Changing The Game

Why Being Wrong Might Be Your Greatest Strength | Stefanie Francis, Founder of Hootology

Jordan Duren — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#39: Former Division I volleyball player. Art major. NYU professor. Founder.

Stefanie Francis has built a career by questioning the way we're taught to think.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Stefanie shares why uncertainty can be a strength, how sports taught her to embrace the uncomfortable, and why the best leaders aren't always searching for the "right" answer.

From her journey as a D1 athlete at George Washington to coaching, teaching global market research at NYU, and founding Hootology, this conversation explores curiosity, creativity, leadership, and what it really means to build a life that feels authentic.

In this episode:

How sports shaped Stefanie's approach to leadership
Why creativity and competition aren't opposites
The problem with "right or wrong" thinking
What teaching at NYU taught her about curiosity
Why founders should embrace uncertainty
Building confidence by questioning assumptions
How to create a life that feels authentic
Why athletes make great entrepreneurs

How College Athletes Should Prepare for Life After Sports | Carly Kastens (NIL Expert)

Jordan Duren — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#38: NIL has changed college athletics forever, but according to Carly Kastens, the biggest opportunity isn't just making money.

It's using your time as an athlete to figure out who you are beyond the uniform.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Jordan sits down with Carly Kastens, former Division I volleyball player at Dartmouth College and Director of College Client Engagement at Altius Sports Partners. Carly has spent the last six years helping universities and student-athletes navigate NIL, revenue sharing, and the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.

Together, they discuss why athletes shouldn't wait until graduation to start building their future, how the skills developed through sports translate into the workplace, and why your story can open unexpected doors.

Whether you're a current athlete, former athlete, coach, or simply navigating your own career transition, this conversation is full of practical advice on building an identity that lasts long after the uniform.

In this episode:

Carly's journey from Division I volleyball at Dartmouth to Altius Sports Partners
What NIL really is (and what most people misunderstand)
How college athletics is changing behind the scenes
Why internships and networking matter for athletes
The transferable skills employers want from former athletes
How to prepare for life after sports before your career ends
Why your personal story is your biggest competitive advantage

How Sports Create Elite Problem Solvers | Diane Conklin on Leadership, Resilience, and Business Success

Jordan Duren — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#37: Former University of Missouri softball player Diane Conklin was part of the first generation of athletes to compete under the NCAA. Since then, she's built and led a multi-million dollar marketing company, coached entrepreneurs around the world, and spent decades helping others solve problems, lead with confidence, and embrace change.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Diane shares why the greatest skill athletes develop isn't just discipline or work ethic. It's problem solving. She explains how that mindset shaped her career, why embracing change builds resilience, and how athletes can confidently forge their own path long after the game ends.

In this episode:

Transitioning from the AIAW to the NCAA
Why athletes are elite problem solvers
Building a multi-million dollar marketing business
How to embrace change with confidence
The mindset behind resilience
Forging your own path despite outside opinions
Diane's Dozen: the lessons sports taught her

How to Build a Business You Can Actually Walk Away From | Kimberly Wasney

Jordan Duren — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#36: Most business owners don't start thinking about selling until they're ready to walk away. Kimberly Wasney believes that's already too late.

In this episode, Kimberly shares why the best exits are built years in advance, how founders can create businesses that thrive without them, and why your identity matters just as much as your valuation.

From helping scale Packed with Purpose from $150K to $9 million as employee number one to co-founding Ripple's Edge Advisors, Kimberly brings a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and building companies designed for longevity.

In this episode:

Why founders should plan their exit years before selling
The "European Vacation" exercise every business owner should try
Building a business that doesn't depend on you
Scaling from $150K to $9M as employee #1
Why so many founders regret selling their business
Separating your identity from your work
Lessons from sports that translate to entrepreneurship

Follow Kimberly: @Kimberly Wasney on LinkedIn
Learn more: Ripple's Edge Advisors

How High Performers Get Unstuck | Leadership Lessons from National Champion, Madeline Davis Tully

Jordan Duren — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#35: Former Princeton National Champion rower, Division I coach, and leadership coach Madeline Davis Tully believes confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you earn through action. In this episode of Changing the Game, Madeline shares what years of competing, coaching championship teams, and now coaching ambitious professionals have taught her about leadership, identity, and sustainable high performance. From navigating life after sport to learning when working harder isn't the answer, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone ready to take the next step in their career.

In this episode:

Why confidence is built through action, not mindset
Transitioning from athlete to professional
Leadership lessons from coaching championship teams
How to stop feeling stuck in your career
Why doing less can actually help you achieve more
Finding purpose after sport
Building a career that's aligned with your values

Whether you're a former athlete, an emerging leader, or simply someone chasing your next level, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, success, and leadership.

Follow Madeline:
MDT Leadership: https://www.mdtlead.com/
Substack: https://mdtlead.substack.com/

From Creighton Basketball to VP of Sales: McKenzie Swanson's Career Playbook

Jordan Duren — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#34: Former Creighton women's basketball player McKenzie Swanson didn't set out to build a career in sales. After realizing physical therapy wasn't the right path, she earned her MBA from Penn State and took a chance on an SDR role that would completely change the trajectory of her career.

In this episode of Changing the Game, McKenzie shares how she went from Division I athlete to VP of Sales, why sales is one of the best career paths for former athletes, and the lessons she's learned leading teams at Hudl, Podium, and Element 451.

A conversation about embracing uncertainty, chasing growth, and why the opportunities that scare you the most are often the ones that change your life.

In this episode:

Why McKenzie chose sales after college
Breaking into tech with no sales experience
Why athletes have a competitive advantage in sales
Lessons from Hudl, Podium, and Element 451
What separates great salespeople from good ones
Why your first job doesn't have to be your forever career
Women in sales and stepping into leadership
Why you should run toward the scary opportunities

Follow McKenzie on LinkedIn: @McKenzie Swanson

How to Figure Out What You Really Want (And Stop Holding Yourself Back) | Tammie Bennett

Jordan Duren — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#33: What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of talent or opportunity, but the way you talk to yourself?

This week on Changing the Game, I'm joined by mindset coach, entrepreneur, and Show Up Society host Tammie Bennett.

From running at UNC and attending Pepperdine Law School to building a coaching business focused on helping women get unstuck, Tammie shares how self-trust, clarity, and kindness can create lasting success.

We discuss career pivots, sustainable goal setting, why so many high achievers struggle to know what they really want, and Tammie's powerful "Universe's Drive-Thru" exercise for gaining clarity on your next step.

In this episode:

Building self-trust during times of uncertainty
Why process matters more than outcomes
The importance of celebrating small wins
How to reconnect with what you truly want
The "Did It List" and Universe's Drive-Thru exercises
Creating success without constant self-criticism

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, this conversation is for you.

Follow Tammie Bennett

Instagram: @itstammiebennett Website: https://itstammiebennett.com/

Chelsea Poppens on Retirement, Reinvention, and Finding Purpose After Pro Basketball

Jordan Duren — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#32: Former WNBA player Chelsea Poppens spent years chasing her dream on the court. But like many athletes, the hardest transition came when the game ended.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Chelsea shares her journey from Iowa State to the WNBA, overcoming career-ending injuries, finding her identity beyond basketball, and building a new chapter as a COO, entrepreneur, broadcaster, investor, wife, and mother.

A powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and why your next chapter can be even bigger than your first.

In this episode:

Chelsea's path from Iowa State to the WNBA
Playing professionally around the world
Recovering from multiple ACL injuries
Becoming a broadcaster and podcast host
Transitioning from athlete to business leader and COO
Finding identity beyond sport
Motherhood and redefining success
Why athletes are built for reinvention

Follow Chelsea: @chelseapoppens

Listen to Champion This Podcast on Spotify!

The Hidden Pressure Female Athletes Face | Marina Paul, Founder of SuperHera

Jordan Duren — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#31: Follow Marina on Instagram: @marinapaul
Learn more: superhera.com

Former Georgetown soccer captain Marina Paul joins Changing the Game to talk about the realities many female athletes experience but rarely talk about openly.

We discuss the pressure women face around body image in sports, the identity shift that comes after athletics, and how Marina went from Division 1 soccer to a career at Accenture before founding SuperHera, a company redesigning sports apparel specifically for women’s bodies.

This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and an important look at the future of women’s sports.

Topics include:

D1 soccer at Georgetown
Athlete identity after sport
Body image & disordered eating in women’s athletics
Leaving corporate life to become a founder
Building SuperHera
The future of women’s sports apparel

Dr. Jo Shattuck on Trusting Your Gut and Rewiring Movement with PantherTec

Jordan Duren — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Dr. Jo Shattuck is a former world-ranked racquet sports pro who started at 17, climbed to No. 6 in the world, and later walked away mid-season the moment her intuition told her it was time. She shares what it felt like to quit suddenly, why she needed a full year to grieve, and how that decision reshaped her identity.

Now a neuroscientist and the founder of Panther Tec, Jo explains neuroplasticity, proprioception, and why real-time feedback helps athletes learn movement faster than watching film. This conversation is for anyone rebuilding after sport, chasing mastery, or learning to trust what their body already knows.

From Athlete to COO Jaclyn Balben on Finding the Right Fit

Jordan Duren — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:49:01 -0400

#29: Jaclyn Balben, COO at MD Ally and former college lacrosse player, shares how she built her career by focusing on self awareness and environment over titles. Her path spans startups and large companies, shaped by a clear understanding of how she works best.

This conversation covers career mapping without a perfect plan, the difference between startup and corporate environments, and how athletes can use their mindset to navigate uncertainty and make better career decisions.

Former Olympian Nina Ligon on Trusting Her Gut, Growing Headspace, and Building Generation Sport

Jordan Duren — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#28: Nina Ligon is a former equestrian Olympian who competed in the London Games and went on to build products at companies like Headspace before deciding to create something of her own. In this episode, she shares the nonlinear path that led her from elite sport and Stanford engineering to entrepreneurship.

Nina breaks down why she founded Generation Sport, an athletic wear brand designed specifically for athletic bodies, and the gaps she saw in the industry that no one else was solving. This conversation covers identity shifts, trusting your gut, and what it really takes to move from high performer to builder and founder.

How to Stop Burning Out and Start Performing Sustainably with Katie Virtue

Jordan Duren — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

#27: Former Division I hockey player Katie Virtue shares how her athlete mindset fueled a fast climb in consulting and leadership, and how it eventually led to burnout. She breaks down her Sustainable Performance Playbook built on purpose, values, and behaviors, plus the energy habits that help high performers protect their sleep, set boundaries, and stop chasing productivity as a badge of honor.

From ESPN to FanDuel: How Jennifer Matthews Built Brands Across Sports, Media, and Betting

Jordan Duren — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:01:37 -0400

#26: Jennifer Matthews is a former Division I volleyball player at Siena University who built an executive career shaping some of the biggest brands in sports and media, including Sports Illustrated, ESPN, NBC, and FanDuel. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Brand Strategy at FanDuel, helping build the brand during one of the fastest-growing eras in sports.

In this episode, Jennifer shares how her athlete mindset fueled her leadership, why she chose roles where she could build brands from the ground up, and how trusting a nonlinear career helped her grow with confidence. A must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, leadership pressure, or building something without a playbook.

Meredith Hudson on Betting on Yourself and Turning a Real Sideline Problem Into a Brand

Jordan Duren — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:20:37 -0400

#25: Meredith Hudson is a former Division I field hockey player at Yale and the founder of Sideline Bags. After building a successful career in tech sales and advertising at companies like Snapchat and Roku, Meredith followed a long-held creative pull to build a physical product designed for female athletes.

