Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into Impact
Guest: Gary Forbes, Former NBA Player, Published Author & Founder of Soul Survivors
Host: Julie Riga
Overview
In this inspiring episode of the Stay On Course podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with former NBA player Gary Forbes to explore what happens when life takes you beyond the game you thought would define you. Gary shares his powerful journey from professional basketball to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing the three essential ingredients that transformed his challenges with Type 1 diabetes into a platform for empowering others. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact through intentional living.
Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into Impact
About Gary Forbes
Gary Forbes is a former professional basketball player who spent time in the NBA and played for 13-15 different teams across various leagues worldwide. Since retiring six years ago, Gary has evolved into a purpose-driven entrepreneur, published author, and advocate for children with chronic health conditions. Through his platform Soul Survivors, he's created a children's multimedia platform that empowers kids through storytelling, health literacy, and inclusion.
Fun Fact: Gary's favorite food is Asian cuisine—especially American Chinese sesame chicken and anything Korean his partner makes.
The Three Ingredients for Success
1. Mindset: Building Your Foundation
- Establishing a strong foundational mindset shapes how you interpret every challenge
- Learning that one bad moment doesn't define you
- "How you do one thing is how you do everything" - Coach Travis Ford
2. Optimism: Finding the Silver Lining
- Believing there's always a silver lining in every situation
- Understanding adversity as preparation for your purpose
- The "aha moments" that reveal why you went through challenges
3. Consistency & Sticktoitiveness: The Power of Commitment
- Doing mundane, repetitive work consistently every single day
- The 10,000-hour rule: Gary became a professional twice (athlete and author)
- Getting 1% better every day creates an extraordinary life
Memorable Quotes
"Your present situation is not your final destination."
"No testimony without a test."
"Everything that we can touch, feel started with a thought. If your thoughts become reality, so think good things."
"You have 100% chance to do anything you want in life."
"All work is easy work—it's just work."
Key Moments
- How a fourth-grader was inspired to try out for basketball despite Type 1 diabetes
- Gary's daily NBA routine: 7am workouts to late-night skill sessions
- The journey from dreaming of a 15-20 year NBA career to discovering true purpose
- Creating Soul Survivors to gamify health and wellness for children
- The mindset shift: Even Steph Curry only makes 4 out of 10 shots
Soul Survivors Platform
Gary's multimedia platform provides empowerment and encouragement for children with chronic health conditions, helping students, educators, and hospitals improve cultural competency through inclusion and health literacy. The Soul Survivors app launches next month, inspiring kids to see themselves as superheroes.
Key Takeaways
- Establish a strong mindset foundation—it shapes everything
- There's always a silver lining; transformation is always possible
- Success comes from consistent daily action and dedication
- Your authentic journey inspires others by living your best life
- Let go of self-imposed limitations—your mind creates your reality
Connect with Gary Forbes
- Soul Survivors Platform: thesolesurvivors.com
- Social Media: YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
Connect with Julie Riga
- Podcast: Stay On Course Podcast
- Programs: Before I Lead
- Website: julieriga.com/lead
Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts
Perfect for anyone ready to transform adversity into opportunity
#Leadership #PurposeDriven #Transformation #Resilience #AuthenticGrowth
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