Kalei Mahi: Closing the NIL Education Gap for Student-Athletes

Kalei Mahi is closing the gap that's leaving too many student-athletes unprepared for NIL.A former record-holding Division I athlete, Kalei has spent more than 15 years working with some of the world's biggest brands — AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Sony, Lexus, AB InBev, and American Express — along with award-winning agencies like Team One and The Many. She later brought that experience into the influencer world, developing campaigns for YouTube, Google, Sephora, eBay, Bang Energy, and many others.Today, as Founder and Chief Legacy Officer of NextGen Legacy NIL, Kalei is on a mission to help student-athletes understand their value and make smart, informed decisions that set them up for what comes after retirement from their sport.She teaches athletes how to build brands that get noticed and helps them understand what companies look for when choosing brand partners. She also works with universities to design NIL incubators that offer consistent resources and strengthen recruiting and retention.In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, we dive into:The biggest lie the NIL industry is selling student-athletesHow to protect your value in NIL partnerships and contractsWhat companies actually look for when choosing brand partners (it's not just follower count)Why most student-athletes aren't prepared for the business side of NILHow families can support their athletes without being taken advantage ofWhat universities should be doing to prepare athletes for NILBuilding brands that last beyond your playing daysKalei's mission is clear: help athletes understand their value and make smart, informed decisions that protect their future.This is raw. This is real. This is the truth student-athletes and families need to hear.Connect with Kalei: Company: NextGen Legacy NILSupport the showCONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: [email protected] RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallengeSUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leaderFollow us on social media and join the conversationBOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 [email protected] THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.New episodes drop every Monday.Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.