Retirement from professional sports can be a daunting and uncertain time for athletes. After years of dedicating their lives to training and competing, many athletes struggle to find their footing in the “real world.” However, the skills and qualities that make a successful athlete can also translate into successful careers outside of sports. In fact, many former athletes have gone on to thrive in a variety of industries and professions. In this article, we will explore the top careers that former athletes excel in after retirement, and how their athletic background has prepared them for success.
Leadership et travail d'équipe
One of the most valuable skills that athletes possess is leadership. As team captains or star players, athletes are often responsible for motivating and guiding their teammates towards a common goal. This ability to lead and inspire others is highly sought after in the business world. Former NFL player and current CEO of the sports marketing agency, Octagon, Phil de Picciotto, believes that “athletes have a unique ability to lead and inspire others because they have been in high-pressure situations and know how to handle them.” This leadership experience can translate into a variety of careers, including management, coaching, and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, athletes are well-versed in teamwork. In sports, success is often dependent on the ability of a team to work together towards a common goal. This skill is highly transferable to the workplace, where collaboration and teamwork are essential for success. Former NBA player and current CEO of the investment firm, VaynerSports, Gary Vaynerchuk, credits his success in business to his experience playing basketball. He states, “I learned how to work with others, how to communicate, and how to be a leader on the court. These skills have been invaluable in my career.”
Exemples :
- Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion, Peyton Manning, is now a successful entrepreneur and investor. He co-owns multiple Papa John’s franchises and has invested in several businesses, including the fitness franchise, Orangetheory.
- Former WNBA player, Lisa Leslie, is now a successful sports commentator and analyst for ESPN. She also owns her own sports management and consulting company, The Lisa Leslie Group.
Compétitivité et dynamisme
Athletes are known for their competitive nature and drive to succeed. This determination and resilience are essential qualities for success in any career. Former Olympic swimmer and current CEO of the sports marketing agency, Wasserman, Casey Wasserman, believes that “athletes have a unique drive and determination that sets them apart in the business world.” This competitive mindset can be applied to a variety of careers, including sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, athletes are accustomed to setting and achieving goals. In sports, athletes are constantly striving to improve their performance and reach new heights. This goal-oriented mindset can be translated into the workplace, where setting and achieving goals is crucial for success. Former NBA player and current CEO of the investment firm, Kobe Inc., Kobe Bryant, states, “As an athlete, I was always setting goals and working towards them. This mindset has helped me in my post-retirement career as an entrepreneur.”
Exemples :
- Former MLB player, Alex Rodriguez, is now a successful entrepreneur and investor. He has invested in multiple businesses, including real estate and fitness companies, and is the CEO of his own investment firm, A-Rod Corp.
- Former Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson, is now a successful entrepreneur and influencer. She owns her own line of athletic apparel and has a successful YouTube channel and podcast.
Discipline et gestion du temps
Athletes are no strangers to discipline and time management. In order to succeed in sports, athletes must adhere to strict training schedules and manage their time effectively. These skills are highly transferable to the workplace, where meeting deadlines and managing time efficiently are essential for success. Former NFL player and current CEO of the sports marketing agency, WME-IMG, Ari Emanuel, believes that “athletes have a unique ability to manage their time and stay disciplined, which is crucial in the fast-paced business world.”
Moreover, athletes are accustomed to handling pressure and performing under stress. In sports, athletes are constantly under pressure to perform at their best, whether it be in front of a crowd or on a national stage. This ability to handle pressure and perform under stress is a valuable skill in any career, especially in high-pressure industries such as finance or healthcare. Former NBA player and current CEO of the investment firm, Magic Johnson Enterprises, Magic Johnson, states, “As an athlete, I was used to performing under pressure. This has helped me in my post-retirement career as a businessman.”
Exemples :
- Former NFL player, Dhani Jones, is now a successful entrepreneur and investor. He owns his own clothing line and has invested in multiple businesses, including a venture capital firm.
- Former Olympic figure skater, Michelle Kwan, is now a successful diplomat and public policy expert. She serves as a senior advisor for the State Department and has been appointed to various government positions by former President Barack Obama.
Conclusion
Retirement from professional sports does not mean the end of a successful career. In fact, many former athletes have gone on to thrive in a variety of industries and professions. The skills and qualities that make a successful athlete, such as leadership, teamwork, competitiveness, drive, discipline, and time management, are highly transferable to the workplace. Former athletes have proven that their athletic background has prepared them for success in a variety of careers, from entrepreneurship to diplomacy. So, for all the athletes out there facing retirement, remember that your skills and experiences on the field can lead to a successful and fulfilling career off the field.
FAQ
Q : Quels sont quelques exemples d’anciens athlètes qui ont réussi dans le monde des affaires ?
A: Some examples include Peyton Manning, Lisa Leslie, Alex Rodriguez, and Shawn Johnson.
Q : Comment les compétences et les qualités des athlètes se traduisent-elles par des carrières réussies ?
A: Leadership, teamwork, competitiveness, drive, discipline, and time management are all highly transferable skills that can lead to success in a variety of careers.
Q : Dans quels secteurs les anciens athlètes excellent-ils après leur retraite ?
A: Former athletes have found success in a variety of industries, including sports management, entrepreneurship, finance, and public policy.
Q : Comment les anciens athlètes peuvent-ils utiliser leur expérience de la pression et du stress à leur avantage sur le lieu de travail ?
A: Former athletes can apply their ability to handle pressure and perform under stress to high-pressure industries such as finance or healthcare.
Q : Quels conseils les anciens athlètes à succès donnent-ils à ceux qui envisagent la retraite ?
A: Successful former athletes advise to use the skills and experiences gained from sports to pursue a fulfilling career off the field.