From Former College Football Player to AIM7 CEO: Erik Korem

On this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Dr. Erik Korem, a High Performance thought leader who introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football. Erik transitioned from being a college football player to becoming a leader in sports science and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Erik Korem has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense. He is an expert in sleep and stress resilience and holds a doctorate in Exercise Science. As the Founder and CEO of AIM7—the #1 pickleball health and performance app—he is passionate about helping others improve their health and performance. Erik also hosts The Blueprint, a podcast that delivers practical life advice in short episodes.

In this episode, they explore the unique challenges athletes face when stepping away from sports, the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, and how alumni engagement can create opportunities for current and former athletes. Erik shares his inspiring journey from a marginalized childhood to becoming a leader in sports science and emphasizes the value of building enduring habits for long-term success.

Erik shares personal insights into:

✨ How athletes can redefine their identity after sports.

🎯 Why networking is essential for successful career transitions.

🤝 The role of alumni engagement in supporting athletes’ growth.

📚 How AIM7 personalizes health and performance for users.

🎙 The value of sharing practical advice through podcasting.

💡 The importance of building enduring habits for long-term success.

Whether you’re an athlete navigating your next chapter, someone passionate about sports science, or interested in personal development, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Athletes often struggle with identity after sports but possess unique skills employers value.

✔️ Building and nurturing relationships can open doors for new opportunities.

✔️ Alumni networks are powerful tools for support and collaboration.

✔️ Health encompasses both physical and mental well-being.

✔️ Community and connection are vital for sustained success.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70OS33fNGMmOQbEvCoTdvD

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alumnidirectllc.203

Connect with Erik Korem:

Website: https://www.erikkorem.com

Podcast: The Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikkorem

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikkorem

AIM7: https://www.aim7.com

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