A Ball and A Chance

On this episode of A Ball and A Chance, Angela talks with Pasha Cook and covers a wide range of topics, including the lifesaving power of sports, personal development, the impact of women's sports, and professional work.Pasha shares valuable insights on identity, values, relationships, and the purpose of sport, offering advice and wisdom for personal and professional growth.As a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor, Pasha Cook empowers visionary women in leadership, high-impact athletes, and industry executives worldwide. A proud Houston native, her journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and international impact. After dropping out ofhigh school, she earned a basketball scholarship at 24 and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of Memphis, where she played as a point guard.She went on to compete as a semi-pro basketball player, further honing her leadership and competitive edge.Transitioning from sports to New York City’s men’s fashion industry, Pasha spent over a decade styling elite NBA and NFL athletes and guiding top talent through pivotal career transitions.From 2014 to 2017, she provided image consulting and career transition support for WNBA draftees, helping emerging athletes refine their professional presence as they entered the league.In 2018, Pasha made history as the NFL’s first female collegiate speaking ambassador for the Player Engagement division, delivering keynotes and programs that empower student-athletes to navigate life and leadership beyond the game. Her unique approach has enabled her to connectdeeply with elite performers across sports, business, and culture.Internationally recognized, Pasha has been featured by Chinese media as a leading consultant in global branding for professional athletes abroad. Her creative reach includes serving as an international film consultant for projects in China and Hong Kong that spotlight stories blendingglobal sports, branding, and culture.Pasha’s story exemplifies what’s possible through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment togrowth—empowering clients to achieve lasting success, international influence, and transformative results.TakeawaysThe transformative power of sports as a lifeline and lifesaverThe importance of authentic relationships and core values in personal and professional developmentChapters00:00 Introduction and Reunion05:05 The Purpose of Sport and Transferable Skills13:24 The Impact of Sport and Women's Sports Today18:31 Personal Journey and Professional WorkConnect with PashaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/Website - https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pashaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/Connect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

The conversation with Marilyn Nelson covers her global sports experiences, embracing risk and faith, and the transitions in her life. From her time in Canada and Guatemala to her sporting adventures in Mexico and Singapore, Marilyn's journey is a testament to the power of faith and the pursuit of passion. Her involvement in triathlons and relays, as well as her recent move to Texas, showcases her ongoing commitment to movement and community.TakeawaysGlobal sports experiencesEmbracing risk and faithChapters00:00 Transition to Canada08:00 Sporting Adventures in Mexico25:42 Teaching English in Singapore34:52 Triathlons and Relays41:27 Moving to TexasConnect with Marilyn Nelson:Email: [email protected] with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

Marilyn Nelson shares her remarkable journey as a member of the All-American Redheads, the first and longest-running women's basketball league in the United States. From joining the team to life on the road, showmanship, and her transition to Canada, Marilyn's story is a testament to the love of the game and the importance of adaptability in sports and life.TakeawaysLove of the gameAdaptabilityChapters00:00 Transition to Canada and Life After the RedheadsConnect with Marilyn Nelson:Email: [email protected] with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits down with Sydney Bryant. The conversation begins with the establishment of a professional relationship and the journey of Sydney Bryant, leading to the introduction of the book 'A Ball and a Chance.' The book's summary, title origin, and personal experiences during writing are discussed, along with the book's audience and the conversations it aims to spark. The importance of support systems, international experiences, and the balance of identity and confidence in sports are explored, emphasizing self-acceptance and confidence development within the story. The conversation delves into the impact of words on young people, the realization of uniqueness and adaptability, the feeling of being unstoppable, success beyond sales and reviews, and upcoming projects and events. The power of words and their impact on young people is emphasized, along with the importance of adaptability and curiosity in life and sports.TakeawaysNetworking and building relationships can lead to valuable opportunities.Persistence and willingness to reach out can lead to growth and development. The power of words and their impact on young peopleThe importance of adaptability and curiosity in life and sportsChapters00:00 Building a Professional Relationship10:21 Book Summary and Title Origin17:17 Importance of Support Systems22:23 Identity and Confidence in Sports46:54 Upcoming Projects and EventsConnect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits with Travis Harmon, a mental performance coach, and shares insights on mental health challenges for athletes and the importance of finishing and pushing through challenges. He discusses his background, his development of a love of sports, strategies for handling challenging moments, building a winning culture, teaching life lessons through sports, and considerations for athletes navigating the transfer portal. The conversation covers a range of topics including campus choices, maturity, global football experience, life in Europe, travel abroad, passion for coaching, launching a podcast, mental performance coaching, and personal growth. Coach Trav shares insights on decision-making, travel experiences, and the importance of mental performance coaching for athletes. The conversation emphasizes the impact of choices on the campus environment, the value of travel in broadening perspectives, and the significance of mental performance coaching in personal development.TakeawaysMental health challenges for athletesThe importance of finishing and pushing through challenges Choices shape campus experienceTravel broadens perspectiveChapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching06:21 Building a Winning Culture12:49 Teaching Life Lessons Through Sports21:27 Campus Choices and Environment28:34 Travel Abroad and Cultural Experience33:42 Launching the Mental Health Playbook Podcast39:22 Mental Performance Coaching and Personal GrowthConnect with Travis Harmon:Instagram: Coach_Trav59 Website: Mentalpeaceperformance.comThe Mental Health Playbook Podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple PodcastConnect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

