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
67: Laurie Weeks - An Athlete From the Field to the Office
In today's episode, Ryan is joined by Laurie Weeks; the first-ever and highest-capped Melbourne Rebel. Laurie is a former professional and national representative Rugby union footballer who rose to the super rugby ranks where he played for New South Wales, Queensland, and Melbourne Rebels.
When his desire for playing waned, coupled with a series of injuries he sustained, Weeks signed off on-field and took up an off-field position in Rebel's commercial team for the 2019 Super Rugby season before transitioning into recruitment. He is currently a lead accounting recruiter connecting IT talent within the NSW Government and lives by the mantra that you shouldn't limit yourself when exposed to a new opportunity.
Tune in to learn more about:
- How he knew it was his time to find a second wind and insights into how he transitioned happily
- Why he kept turning up despite playing at a level below his goal in their university club
- What changed in terms of his game from being an amateur, semi-professional to a professional player and how he adjusted to it
- Why you should look after yourself and grab at arising opportunities without feeling tied to one opportunity,
- Shifting from on-field to off-field on his recommendation during his retirement from rugby
- How he navigated around being a recruiter who knew nothing about recruitment
- What skills has he had to leave behind/ transfer from Rugby to being a lead recruiter
- Insights and guidance for athletes setting themselves up for their second wind
…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 http://www.2ndwind.io
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwrecruitment?
Instagram: https://instagram.com/l_weeks
Email: laurie@talenza.com.au
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