Matt Smith: Maximizing Your Potential

This week Andrew talks with professional footballer Matt Smith. At age 18, Matt was released from a football training program and thought that might signal the end of his chances to play professionally. He was interviewing for jobs in business and playing semi-pro football when things started to click. He had a red-hot 6 months at the semi-pro level and signed his first professional football contract. Today, Matt plays for Salford City and has scored over 100 goals in his professional career.  He is also an avid angel investor and passionate about helping startup founders build game-changing businesses. Matt's story is a masterclass in the value of relentless work ethic, following your passions, and believing in yourself. This conversation will help you maximize your potential in anything. Show Highlights:2:22 - Getting cut from training program at age 183:02 - Meeting with Paul Dickov4:08 - Power of hard work and enthusiasm6:14 - Overcoming "talent gap"8:30 - First professional contract8:45 - Mental side of professional sport10:31 - Overcoming imposter syndrome12:56 - Role of data & analytics in sport13:45 - Maintaining human element 16:37 - What makes great teams17:27 - Evolving as a leader17:55 - Learning from other leaders19:12 - Angel investing22:13 - "Getting your plates spinning"22:21 - Networking23:19 - Experience getting an MBA24:33 - Identifying startup founders to invest in27:10 - Making sacrifices to achieve successCONNECT WITH ANDREW ON SOCIALTwitter: @andrewhmosesInstagram: @AndrewMoses123NEWSLETTERSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletter!