In this episode, Bryan Finnerty welcomes Bill "The Golf Father" Cuebas, a media personality and golf industry insider with a passion for connecting people and growing the game. Bill shares his journey from law enforcement to golf media, how he built a powerful network, and the importance of authenticity in business. He reveals how unexpected opportunities—from social media posts to major brand collaborations—helped him shape his career and influence the industry. They discuss the power of relationships, investing in yourself, and staying true to your values while navigating entrepreneurship. If you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone looking to make meaningful connections in your industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights on leveraging your passion, building trust, and creating lasting impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Bill Cuebas: The Golf Father

03:07 The Journey of Becoming a Golf Media Personality

06:02 Building Connections in the Golf Industry

08:56 The Importance of Authenticity and Helping Others

12:03 Finding Your Niche and Overcoming Challenges

15:22 Investing Time vs. Money in Business

18:18 Finding Your Superpower

20:44 The Importance of Authenticity

23:02 Setting Realistic Expectations

26:55 Investing in Yourself

30:40 Growing the Game of Golf

31:40 Empowering Women in Sports

32:09 Authenticity and Personal Values

33:34 Redefining Richness and Freedom

35:30 Networking and Building Connections

37:23 Success Stories and Authentic Endorsements

39:50 The Importance of Being a Connector

42:09 Legacy and Servant Leadership

Connect with Bill Cuebas

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignite-golf-network/
• Website: https://ignitegolfnetwork.com/

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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In this episode, Bryan sits down with Grant Johnson, co-founder of Benevolent Capital, to discuss the secrets of smart investing, decision-making, and building a winning portfolio. Grant shares how he evaluates thousands of deals each year, why successful investing starts with passion, and how athletes and entrepreneurs can transition into venture capital and private equity. They explore common mistakes investors make, how to filter out bad opportunities, and the importance of aligning investments with personal values and expertise. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or investor looking to make smarter financial moves, this episode is packed with actionable insights on wealth-building, risk management, and financial freedom.

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction: Why This Episode is a Must-Listen for Investors

02:30 – Meet Grant Johnson: His Journey from Finance to Venture Capital

06:20 – The Biggest Strengths Athletes & High Performers Bring to Investing

10:40 – How to Filter Out Bad Investments and Spot Winning Deals

15:05 – The Power of Saying No: Why Smart Investors Pass on Most Deals

20:30 – How Athletes & Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Their Network for Better Deals

25:15 – The Three Pillars of Smart Investing: Liquidity, Security & Speculation

30:10 – The #1 Question Every Investor Should Ask Before Writing a Check

35:00 – Why Investing is About More Than Just Money—The Power of Legacy

40:00 – Final Takeaways: How to Build a Winning Investment Playbook

Connect with Grant Johnson

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-m-johnson-70b148/
• Website: https://benevolentcapital.com/

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Manny Amezcua, CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes and founder of The Podium Group, to uncover the secrets of financial success for athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. They discuss the biggest money mistakes that lead athletes to financial ruin, how to build lasting wealth, and why surrounding yourself with the right mentors is crucial. Manny shares his “audit your table” strategy to help listeners assess who is influencing their financial decisions and how to create a long-term game plan for financial freedom. Whether you're transitioning from sports to business or simply looking to take control of your financial future, this episode delivers powerful insights to help you protect and grow your wealth.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Journey of a Financial Steward
• 02:51 Understanding Dreams and Financial Stewardship
• 06:12 The Connection Between Finances and Life Values
• 09:01 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 12:02 The Importance of Mentorship and Relationships
• 15:07 Navigating Life After Sports
• 17:46 Building a Supportive Circle
• 20:49 Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
• 23:58 The Role of Legacy in Life
• 26:57 Finding the Right Mentors
• 29:54 The Power of Community and Influence
• 32:49 Defining Personal Legacy
• 35:45 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Manny Amezcua

• Linked In: @mannyamezcua
• Youtube: @thepodium_podcast
• Website: thepodiumgroup.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan talks with Brett Johnson, co-founder of Benevolent Capital, about his journey from sports to investment, the challenges of professional sports, and the power of passion in business. They explore starting small in sports ventures, the impact of sports on communities, and the dynamics of working with family. Brett shares insights on the profitability of youth sports, key revenue drivers, and the role of character development in athletics. They also discuss the transition from sports to business, the importance of strategic involvement, and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or investor, this episode offers valuable lessons on navigating the business of sports.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Lessons from the Playing Field
• 00:28 The Journey to Benevolent Capital
• 01:43 Family Business Dynamics
• 03:10 Investment Philosophy and Structure
• 05:28 Unique Investment Model
• 09:48 The Role of Passion in Investments
• 12:08 Starting Small in Sports Investments
• 16:29 Success in Soccer Ventures
• 19:18 The Importance of Community Impact
• 22:13 Challenges in Professional Sports
• 23:15 The Importance of Youth Sports
• 26:29 Revenue Drivers in Youth Sports
• 28:24 Lessons from Sports and Business
• 30:19 Advice for Athletes Transitioning to Business
• 33:56 Investing in Sports: Opportunities and Risks
• 39:30 The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports

