Athlete Transition Accelerator

Athlete Transition Accelerator
Podcast Description
Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on athlete transitions, covering themes like identity shifts after retirement, transferable skills in new careers, and the importance of early preparation. Example episode topics include adapting a winning mindset for success after sport, exploring new opportunities, and the emotional aspects of leaving professional athletics.

Who says your sporting chapter has to be your best?
At Athlete Transition Accelerator, we exist to ensure athletes are prepared for life beyond the game by accelerating readiness, growth, and experience. Through athlete-to-athlete support and research-driven insights, we’re changing the narrative and equipping athletes with the tools they need before they need them.
Our Athlete to Athlete: Lessons for Life Beyond the Game series, shares first-hand insights from former elite athletes who’ve successfully walked the path and transitioned into new careers, offering real-life experiences and actionable advice.
Too many athletes find themselves lost after retirement, we’re here to change that. Join us as we redefine what preparation and life beyond the game can look like.
This is transition support, built by athletes, for athletes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We sit down with Joe Jacobi, Olympic gold medallist and former USA Canoe/Kayak CEO, to explore his journey beyond elite sport.
After reaching the pinnacle of performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona with his teammate, Scott Strausbaugh, Joe faced the same questions that confront every retiring athlete: What now? What does the world want from me? Who am I without the sport?
Joe shares how he navigated uncertainty, embraced reflection, and rebuilt a life of purpose and impact. From leading a national sports body to creating Thinking in Waves, a weekly performance and mindset newsletter, Joe has made it his mission to help others move through transition with clarity and intention.
Key Takeaways:
- You’ll finish your career and ask a lot of questions, that’s normal.
- Reflect often, what would you tell your younger self?
- Find the people doing what you want to do and learn from them.
- Get clear on what brings you joy.
- Diversify your interests, each experience teaches you something.
- Reframe your journey, your story has power beyond the podium.
Learn more about Joe, explore his book – Slalom and subscribe to his newsletter – Thinking in Waves at www.joejacobi.com
About the hosts
James Rule, Co-Founder of ATA, is a seasoned leadership coach and former professional rugby player with extensive experience in high-performance sports management. Having held CEO roles at Super League clubs and senior positions in major sporting organisations, he understands the pressures of transitioning beyond elite competition. A passionate advocate for athlete development, James drives ATA’s mission to provide structured, research-driven support, ensuring athletes are equipped for long-term success beyond the game.
Karl Birch, Co-Founder of ATA, is a former rugby player turned coach, mentor, and leadership specialist. With over a decade in medical sales, where he led a team, he combines industry expertise with a deep understanding of the athlete mindset to help athletes transition into meaningful careers beyond sport. Passionate about early preparation and proactive career planning, he has guided former athletes through transition, ensuring they step confidently into their next chapter
Connect and Contact
Website:
www.athletetransitionaccelerator.com
LinkedIn:
Athlete Transition Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/company/athlete-transition-accelerator/
James Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rule-77255520/
Karl Birch: linkedin.com/in/karlbbirch10
Instagram:
@ataccelerator https://www.instagram.com/ataccelerator
Email:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disclaimer
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