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Click here to watch this podcast episode: How to Craft a Winning Mindset in Your Career with NCAA Coach Vilis Ozols

The Unstoppable Grit Podcast With Danielle Cobo |Career Advice:
In this thrilling episode of the Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Vilis Ozols, a former Olympic volleyball hopeful turned leadership powerhouse. 🏐đŸ’Ș Vilis shares his tumultuous path from the heartbreak of missing the Olympics due to injury to excelling in leadership roles across sales, customer service, marketing, and training. His 30-year career is a testament to the power of resilience and maximum effort – principles that drive success both on and off the court. Danielle and Vilis discuss the parallels between athletic training and professional goal setting, underlining the critical need for alignment between work, values, and passion. Thanks For Watching!

Episode Description

In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I had the chance to sit down with Vilis Ozols, a former pro volleyball player and NCAA women’s basketball coach, to dive into the mindset it takes to win, overcome adversity, and bounce back from setbacks. We got real about the grit, determination, and relentless drive needed not just in sports but in life.

Vilis shared a powerful personal story about a major setback he faced and how he turned it into one of his biggest learning experiences. It’s a reminder that the behind-the-scenes work, the struggles and challenges, are what really shape success.

We also talked about burnout—something that hits athletes and coaches hard. Vilis shared some great insights on how to stay motivated and avoid burnout by building resilience and practicing mental toughness. We both agree that preparation, maintaining a positive mindset, and even embracing failure are all essential parts of the journey to success.

The conversation wrapped up with three powerful takeaways: giving everything you’ve got, positioning yourself for success, and relentlessly going after your goals—without burning out.

Takeaways:

  • Success, in sports and life, requires giving maximum effort and pushing past your limits.
  • Grit can be developed through consistent habits, attitude, and perseverance.
  • Having a support system makes a huge difference when overcoming challenges.
  • Setbacks and failures are valuable opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Always give 100% so you can look back and say you left nothing on the table.
  • Put yourself in a position to win by being prepared and ready for whatever comes your way.
  • The only goal you can’t achieve is the one you don’t go after—so go for it!
The Behind The Glitz Podcast uncovers the truth behind the glossy world of success. Hosted by Aria Johnson, each episode features real-life stories of those who’ve made it to the top of their fields with hard work, challenges, and a whole lot of heart. Our guests, from celebrities and pro athletes to visionary entrepreneurs and experts in psychology, biohacking, and self-development, have mastered their fields. We’ll discover how they beat the odds – and what they learned along the way. Join us at “Behind The Glitz” for a journey into the heart of true success -where being the best also means feeling your best.

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