Episode Details

Strip away the title, the job, the money; who are you? Who do you want to be? Having said goodbye to his passion for football, Alex knows a thing or two about change, culture, influence, and how to navigate the pitfall of having your identity intertwined with your platform and ability. 

Alex Molden is a former professional athlete (8-year NFL career) turned Leadership Speaker, Coach, and Podcast host of the show “The Shark Effect.” After playing 8-years with the Saints, Chargers, and Lions battling some of the best athletes on EARTH, he retired from the game and fought his hardest battle, transition. 

Dive into this episode and let’s explore this former NFL athlete's success in navigating life’s biggest transitions. 

Things you will learn in this episode:

[00:01 - 03:35] Opening Segment 

• Alex talks about the unique way he learned to play football
• Learning to play using the encyclopedia 
• The value of learning things at the fundamental level
• How Alex’s parents set him up for success by making him “earn it” 

[03:36 - 12:35] Why You Need to Master Fundamentals

• Alex talks about how he disciplined himself to learn fundamentals
• Passion leads to a desire for long term success
• Figuring out why you did or didn’t get success 
• You need to put the ego away and take criticism 
• The importance of being a certain character to achieve your goals
• Everything has a formula, you need to know what equation you play in it
• Finding the balance between finding or picking your passion
• Figure out what you love without pigeon-holing yourself
• Try out as many things as possible, especially while you’re young 
• How to adjust in the middle of chaos 
• Don’t worry about the score, be in the moment 
• Practice until what you do becomes who you are 
• Do the right thing even when no one is watching
• A quick word from our sponsor

[12:36 - 21:54] Navigating Life’s Biggest Transitions 

• How to stay true to yourself even in transition 
• Alex talks about the importance of finding your purpose 
• Know your assignment, alignment, and adjust 
• Prioritizing faith and family over career
• Alex talks about finding his purpose of serving others 
• Who you know, or what you know? 
• Both the who and the what are influencers
• Relationships are the building blocks to great opportunities
• On networking - “I’ll meet everybody at least one time” 

[21:55 - 27:09] Closing Segment  

• RaNDoM RoUnD
• How to connect with Alex
• Links below 
• Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Some of the best games I ever played in was when I didn’t worry about the score… When you practice something and you become really good at it, it becomes who you are.” - Alex Molden

“Know your assignment, know your alignment, and then make adjustments.” - Alex Molden

“Each one of us has something in us that’s inspiring… What have you overcome? That’s inspiring.” - Alex Molden

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Shark Effect Podcast

• Listen Now