EP 59: Grace Prendergast - From Rowing to Real Life and Dealing with Imposter Syndrome Artwork

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.

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Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan Gonsalves

EP 59: Grace Prendergast - From Rowing to Real Life and Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

August 02, 2023 • Ryan Gonsalves • Episode 59

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In today's episode, Ryan has the pleasure of interviewing Grace Prendergast, former New Zealand rower, boasting (humbly) an impressive list of achievements, including Olympic gold and silver medals, fifteen National Premier titles for New Zealand, five World Championship titles, rowing for Cambridge and the World Best Time in the women's pair and four.

In 2021, Grace decided to step away from high-performance rowing and is pursuing a master's of philosophy at Queens College, Cambridge. Her dedication to the sport has earned her recognition, and in 2022, she was honoured with membership in the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her outstanding contributions to rowing.

Tune in to learn more about:

- How she broached the conversation of the impact of stepping away from being an athlete

- Her experience making a tough call between advancing in sports or studying

- How Grace stepped from her first love, netball to go deep in rowing

- When she became Grace the rower

- How she's coping with the new routine that's far from the routine of an elite rower

- Grace's freelancing experience

- How she feels about her CV and the skill set she's bringing from rowing

… 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

www.2ndwind.io

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