Larry and Angela Simmons share their journey from their love for basketball to owning the Sherman Stampede professional basketball team. They discuss the challenges faced by young players, the unique experience of basketball in Thailand, and the process of selecting a city for the Sherman Stampede. Their insights shed light on the impact of basketball on personal growth, mental health, and global connection. The conversation covers the behind-the-scenes of game day operations, Larry's basketball background and coaching journey, the importance of mentoring and mental health in sports, and the formation and vision of the Sherman Stampede team.TakeawaysBasketball as a Catalyst for Global ConnectionChallenges Faced by Young Players and the Ecosystem of SportsThe Impact of Basketball on Personal Growth and Mental HealthThe Unique Culture and Experience of Basketball in ThailandSelecting a City for the Sherman Stampede and Its Infrastructure Startup challengesThe impact of sports on mental healthChapters00:00 The Love for Basketball10:32 The Experience in Thailand21:44 Selecting a City for the Sherman Stampede28:03 Larry's Basketball Background and Coaching Journey37:38 A Ball and a Chance: Mentoring and Mental Health in Sports44:20 Sherman Stampede: Team Formation and VisionConnect with Larry & Angela Simmons: Instagram: @thedallasstampedeWebsite: http://www.thedallasstampede.com/Co-owners email: [email protected]@thedallasstampede.comConnect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits with Greer Christian. She discusses the role of parents as CEOs of their child's athletic brand in the NIL era, sharing insights from her corporate experience and the journey to The Vigilant Athlete. She also explores the impact of philanthropy on athletes and shares her love for crew rowing. The conversation covers the global connection of sports, understanding the long game for athletes, the business of sports and sponsorships, the impact of sponsorship and branding, the purpose of The Vigilant Athlete book, and the release of the book.TakeawaysParents as CEOs of their child's athletic brandNavigating the NIL eraThe importance of informed decision-making in sports Sports industry revenue is generated through sponsorshipsThe Vigilant Athlete book focuses on the 99% of athletes who may not have the financial resources to afford an agentChapters00:00 The Love of Sport and Crew Rowing24:23 The Global Connection of Sports36:08 The Impact of Sponsorship and Branding44:04 Release of The Vigilant Athlete BookConnect with Greer Christian:Instagram: @vigilantmanagementgroupWebsite: www.vigilantmg.com LinkedIn: Greer ChristianConnect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

