Game Changers: EY’s Joice Maduka and Irmgard Naudin ten Cate On How To Transition From Sports Into A New Industry

Athletes dedicate years to training, competition, and peak performance, but what happens when the game ends? Many former athletes successfully pivot into new careers, applying their discipline, resilience, and leadership skills in entirely different industries. What does it take to transition from the world of sports to a new professional path? As part of this series, we are interviewing Joice Maduka and Irmgard Naudin ten Cate.

Joice Maduaka — EY Global Leader Athlete Programs

Joice leads EY Athlete Programs, focusing on the integration of diverse talent, leadership coaching and stakeholder engagement. With a successful transition from elite sports to the corporate world, she offers a unique perspective on high-performance talent development and organizational change. A distinguished British Track & Field athlete and two-time Olympian, Joice has achieved remarkable success in sprinting, winning a record 22 medals at the British Championships. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is a visionary leader with extensive experience in global talent strategy and program development, recognized for her ability to create impactful programs and drive business transformation through people-centric strategies.

Irmgard Naudin ten Cate — EY Global Talent Attraction & Acquisition Leader

Irmgard is responsible for global talent acquisition strategy, including sourcing, attracting and hiring people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to help EY shape the future with confidence. With more than 25 years of recruiting experience, Irmgard regularly consults with EY clients on their global recruitment strategies and how to not just hire for today but anticipate the talent and skills that will be needed to solve complex problems in the future. With deep experience in change leadership, recruiting technology (including AI and RPA), early careers recruiting, social media, employee advocacy and public speaking, Irmgard is also part of the EY Global Talent Executive team and the EY Athletes Executive Council leadership.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Joice: Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized that medals are merely lumps of metal in the grand scheme of things. The hard work, sacrifices and invaluable lessons learned along the way are what truly matter.

The crossover between my former life in sports and current corporate career is profound. In my experience, the discipline, teamwork and resilience I honed as an athlete have been essential tools in the business world. Just as in sports, achieving success in a corporate environment demands dedication, strategic thinking and adaptability.

These experiences have not only shaped my professional path but have equipped me to connect with others on a deeper level. Today, I strive to motivate teams and inspire individuals to pursue their own goals, using the insights I’ve gained from both my athletic and corporate journeys. Ultimately, it’s about leveraging those lessons to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

What is the EY Athlete Program and how does it help former athletes adjust to the workforce? What is the incentive?

Irmgard: Athletes often face significant challenges when transitioning to their second careers, which can lead to underemployment. But with the right support and coaching, athletes can effectively articulate their experiences and skills, leading to thriving careers and making significant contributions in the corporate world. This not only benefits the athletes but enriches the organizations that employ them with their fresh perspectives and strong work ethics.

The EY Athlete Program (EYAP) recognizes the immense value that Olympian and elite professional athletes bring to the table. Leadership, teamwork, resilience and mental toughness are just a fraction of the transferable skills and experiences these individuals can bring to the business world.

There are three programs under the banner of EYAP: Career Readiness, Early Careers and our Experienced Hire Program. The core of the Career Readiness Program is our curated learning curriculum, which is designed not only to bridge the divide between the sporting and business worlds, but to propel athletes into the heart of modern corporate practices by enhancing their skills in areas such as technology consulting, leadership and business development.

By combining athletic discipline with corporate skill development, this badge-based curriculum provides a unique learning opportunity. It’s not just about shifting careers; it’s about leveraging the unique strengths and experiences Olympians and elite professional athletes possess in a dynamic new environment.

The Early Careers Program is about providing former athletes deciding on their next professional endeavor with guidance and opportunities to network while expanding their experiences.

Lastly, the Experienced Hire Program connects athletes with prior work experience to career opportunities across the EY network, identifying roles within EY that match their skill sets and interests while creating a pipeline for a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Joice: When I first became a project manager, I was excited yet incredibly nervous. During my initial presentation to a client, I stumbled over my words and could barely remember my own name! It was a classic case of imposter syndrome and I felt completely out of my depth.

Looking back, it was almost funny. The client tried to hide a smile as I fumbled through my speech. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to feel nervous. I learned that vulnerability can be a strength and that authenticity resonates more than perfection. Now, whenever I feel those nerves creeping in, I remind myself that just as in sports, mistakes are part of the journey and an opportunity for growth.

Can you share a specific moment when you realized it was time to move on from competitive athletics, and how you navigated that turning point?

Joice: In my late 30s, after competing professionally for more than 18 years, I realized it was time to move on. While I fortunately wasn’t forced to retire due to injury, age became a significant factor and I knew I needed to transition gracefully. I took the time to rest both my mind and body, ensuring I was ready for a new chapter in my life. I may have aged out of competitive sports, but my career at EY was just beginning.

What aspects of your training, discipline, or mindset as an athlete have been most valuable in your post-sports career, and how have you adapted them to a different field?

Joice: The discipline I developed as an athlete has been invaluable in my post-sports career. It’s a skill that never leaves you; in fact, discipline sets you free. It helps you anticipate challenges and create effective plans to tackle them. This mindset has allowed me to adapt seamlessly to new fields, bringing the same dedication and strategic thinking to the workplace.

