Out of every 10 athletes I interview, I reject 8.

The number one reason? Vagueness.

"I'm still exploring my options and would love to interview with your client."

"I'm open to sales or marketing, happy to jump on a call."

Let me be straight with you. I've got 3 kids and a mortgage to cover. The only way I make money is by placing you. So if you think I'm putting you in front of a client with that kind of vague attitude, think again.

What's Actually at Stake

My clients pay me serious money to find them the best. If you walk into their office half-committed and "kind of open," they don't just pass on you.

They call me and say: Alex doesn't qualify his candidates. He wastes our time.

I can't have that. I won't have that.

So if you don't know what you want yet, that's okay. Go and see a career transition coach. I recommend several. Come back to me when you're ready.

Beyond Clarity: What Else Gets Athletes Rejected

Vagueness is the biggest killer, but it's not the only one. Here's what else ends conversations before they've really started:

Poor communication skills. If you can't articulate your value clearly and confidently, the client won't be able to either. You'll get lost.

Lack of humility. Athletes who lead with ego and resist feedback don't adapt well to business environments. Clients notice immediately.

Low emotional intelligence and zero commercial awareness. Business runs on relationships and an understanding of how money flows. If you're not developing these, you're not ready.

Every Conversation Is an Assessment

Here's something most candidates don't realise. My clients want the best of the best, which means every conversation I have with you is an assessment, even when we're just talking about NBA scores.

The way you carry yourself, the questions you ask, how you listen, and how you respond under pressure, all of it counts. There is no off switch.

Be Clear. Be Sharp. Be Ready.

Elite sport taught you how to compete. It taught you discipline, resilience, and how to perform when it matters. But the transition to business demands one thing sport doesn't always require: clarity of direction.

Know what you want. Know why you want it. Know what you bring.

Because the moment you walk into my world, I'm watching.