Liminal Space: Dawn Sanders on Riding the Wave of Transition

SponsorsMomentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com by using code PLAYBOOK20Goal Five - Get 15% off your first order at GoalFive.com by using code PLAYBOOK15SummaryIn this episode, Derika speaks with Dawn Sanders, co-founder of Winwell, about the complex journey of athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Dawn shares her personal evolution from a track athlete and England rugby player to a pioneer in "performance lifestyle coaching" at the UK Sports Institute. The conversation delves into the identity crisis that follows retirement, the "silent army" of support staff helping athletes plan for life beyond the field, and how sports organizations can better support their human capital throughout their entire career cycle.Chapters0:00 Introduction how a LinkedIn algorithm brought Derika and Dawn together.01:33 Dawn's early athletic career, including her 18th birthday party with Paula Radcliffe.03:10 The daunting experience of playing for the national team and the resilience required in the semi-pro era.05:55 Addressing the psychological impact of "hanging up the boots" and the physical changes that follow.08:38 Replacing the rugby team environment with local field hockey and maintaining social connections.10:55 Dawn’s 23-year career at the Institute and shifting from "advisor" to "practitioner".16:21 Breaking down the five phases of transition support and helping athletes find their "why".26:07 The responsibility of governing bodies and advice for loved ones during an athlete’s transition.33:01 Dawn’s journey into entrepreneurship and her global goals for the "performance lifestyle movement".38:13 Final thoughts on being kind to yourself during life's uncomfortable middle zones.Relevant Links & ContactWebsite: www.winwell.org.uk LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmariasanders Email: [email protected]: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TZJyXI39sX3D2S2pvhKAO?si=5ca1ec1154a94b92Follow The Next Playbook www.TheNextPlaybook.comInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog