Betting On Yourself

Entrepreneur and venture capital expert, Christoph Sonnen, reunited with host Michael Redd to talk about his road to success and what betting on yourself really means to him.

“Great business ideas are like surfing. You won’t make it if you’re too early, you won’t make it if you’re too late.” – Christoph Sonnen

Christoph is the co-founder and CEO of leAD sports accelerator and is also a partner at ADvantage Sports Tech Fund, joining forces with Jeremy Pressman and friend Michael Redd with a commitment to invest in early-stage tech companies shaping the future of sports.

Over the last 20 years, he has founded, managed, and sold several businesses, structured funds, investments, and accelerator projects.‍ He is passionate about building the right team and believes in having the vision to be able to see the next big thing.

A world-class surfer, Christoph compares entrepreneurship and building a business to waiting for the perfect wave. That success is not so much about being the best, but knowing when to make your move as you see it.

If you're a fan of the show don’t forget to Subscribe to see new episodes, and Rate or Review us wherever you tune in!

In this episode Michael and Christoph talked about:

• How great business ideas are like surfing
• Why startups need to learn how to hold their breath underwater (without panicking)
• Takeaways on Christoph’s first (and last) job at Red Bull
• How he combined sports, tech, and his venture experience to great success
• What the future of sports tech looks like
• The challenges and rewards of venture life
• And more!

To ask a question, read the transcript, or learn more, visit MichaelRedd.com.

Resources:

• leAD Sports & Health Tech Partners
• ADvantage Sports Tech Fund
• Christoph Sonnen on LinkedIn
• Michael Redd on Instagram

Today is a very special episode as we welcome to the podcast NBA legend and friend of the host, Cuttino Mobley. Cuttino mentored our host during their playing days, and after giving us his definition of ‘betting on yourself,’ he talks about the responsibility of blessing others when you’ve been blessed with unique gifts and talents. He explains how the talent-filled city of Philadelphia influenced his extraordinary career and what it was like being groomed by the likes of Scottie Pippen, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley. Cuttino tells us about the pain he experienced not being considered in the first-round draft and the joy he felt after being picked in the second. Our guest then reveals the secrets to succeeding at such a high level, why you need to obsess over what you want to become, and how he has gone on to help other men become the best version of themselves. In a moment of vulnerability, Cuttino opens up about his premature retirement and what it has been like transitioning into The Big3. To find out more about how basketball has changed as a game, how to move past mental incarceration, and how death can unify a brotherhood, tune in now to listen to the inspirational Cuttino Mobley!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing our guest, NBA legend and friend, Cuttino Mobley.
• How Cuttino mentored and encouraged our host while they were playing in the NBA.
• Our guest’s definition of ‘betting on yourself’.
• The responsibility to bless other people when you have unique gifts and talents.
• Looking back at his life and the time when Cuttino took the biggest bet on himself.
• How the talent-filled city of Philadelphia influenced his journey and career.
• Cuttino walks us through his decision to join Rhode Island.
• The feeling of missing out on the first-round draft and being selected in the second.
• What it was like playing with and being mentored by Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and Hakeem “Dream” Olajuwon.
• The level of focus required to succeed at the highest level: be obedient to your discipline.
• Obsessing over the thing you want to become and studying it.
• The impact coach Rudy Tomjanovich had on Cuttino’s career.
• How basketball is different now from when our guest and host played the game.
• What it was like for our guest to sign a mega-deal after being a second-round pick.
• Cuttino’s thoughts around his premature retirement from basketball.
• How he transitioned into The Big3 and what he’s experienced during his involvement.
• Kobe’s passing and how the NBA brotherhood has strengthened as a result.
• Mental incarceration and how men need to start being okay with not being okay.
• Why Cuttino loves fatherhood and helping men become the best version of themselves.
• The advice he would give to his six-year-old self.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Cuttino Mobley on TwitterCuttino Mobley on InstagramCuttino Mobley on LinkedInSean Colson on TwitterTyson Wheeler on TwitterCameron Pooler on InstagramAlvin Williams on TwitterHakeem “Dream” Olajuwon on TwitterMichael Redd22 Ventures