In this episode, Meredith shares how two decades in corporate sales prepared her to launch Sideline Bags, why being comfortable with discomfort matters when starting something new, and how solving a real sideline problem turned into a fast-growing brand. This conversation is for anyone navigating identity beyond sport, feeling drawn to create, or wondering if it is ever the right time to take the leap.

From D1 Softball to Marine Helicopter Pilot: Paige Rose on Leadership, Motherhood, and Resilience

Jordan Duren — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

#24: Paige Rose is a former D1 softball player and Marine helicopter pilot turned founder of Darkhorse Training Company. We talk leadership before you feel ready, earning respect every single day, and building resilience through the seasons of motherhood and career. Paige also breaks down her 5 pillars to help athletes win in sport and life.

Follow Darkhorse Training Co on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/train_darkhorse/?hl=en
Visit Darkhorse Training Co Online: https://traindarkhorse.com/

Ann Ragan McGlone, founder of Medalist Skin, talks about turning athlete frustration into a business and building it the right way

Jordan Duren — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:40:32 -0500

#23: Ann Ragan McGlone, founder of Medalist Skin, joins Changing the Game to share how her years as a D1 swimmer shaped the way she builds. We talk about the skincare gap female athletes deal with (chlorine, sweat, acne, dryness), how she obsessively researched and tested her products with athletes before launch, and the surprising truth about why retail can be a risky “made it” moment for brands. Plus, AnnRagan opens up about moving from NYC to small-town New Hampshire, regulating her nervous system, and trusting the process through messy transitions.

Shop Medalist Skin: www.medalistskin.com

From Pro Basketball to Bobsled: Alex Klein on Autoimmune Strength and Starting Group of Grit

Jordan Duren — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:44:44 -0500

#22: Alex Klein went from Division I basketball at Bryant to playing professionally overseas, and then into the Olympic world through bobsled. Along the way, an autoimmune diagnosis changed everything and pushed her to redefine strength, success, and identity outside of sport. In this episode, Alex shares how that journey led her to build Group of Grit, a community supporting girls and women navigating autoimmune conditions through mentorship, resources, and connection.

Kylann Scheidt from the NCAA on Finding Purpose Through Storytelling, Athlete Identity Shifts, and Redefining Success in College Sports

Jordan Duren — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:26:59 -0500

#21: Kylann Scheidt is the Associate Director of Communications for Video and Creative Services at the NCAA and a former Division I volleyball player who transferred before the transfer portal existed. In this episode, Kylann shares how navigating adversity as an athlete shaped her identity, fueled her creative path, and led her to a career telling the stories of student-athletes across college sports.

We talk about burnout, redefining success outside of athletics, building confidence through storytelling, and why authenticity matters more than titles or outside noise. This conversation is a powerful reminder that owning your story, especially during transition, can create real impact.

Running Toward Alignment: Sloan Shanahan on Burnout, Reinvention, and Owning Your Career

Jordan Duren — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:02:04 -0500

#20: In this episode of Changing the Game, former Division I golfer and current Chief Revenue Officer at FusionIQ, Sloan Shanahan, opens up about the transitions, misalignments, and breakthroughs that shaped her career. From leading high-impact consulting projects at EY to navigating burnout, leaving a stable seven-year tenure, and eventually stepping into a high-performing sales career, Sloan shares a refreshingly honest look at what it means to chase alignment, not perfection.

We talk about the identity shifts athletes face when entering the business world, the power of mentorship, how to trust yourself through major pivots, and why being “the only woman in the room” is a strength, not a setback. Sloan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and taking the long road to find the career you’re meant for.

The Future of Storytelling: How Jocelyn Disque Is Changing the Game in PR

Jordan Duren — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:48:18 -0500

What happens when a former Division I athlete steps into the world of tech and transforms how brands tell their stories? Jocelyn Disque, Vice President at Touchdown PR, is leading the way. A 2023 Women in Business Nominee by the Austin Business Journal and 2020 AVCA Media Award honoree, Jocelyn brings a fresh perspective to the evolving world of public relations.

