Most athletes think their playing career is the hard part. Michael Ricks proves the real edge is what comes after — and how you turn rejection, reinvention, and raw resilience into a high-performing business career.

From late-blooming AFL rookie to engineering, Shell, McKinsey, and now Chief of Staff at eGym in New York, Michael shares the exact mindset that carried him through delistings, failed interviews, global moves, and high-stakes roles across wildly different industries.

You’ll discover:

• Why Michael didn’t get drafted until 23 and how he still carved out a successful AFL career
• The “make the spreadsheet” method he used to map his next move after football
• How he trained for consulting interviews like an elite athlete trains for finals
• Why McKinsey became a crash course in preparation, commercial thinking, and influence
• The transferable skills athletes already have — and the ones they still need to build

Michael also opens up about the emotional side of transition, including the sting of being delisted, the importance of letting failure hurt before moving on, and why the locker room bond is so hard to replace in corporate life.

We also get into his extraordinary time working across Malaysia, Nigeria, and Houston, including a wild story involving a kidnapping, a British consulate rescue effort, and a Nokia phone negotiation that sounds more like a movie script than real life.

This episode is essential listening if you’re an athlete navigating life after sport, a leader looking to understand athlete talent, or anyone trying to build a career that can survive change, pressure, and uncertainty. Michael’s story is a reminder that the skills forged in sport can absolutely translate — if you know how to tell the story, do the work, and keep running toward the next opportunity.

Michael Ricks is Chief of Staff at eGym in New York and a former AFL player whose career has spanned elite sport, engineering, strategy, and consulting. His path shows what’s possible when resilience meets preparation.

What if the next great sport doesn’t happen in a stadium — but in orbit? In this episode, I sat down with Philip Hover-Smoot, founder of Atlas Cup, to explore his ambitious vision for competitive spacecraft racing. Philip explains how satellites could race through space, why storytelling is the real key to making the sport resonate, and how the venture could create an entirely new global media and sponsorship category. We also talk about entrepreneurship, endurance training, sleep, discipline, and the trade-offs of building something that never really leaves your mind.

Dorry Kordahi failed his HSC, has no university degree, and started his business from a table in his parents' garage with no clients and no capital. Twenty four years later he runs DKM Blue, one of Australia's most respected promotional merchandise agencies, co-owns the Sydney Kings, and built Swanky Socks from a $40,000 hobby into a global brand shifting over 3.5 million socks a year.

In this episode, Dorry breaks down the mindset that got him there — including why he deliberately maps out every negative before he takes a single step forward, and how that mental rehearsal has meant he's never experienced what he'd call a catastrophic failure. He also gets into what basketball gave him that no degree could, how he spotted gaps in markets nobody else wanted to go near, why he went to China at 25 when the whole industry said don't, and what he actually said to Glenn Saville and the Sydney Kings squad when he walked into the locker room as a 33 year old co-owner.

Raw, honest and full of lessons for any athlete thinking about what business can look like after sport.

Susannah Klean has spent a decade recruiting CEOs, founders and heads of investment banks and private equity funds. She works at the very top of the market and she's seen what separates the people who get there from the ones who don't.

In this episode, Susannah breaks down the high performance habits she sees consistently in the highest earning, highest performing leaders she works with — and why athletic background keeps coming up as the common thread. She also gets into corporate wellness, why deals are now being cut in saunas instead of pubs, fasting, breath work and the 30 to 60 day habit challenge she believes every high performer needs to do.

She also shares her take on AI in recruitment, why the human element of placing people at the top level can never be replaced, and the wellness concept she's building to connect leaders in a completely different environment.

Raw, honest and genuinely fascinating from someone who sits inside the world most people only read about.

Jack Oujo spent 8 years grinding through the minor leagues as a professional baseball umpire. 1,500 games. Rock bottom pay. One shot at the majors.

At 30, he got released. A supervisor told him he was "too smart to be an umpire."

So he went back to zero.

Ernst & Young hired him. He studied every single night for four straight years — CPA, CFP, Master's in Taxation, securities and insurance licences — while working full time, not knowing exactly where it would lead.

It led to Oujo Wealth Strategies, one of the nation's largest tax-focused wealth management firms, and a seven-figure income built on the same process-driven discipline he learned calling balls and strikes behind home plate.

Jack breaks down how he navigated the identity crisis of leaving sport, why your athletic work ethic doesn't disappear when the career ends, and the mindset shift that took him from counting hats in an audit room to managing wealth for some of America's most successful people.

