Podcast Summary: The Leadership Dance – Ep. 16: From NFL Underdog to Entrepreneur, with Ryan Nees

Introduction

In Episode 16 of The Leadership Dance, host Alissa Hsu Lynch engages in a compelling conversation with Ryan Nees, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans from being an NFL underdog to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Ryan, a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. This episode delves into Ryan’s personal and professional experiences, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Defining Success

Ryan Nees challenges conventional notions of success, emphasizing resilience over material achievements.

Ryan Nees [00:01]: "I think we have the wrong definition of success... for me, success is a measurement of how well you bounce."

He elaborates that success for him is not about financial gains or social media followings but about the ability to recover and advance after facing setbacks.

Family and Upbringing

Ryan attributes much of his character and values to his upbringing, influenced by his renowned father and his strong-willed mother.

Ryan Nees [02:31]: "Having a father that was very famous... was phenomenal... But at the same time, my mother raised me... hardwired me to understand what real value is in life. And it starts on the inside."

He highlights the dual influence of his father, a football legend, and his mother, a blue-collar worker, shaping his understanding of greatness and service.

Leadership Lessons from Sports

Drawing parallels between athletics and leadership, Ryan discusses how his sports career instilled essential qualities such as discipline, teamwork, and adaptability.

Ryan Nees [07:05]: "When I hear people say, oh, I work hard... what hard means is probably a lot different than my definition."

He emphasizes the importance of competing with integrity and the value of uniting diverse individuals towards a common goal, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience.

Transition from NFL to Business

Ryan shares his strategic approach to transitioning from professional sports to the business world, leveraging his athletic discipline to navigate new challenges.

Ryan Nees [16:24]: "I was constantly working in the off-season... trying to learn from them about opportunities that I may be interested in."

He recounts his early steps in business, including interning and joining nonprofit boards to gain practical experience and understanding of corporate operations.

Entrepreneurship: Founding Straight Cast Media

Ryan details his entrepreneurial venture, Straight Cast Media, co-founded with his teammate Jeb Terry, and its eventual acquisition by Fox Sports.

Ryan Nees [21:07]: "We created Straight Cast to create a mobile video platform that enabled athletes to create HD videos from their phone... Fox saw the opportunity to acquire it."

This experience taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, innovation, and the importance of building strong professional relationships.

Next Legacy Partners: Investment Focus and Thesis

As the managing partner of Next Legacy Partners, Ryan outlines his investment philosophy centered around meeting community needs and fostering diversity in venture capital.

Ryan Nees [26:02]: "We have a traditional fund to fund... and then we also have a co-invest strategy... we look at Enterprise SaaS, we look at consumer and there's some amazing things happening because of AI."

He expresses excitement about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and their transformative potential across various sectors.

Overcoming Barriers: Personal Challenges and Resilience

Ryan opens up about his personal struggles, including a life-threatening car accident and the disappointment of going undrafted in the NFL, illustrating his resilience and unwavering faith.

Ryan Nees [29:51]: "I was in a very severe car accident... and to go through that, such a traumatic car accident like that, and to then find a way to battle back... that was a measurement of success for me."

His story underscores the importance of faith, perseverance, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

Ryan Nees Foundation: Mission and Impact

Founded during his NFL career, the Ryan Nees Foundation focuses on empowering young minds through education on the power of giving and community service.

Ryan Nees [36:07]: "We have the Ryan Nees Foundation, which is focused on impacting young minds and teaching them about the ability to serve others and embrace the philosophy of the power of giving."

The foundation’s curriculum, now implemented in 18 schools in the Tampa Bay region, fosters leadership skills and encourages students to prioritize the needs of others.

Personal Life: Celebrating Talent and Partnerships

Ryan celebrates the talents of his wife, Willa Ford, a renowned pop singer and dancer, highlighting the supportive and inspiring dynamics of their relationship.

Ryan Nees [41:27]: "She's super talented... My wife is a very talented, trained opera singer, unbelievable dancer."

This personal anecdote adds depth to Ryan’s character, showcasing his appreciation for diverse talents and collaborative success.

Advice to Younger Self: Embracing Flexibility and Fun

Reflecting on his journey, Ryan advises his younger self—and others—to embrace flexibility, seek adventures, and maintain a balance between discipline and enjoyment.

Ryan Nees [42:21]: "Sometimes you have to do what you don't want to do to be what you want to be... loosen the tie a little bit more when I was younger and probably have a little, a little bit more adventure."

This counsel emphasizes the importance of adaptability, personal growth, and finding joy in the pursuit of one’s goals.

Conclusion

Ryan Nees’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the profound impact of giving back. His journey from an NFL underdog to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist offers invaluable lessons on leadership, overcoming adversity, and the significance of fostering community-centric values. Through his work and experiences, Ryan exemplifies how personal integrity and a commitment to service can drive meaningful success both personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes:

• Defining Success:

  "I’ve always felt that success is a measurement of how well you bounce." — Ryan Nees [00:01]

• Family Influence:

  "My mother raised me... hardwired me to understand what real value is in life." — Ryan Nees [02:31]

• Leadership Lessons:

  "Setting aside your differences to achieve a goal is something of the beauty of unity." — Ryan Nees [07:05]

• Transition to Business:

  "I had no idea that I would become a founder and the managing director of Next Legacy." — Ryan Nees [16:24]

• Entrepreneurship:

  "There’s nothing like being in the fire that'll teach you a lot of life lessons." — Ryan Nees [21:07]

• Overcoming Adversity:

  "All I needed was to have breath and to have my faith." — Ryan Nees [29:51]

• Foundation Mission:

  "When's the last time you asked a family member or a friend, how can I help you today?" — Ryan Nees [36:07]

• Advice to Younger Self:

  "Do what you don't want to do to be what you want to be." — Ryan Nees [42:21]

This episode serves as an inspiring narrative for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of career transitions, leadership, and personal growth. Ryan Nees’s experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to community, providing a blueprint for achieving lasting success.