In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein, Founder & CEO of Alumni Direct, sits down with Adonai Mack — former All-American Triple Jumper from Morehouse College and now CEO of Child Action, Inc. — to explore how athletes can transform the lessons of sport into leadership, purpose, and impact.
Adonai shares his journey from chasing Olympic dreams to leading a mission-driven organization that advocates for children and families. Guided by values of education and service instilled by his father, longtime Sacramento-area superintendent Dr. Carl Mack, Adonai brings a powerful perspective on how discipline, resilience, and coaching shaped his success beyond the track.
Together, Rob and Adonai dive deep into what it means to grow through transition — not just to survive it. They uncover how the mental, emotional, and practical lessons learned through sports can become a foundation for leadership and lifelong growth.
---
Rob and Adonai unpack:
- How athletic discipline translates into leadership excellence
- The importance of coaching that prepares athletes for life, not just performance
- The mental and emotional challenges of redefining identity after sports
- Why education and mentorship are critical for long-term success
- How to find purpose beyond the pursuit of medals or championships
---
If you’re an athlete (or know one) navigating the next chapter — this conversation will remind you that the end of the game isn’t the end of your story.
It’s the start of a new kind of race — one built on purpose, perseverance, and impact.
---
🔗 Connect with Adonai Mack
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adonai-mack-81943a53/)
🎧 Hosted by Rob Finkelstein**, Founder & CEO of **Alumni Direct
Connect with Alumni Direct:
- 🌐 [alumnidirect.com](http://alumnidirect.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 📱 Instagram: [@alumnidirect](https://instagram.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 🕊 X (formerly Twitter): [@alumnidirect](https://twitter.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- 👍 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://facebook.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
---
Discover how focus, resilience, and connection can help athletes build a purpose-driven life beyond the game.**
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.