His new book, Too Smart to Be an Umpire, is out now.

Ben Madgen won NBL Rookie of the Year in his first professional season after being dropped after just four games. He went on to captain the Sydney Kings, play in Europe against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, complete a 14 year MBA, become CEO of the Sydney Basketball Association; and then walked away from everything he knew to start again from scratch in wealth management.

In this episode Ben opens up about growing up as a late bloomer in South Australia, how adversity at a young age became his superpower, and the frameworks behind having difficult conversations that shaped him as a leader and captain.

We get into the 80 coffees he had before landing his role, how he pitched a job that did not exist, why your network as an athlete is bigger than you realise and the financial advice he wishes someone had given him earlier in his career.

If you are an athlete figuring out what comes next, or someone mid transition wondering whether the grind is worth it; Ben's story is proof that backing yourself and getting out of your comfort zone is always the right call.

Hosted by Alex Opacic, founder of Athlete2Business and former professional basketball player.

🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @athlete2business

🔗 Learn more at athlete2business.com

What happens when an Olympic diver hangs up her chamois and walks into a pharmaceutical sales role with zero experience, and then spends 15 years quietly becoming one of the best in the medical device space? That's exactly what happened with this week's guest, Patricia; former Australian Olympian in platform diving (Sydney 2000) and now Head of Regenerative Aesthetics and Medicine.

In this episode, Alex and Patricia get into the full journey: growing up at the pool chasing her brother, making the national team, competing at a home Olympics, dealing with injury at the event, and then navigating the messy, non-linear path into a career she didn't plan for.

They cover:

• Why Trish didn't fall in love with sales until year 15 (and what finally changed)
• How the discipline of elite diving translated directly into business performance
• Why sales is the best unpaid university degree you'll ever get, except it pays you
• The leadership principle she borrowed from her coach
• What athletes get wrong about sales (hint: it's not about pitching)
• This one is for every former athlete who's ever thought "what now?" and who hasn't quite found their second sport yet.

🎙️ Presented by Athlete2Business | athlete2business.com

Michael Reid is back for round two — and a lot has changed since we last spoke.

In his first episode, Michael broke down the mechanics of high level enterprise sales. This time, he opens up about walking away from all of it. The secure salary, the corporate ladder, the identity he'd built over 15 years — and why he gave it all up to bet on himself.

We get into the raw reality of leaving corporate for real estate, nearly going broke, discovering high ticket sales, and how one conversation with a mindset coach changed the entire direction of his life.

Michael now runs his own mindset coaching business and in this episode he breaks down the science behind manifestation, why your subconscious mind is either working for you or against you, and the daily practices that separate people who achieve their goals from those who just talk about them.

This one goes deep. Whether you're an athlete figuring out your next move, an entrepreneur in the middle of a leap of faith, or someone who just knows there's more — this episode will hit differently.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify.

Dan Parks earned 67 caps for Scotland over a nine-year international rugby career. But when the final whistle blew, he faced the same question every retiring athlete does — what now?

In this episode, Dan opens up about the reality of life after sport, how he translated elite habits and routine into a high-performing sales career, and why culture fit can make or break your transition into the corporate world.

We get into the power of networking, why vulnerability on LinkedIn landed him his current role, and what businesses and athletes are both getting wrong about the transition.

If you're an ex-athlete figuring out your next move — or a business wondering how to get the best out of one — this one's for you.

Olympic gold medalist and former Australian hockey captain Mark Knowles joins the Athlete2Business podcast to unpack what it truly takes to perform at the highest level, and sustain it.

From growing up in regional Queensland to standing on top of the Olympic podium, Mark shares the mindset, resilience, and self-determination that shaped his career. We dive into overcoming injury setbacks, leading elite teams, and the hard truths about maintaining high performance over time.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, self-awareness, and transitioning from sport into business; packed with lessons for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing excellence.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business Podcast, Alex sits down with former Australian Boomers basketball player Matt Hodgson to unpack the mindset behind elite performance — both in sport and in business.

Matt shares his journey from discovering basketball late, to competing at the highest levels internationally, and ultimately transitioning into performance advisory work with organizations. The conversation dives into imposter syndrome, leadership, team dynamics, and why clarity in systems often unlocks the best performance from individuals.

Matt now works with leaders and organizations through People Performance Advisors, helping businesses build high-performing teams by applying principles learned from elite sport.