Irmgard: From an employer perspective, I would say resilience and adaptability are the key skills athletes bring to the workplace. To have the ability to keep going, find new paths and always be looking to improve helps you become a more focused individual that is adept to change.

When employers harness these transferable skills early in the hiring process, athletes can experience accelerated career growth and fulfillment. By understanding and appreciating the unique strengths that athletes offer, employers can create tailored opportunities that align with both their capabilities and aspirations.

Many athletes struggle with identity loss after retiring — how did you redefine your sense of purpose, and what advice would you give to others facing the same challenge?

Joice: I am still redefining my sense of purpose weekly. It’s essential to keep growing and regularly check in with ourselves as we evolve. My advice to others facing this challenge is to embrace the journey of self-discovery and remain open to new opportunities.

Irmgard: I would add that finding a renewed sense of purpose is where employers can provide support by helping athletes access transition programs or seek out mentors in the workplace who can assist them in making connections and identifying their strengths to help them thrive in the next stage of their careers.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known or done differently to better prepare for life after sports?

Joice: Looking back, I wish I had tapped into the power of my network sooner. I learned that networking isn’t just about what you can gain; it’s also about what you can give. Shifting my mindset from “How can this person help me?” to “How can I add value?” has been key to building real, lasting relationships.

What are the “3 Things Athletes Need to Know to Transition From Sports to a New Industry”? Please share a specific experience or challenge that shaped each lesson.

Joice:

• Growth requires discomfort — lean into it: Transitioning from sports to a new field was challenging and often uncomfortable. I faced many moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, but I realized that embracing discomfort was essential for growth. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I discovered new strengths and opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
• You don’t have to be on the A team to be a team player: Coming from a super-focused team where everyone was going for the win, you might join teams where everyone has slightly different interests and that is okay as long as everyone is working as a team to get to the right outcomes.
• Continuous learning is key to long-term success: Similar to how you kept improving as an athlete, reading up on other athletes and new ideas, you will do the same in your new industry. You will need to find programs or training courses to help you acquire new skills and knowledge.

Irmgard: Something I would add is that job seekers tend to look at job postings that already exist. But it’s also a great idea to sign up for talent communities where new roles are sent to you as they’re posted. Look ahead to tomorrow, set up a really good search function, drink coffee with new connections until you’re blue in the face. Think about what excites you and put yourself out there — that’s how you’ll find the next step that’s right for you.

Looking beyond your achievements in sports, how would you describe the journey that shaped who you are today, both on and off the field?

Joice: My journey has been shaped by tenacity — a quality that defines me both on and off the field. Throughout my athletic career, I faced numerous challenges that tested my resolve. Each setback taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience, shaping my character and guiding me in all aspects of life.

What was the biggest turning point in your post-athletic career, and how did it influence the direction you took in life?

Joice: The biggest turning point in my post-athletic career was recognizing the power of my network. I was invited to speak at an event but couldn’t attend, so I asked friends to go in my place. This led to an introduction to the EY Global Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence Leader, who went on to hire me several months later.

If you could walk us through the evolution of your mindset from being an athlete to where you are now, what were the key struggles and moments of growth along the way?

Joice: My mindset evolution from being an athlete to where I am now really boils down to remembering who I am and being coachable. I’ve had my share of struggles (i.e., dealing with self-doubt and figuring out how to adapt to new situations), but each of those moments pushed me to grow and taught me the value of staying open to feedback and learning has been a big part of my journey beyond sports.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Joice: I can’t give away all my secrets, but if I could start a movement to bring good to as many people as possible, it would focus on the power of ideas and their potential impact. You never know what your idea might trigger! Just a reminder: elite athletes are coachable and disciplined, and those qualities can inspire others to reach their potential too. I truly believe in the ripple effect of positive change!

Irmgard: If I could start a movement, it would be expanding career readiness programs to support more people beyond athletes who could benefit from a smooth transition into a fulfilling career at EY. I’ve got plenty of ideas — stay tuned for more!

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Joice: I’m all about LinkedIn! That’s where you can follow my work and connect with me. I have a series called “Dear Athlete…” which is like a love letter I wish I could have written to my younger self as I was thinking about my transition from sports.

Irmgard: I’m also on LinkedIn and would love to connect. I also encourage people to check out our EY Athletes Program page on our website, where there’s more information on the different programs at various career stages and why they matter.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

About The Interviewer: Dr. Bharat Sangani is a cardiologist and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, practicing in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. In 1999, Dr. Sangani founded Encore Enterprises, a national real estate investment firm. Under his leadership, the company has executed transactions exceeding $2 billion, with a portfolio spanning residential, retail, hotel, and office developments. Known for his emphasis on integrity and fairness, Dr. Sangani has built Encore into a major player in the commercial real estate sector. Blending his medical and business expertise, Dr. Sangani created the Life is a Business mentorship program. The initiative offers guidance on achieving balance in health, wealth, and relationships, helping participants align personal and professional goals. Now based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sangani continues to practice cardiology while leading Encore Enterprises and mentoring others. His career reflects a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others thrive.