In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs – The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Ben Utecht—a 6’7” Super Bowl Champion tight end, Chief Culture Officer, entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, author, and singer—to explore how athletes can embrace their identity beyond sports and design a meaningful second chapter of life.
Ben reflects on his journey from playing at the University of Minnesota and in the NFL with the Colts and Bengals to building a multifaceted career in leadership, culture development, music, and entrepreneurship. Recipient of the prestigious Uncommon Leader Award from NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy, Ben has inspired Fortune 500 companies as a subject matter expert on building high-performing organizational culture. Today, he serves as Chief Culture Officer for True North Private Equity, a franchisor for Conquer Ninja Gyms, culture and brand ambassador for Realty Group, and partner at Behavioral Essentials.
Beyond business, Ben shares his powerful personal story as a brain injury survivor. His career was cut short by concussions, leading him to become a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Neurology and author of Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away, a moving account of his journey with memory loss and family life. His philanthropic work continues to raise awareness about brain health and the long-term effects of concussions.
Ben is also the author of The Champions Creed – Transform Your Culture through the Power of Belief!, where he draws on his football, business, and leadership experiences to provide a blueprint for designing winning cultures in both life and work.
An accomplished singer, Ben has recorded six albums, performed for two U.S. presidents, collaborated with world-renowned symphonies, and even serenaded Muhammad Ali. His viral song “You Will Always Be My Girls” further showcased his heart as a husband and father of four daughters.
Through this wide-ranging conversation, Ben and Rob explore the challenges athletes face during transition—mental health, financial literacy, and identity loss—and the importance of mentorship, alumni engagement, and continuous learning in preparing for life after sports. Ben also shares the story behind his entrepreneurial venture, SoleCare RX, an antibacterial and antifungal shower sock created to protect athletes’ health.
Ben’s journey is a reminder that culture is always created—by design or by default. His mission: to empower athletes and organizations alike to design cultures of inspiration, resilience, and growth.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why identity beyond athletics is key to a fulfilling life after sports
How concussions shaped Ben’s career, philanthropy, and advocacy work
The importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and networking in athlete transitions
How discipline, perseverance, and empathy translate from sports to leadership
Why culture is always “by design or by default”—and how to design it well
Ben’s entrepreneurial journey with SoleCare RX and health innovation
The role of storytelling in inspiring athletes and organizations alike
How music, leadership, and family fuel Ben’s purpose-driven life
Insights from Ben’s book The Champions Creed – Transform Your Culture through the Power of Belief!
Connect with Ben Utecht:
Facebook: Ben Utecht
X (formerly Twitter): @benutecht
Instagram: @benutecht
LinkedIn: Ben Utecht
Website: benutecht.com
Connect with Alumni Direct:
Website: alumnidirect.com
Instagram: @alumnidirect
X (formerly Twitter): @alumnidirect
Facebook: Alumni Direct
LinkedIn: Alu
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