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

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Sydney Supple. Sydney is infectiously energetic, strong, committed, and generously kind. She empowers others through her work in sports and storytelling.

Sydney Supple is a former D1 Softball player at Northwestern University and a current sports broadcaster. Kelsey and Sydney talk about Sydney's journey in sports, the importance of community and giving back, navigating confidence and self-perception, and the role of strong female figures in her life. Sydney shares her experiences transitioning from college sports to broadcasting, the challenges of maintaining confidence, and the valuable lessons learned from her family. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, mentorship, and the empowerment of young athletes.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:05 Sydney's Journey in Sports
05:51 The Importance of Community and Giving Back
09:05 Navigating Confidence and Self-Perception
12:10 Transitioning from College Sports to Broadcasting
14:58 The Role of Strong Female Figures
17:59 Advice for Young Athletes
20:52 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

What to Expect:

• Sydney's journey growing up as a competitive travel softball athlete and playing for one of the best programs in the country.
• Sydney’s defining moment of raising $110,000 to build a softball field in her hometown.
• It's important to give oneself grace and not strive for perfection.
• Valuable lessons learned about self-love and confidence through coaching.
• The transition from college sports to professional life.
• Strong female figures who have greatly influenced Sydney’s journey and why.
• Inspiring young athletes to be courageous and confident.
• The power of storytelling and connection in sports.

Call to Action: Reflect on causes you care about, how you might want to give back to a community in your life, or ways you can inspire the next generation.

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.

Sydney Links:

• Socials: Instagram | LinkedIn
• Website: sydneysupple.com
• SportsEpreneur: Finding Identity Outside of Sport

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

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Marques Ogden. Marques is hardworking and motivated — he strives to inspire people through his positive mindset and powerful story.

Marques Ogden shares how he went from living the dream as an NFL player and building a multimillion-dollar business to losing it all and rebuilding his identity and career. After overcoming failure and ego, Marques learned to embrace his authenticity, which has turned him into a renowned motivational speaker and podcaster. You won’t want to miss this authentic episode.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Marcus Ogden
03:15 The Journey from NFL to Entrepreneurship
09:49 Overcoming Adversity and Rock Bottom Moments
17:30 Mindset and Authenticity in Leadership
23:34 The Importance of Service and Relationships
30:02 Defining Authenticity and Leadership
39:12 Living Beyond Labels and Internal Values

What to Expect:

• Authenticity, service, and relationships are key components of successful leadership.
• Rock bottom moments can lead to significant personal growth.
• Mindset is essential for overcoming adversity and thriving in life.
• Every expert was once a beginner, and starting from the bottom is part of the journey.
• Marcus's journey illustrates the power of resilience and determination.
• Living beyond labels allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Call to Action: Listen to this episode for a reminder that even the toughest setbacks can lead to incredible growth, and see how Marques Ogden’s story might inspire you to embrace your own authenticity!

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.

Connect with Marques Ogden:

• LinkedIn | Instagram
• Website: marquesogden.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

In this episode, we dive into the idea that labeling our experiences can sometimes make us wonder if our best days are behind us. We challenge the whole concept of "the best years" by chatting about how we can look at our lives through a more balanced lens rather than just a lowlight or highlight reel. Your best days are not behind you, and, no, you’re not missing them!

What to Expect:

• The expectations placed on phrases like “College is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life” or “golden days.”
• I will talk about a lowlight reel and a highlight reel of my high school and college years.
• Understand how labeling our experiences can create unnecessary pressure and expectations around specific life stages.
• If you’re not having “the best years of your life,” it’s okay. You didn’t miss it.
• We can choose to view our lives through the highlights, lowlights, or a more balanced perspective.
• Both positive and negative experiences can coexist; life is complex.
• Use gratitude lists to maintain perspective; raw feelings lists allow you to name what you really feel. It’s crucial to feel through difficult emotions rather than suppress them.
• Acknowledge that social media often presents a skewed highlight reel, contributing to feelings of inadequacy.
• Recognize that every chapter of life has its own unique challenges and blessings that shape our experiences.
• Reframe expectations to reduce anxiety about the future.
• Use intentional language to reshape our outlook on life to allow for a more balanced perspective.
• Both joy and pain are essential parts of what we experience as human beings.

Call to Action: Embrace a balanced perspective of your life’s experiences and chapters.

Referenced: “We cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.” -Brene Brown

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

In this episode of Life Beyond Labels, we’ll talk about 10 practical ways to be kind to your mind, let go of the need for external validation, and improve your self-talk to improve your life.

What to Expect:

• 10 ways to improve not only how you talk to yourself, but how you see yourself.
• The voice you will have to listen to the most throughout your life is your own.

10 Tips to Improve Self Talk

1. Start with going from Negative self-talk to Neutral self-talk.
2. Don’t trust your thoughts when you’re tired, hungry, or thirsty.
3. Ask yourself: is this my voice or someone else’s?
4. If it is your voice, label it as someone else.
5. Use intentional language.
6. “What If” in the right direction: what if it all works out?
7. Be a role model in how you speak to yourself.
8. Self-discipline increases confident self-talk.
9. Speak kindly about others.
10. Set affirmations and intentions.

Call to Action: Apply one of these 10 tips! Speak to yourself like you’d speak to a friend or someone you love.

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

Welcome to Life Beyond Labels
In our VERY first episode of Life Beyond Labels, we’ll explore what it truly means to be defined by more than just our external accomplishments, roles, jobs, or titles. While we often find ourselves influenced by things like our careers or relationships, this episode will focus on embracing our authentic selves and building our identity from the inside.

What to Expect:

• What does Life Beyond Labels mean?
• 3 things that define who you are on the inside: your attitude, how you treat others, and your unique qualities.
• Understand how labels can help us make sense of our experiences while recognizing that our internal identity—our attitude, how we treat others, and our unique qualities—matters most.
• I’ll share a glimpse of my personal story: the concussion that ended my athletic career, a viral speech, and the serious self-reflection that occurred along the way.
• I’ll explain how my identity is rooted in faith, but it’s a daily choice to maintain a positive attitude, treat others well, and embrace my unique self.
• Learn how to appreciate yourself and others for more than just roles, titles, or achievements, and see who people truly are at their core.

Call to Action: Describe people using three key things: 1) their attitude, 2) how they treat others, and 3) what makes them uniquely beautiful—their inner strengths and qualities.

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