Here's what's unique about my background—I grew up with what most people would consider "nothing" and I use it as motivation every day. I didn't go to a fancy high school. I didn't go to an Ivy League college. My pure desire and determination took me from being born without developed lungs to becoming a professional endurance athlete.

And what I learned when I transitioned from athlete to “business person” is that there’s a lot of crossover. "How?" you say. Well, in cycling, it’s completely normal to have to sacrifice yourself for the overall team's ambitions. Push yourself to the absolute limit to help someone else win the race knowing that when you win or I win, we all win. You may be thinking, “what does that mean for business?” Well, it means that for me, it’s easy to check my ego and title at the door so “we” can win together.

Today, business has become my team sport. I like finding winning solutions. I wake up motivated and ready to work hard to meet and exceed goals. So, if you’re reading this—at first glance you may think that “athlete” means “lack of experience”. But, here is what I would tell you: Skills can be taught. Experience can be gained. But will, desire and determination are a mindset that can often be overlooked. And those are the attributes that make me who I am.