In Episode 39 of Leading Forward, co-hosts Nick and Jeremy sit down with entrepreneur and former professional soccer player Ryan Wileman. Ryan opens up about his journey from pursuing his third-grade dream of becoming a pro athlete to navigating the transition into the corporate world during the 2008 recession. With deep insights into perseverance, Ryan discusses the leap of faith it took to open his own insurance agency, the pivotal role his supportive wife played, and the importance of having a business and life coach to navigate hardships. Grounded in family and faith, Ryan emphasizes the necessity of hard work and shares why his life motto involves the belief that your greatest breakthrough is often waiting on the other side of "never giving up."

Show Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Life After the Pinnacle: Achieving your life's dream at 24 can leave you asking, "What next?" Ryan shares his experience of leaving professional sports to reinvent himself in business during a tough economic market.
• The Power of Spousal Support: Success doesn't happen in a vacuum. Ryan credits his wife's steadfast belief in him as a major catalyst for giving him the courage to start his own agency in 2018.
• Every Leader Needs a Coach: Just as professional athletes need mental and physical coaches, business owners need a sounding board. You cannot successfully lead a business if you're struggling to lead in your personal life.
• Selflessness in Leadership: You can get anything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. Shifting from a self-focused hustle to a selfless, team-oriented mindset accelerates growth.
• Work & Prayer: Balancing faith and effort requires you to "pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on you."