In this fireside chat, we will discuss the identity and mental health challenges faced by athletes when transitioning away from competitive sport, including loss of identity, purpose, and community. We will also explore the persistent stigma around mental health issues within the sports community and how to create a more open and supportive environment for athletes. Finally, we will discuss the necessity for coaches, teammates, families and sports organizations to learn to recognize these challenges and support athletes through in their life beyond sport.

Through personal stories and experiences, we will discuss the transferable skills that athletes bring to the corporate world, and highlight athletes who have transitioned successfully into corporate roles. We delve into the qualities that make athletes effective leaders and entrepreneurs, and how their experiences in competitive sports prepare them for leadership roles in business. Finally, we will explore the variety of roles and industries where athletes can excel outside of traditional sports endorsements.

Santi is an Olympian and was during a decade the best badminton player in Switzerland. She competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that changed her life for the better. Santi is an accomplished marketing and communications professional driven by an entrepreneurial and growth mindset. She is a lifelong learner who just launched a mentoring programme outside of a day job and mom responsibilities. We are honored to have Santi share her journey and what has made her path stand out both on and off the field.

Originally from France, Myriam has a unique international perspective as she has lived and worked in several countries (France, Thailand, Australia, England, USA). She also participated in 4 Olympic Games as an athlete, coach and team leader for four different countries (2000 Team France, 2008 Team Australia, 2012 Team GB, 2016 Team USA). She has over 15 years management experience in marketing, sport management and entrepreneurship for corporate and non-profit organizations. Passionate about health and wellness with a focus on athlete well-being, positive coaching and athletic retirement, she is Athletes Soul’s co-founder and Chair.

Karen is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK, and Applied Sport Psychologist.

She has a foot in both camps as scholar (teacher and researcher) and practitioner (sport psychologist and swimming coach). In terms of practice, she has worked with athletes at all levels as an independent sport psychology practitioner in individual sports (e.g., swimming, triathlon, athletics, gymnastics, karate, rowing, canoeing). As a researcher, she has three main areas of interest – narratives around adversity in sport, the post-Olympic blues, and the application of sport psychology principle in practice.

Erika is passionate about helping athletes create their ideal results on and off the field. As a Psychotherapist, Best Selling Author & Award winning Success Coach, with over 20 years experience working with professional & amateur athletes & entrepreneurs around the world, Erika specializes in delivering inspiring workshops, as well as transformational in-depth coaching programs with a dynamic approach that turns ideas into life-changing action, to help clients achieve new heights of success. As a former athlete at Purdue University, she continues her athletic pursuits, completing 2 full Ironman distance triathlons, 36 marathons and multiple marathons and triathlons per year.

Brian combines 30 years of corporate experience with his background as an athlete, certified player agent (NBA, WNBA and FIBA) and a certified professional success coach to provide clients with unique support and guidance toward the next level of achievement.

Brian is enthusiastic about helping leaders find passion and leverage gifts to achieve their definition of success. Specializing in supporting athletes and former athletes with their pursuit of greatness away from the game, he is also passionate about continuous personal and professional growth including organizational development and gamification. Brian provides confidential, professional and discreet executive coaching.

Katie has her Holistic Health Coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and of the International Association for Health Coaches (IAHC). She is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Katie was a competitive athlete for 15 years, finishing her basketball career in 2011 at the NCAA Division II level at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Washington. She realized at that time she didn't know how to eat or exercise when it wasn't for her sport. She spent several years researching and trying different programs until she was able to find what worked for her. Through the process, she realized her passion is helping others in their journey of finding balanced health.

Tanya is a former two-sport Division I athlete (Swimming, Crew) who competed for the University of Pennsylvania. Leveraging her athletic discipline and business acumen gained from her time at the Wharton School, she has forged an exceptional career in creative and product strategy across diverse industries, including financial services, technology, arts, and entertainment. Currently, Tanya is a strategic consultant dedicated to helping small businesses envision and achieve scalable futures. As an Executive Board Member of Athletes Soul, she also plays a pivotal role in supporting athletes' mental, physical, and financial health as they transition from competition. Her own journey from elite athlete to influential strategist has fueled her dedication to help others redefine their potential and impact. Passionate about new experiences and continuous learning, Tanya travels the globe in her spare time, immersing herself in local culture and adventures.

Pauline was born and raised in the French Alps, in a family of elite cyclists and now splits her time between California and France. Thanks to her sister and her Dad, she deeply understands what it takes to reach top performance in sports - the benefits and challenges of being extraordinary. She has a business background with experience in product marketing, strategy consulting and entrepreneurship. She is also a mom of two young boys and the co-founder and Vice-Chair of Athletes Soul, focusing on our programs and member experience.