Chris Smith, founder of Athlete Network, started Athlete Network with the belief, “Once an athlete, always an athlete.” The challenge some athletes face is the realization that they may not always be on a team or involved with a competitive athletic pursuit, However, their athlete mindset never shuts off. Athlete Network's goal is to help their members understand and leverage their athlete mindset throughout all aspects of life. They do this by connecting athletes to the right employers, mentors, and motivating content, which allows them to stay focused, leverage their athlete mindset, and keep competing in life. Born and raised in Hawaii, Chris not only grew up in one of most beautiful places in the world, but one of the most diverse as well. The Aloha Spirit of being friendly and willing to help anyone is in his DNA. Chris played football for the University of Hawaii and was part of their championship season in 1999, as well as for Missouri State University where he earned his degree in Entrepreneurship/Management. Prior to Athlete Network, Chris gained extensive operational and sales experience within the pharmaceutical, finance, and investment banking industries. Still a competitive athlete, he recently completed his first Tough Mudder race. Chris founded Athlete Network because he believes athletes are at their best when constantly immersed in a challenge. Today’s online platforms are too generic and fall short at inspiring athletes to push past the status quo. By focusing on the right athlete attributes, Athlete Network is able to inspire and fuel the members’ driven lifestyles.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- Chris Smith’s story of growing up in Hawaii and playing football for Missouri State University
- How Chris handled the end of his football career and entered the business world with a Fortune 500 company
- Why overconfidence led Chris to make changes in his career life and helped him better understand his wants and expectations
- How Chris helps younger athletes define their own goals and recognize their talent and work ethic
- What steps Chris took to mentally prepare himself to become an entrepreneur and how he started his business despite experiencing self-doubt
- Why Chris became a mentor to his former teammates who were struggling to find their place after college
- Why Chris had to face the difficult decision of replacing his staff as his business grew and changed
- Why "Athlete Mindset" is a double-edged sword that can provide a drive for success but create problems in your personal and professional life
- Why negativity and self-doubt are so destructive and why it's important to channel your athlete mindset into more positive outlets
- How faith and mentorship have helped Chris find success in his career, and why he in turn mentors others