Transition from Olympian to Entrepreneur - Lenny Krayzelburg - with Greg McDonough - Episode # 130
How do you carry the endurance mindset from sports into business and life? In this episode, host Greg McDonough sits down with four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer and entrepreneur Lenny Krayzelburg to explore how lessons from the pool translate into success beyond athletics. From growing up in the Soviet Union to immigrating to the U.S., achieving Olympic glory, and building businesses that impact communities, Lenny shares how perseverance, preparation, and trusting your instincts can shape both personal and professional growth. Along the way, Lenny offers advice on goal-setting, maintaining optimism, and building a supportive network while reflecting candidly on the challenges of youth sports and parental pressure.
Takeaways:
- Trust your instincts and learn from mistakes. Ignoring your gut can often lead to missed opportunities.
- Focus on short-term, achievable goals to build confidence and momentum toward larger ambitions.
- Draw strength from formative life experiences, using them to shape resilience and perspective in your leadership.
- Plan ahead for transitions by building strong relationships and leveraging your network for guidance.
- Invest in teaching goal-setting and resilience early, whether with your team or the next generation.
- Create community-driven initiatives that align wellness, purpose, and business impact for long-term growth.
Quote of the Show:
- " I might have a vision, but if I don't treat people the right way, or establish the right culture, they're not gonna be able to execute the vision and the mission that we have as an organization ." - Lenny Krayzelburg
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennykrayzelburg/
- Company website: https://www.swimrightacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennyk4g/?hl=en
- Oceanman Website: https://oceanmanswim.com/
- Email: lenny@oceanmanswim.com
Ways to Tune In:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9
- Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732
- Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357
- Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102
- Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/
Keep up to date on our social accounts:
- Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/
- Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast
- Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual
Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
Creators and Guests
Host
Gregory McDonough
Greg McDonough is a seasoned executive who has owned and operated businesses in the professional services sector, navigating them through both good and tough times. He brings his personal experience of knowing what it’s like to be ‘in the owner’s seat’ when working with clients, taking time to ask the questions others may not.
