What lessons can we learn from a Super Bowl champion's transition from the NFL to the business world?

In episode 46, co-hosts Bennie Fowler and Ryan Harris sit down with Brandon Brooks, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles and a recent graduate of the Wharton School of Business. Brandon shares his journey from the NFL to the business arena, discussing the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the value of internships during his playing career, and the transferable skills he acquired as an athlete. Brandon also shares the Eagles' Super Bowl victory and the close-knit team dynamic that contributed to their success. Throughout the conversation, he offers insights on embracing failure, giving yourself grace, and relying on the fundamental building blocks of success to navigate new challenges.

[00:00 - 05:51] Transitioning from the NFL to Business School

• Pursuing an MBA at Wharton after an NFL career
• Experiences with internships during playing days
• The importance of preparing for life after football

[05:52 - 10:44] Pursuing Internships While Playing in the NFL

• Internships while still playing football
• The challenge of being completely new to the business world
• The support received from colleagues who understood the transition and were willing to help with the learning process

[10:44 - 17:34] Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments

• Opening up about struggles with anxiety during an NFL career
• The impact of the decision to publicly address mental health
• Strategies for managing mental health during career transitions

[17:35 - 21:56] Adapting to New Challenges and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• The challenges of being a rookie in the business world
• Experiencing imposter syndrome
• The importance of putting in the time and effort to figure out how to compete and succeed in a new field

[21:57 - 26:52] Reflecting on the Eagles' Super Bowl Victory

• Realizing the Eagles had a chance to win the Super Bowl
• The team's ability to continue winning even after losing starting quarterback Carson Wentz to injury
• Playing against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl

[26:53 - 32:27] Transferring Skills from the NFL to the Business World

• The decision to pursue investment banking or trading to find a high-stakes, high-pressure environment similar to the NFL
• The transferable skills of showing up on time, having a good attitude, and working hard, which make up 80% of success
• The confidence in the ability to succeed in the business world by mastering the fundamentals and having the right building blocks from a successful NFL career

Key Quotes:

"I think one of the greatest gifts we've learned or been taught as athletes, it's our makeup speed." - Brandon Brooks

"You don't have a great success without taking great risk. And if you have a great risk, the higher probability of failing is much higher." - Brandon Brooks

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Connect with Brandon Brooks
Instagram: @bbrooks_79
Twitter: @bbrooks_79

Reach out to Bennie Fowler!
Instagram: @benniefowler1
Twitter: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!
Instagram: @ryanharris_68
Twitter: @ryanharris_68

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