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 56: Maddie Parker - Transitioning from International Figure Skating to Podiatry
In today's episode, Ryan speaks to Maddie Parker, a former figure skater who competed at national and international levels and trained for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Maddie's journey took an unfortunate turn when she suffered a hip injury during her Olympic preparation, leading to eight surgeries and a complete pelvic reconstruction. This injury ultimately marked the end of her competitive figure skating career over 14 years.
Drawing from her experience as an elite athlete, Maddie brings tremendous value in helping individuals regain their peak performance. She has a deep passion for Podiatry and strongly emphasises patient-centred care, with a specific focus on treating musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs. Additionally, Maddie has extensive expertise in prescribing appropriate footwear, gained from her work experience. Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by publishing her first research paper in Footwear Science.
Tune in to learn more about:
- Maddie's drive to complete the recent half-ironman marathon
- How she got into her 14-year figure skating career
- Maddie's first international experience and the dream she aimed for
- The injury she sustained and how she got through such a tough phase
- The story behind Maddie's transition into Podiatry
- The importance of support during the transition from athlete to everyday life
- Insights from her reflections on young skaters
… 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
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