She joins Changing the Game to talk about her journey from sports to communications, why confidence is key in career pivots, and how AI is reshaping the way we connect and communicate.

From National Titles to Brand Stories with Rachel Magerman

Jordan Duren — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:10:48 -0400

#18: National champion at North Carolina. Award-winning brand leader. Builder of community and purpose. In this conversation, Rachel Magerman shares how four consecutive trips to the NCAA title game shaped her approach to leadership, why she pivoted from agency comfort to explore a new chapter, and how a “clean space, clear mind” idea helped reframe a legacy CPG brand after the pandemic. We talk identity beyond sport, taking smart risks, building a real network through communities like The Post and Work Like a Girl, and redefining success so life and relationships matter as much as results. If you are navigating a transition or craving a fresh start, this one’s your playbook.

Holly Arend on Humanizing Women in Sports

Jordan Duren — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:20:53 -0400

#17: Holly Arend is the Director of Sports at Hazze Media, where she’s reshaping how women in sports are seen and celebrated. In this episode, she shares how her experience as a former figure skater shaped her mission to tell real, human stories, and why visibility, representation, and authenticity matter more than ever in women’s sports media.

Increase Your Surface Area of Luck: Katherine Lynch on Turning Sport and Service into Opportunity

Jordan Duren — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

#16: Katherine Lynch has worn a lot of uniforms including Harvard varsity squash, the U.S. Navy, and startup co-founder, and each chapter sharpened the same edge: resilience. In this conversation, Katherine shares how she went from service to startups, why “mission over title” is her north star, and how two simple prompts (“What would you do if money didn’t matter?” and “What do you naturally read and talk about?”) can reset your career path. We get into building The Post, a private community for elite former athletes, launching Vamos Rackets and why padel is exploding as the new networking sport, and the real work of identity after sport or service. Katherine breaks down baby steps versus big leaps, building your toolbox of skills, and “increasing your surface area of luck” by showing up, saying yes, and meeting people. She leaves us with a favorite mantra for tough seasons: some days joy chooses you, and some days, you choose joy.

From D1 Athlete to SVP of Sales: Kate Woelffer's Lessons on Leadership, Listening, and Growth

Jordan Duren — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:52:03 -0400

#15: In this episode of Changing the Game, Jordan sits down with Kate Woelffer, Senior Vice President of Sales at Motive, who’s helping redefine what leadership in tech and enterprise sales looks like.

A former Division I softball player at the University of Minnesota and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Minnesota, Kate has built her career on authenticity, empathy, and relentless drive. She opens up about how growing up in a competitive household shaped her mindset, what it means to be a genuine leader, and why progress often starts with moving the needle just 1% at a time.

Whether you’re an athlete transitioning into business or an emerging leader learning to find your voice, this conversation will remind you that the most powerful kind of leadership starts with being yourself.

Nobody Cares. Go Do the Thing: Ash Ainbinder on Jiu-Jitsu Grit, Nonlinear Careers, and Building Your Locker Room for Life

Jordan Duren — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:37:19 -0400

#14: Former Hofstra D1 softball player and current Senior BD Manager at GeoComply, Ash Ainbinder, gets real about courage, career pivots, and finding your people. We talk jiu-jitsu and why doing the thing that scares you can change everything, plus how an athlete’s work ethic translates to the boardroom.

Ash breaks down her nonlinear path into sales (“make friends and solve problems”), the power of saying yes early so you can say no later, and why community matters, from The Post to Work Like a Girl. We also dive into the value of in-person connection, building digital trust, and creating a “locker room for life.”

All-American Mindset: How UNC Volleyball Star Paige Neuenfeldt Turns Risk into Reward

Jordan Duren — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:12:52 -0400

#13: Paige Neuenfeldt went from “undersized” middle and four-time All-American at UNC to EY consulting, pro volleyball in France, and now thriving in tech sales.

We talk underdog culture, choosing hard roles, taking bold leaps without regret, and why athlete intangibles win in the workplace. If you are navigating a pivot or craving a team that matches your energy, this one is for you.

