committee
Tune in to learn more about:
- Carissa's experience at the Olympic Village
- How her PE teacher helped her unleash her weightlifting potential that she had not discovered
- The struggle in maintaining a balance between her marriage, training, and academics and how she went through it
- How she mustered the bravery to step away from her career as an athlete
- How still holding to her other identities was key to her smooth transition from sports
- What attracted her to the nonprofit sector
- Why and how your mental shift and lift play a crucial role in eradicating imposter syndrome
… 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: Carissa Gump, OLY
Instagram: @carissa_oly_2008
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