They also explore lessons from playing alongside elite athletes, what separates high performers from the rest, and how the principles of high-performance sport translate directly into building successful teams in business.

If you're an athlete navigating life after sport, or a leader looking to build stronger teams, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business Podcast, Jackson Gray shares his journey from being an elite swimmer and triathlete to becoming a successful strength and conditioning coach. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into personal training, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in connecting with clients. Jackson also highlights the competitive nature of the fitness industry and the need for a strong work ethic. He reflects on the balance between work and personal life, the significance of having clear goals, and his aspirations for Flow Athletic, a company dedicated to promoting health and fitness.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business podcast, Meghan Musnicki shares her journey from a late start in rowing to becoming a two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of resilience, and how her competitive spirit has shaped her career. Meghan also reflects on her transition from elite sports to the business world, emphasizing the value of athletes in corporate settings. Currently, she works at Biograph, where she focuses on health assessments and longevity medicine, and she also uses her platform as a motivational speaking to inspire others with her experiences.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business podcast, Ben Lucas shares his journey from a professional rugby league player to a successful personal trainer and entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from sports to business, the importance of process over outcome, and how he founded Flow Athletic, a unique fitness studio that combines yoga and strength training. Ben emphasises the significance of hiring for culture and values in business and shares insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being through running and fitness.

Join us on the Athlete2Business podcast as we welcome Jazz Ferguson, a professional basketball player turned life coach. In this episode, Jazz shares his inspiring journey from his rookie season in 2012 to becoming a motivational force in the world of life coaching. Discover how his relentless work ethic and positive mindset have driven his success on and off the court. Tune in for insights on confidence, perseverance, and the power of intentional repetition in achieving greatness.

Check out Reps With Jazz.

Check out his Insta and his LinkedIn page.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business podcast, Ariah Michel shares his inspiring journey from being a promising football player to navigating the challenges of college sports in the US, facing setbacks, and ultimately finding success in the business world. He discusses the importance of resilience, leadership, and the transition from sports to entrepreneurship, highlighting the lessons learned along the way and the significance of building a supportive team culture.

Takeaways

• Ariah's journey showcases the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks.
• Football played a crucial role in shaping Ariah's leadership skills.
• Transitioning to college football in the US presented unique challenges.
• Experiencing a health scare led to significant changes in Ariah's life.
• Finding a new purpose after football was essential for Ariah's growth.
• The birth of Drinxactory marked a new chapter in Ariah's career.
• Building a business requires patience and a willingness to learn.
• Navigating challenges in business is a common experience for entrepreneurs.
• Team culture and support are vital for business success.
• The athlete's mindset can be a powerful asset in the business world.

Final episode of they year, we go out with a bang! Nour Ettaieb - 3 time Olympian, rower and elite finance professional! She shares her incredible story from Tunisia to the global stage. Discover how her father's influence led her to rowing, her initial resistance, and the eventual love for the sport that propelled her to the Olympics. Nour opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing a career in international tax consulting with her passion for rowing, offering valuable insights for athletes transitioning to the business world. Tune in for a conversation filled with resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams beyond the finish line.

Join us on the Athlete2Business podcast as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Bill Gordin, a three-time world cycling champion and successful entrepreneur. Discover how Bill transitioned from a champion cyclist to a thriving business owner, sharing insights on balancing sports and entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn about his journey, mindset, and the lessons he's gathered along the way.

In this episode of the Athlete2Business podcast, join host Alex Opacic as he delves into the inspiring journey of Matt Waugh, a former elite rugby player turned serial entrepreneur. Discover how Matt transitioned from the rugby fields of Hong Kong and England to becoming a tech entrepreneur and senior sales director. Learn about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the challenges he faced, and the mindset that propelled him from sports to business success. Whether you're an athlete considering a career change or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, Matt's story offers valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and the power of a winning mindset.

Connect with Matt HERE

In this episode of the Athlete2Business podcast, I sit down with AJ Walters, a former professional tennis player turned recruitment powerhouse. AJ opens up about her journey from the ATP circuit to building a thriving career in sales and recruitment, sharing the challenges she faced and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

We dive into how her athletic mindset and competitive nature helped shape her approach to business, as well as the routines and habits that drive her success. Whether you’re an athlete exploring life after sport or someone looking for motivation to push through your own career transition, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to hear AJ’s inspiring story of transformation and her pursuit of excellence beyond the tennis court.