Kate Madigan: Breaking Barriers & Leading as Assistant GM of the New Jersey Devils

Jordan Duren — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#12: Kate Madigan’s path to the front office of the New Jersey Devils is anything but traditional. A former Division I track athlete, competitive figure skater, and Deloitte accountant, she took a leap into hockey operations and is now one of the few women serving as an Assistant GM in the NHL.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Kate shares how she broke into professional hockey without ever playing the sport, why confidence comes from comfort in the room, and how mentors helped her navigate a male-dominated space. She also reflects on career pivots, authentic mentorship, and the power of saying yes to new challenges.

From announcing a draft pick in front of 20,000 fans to shaping the next generation of NHL leadership, Kate’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and redefining what it means to lead in professional sports.

Marine Captain, Team USA Athlete, Miss Military, and Published Author: Riley Tejcek on Living Fearlessly and Finding Identity

Jordan Duren — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#11: Riley Tejcek’s story is anything but ordinary. A U.S. Marine Corps Captain, Team USA bobsled pilot, 2024 Miss Military, and published author, Riley has built her career on courage and resilience. In this episode of Changing the Game, she shares how she transitioned from Division I softball to the Marine Corps, what it means to be a “tactical athlete,” and how she became the first female Marine to qualify for Team USA bobsled.

Riley opens up about identity beyond titles, the power of starting over with humility, and why giving yourself (and others) flowers matters. From writing a children’s book to mentoring the next generation of women, she’s redefining what it means to lead with authenticity.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break barriers, embrace new challenges, and leave the game better than you found it, this conversation will inspire you to step forward with boldness.

Behind the Scenes at the NCAA with Jaelyn Arndt: The Realities of Life in Sports and Social Media

Jordan Duren — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#10: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with one of her best friends, Jaelyn Arndt, Associate Director of Communications for Social Media at the NCAA, and a former collegiate volleyball player and coach.

From covering the Olympics in Paris to some of the biggest events in collegiate sports, Jaelyn opens up about the highs and lows of life in and out of sports. We talk about building a career in social media, finding your voice in male-dominated spaces, and the power of vulnerability in leadership.

Whether you're chasing big career dreams or simply looking for inspiration to keep going, this conversation is real, raw, and full of wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Jade McCarthy on Reinvention, Resilience & the Art of Storytelling in Sports Media

Jordan Duren — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#9: From Boston sports to anchoring SportsCenter at ESPN and now hosting on SiriusXM, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Jade McCarthy has built a career on telling powerful stories that connect and inspire.

In this episode of Changing the Game, Jade opens up about her journey through the ever-evolving world of sports media, navigating career transitions, and finding resilience in the face of change. She shares what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry, the lessons she’s learned from reinvention, and how faith and family keep her grounded through it all.

Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation that’s equal parts career advice, storytelling magic, and a reminder that our futures are limitless.

Rebecca Cohn, GM of Jordan Sport, on How to Turn Every Career Move into a Building Block

Jordan Duren — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#8: As GM of Jordan Sport, Rebecca Cohn’s career is anything but linear. From finance to strategy, operations, and now leading Jordan Brand across Asia Pacific and Latin America.

A former college basketball player turned global GM, Rebecca shares how curiosity, versatility, and staying present have been the keys to navigating change and building a career that truly fills her cup.

From the LPGA to The Post: Ashlan Ramsey on the Power of Building Community

Jordan Duren — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#7: Ashlan Ramsey knows what it takes to perform under pressure. As a former LPGA Tour pro, she spent years competing at the highest level until she realized it was time to pivot. Now, as Head of Member Experience at The Post, she’s helping build a one-of-a-kind community for leaders shaped by sport.

In this episode, Ashlan shares her journey from professional athlete to community builder, the lessons golf taught her about leadership and resilience, and how she’s redefining what it means to “win” outside of competition.

Whether you're transitioning out of sports, building your network, or just figuring out what’s next, this episode will leave you inspired and motivated to keep showing up.