The conversation with Dr. Tara Collins covers her journey from military service to a career in sports, emphasizing the influence of family, military experience, teaching, and research. It explores her passion for sports, leadership lessons from the military, and the diverse roles within the sports industry. Additionally, it delves into the importance of finding and using one's voice and the impact of research on athlete transition. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning from college sports to professional life, emphasizing the need for mentorship and career development. It delves into the details of 'The Game Plan' workshop and the components it covers, highlighting the importance of mentorship and philanthropic efforts in shaping the future of sports professionals.TakeawaysFamily influence on sports passionMilitary experience and leadership in sportsTeaching and mentoring in sports industry Transitioning from college sports to professional lifeMentorship and its impact on career developmentChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tara Collins07:00 Leadership Lessons from the Military13:39 Exploring Career Opportunities in Sports20:20 Research on Athlete Transition26:23 Career Development and ResumesConnect with Dr.Collins:LinkedIn: Dr. Tara M. Collins Instagram: drtara_sportsdocConnect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits down with Greg Coleman. He shares his journey from growing up in Jacksonville to becoming the first African-American punter in the NFL. He emphasizes the impact of mentors, the power of words, and the importance of self-belief. Greg's commitment to education, giving back, and creating opportunities for others is evident throughout the conversation. He also highlights the importance of coachability and shares valuable lessons learned from overcoming obstacles. The conversation with Greg Coleman covers his journey from a young kicker to a successful athlete and business professional. It explores themes of overcoming obstacles, the power of community and culture, and the impact of sports on personal and professional development. Greg's experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the lessons learned from sports that apply to life and business.TakeawaysMentorship is crucial for successThe power of words in shaping one's destiny Overcoming obstaclesThe power of community and cultureChapters00:00 The Journey of Greg Coleman06:00 Overcoming Obstacles Through Words13:05 Using Your Voice for Transformation21:11 Creating Opportunities for Others27:13 Lessons in Disappointment and Perseverance32:23 Starting Early and Overcoming Adversity37:32 Applying Sports Principles to BusinessConnect with Greg Coleman:Website: gregcoleman8.com  IG:Gregcoleman08 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-coleman-0944a714/ Connect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode of A Ball and A Chance, host Angela Lewis sits down with Kyah Donald for a heartfelt and reflective conversation about mentorship, personal growth, and the evolving journey of leadership. As part of the From Mentee to Leader series, Angela and Kyah reflect on their long-standing relationship, the profound impact of mentors in their lives, and the importance of recognizing and quantifying personal and professional achievements.Kyah shares her experiences navigating a corporate rotational program, the challenges of relocating to a new city, and the joy of building community in unfamiliar spaces. She offers insight into career development, the value of finding a meaningful “landing role” after a rotation program, and how stepping outside of comfort zones can lead to growth and clarity.Beyond career milestones, the conversation explores personal wins and reflections, including Kyah’s transition to a new state, finishing a book, and the grounding importance of family. Together, Angela and Kyah unpack common misconceptions about mentorship, emphasizing that mentorship does not always have to be formal and that meaningful guidance often comes from unexpected relationships.This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys, recognize the mentors who have shaped them, and appreciate the power of mentorship in both personal and professional life.TakeawaysMentoring is a powerful way to support and guide the next generation.Rotational programs offer diverse experiences and opportunities for career growth.Quantifying impact and achievements through numbers and metrics is valuable for personal and professional development.Connect with Kyah Donald:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyahdonald/Connect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

The podcast episode features a conversation between Angela R. Lewis and Dr. Danielle Peebles, focusing on chiropractic care, athlete education, and the importance of rest and recovery.Dr. Peebles shares insights on the activator method, preventative care, and the significance of strength training for women. The conversation emphasizes the balance between hard work and rest for athletes, highlighting the role of chiropractic care in injury prevention and recovery.TakeawaysChiropractic care plays a crucial role in preventing and treating injuries for athletes.Balancing hard work with rest and recovery is essential for optimal athletic performance.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:13 The Activator Method and Chiropractic Care16:17 Balancing Work, Rest, and Recovery22:10 Chiropractic Care for Preventative Injury31:23 Balancing Work and Rest for AthletesConnect with Dr.Peebles:Webiste: https://stlprohealth.com/ Instagram: @Drdannip Connect with Angela Lewis:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/Website: https://angelarlewis.comEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, Angela interviews Kyah Donald in part 2 of 3 of the Frome Metee to Leader Series. Kyah She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and is part of a competitive leadership development program at Schneider Electric, where she gains cross-functional experience across the business.Beyond the corporate world, she is deeply committed to mentorship as an alumna and former Youth Facilitator for the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship, supporting young leaders across St. Louis and Miami.Her passion for leadership development is rooted in her own experiences as a mentee, including participation in Wyman’s Teen Leadership Program and co-founding Black Gems, an organization supporting Black women in STEM during college.The conversation delves into the process of creating programs for the community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing needs, building structure, and forming partnerships.It highlights the role of passion, teamwork, and strategic planning in program development and sustainability.TakeawaysStart with a vision and passionBuilding a team is essential for scaling upConsider the needs and structure of the programPartnerships play a crucial role in program successConnect with Kyah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyahdonald/Connect with Angela:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ Website: angelarlewis.com Email: [email protected]

