Episode 11: How an Athlete Can Build a Second Career with Olympian Andrew Poje
Synopsis
Andrew Poje is a 3 time Canadian champion, 3 time world medalists and 2 time Olympian in ice dancing with his partner Kaitlyn Weaver. After spending decades in the figure skating world, he’s working towards a new career. A next step.
In this episode, host Greg Martin talks with Andrew Poje about his career as an athlete. He’s already achieved his childhood dream of going to the Olympics, twice - but since then he’s developed new dreams and new ambitions outside of the skating world.
The two discuss how the emptiness Andrew was feeling made him decide he wanted to pursue a second career - “I don’t want to be just this all my life”. Despite all the opportunities and doors that his past can offer him, there are still challenges in defining himself along this new path.
Andrew and Greg talk about what to do next, leaving a career and the opportunity new ideas and future aspirations can bring. With any new job or career pivot there is lots to fear and manage challenges and leaps to overcome, but when dedication and hard work bring you to the biggest stage in the world, there isn’t much else that can get in your way.
Key Takeaways
How Andrew started at a young age and grew up preparing to become an athlete in figure skating
Looking back at the most memorable and significant moments of his career
Work ethic and dedication required to be a career athlete
The feeling of being judged for your career, sport and art
Sharing the experience of being an Olympian and fulfilling a lifelong childhood dream
Knew wanted a career beyond skating, but had to explore and network to discover the next step - had an empty feeling within the sport
Currently taking a masters program at the Queens University at Smith School of Business
Explore his other passions and the feeling and desire to help the world and contribute more and use strengths as possible
Challenges of being successful at one thing and then trying to do another
Andrew’s Background
2x Olympian, 3x World Medalist and 3x National Champion in figure skating
25 years as a Team Canada Athlete with Skate Canada