Hey Ryan Podcast

How to be Curious and Live Life Openly Ep 11 with Sean James, NFL Sports Star

December 09, 2021 Ryan Allen
Hey Ryan Podcast
How to be Curious and Live Life Openly Ep 11 with Sean James, NFL Sports Star
Show Notes

Today we’re talking with Sean James, a former NFL pro athlete turned businessman. Sean is a philanthropist and advocates to stop bullying in football, and he founded Be in The Know About Bullying, an organization dedicated to education and mentorship. Sean will talk about dealing with anxiety and how he coped with the pressures of being a professional athlete.

Sean grew up in the midwest and was lucky enough to be a talented athlete, which gained him a scholarship to play football in college. Following that, he was invited to an NFL camp, and there his career began. Since retiring from football, Sean has moved to New York where he is letting his creative side flourish through hard work. He has worked in fashion, mental health, and finance.

Being good at something while young made him likeable and helped him to escape racism and bigotry. Looking back, Sean would tell his younger self to ask for help. He credits his success to his willingness to look stupid and take risks. Look for who you want to be and ask for their roadmap; look at how they became who they are.

For Sean, anxiety was a constant presence in his life. Being African American in a small town piled on extra pressure. Having a strong support system of curious and creative people is what helps to keep Sean grounded and curious. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something among your peers and don’t fear vulnerability. Open yourself up to learning and curiosity.

An excellent way to decompress is to pause. Take the time to stand back from everything and reflect on what truly matters to you. 

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanjames23

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/seanjames23

Website: https://www.seanlewisjames.com