On this episode Angela interviews Kaayla Coulibaly, former All-American at North Carolina State University who went on to play professionally in the WNBA and overseas.Drafted 13th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2004 WNBA Draft, she played in the league and spent eight years competing internationally across five countries, winning a championship in Israel. In 2019, she was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.After her playing career, Kaayla transitioned into basketball operations, spending over six seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves as Director of Player Programs, where she focused on holistic player development.She later played a key role in PUMA’s global basketball rebrand before returning to the NBA in 2021 as Director of Player Programs and Enrichment for the New York Knicks, working out of Madison Square Garden.Beyond the court, Kaayla is passionate about mentorship, service, and global experiences—making her a powerful voice in the world of basketball and leadership.The conversation delves into the power of basketball connections, the role of a director of player programs and enrichment, the influence of family and academics in sports, growing up in a family of athletes, and life lessons from overseas experiences.It highlights the sisterhood of ballplayers, the impact of basketball connections, the value of discipline and academics in sports, and the insights gained from overseas experiences.The conversation covers the overseas basketball experience, the growth of women's sports, the global growth of basketball, and professional development in sports. Kaayla shares her insights and experiences, providing valuable advice for young professionals in the sports industry.TakeawaysSisterhood of ballplayersImpact of basketball connectionsDirector of player programs and enrichmentThe value of discipline and academics in sportsOverseas experiences and life lessons Overseas Basketball ExperienceGrowth of Women's SportsGlobal Growth of BasketballProfessional Development in SportsConnect with Kaayla:Instagram @@Chones50 Connect with Angela:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ Website: http://angelarlewis.com Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Angela interviews Kyah Donald. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and is part of a competitive leadership development program at Schneider Electric, where she gains cross-functional experience across the business.Beyond the corporate world, she is deeply committed to mentorship as an alumna and former Youth Facilitator for the Aspen Young Leaders Fellowship, supporting young leaders across St. Louis and Miami.Her passion for leadership development is rooted in her own experiences as a mentee, including participation in Wyman’s Teen Leadership Program and co-founding Black Gems, an organization supporting Black women in STEM during college.Kyah is also a fashion influencer who uses personal style as a tool for confidence and self-expression, collaborating with local and international brands and appearing in local fashion publications.The conversation explores Kyah’s journey from mentee to leader, the role sports played in shaping her confidence and leadership approach, and the fears and doubts that often accompany stepping into adulthood and responsibility.Angela and Kyah also discuss the importance of structured leadership programs, mentorship, travel, and diverse perspectives in developing strong, adaptable leaders.Key TakeawaysSports helped shape Kyah’s leadership mindset, discipline, and resilience.Leadership programs, mentorship, and diverse experiences played a critical role in her personal and professional growth.Connect with Kyah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyahdonald/Connect with Angela:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ Website: angelarlewis.com Email: [email protected]

The podcast intro episode explores the origin of A Ball and A Chance, the impact of sports on life, the selfish motivation behind the podcast, sports as a global language, bringing people together through sports, and the evolution of A Ball and A Chance.The key takeaways include the significance of sports as a fabric of life and the focus on mentorship and youth development.Angela R. Lewis is the Founder of Lewis Consulting Group, where she works at the intersection of visibility, communication, and performance to help individuals and institutions show up with clarity when it matters most.She also serves as Head of Customer Success at SpeakerHUB, supporting over 60,000 speakers worldwide in sharing their voices and expanding their impact. An author and former Division I and professional basketball player, Angela brings a grounded, human approach to teaching leadership, communication, and performance under pressure.Connect with Angela:Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewisSubstack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/Website: angelarlewis.com Email: [email protected]