Kellen Mond

There’s a gaping problem for athletes in business.

I recently talked with someone at the largest financial institution in the US about this.

We always hear how many athletes excel in business because of the qualities they developed through sports.

Most athletes don’t think they need to build their network until their playing days are over.

Every athlete believes in the glory story:

“I’m going to college as a freshman and will beat out the three-year starter.”

“Then I’ll make it to the NFL, beat out the ten-year veteran, and make millions.”

That confidence is great. It’s part of why you made it where you are.

But the reality is you have less than a 1% chance of going professional.

On the other hand, college athletes get invited to business panels and networking events all the time.

The problem is, they think “why do I need a network when I’m going to make millions playing professionally?”

I’m a prime example of this.

At Texas A&M, we had speakers and panels constantly.

Most of us didn’t take notes.

We showed up, and didn’t ask questions or make introductions.

I’m fortunate that the fine art world has helped me meet incredible people.

But even with that, I still think of all the opportunities I might have missed.

My advice to athletes (college or pro): start building genuine relationships now.

Not when you need something.

Your access is your advantage.

Use it while you have it.

Old stomping grounds. Quick day trip to College Station. GigEm. 👍🏽

This past weekend was my son's birthday, and it was hard for him to leave Dig World, a construction themed play park.

Kashious turned 3, and like any toddler, he’s obsessed with monster trucks and heavy machinery.

If you live in Houston, I can't recommend Dig World enough — huge thanks to Jacob Robinson for creating such a perfect spot for kids.

Fun fact: Kashious was named after Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) and was actually born on the same day as the legend himself. We chose the name months before he was born, so finding out they share a birthday was a huge surprise for us.

Today is my fiancée's birthday. She thinks it’s the perfect time to tell our son’s 3 day labor story.

Let's just say our son, Kashious, did not make it easy.

64 hours in labor.

We always had the plan to have a natural water birth at home.

Day 1: 4 AM. Kiana goes into labor.

We call our midwife in a panic.

She says: "I will check back in around 10 AM. Just keep me updated."

We were confused, but... okay.

Hours go by.

The midwife and doula come over.

We’re excited, but all we can do is wait.

Kiana gets up to 6 cm dilated.

Then, as we get closer to the night, the labor stalls. 6 cm becomes 4.

Day 2: 8 cm.

We're on edge. The time is coming.

Late afternoon arrives and labor stalls again. From 8 cm back to 6.

Seriously?!

Day 3 was something you would see in a movie.

Labor picks up throughout the afternoon. Kiana dilates to 10 cm.

We are ready for the birth.

Then… surprise!

Kashious had flipped. He was breech.

Giving birth to a breech baby outside a hospital is an extreme risk.

As the QB in me would say, time to call an audible.

We rush to the hospital. Emergency C-Section.

When we hear him cry, our world freezes.

That moment makes the 64 hours without sleep more than worth it.

Sometimes the plans we make mean nothing compared to what actually happens.

That's exactly how it should be.

Happy birthday to the strongest woman I know.