In this episode, Bryan talks with Brett Johnson, co-founder of Benevolent Capital, about his journey from sports to investment, the challenges of professional sports, and the power of passion in business. They explore starting small in sports ventures, the impact of sports on communities, and the dynamics of working with family. Brett shares insights on the profitability of youth sports, key revenue drivers, and the role of character development in athletics. They also discuss the transition from sports to business, the importance of strategic involvement, and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or investor, this episode offers valuable lessons on navigating the business of sports.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Lessons from the Playing Field
• 00:28 The Journey to Benevolent Capital
• 01:43 Family Business Dynamics
• 03:10 Investment Philosophy and Structure
• 05:28 Unique Investment Model
• 09:48 The Role of Passion in Investments
• 12:08 Starting Small in Sports Investments
• 16:29 Success in Soccer Ventures
• 19:18 The Importance of Community Impact
• 22:13 Challenges in Professional Sports
• 23:15 The Importance of Youth Sports
• 26:29 Revenue Drivers in Youth Sports
• 28:24 Lessons from Sports and Business
• 30:19 Advice for Athletes Transitioning to Business
• 33:56 Investing in Sports: Opportunities and Risks
• 39:30 The Entrepreneurial Journey in Sports

Connect with Brett Johnson

• Linked In: @brettjohnson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan sits down with professional baseball player Shaun Anderson to discuss the incredible journey of navigating an 11-team career across multiple countries, including stints in Korea and Mexico. Shaun opens up about the discipline, resilience, and community-building that shaped his path in Major League Baseball and how those lessons apply beyond the field. From overcoming setbacks to embracing leadership, Shaun shares insights on transitioning from sports to business and discovering what’s next after a high-performance career. Tune in for an inspiring story about grit, growth, and redefining success.

Key Moments

• 00:00 The Journey of a Pro Athlete
• 02:50 Building Discipline and Community
• 06:05 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 08:58 Navigating the Minor Leagues
• 12:07 Cultural Adaptation in Korea
• 15:04 Leadership and Team Dynamics
• 17:57 Preparing for Life After Sports
• 22:45 Navigating Life After Sports
• 25:27 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
• 30:10 Identifying Your Superpower
• 34:52 Planning for Transition and Future Goals
• 39:17 Learning from Experience and Regrets
• 43:31 Staying True to Yourself and Your Journey

Connect with Shaun Anderson

• Instagram: @shaun_anderson

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews entrepreneur and innovator John Sarkisian. They explore the balance between innovation and operations in business, sharing lessons from John’s journey with SKLZ and Light Helmets. From building trust with inventors to scaling a business into retail giants, John offers actionable insights on leadership, mentorship, and product development. They also discuss the groundbreaking advancements in sports safety with Light Helmets, emphasizing the importance of strong teams, clear vision, and resilience. Tune in for a powerful start to the year filled with inspiration for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Innovation and Operations
• 02:58 The Genesis of Skills and the Hit Away Device
• 10:02 Scaling Skills: From Product to Company
• 18:47 Transitioning to Retail: Challenges and Strategies
• 21:31 John's Superpower: Product Instinct and Leadership
• 22:22 Building a Strong Team for Business Success
• 29:07 The Importance of Leadership in Entrepreneurship
• 30:07 Innovations in Sports Safety: The Light Helmet
• 36:30 Navigating Challenges as an Entrepreneur
• 41:15 Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with John Sarkisian

• LinkedIn: @johnsarkisian
• www.lighthelmets.com
• www.sklz.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.