In the season two premiere of the Student of the Game podcast, host Brad Noll speaks with Charles Fernandez, Olympic athlete, gold medalist, and now a human performance coach, helping individuals navigate transitions and achieve their maximum potential. Charles shares his journey from starting in the sport at a young age to competing in the Olympics and eventually transitioning into a new phase of life. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the process and the power of being present. He also talks about the impact of making micro decisions and focusing on the journey rather than solely on the results. He encourages listeners to give themselves grace during transitions and to prioritize relationships and impact in their lives.

Quote

• “There is nobody that doesn't feel pressure, there's nobody that doesn't feel anxiety. Everybody, no matter what you've achieved in life, will always feel those same emotions again. It's just how you deal with them at that moment and how much of an expert you are when you execute your work and your abilities past those challenges that present themselves to you.” -Charles Fernandez [14:58] 

• “To be present is to be powerful. I think what you're saying and what I'm hearing here, Charles, is when I'm present, I can give myself grace for the transition I'm going through. But take it a step further. When I'm present, I can give other people grace. How many times am I not going through a transition? But in my daily walk, I run into people going through transitions when I'm present. I can give the other people grace as well.” -Brad Noll [36:53]  

Guest Social Links

Charles’ LinkedIn

Charles’ Instagram

Guest Bio

Charles Fernandez is a professional Guatemalan Olympic athlete who represented Guatemala at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan in the sport of modern pentathlon. Charles recently announced his retirement from professional sports after a 15-year career. Following a successful career as a world champion, 2-time Pan-American Games gold medalist, multiple world medalist, and being one of the best athletes in the history of Guatemala and his sport, Charles now dedicates himself to his business ventures as a human performance coach and strategic consultant. Additionally, he works as an advocate for an organization fighting against human trafficking and sex trafficking worldwide.

Charles grew up in Guatemala as a missionary kid with his two siblings and parents, who run their own nonprofit organization, aiding those living in extreme poverty without proper education, food, resources, and living conditions and enabling a better future for the Guatemalan people and generations to come. Growing up as a missionary kid has given Charles a unique insight into life, purpose, and faith, allowing him to translate those values into a driving force that would later propel him into his professional athletic career.

Apart from being an Olympic athlete and human performance strategist, Charles graduated with a degree in economics and executive leadership. Leveraging his dynamic background as a 2-time Olympic athlete, motivational speaker, and servant leader, he translates altruistic vision into strategic action plans, inspiring others to follow.

Timestamps

(02:37) Charles' background as an Olympic pentathlete

(06:31) Transitions in life 

(08:57) The challenges and shock of transitioning out of being an Olympic athlete 

(09:24) The importance of recognizing one's current circumstances 

(11:52) Calming the mind and dealing with anxiety 

(14:30) Embracing failure and learning how to fail fast

(18:26)  Focusing on the process rather than the results

(22:32) High achievers often think the answer is more work and goals

(27:32) Transition requires being honest with oneself and reevaluating beliefs

(37:42) Connect with Charles on Instagram for personal coaching

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