In this episode of the Beyond Football Podcast, Co- Host Tobi Sho-Silva, welcomes our special guest, Luther James Wilding, a professional footballer currently playing for Stevenage Borough FC and the CEO and founder of Luther Wilding Ventures. As we dive into Luther's journey, we explore the unique path he took to professional football, starting from his early days playing Sunday League and how his older brother's success at Aston Villa inspired him to pursue his own football career. Luther shares his experiences of transitioning from a shy kid who initially turned down trial opportunities to a determined athlete who embraced the challenge of playing at a professional level. We discuss the importance of mindset, competition, and the influence of family on his development as a player. Luther reflects on how his competitive nature, instilled by growing up with two brothers, shaped his approach to both football and life. We delve into the significance of being present and the challenges many athletes face in balancing their focus between past performances and future aspirations. Luther offers practical advice on cultivating a mindset that allows for enjoyment and presence in the moment, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in achieving success. As the conversation progresses, we touch on Luther's early experiences in men's football, particularly during his time at Notts County and Nuneaton, where he learned valuable lessons about professionalism and adaptability. He recounts the surreal experience of playing alongside his brother at Nuneaton and how that bond enriched their football journey. Luther also opens up about his passion for property and how it evolved into Luther Wilding Ventures. He shares the pivotal moments in his life that prompted him to pursue this interest more seriously, including his brother's battle with cancer and the birth of his daughter. These experiences have shaped his perspective on life, motivating him to live authentically and encourage others to do the same. Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of having interests outside of football, the challenges of navigating a career with inherent uncertainties, and the need for adaptability in a constantly changing environment. Luther's insights provide a refreshing perspective on the balance between being a professional athlete and pursuing personal passions, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring footballers and anyone interested in the intersection of sports and personal development. Join us as we explore Luther's journey, the lessons he's learned, and the wisdom he has to share about thriving both on and off the pitch. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-nwR5edMODelU3OsaVTNA/join ⬇️ REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO US ON SPOTIFY HERE ⬇️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondfootball/subscribe REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! The Beyond Football Podcast PART OF EUROPES #1 SPORT SOCIAL PODCAST NETWORK 🧠 Insight to the journeys of Ballers 🚀 Having an Identity Beyond Football®️ 🎙️ @daniel.jinadu @tobisho_ 👨‍💻 @beyondfootball.uk AVAILBLE ON YOUTUBE, SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND MOST MAJOR PLATFORMS! 🎙️ SEARCH 'THE BEYOND FOOTBALL PODCAST' FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: ➡️Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/daniel.jinadu/?hl=en ➡️Twitter // https://twitter.com/danieljinadu1 ➡️TikTok // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZS3d6QXF/ CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE 👨🏾‍💻 ➡️https://www.beyondfootball.uk OUR MISSION: To ensure every player has a second Plan A, creating an Identity Beyond Football™️ that is beneficial, necessary, and possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices