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Career Clarity with Athletes: A 2ndwind Podcast with Ryan GonsalvesAuthor: 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. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Fitness, Health & Fitness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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180: How Gemma Howell Turned Pain, ADHD, And Elite Judo Into A Life Of Service And Strength
Tuesday, 20 January, 2026
Send us a textIn this epsiode, Ryan is joined by two-time Olympian and European judo champion, Gemma Howell. After a 25-year career that included 12 operations, strict weight cuts, and a near obsessive pursuit of excellence, Gemma opens up about what it truly felt like to walk away from elite sport.Now a full-time secondary school maths teacher, Gemma reflects on the challenges of injury, burnout, and rediscovering joy in a new chapter. She shares the unexpected grief of retirement, how she found purpose again in teaching and coaching judo, and why staying connected to the sport has helped her heal.What We Discuss:Why retiring after the Commonwealth Games broke her heartThe impact of chronic injury and surgeries on her mental healthThe unhealthy relationship with food and weight in elite judoHow her ADHD became a superpower on and off the matThe emotional challenges of losing an athletic identityFinding joy again through coaching and teachingWhy having “something else” outside of sport mattersThe role of movement, community, and self-compassion in healingAbout Gemma: Gemma Howell is a retired elite judoka who represented Team GB at the London and Tokyo Olympics, and won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Now a secondary school maths teacher and judo coach, she continues to inspire young people through sport and education.Want to Go Deeper?If you are looking for career clarity for your next step, visit www.2ndwind.ioto learn more or book a consult.
