In a new episode of Career Conversations, Chad Barrett joins Tristan Bowen to share his transition from professional soccer to a career in logistics and sales after retiring. Chad breaks down how he entered a new industry without prior experience by leveraging the skills he built as a player like an ambitious mindset, resilience, the ability to navigate failure, and emotional discipline, which set him up for success.

“Athletes are the best salespeople because of our work ethic, our ability to take the ‘no’s’ and keep going, and our ability to turn criticism and negativity into something positive.”

Chad also shares practical steps for active and retired players pursuing a career in sales, and encourages athletes to finish their degree.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

What does it take to become a performance engineer and help others reach their full potential? In today’s Career Conversation, Jed Zayner joins Tristan Bowen to break down his journey and the mindset behind his work. From pushing clients beyond their comfort zones to advocating for lasting personal growth, Jed shares what really means to live with purpose, reminding players that true success starts with curiosity and asking the right questions.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

In Episode #24 of Career Conversations, Ryan Finley joins Tristan Bowen to dive into his journey into franchising after playing professionally for nearly a decade. Now a KidStrong Franchise Owner, Ryan explains why franchising and entrepreneurship are accessible and successful paths for players who are planning to retire, or have already transitioned out of the game. He also shares how he continues to apply the skills he developed during his playing career on a daily basis.

As advice for active players, Ryan encourages them to connect with professionals working in fields that interest them: “People are very generous with their time when professional players ask, they’ll take the time to sit down and help you.” Networking is key.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

This week’s Career Conversation follows Ricky Lewis' path from professional soccer to Vice President of Sales in the medtech world. Ricky and Tristan Bowen discuss the most transferable skills players bring to corporate careers including coachability, perseverance, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Ricky also opens up about balancing fatherhood, community impact, and personal growth along the way.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

An artist on and off the field! In Episode 22 of Career Conversations, Tristan Bowen and Charlie Rugg discuss his journey to becoming an artist and entrepreneur. Charlie shares how his passion for painting grew after retirement, the challenges he has faced transitioning into entrepreneurship, and how he has developed routines to stay creative and disciplined.

He also emphasizes the importance of active players finding career paths outside of soccer to make the transition off the field smoother.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

What are things that might get overlooked during a playing career that could actually have a lasting impact after retirement? In this episode of Career Conversations Tristan Bowen and Lamar Neagle dive into the small but powerful habits that make a big difference in easing the transition to life off the field - like building a professional network while still playing, creating a LinkedIn profile, and earning certifications.

Lamar, who is now a financial advisor and real estate investor, also shares why financial education is essential for both current and former players, and explains the power of investing whether in stocks, real estate, or retirement accounts like a 401(k).

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only

Interested in transitioning into coaching or content creation? In this new episode, Chris Kanopka joins Tristan Bowen to share his journey from a 14-year playing career to retirement, and how he became a goalkeeper director and full-time content creator. Kanopka talks about how he leveraged coaching opportunities at the academies while still playing and encourages current and former players to stay open to new possibilities and think outside the box.

In honor of his father Walter F. Konopka’s contributions to the game of soccer, Konopka and his brother launched a fundraising campaign to support renovations at the Walter F. Konopka Soccer Complex in Oak Park, Toms River, New Jersey. Visit https://www.wfksoccercomplex.com/ for more information.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only.

In the first Career Conversations episode of the year, Tristan Bowen and Saad Abdul-Salaam sit down to discuss entrepreneurship and the importance of staying open to opportunities beyond soccer. Saad shares how he has navigated personal challenges, built his own business, coached youth, and found balance between life, fatherhood, and mental health.

The views and opinions expressed in the MLSPA’s Career Conversations Series are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect those of MLSPA. The life and career experiences, advice, and insights shared are personal and provided for informational purposes only.