Connect with Brett Johnson

• Linked In: @brettjohnson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with professional baseball player Shaun Anderson to discuss the incredible journey of navigating an 11-team career across multiple countries, including stints in Korea and Mexico. Shaun opens up about the discipline, resilience, and community-building that shaped his path in Major League Baseball and how those lessons apply beyond the field. From overcoming setbacks to embracing leadership, Shaun shares insights on transitioning from sports to business and discovering what’s next after a high-performance career. Tune in for an inspiring story about grit, growth, and redefining success.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Journey of a Pro Athlete
• 02:50 Building Discipline and Community
• 06:05 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 08:58 Navigating the Minor Leagues
• 12:07 Cultural Adaptation in Korea
• 15:04 Leadership and Team Dynamics
• 17:57 Preparing for Life After Sports
• 22:45 Navigating Life After Sports
• 25:27 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
• 30:10 Identifying Your Superpower
• 34:52 Planning for Transition and Future Goals
• 39:17 Learning from Experience and Regrets
• 43:31 Staying True to Yourself and Your Journey

Connect with Shaun Anderson

• Instagram: @shaun_anderson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews entrepreneur and innovator John Sarkisian. They explore the balance between innovation and operations in business, sharing lessons from John’s journey with SKLZ and Light Helmets. From building trust with inventors to scaling a business into retail giants, John offers actionable insights on leadership, mentorship, and product development. They also discuss the groundbreaking advancements in sports safety with Light Helmets, emphasizing the importance of strong teams, clear vision, and resilience. Tune in for a powerful start to the year filled with inspiration for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Innovation and Operations
• 02:58 The Genesis of Skills and the Hit Away Device
• 10:02 Scaling Skills: From Product to Company
• 18:47 Transitioning to Retail: Challenges and Strategies
• 21:31 John's Superpower: Product Instinct and Leadership
• 22:22 Building a Strong Team for Business Success
• 29:07 The Importance of Leadership in Entrepreneurship
• 30:07 Innovations in Sports Safety: The Light Helmet
• 36:30 Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur
• 41:15 Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with John Sarkisian

• LinkedIn: @johnsarkisian
• www.lighthelmets.com
• www.sklz.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this special kickoff episode for 2025, Bryan shares his unique "halftime" perspective on the new year, inspired by his experiences in soccer and business. He reflects on the importance of assessing past performance, making bold adjustments, and confronting the truth without excuses. Bryan offers actionable insights to help listeners take charge of their personal and professional growth as they step into the year ahead. Tune in for a powerful conversation on reflection, strategy, and bold moves for success in 2025.

Key Moments

• 00:00 New Year, New Beginnings: A Halftime Perspective
• 05:18 Making Bold Adjustments for Success
• 10:33 Facing the Truth: No Excuses in the Game
• 15:20 Actionable Steps: Getting in the Game

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan welcomes Brian Doyle back to the podcast to dive into the challenges and breakthroughs of pivoting a business for growth. Brian shares how his athletic background led to founding Axios Core, and how shifting from direct-to-consumer sales to a scalable B2B model changed everything. They discuss lessons on leadership, overcoming setbacks, and the power of simplifying processes to drive success. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale, pivot, and lead with purpose.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Critical Reflections and New Beginnings
• 02:54 From Sports to Business: The Journey of Brian Doyle
• 05:47 The Evolution of Axius Core: A Shift in Strategy
• 09:09 Scaling Challenges: The Hamster Wheel of Startups
• 12:02 Finding the Right Ingredients: Product vs. Business
• 14:54 The Power of Humility: Learning from Others
• 17:46 Empowering Teams: Communicating Change Effectively
• 23:37 Empowering the Team for Success
• 26:31 Defining and Measuring a Pivot
• 30:20 Growth Rate: The Key Metric
• 34:02 Learning from Past Mistakes
• 39:46 Creating Luck Through Conversations
• 43:31 The Importance of Humility and Openness

Connect with Brian Doyle

• Instagram: @bgdoyle
• LinkedIn: @briandoyle
• Website: www.axiuscore.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.