Game Changers Dope #17

LEGACY BUILDERS

Lindsey Vonn: Entrepreneur, Investor, and Serial Olympic Gold Medalist.

Lindsey Vonn's journey through the world of sports is nothing short of legendary. Widely regarded as one of the greatest ski racers in history, she's an athlete whose story transcends the boundaries of the sporting arena. Vonn's remarkable career as an entrepreneur, investor, and serial Olympic Gold Medalist is a testament to her unwavering dedication and unbreakable spirit.

A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
Lindsey Vonn's name is etched in the annals of skiing history. With an astonishing 8 World Championships, 4 World Cups, and 3 Olympic Gold Medals to her name, she stands tall as the most decorated American ski racer of all time. What makes her journey even more remarkable is the battle she fought against depression along the way. Her resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all.

It's fascinating to note that Vonn's financial success in her sporting career wasn't solely driven by prize money. While she earned around $2.5 million annually, a significant chunk of her income came from sponsorship deals and advertising agreements, a testament to her marketability and influence.

The Entrepreneurial Trailblazer
After retiring from the slopes, Lindsey Vonn didn't rest on her laurels. Instead, she ventured into the world of business, where her impact has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Vonn's advocacy for mental health is both heartwarming and vital. Her 2022 memoir, 'Rise: My Story,' courageously delves into her struggle with mental health while reaching the pinnacle of sports. By sharing her story, she's breaking down stigmas and helping countless others who face similar challenges.

Beyond her advocacy work, Vonn ventured into the fashion industry by creating a skiwear collection in collaboration with the American-Austrian manufacturing company HEAD. She also launched a ski goggle line with the Swedish brand YNIQ, showcasing her flair for style and innovation.

But her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. Lindsey Vonn founded the full-service production house Après Productions. This company debuted with a documentary about her childhood hero, Picabo Street, on NBC's Peacock streaming app. Additionally, her life story came to life in a captivating documentary titled 'Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season,' which aired on HBO.

Investing in a Better Future
Vonn's commitment to making the world a better place extends to her investments. She has aligned herself with companies that share her vision for a sustainable and healthier future.

Some of her notable investments include Beyond Meat, a pioneer in plant-based meat alternatives, and Hyperice, a leader in innovative technology for muscle and joint recovery.

JUST Egg, another investment of Vonn's, focuses on developing plant-based alternatives to conventional egg products, contributing to a more sustainable food industry. Moreover, her involvement with Angel City Football Club, a National Women's Soccer League team, highlights her dedication to supporting women in sports, as it's a majority woman-founded venture.

Collaborating with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Project Rock brand at Under Armour showcases Vonn's ability to partner with like-minded visionaries, driving innovation and change in the athletic industry. She has also partnered with Idorsia, a pharmaceutical research company, to promote awareness about insomnia and the importance of discussing sleep concerns with a healthcare professional.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Sustainability
Lindsey Vonn's impact extends beyond her personal success and investments. Through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, she's committed to empowering underserved girls, promoting the belief that every girl can embrace who they are and change the world. Her foundation exemplifies her dedication to creating a brighter future for the next generation.

In her own words, Lindsey Vonn encourages everyone to find their passion and embrace the challenges that come with it. Her success story is a testament to the power of knowledge, hard work, and confidence. She has shown the world that with determination, you can not only conquer the slopes but also make a lasting impact on society.

Lindsey Vonn is a true champion, both on and off the ski slopes, and her entrepreneurial endeavors and investments are shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.

MONEY MOVES

• Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football striker, has recently invested $5.4 million to support the growth of Padel in Portugal. Full story here.
• MMA Star Henry Cejudo Becomes The Newest Athlete Investor in Sports E-Commerce & Streaming Platform, MILLIONS.co. Full story here.
• Goldman’s Pitch to Rich Clients: Hey, Buy a Piece of This Sports Team! Full story here.

ATHLETE CREATORS

Lewis Hatchett, English former cricketer, is the host of the Raising Your Game podcast. A show dedicated to the human being first and athlete second. With mindset coach and former professional athlete Lewis Hatchet, occasionally joined by world leading athletes, coaches and guests, to talk all things mindset, wellbeing and performance.

WTF BRANDS

Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because Dustin Poirier is turning up the heat in the UFC and the kitchen! This UFC superstar has teamed up with Heartbeat Hot Sauce to cook up a spicy masterpiece called Poirier's Louisiana Style, paying homage to his Lafayette, Louisiana roots.

Picture this: the best cayenne peppers, getting all cozy in a fermentation party to mellow out their fiery personalities and crank up the flavor. Then, they're joined by vinegar, sea salt, celery, and garlic for the ultimate Cajun dance party. But wait, there's more! Red habaneros swoop in with an extra punch of heat, creating a knockout sauce that can go toe-to-toe with heavyweight meals like biscuits and gravy or take on featherweight fare like grilled chicken breast and cauliflower pizza.

Poirier's Louisiana Style is making taste buds tap out in the most delicious way!

IMPACT STANDOUTS

Heineken has brewed up a clever campaign that puts a spotlight on the issue of online sexism, and they've recruited some familiar faces to help tackle it head-on. Jill Scott MBE and Gary Neville, both former England international players and now football pundits, did something pretty extraordinary: they traded social media accounts for a whopping five days.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you did, please share with friends who you think will get something out of it.