In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs – The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Darrell Teat—a husband, father, corporate board member, and CEO of **CxORE**—to explore the realities of athlete transition and how networking, mentorship, and leadership can guide athletes toward lasting success beyond the game.Darrell reflects on his own journey as a former athlete who transitioned from the court to the corporate world, navigating the challenges of leaving sports behind while finding his path in executive leadership. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, engaging with alumni networks, and seeking mentorship to prepare for life after athletics. Through his experiences, Darrell highlights how the skills athletes develop—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—are invaluable in business, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.Beyond his career, Darrell’s story is about more than professional success—it’s about purpose, family, and creating opportunities for others. As CEO of CxORE, he helps businesses find executive solutions while staying deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement. His journey is a powerful reminder that athletes are more than their sport, and that with the right guidance, they can thrive in every arena of life.---What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Why the transition out of sports is one of the biggest challenges athletes face- How networking while still playing sets the stage for future opportunities- The role of alumni engagement in providing mentorship and connections- Why athletes need more career education and guidance beyond sports- How discipline, leadership, and teamwork translate into business success- The value of mentorship as a roadmap for smoother career transitions- Why athletes must embrace their identity beyond athletics- Insights on the evolving NIL landscape and what it means for student-athletes- How CxORE provides solutions for businesses needing strong executive leadershipConnect with Darrell Teat:Website:[Cxore.com](http://Cxore.com) Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxore/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell_teat/---Connect with Alumni Direct:Website: [alumnidirect.com]Instagram: [@alumnidirect]X (formerly Twitter): [@alumnidirect]Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://facebook.com/alumnidirectLinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://linkedin.com/company/alumnidirectIf you’re ready to start building your network, connecting with fellow athletes, and unlocking resources to help you thrive beyond the game, visit [alumnidirect.com] today.
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