Why Grit Wins: Lessons in Leadership from Stephanie Joyce

Jordan Duren — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#6: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Stephanie Joyce, AVP of SaaS Sales for North America at Commvault.

From breaking into sales with grit to leading high-performing teams across the U.S. and Canada, Stephanie shares what it takes to succeed in a competitive industry.

Whether you’re leading a team, chasing a quota, or striving to level up in your career, this conversation will light a fire.

Sam Tierney on Leaving Law Enforcement, Joining Black Rifle Coffee & Helping Veterans After Service

Jordan Duren — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#5: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Sam Tierney, a former police officer turned advocate for veteran and first responder career transitions. Now a Shift Group partner, Sam brings her firsthand experience and passion to helping others find purpose after service.

In this episode, Sam shares her journey out of law enforcement, her time working at Black Rifle Coffee, and how she found renewed purpose through supporting others. She dives into her work with Warrior Rising and Cop to Corporate, and how those missions align with helping service members and first responders thrive in the civilian world. From identity shifts to building new communities, Sam offers insight, hope, and real talk for anyone navigating what’s next.

Erika Ayers Badan on Redefining Success and Embracing Change

Jordan Duren — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#4: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports, current CEO of Food52, and author of Nobody Cares About Your Career.

Erika opens up about her non-linear path from receptionist to CEO, how she’s embraced failure as fuel, and why tuning out the noise and trusting your gut matters more than any resume or job title.

She also shares candid advice on showing up authentically, hiring in today’s world, and finding growth in discomfort.

Whether you’re starting out, starting over, or simply ready for something different, Erika’s story is a masterclass in bold moves, real leadership, and redefining success on your own terms.

From Naval Aviator to COO: Ashley Ferguson on Thriving Under Pressure & Leading With Confidence

Jordan Duren — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#3: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Ashley Ferguson, a former U.S. Naval Aviator, Top Gun graduate, Naval Academy basketball player, MIT Sloan alum, and now the COO of Guardian Agriculture.

Ashley shares her incredible journey from military aviation to leading innovation in agtech. She opens up about what it takes to lead in high-stakes environments, how she has embraced change throughout her career, and the mindset that’s helped her grow through every transition.

Whether you’re a veteran, a former athlete, or simply figuring out what’s next, Ashley’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you trust yourself and take the leap.

Briana Gilmartin on Empowering Athletes to Win Beyond the Field

Jordan Duren — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#2: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Briana Gilmartin, a former college soccer player at Iona College. Now a leader in athlete career development, Briana shares how she helps players transition beyond sport through authentic mentorship and meaningful connections.

In this episode, Briana dives into the power of networking and how the NWSL’s Beyond the Field program aligns with Shift Group’s mission to empower athletes and veterans in their career transitions. She highlights the importance of taking small steps forward, building genuine relationships, and leveraging support systems to unlock new professional opportunities.

Jazz Carlin on Winning Olympic Medals and Channeling a High-Performance Mindset in Sales

Jordan Duren — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

#1: This week on Changing the Game, Jordan Duren sits down with Olympic silver medalist and sales leader Jazz Carlin to talk about her transition from elite swimmer to elite sales professional.

In this episode, Jazz shares powerful insights on building resilience, navigating identity after sport, and how athletes can find their purpose outside the pool. If you're navigating a career transition or are considering taking on a new challenge, this is a must-listen

Introducing Changing The Game

Jordan Duren — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:56:39 -0400

Changing the Game is a podcast that highlights bold, inspiring women who are redefining leadership and carving their own paths across different industries, backgrounds, and life chapters.

Hosted by Jordan Duren, each episode dives deep into the stories of female leaders who have navigated transitions, taken risks, and challenged the status quo. From corporate trailblazers to creative entrepreneurs, these women share the real, unfiltered truths behind their journeys—what it took, what they learned, and what they’d tell the next woman ready to rise.

If you’re ready to break the mold, own your story, and lead with purpose, this show is for you.