In this episode of the Life Beyond Labels podcast, host Kelsey O'Connor interviews Rob Finkelstein, CEO and founder of Alumni Direct. Rob shares his journey from being a collegiate athlete to an entrepreneur, the challenges of transition when your kids no longer play sports, and the importance of building community through alumni connections. Rob shares insights on networking, the value of relationships, and the impact of his podcasting journey. Join us for an episode that will inspire you to be bold and expand your circle!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rob Finkelstein and His Journey

03:02 Transitioning from Athletics to Entrepreneurship

05:56 The Role of Parents in Sports Transitions

08:59 Building Community Through Alumni Connections

12:03 The Challenges of Starting a Business

15:03 Networking and Building Relationships

17:50 Creating Alumni Direct: A Platform for Connection

21:03 The Impact of Podcasting on Networking

23:48 Advice for Those Lacking a Network

27:07 The Importance of Intentional Connections

30:02 Vision and Goals for Alumni Direct

32:56 Conclusion and Where to Find Rob Finkelstein

What to Expect:

• Rob emphasizes the importance of helping others and building relationships.
• Transitioning from athletics to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
• Parents play a significant role in their children's sports journey and transition.
• Building a community through alumni connections can provide support and opportunities.
• Starting a business requires passion, perseverance, and a strong team.
• It's essential to reach out and connect with people, even if it feels uncomfortable!
• Intentional connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations!

Call to Action: Reach out and connect with someone new this week!

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

Hi friends, in this episode, we will talk about a common topic that sounds easy and seems simple but can be hard to implement into our lives: staying present. In this episode, I’ll share personal anecdotes and strategies I use to appreciate the moment and incorporate mindfulness into my day when life seems to race by me. Categorizing these into 8 specific practices, I encourage you to listen, try one of these practices, and take or leave what works for you. These tips will hopefully enhance your emotional well-being, improve your connections with others, and increase your awareness and appreciation for the present moment.

What to Expect:

8 unorganized tips for staying present and finding stillness so you are present in the moments of your life.

• Looking at our feet can anchor us in the moment (reference: Scott O’Neil)
• Pay attention to the voices of those speaking to you.
• Notice your surroundings engage our senses.
• Fast forwarding helps us appreciate moments.
• Take deep breaths and count (sorry, I know that’s cliche)
• Capture moments intentionally.
• Listen to movie music
• Forgive yourself when you get caught up in the hustle

Call to Action: Try one of these mindfulness practices and see if it helps you to stay present in the moment.

Referenced:
“Be Where Your Feet Are”: Seven Principles to Keep you Present, Grounded, and Thriving - by Scott O’Neil

“Breathtaker” by SYML

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic

The internet is filled with “how to” guides, but what if it isn’t that simple? In this episode, we’ll talk about why it’s important not to be discouraged by how-to advice that seems to hand all the answers on a silver platter. We’ll discuss the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth and success. Through a few personal examples, we’ll highlight the need for individualized strategies and difficulties that arise with of oversimplifying complex topics into 'how-to' guides. This episode will include my experience with various self-help methods and encourage listeners to explore different paths to find what works best for them. The conversation highlights the significance of personalizing advice and being mindful of the sources from which we receive guidance.

What to Expect:

• The advice shared on this podcast is not a definitive guide: take or leave what is best for you!
• Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences, which impacts what kinds of self-help strategies individually work or don't work.
• Success is not a one-size-fits-all formula.
• There are multiple ways to achieve goals.
• Personalization in advice is crucial.
• Keep trying different methods until you find what works.
• Labeling advice responsibly is important.
• Reflect on personal experiences with advice.
• There is room for everyone's unique journey!

Call to Action: When you seek out or receive advice, try it consistently, reflect on if it works for you, and then take it or leave it without judgment until you find what truly helps you become the best version of you!

Special Links:
Life Beyond Labels is brought to you by KazCM. They aim to create space where businesses can build assets and drive revenue through writing and talking. Learn more at KazCM.com.

Let’s Connect!

• Socials: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @kelsoconnor6
• Website: kelseyoconnor.net

Credits

• Life Beyond Labels is a QuietLoud Studios production. Featured on SportsE Media. Discover more at quietloudstudios.com.
• Music provided by YoKram: YouTube | Spotify | TikTok @yokrammusic