You can't control what happens to you in life, but you can control how you choose to respond. Today, we are joined by a true American hero who knows this all too well: former US Navy SEAL Commander Dan Cnossen. Thanks to his sheer mental resilience, Dan overcame the monumental setback of losing both of his legs in combat in Afghanistan in 2009, going on to become a seven-time Paralympic medalist, a three-time Paralympian, and the Best Male Athlete of the 2018 Paralympic Games. During our conversation, Dan shares his story and highlights the critical role that goal setting has played in his life. Tuning in, you'll find out how the intensity of his Navy SEAL training taught Dan to incorporate short-term goals and keep the fire of motivation alive, as well as how it prepared him for the challenges of turning his life around post-injury. We also discuss the powerful sense of agency that comes with choosing how you respond to events beyond your control, the importance of doing what you love, and so much more! Make sure you don't miss this inspiring interview with a man who bet on himself, put in the work, and proved to all of us that anything is possible.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What it means to Dan to bet on himself: having faith in himself and trusting the process.
• The strong values and work ethic his family instilled in him from a young age.
• A reflection on what inspired Dan’s decision to serve his country as a Navy SEAL.
• Find out how goal-setting has been a source of motivation for Dan.
• Dan speaks candidly about the moment he lost both his legs to an IED in Afghanistan.
• Unpacking the grit and resilience it took for him to overcome this monumental setback.
• How pain forced him to narrow his focus, shift his perspective, and create momentum.
• The power that can come from choosing how you respond to events beyond your control.
• What drew Dan to the cross-country skiing and marksmanship of the biathlon.
• Crossovers between his Navy SEAL training and training for the Paralympics.
• Insight into the attitude that Dan adopted when he received the Purple Heart medal.
• What’s next for Dan as he retires from the biathlon to focus on telling his story.
• The advice he would give his 16-year-old self: do what you love!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dan CnossenDan Cnossen on LinkedInMichael Redd22 Ventures

Our guest today is none other than Don Yaeger, the multiple New York Times bestselling author, inspirational keynote speaker, executive coach, and so much more! In this episode, Don shares his journey of accidentally falling into journalism and going on to work his dream job as the Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated, before making a risky career pivot at age 45. You’ll learn about the challenges of his transition, the importance of being coachable, and what makes consistency the hallmark of greatness. Don has encountered some extraordinary people in his life, and he shares his remarkable experience of being mentored by the legendary Coach John Wooden, as well as the profound advice he received from Walter Payton in the last few weeks of his life. You’ll also hear a detailed account of the time he scored on Michael Jordan, plus so much more! Make sure not to miss this inspiring conversation about curiosity, humility, legacy, and everything in between!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Don Yaeger’s approach to bettering himself through curiosity.
• His inspiring story of betting on himself and making a career pivot at age 45.
• How he accidentally fell into a career in journalism and how it shaped him as a risk-taker.
• Don’s transitional experience of stepping out of his dream job.
• The value of coaching and the importance of being coachable.
• A common trait possessed by great athletes and coaches: the ability to manage adversity.
• Don’s perspective on leadership in these tumultuous times.
• His experience of being mentored by the legendary Coach John Wooden.
• What makes consistency the hallmark of greatness.
• The challenge of building a routine in today’s world.
• Invaluable advice Don received from Walter Payton in the last few weeks of his life.
• Don’s thoughtful approach to meeting and interviewing extraordinary people.
• Don recounts the time he scored on Michael Jordan.
• What ‘legacy’ means to him, both personally and professionally.
• His advice for his 16-year-old self: slow down!

If you're a fan of the show don’t forget to follow to hear new episodes and Rate or Review us wherever you tune in!

To ask a question, read the transcript, or learn more, visit MichaelRedd.com.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Don YaegerDon Yaeger on LinkedInDon Yaeger on InstagramDon Yaeger on TwitterMichael Redd22 Ventures

Today's episode is all about how coming together can create a rising tide for everyone, and building bonds that can support us all as we move forward through the uncertainties of life and business. Joining Michael on the show today is Tom Krouse, the CEO of Donatos, and Ron Jordan, the CEO and Chairman of Jordan Hospitality Group! We get to talk about the special partnership between today's panel, and why it goes beyond the simple definition, to something more like family. The conversation covers a great deal of ground with these two inspiring individuals, touching on the importance of culture and a nurturing environment, our guest's histories, professional challenges in the last couple of years, as well as their aspirations going forward with their partnership. The theme of community is a recurring one, with both Tom and Ron touching on how important it has been to them and their development over their careers. We also talk a little about the ethos at Donatos and how innovation and consistency have driven their Founder, Jim Grote to establish such a strong brand. To hear it all, and take part in a fabulous conversation with Ron and Tom, be sure to press play!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to the partnership that has brought us together for today's episode!
• The family values that Tom brings into his work and business.
• Ron's early memories of his grandfather and how this inspired his work ethic and determination.
• Tom's reflections on navigating the last two years and the challenges of the pandemic.
• We hear from Ron about dealing with adversity at this point in his career.
• The seeds of Ron's involvement and partnership with Donatos.
• Innovation and consistency at Donatos; how Jim Grote prioritized delivering to his customers.
• Looking to the future and finding the best route for growth at Donatos and beyond.
• Challenges in scaling a business like Donatos, that has strict standards of quality.
• Why impact is at the top of Ron's list and his ongoing mission in his career.

If you're a fan of the show don’t forget to follow to hear new episodes and Rate or Review us wherever you tune in!

To ask a question, read the transcript, or learn more, visit MichaelRedd.com.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ron Jordan on LinkedIn
Tom Krouse on LinkedIn
Donatos
Jordan Hospitality Group
Donatos on Instagram
Jim Grote
Alex Shumate
Grote Company
Sonoma Flatbreads
Red Robin
Michael Redd
22 Ventures