Free Agent Technologies
Jan 20, 2025
Ciaran McGovern transitioned from professional volleyball to corporate leadership, leveraging sports skills for success.
For many athletes, life after sport can feel like a daunting transition. But for Ciaran McGovern, former professional volleyball player and current Director of Sales at Axiom, the skills and lessons learned on the court have been the perfect foundation for a thriving career in business.
Ciaran’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a seamless shift from elite sports to the corporate world. His journey offers valuable insights into how athletic experience shapes leadership, problem-solving, and career success. Here’s a closer look at his path, how his athletic career has shaped him, and how platforms like Free Agent are helping athletes like him navigate life after sport.
Ciaran’s journey as an athlete started early. From a young age, he was determined to play volleyball professionally and represent Canada on the national team. He began his career at the University of Calgary, before moving on to play for Team Canada. His athletic journey then took him to Europe, where he spent three seasons playing professionally.
However, like many athletes, the time eventually came when his playing career came to an end. For Ciaran, that meant returning to school to complete his MBA, then transitioning into management consulting, where he worked for over three years before accepting his current role as Director of Sales at Axiom.
Reflecting on his journey, Ciaran shares that his time as an athlete laid the groundwork for everything he does today. "I would say it’s the foundation of everything that I do," he says. "It sets the groundwork for how I approach problems, how I take on tasks throughout the day, and how I manage my time effectively."
When asked about how the core values of leadership, discipline, and excellence resonate across both his athletic and corporate careers, Ciaran is clear. "It’s all about teamwork," he explains. Whether on the volleyball court or in the boardroom, leadership is about setting an example and doing the little things that make a big difference. In sports, that could mean cleaning up the court or supporting your teammates behind the scenes. In business, it’s about doing the unglamorous but necessary tasks to help the team succeed.
For Ciaran, discipline is key. “As an athlete, you’re used to pushing yourself, setting goals, and achieving them," he says. "Those same traits translate seamlessly into the corporate world. In business, the ability to stay focused and tackle challenges head-on is essential.”
Why do athletes make exceptional candidates for corporate roles? According to Ciaran, athletes are particularly well-suited to the corporate world because they’ve learned to manage their time effectively and tackle big problems. “When you get a target put in front of you, it’s not about finding reasons why you can’t get there. It’s about figuring out what needs to be done to reach that target,” he explains.
Athletes have a mindset that drives them to success in any field—whether it’s sports or business. That mindset is a crucial factor in an athlete’s ability to excel when transitioning to a new career.
Having successfully transitioned from sports to business, Ciaran is a big advocate for platforms like Free Agent, which aim to empower athletes during their transition out of sport. Ciaran believes Free Agent is playing a pivotal role in helping athletes leverage their skills and experience as they move into their next career phase.
“The mission of Free Agent is to be the number-one platform for athletes at any stage in their careers,” Ciaran says. “Whether you’re just transitioning or you’ve been in the corporate world for years, we want to provide resources, support, and networking to help athletes succeed.”
Ciaran believes that the skills athletes develop during their careers—such as leadership, time management, and problem-solving—are invaluable in the business world. And Free Agent helps athletes recognize and channel those skills effectively as they navigate life beyond sport.
While Ciaran’s transition into a corporate role was relatively smooth, he recognizes that many athletes face unique challenges when making the leap. One of the biggest obstacles, he believes, is imposter syndrome. After years of being in the spotlight, athletes often feel like "fresh employees" when entering a new career. It takes time to find mentors and to build confidence in this new environment.
“The biggest challenge is finding someone who believes in you and helps you through that transition,” Ciaran says. “Mentorship is key. You need someone to guide you, just like a coach would on the field.”
Ciaran sees Free Agent as a powerful tool for athletes navigating their post-sport careers. "Having a runway before your career ends is huge," he says. Many athletes are so focused on their sport that they don’t have the time or resources to think about life after it. Free Agent gives athletes the tools to explore different career options, make meaningful connections, and prepare for the next phase of their lives.
“Free Agent helps athletes think about their future and create connections that will support them long after they leave the game,” he explains.
Ciaran highlights the value of being connected to an elite network of athletes. “Having access to an elite network is important because it shows you what’s possible,” he says. “If you see someone with a similar background who has successfully transitioned to a new career, it helps you understand that you can do the same.”
By connecting athletes with others who have been through the transition, Free Agent makes it easier to see the path forward and find success in the corporate world.
When asked to sum up Free Agent in one word, Ciaran doesn’t hesitate: “Game changer.” For him, Free Agent represents an innovative solution to the challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sport. It’s a platform that offers resources, mentorship, and a network of like-minded individuals—all of which are key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving success beyond the game.
Ciaran McGovern’s transition from professional volleyball player to corporate leader at Axiom is a testament to how sports can shape an individual’s character and career. The leadership, discipline, and focus he honed on the court continue to guide him in the business world. With the support of platforms like Free Agent, more athletes will have the opportunity to leverage their skills and experience in new and exciting ways.
For athletes looking to make a successful transition out of sport, the right mindset, a strong network, and mentorship are essential. And with initiatives like Free Agent, athletes now have the tools and community they need to succeed in life beyond the game.
Are you an athlete looking to transition into a new career? Join Free Agent and discover how our platform can help you achieve success beyond the game!
