EP 49 | Matt Stankiewitch: Former NFLer | Solo Dad | HR Professional | USA Rowing & Hybrid Athlete Stand-out

Summary

In this conversation, Matt Stankiewitch, a former NFL player and current HR professional, discusses his journey as a father and athlete. He shares his experiences of being a solo dad and the importance of having a stable income for his son. Matt also talks about his athletic accomplishments, including playing football at Penn State and in the NFL, as well as his success in rowing and hybrid races like Hyrox and DEKA. Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-improvement, and competing with oneself. In this conversation, Matt Stankiewitch discusses his experience as a competitive athlete and a single father. He emphasizes the importance of competing with the best and setting personal records in order to achieve a competitive edge. Matt also shares his accomplishments as a father and the challenges of balancing work and fatherhood. He highlights the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete and the importance of strategy in team sports. Matt provides tips for time management and emphasizes the need for consistency and goal setting. He encourages fathers to embrace the moments and enjoy the journey of fatherhood.

 

Takeaways

• Being a solo dad requires maturity, dedication, and the willingness to be present for your child.
• Transitioning from professional sports to a stable career can provide financial security and a sense of purpose.
• Athletic accomplishments are a result of hard work, consistency, and a competitive mindset.
• Competing with oneself and focusing on personal growth can lead to continuous improvement and success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gym Talk

03:26 Introduction to the Competitive Edge Podcast

04:02 Background and Move to Jacksonville

05:20 Being a Father and Moving Closer to Family

06:12 Transition from NFL to HR

16:34 Being a Solo Dad

24:52 Athletic Accomplishments and Competing in Rowing

31:06 Competing in High Rocks and DEKA

33:13 Competing with the Best

34:09 Accomplishments as a Father

35:28 Early Sports Experience

37:23 The Importance of Competition

38:12 Taking Responsibility for Success

39:02 The Benefits of Being a Multi-Sport Athlete

42:33 Defining Competitive Edge

43:37 Consistency and Goal Setting

45:21 The Importance of Strategy in Team Sports

46:24 Balancing Work and Fatherhood

48:12 Tips for Time Management

51:02 Embracing Fatherhood

52:04 Setting Personal Records

53:15 Avoiding Fitness Industry Propaganda

55:53 Keeping it Simple and Consistent

57:06 Meal Prepping and Having Home Gym Equipment

01:00:10 Advice for Solo Dads

01:01:56 Upcoming Races and Events

 

Full Name? *

Matthew Stankiewitch

Home City and State? *

Phoenixville, PA

Current Age? *

34

Current Occupation/Employment? *

Human Resources at a medical facility

How many kids do you have? Please include Gender ( No names needed) *

1 son

What were your all-time biggest accomplishments as an athlete? *

Playing D1 (Penn State) and Professional Football (Patriots and Jaguars) 1st Team All-Big 10 Finalist for the Rimington Trophy Rowing 5:57 2,000m 2:44 1,000m 1:14 500m Spartan DEKA 3rd Place Finished at SPARTAN DEKA FIT MENS ELITE TEAMS World Championships *Being the heaviest athlete (251lbs) to ever compete in the elite divisions under SPARTAN DEKA

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career? *

Designed and implemented my facilties covid safety procedures during pandemic.

What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)? *

I'm a single father with a son with autism, so everyday is an accomplishment.

How would you define "Competitive Edge"? *

Lasting longer when being uncomfortable then everyone else