What if the people laughing at your first tryout have no idea who you’re about to become?
Ryan Thompson walked into a soccer tryout wearing church shoes, got laughed at, and still kept showing up. He went on to become the first Jamaican to play in the UEFA Champions League, Jamaica’s number one goalkeeper, and founder of RTG Academy. His story is a powerful look at resilience, belief, and what it takes to keep going when others doubt you.
🧠 What you will learn:
- How athletes build confidence after failure and public mistakes
- Why mental toughness matters more in pressure moments than talent alone
- The role of team culture, trust, and leadership in performance
- How respect, discipline, and self-talk shape long-term Growth
🔑 Key takeaways:
- Resilience is built by continuing after rejection and embarrassment
- Mistakes only define you if you stop responding to them
- High performance and kindness can exist together
Listen now to Ryan Thompson’s story on soccer, resilience, and belief under pressure.
Watch on YouTube or subscribe to YoggNation’s Spirit of Gratitude podcast for more conversations on mental toughness, leadership, and personal growth.
I've spent over 28 years in technology sales, working with companies like Dell and Apple. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area tech scene, I had the incredible experience of meeting visionaries like Steve Jobs and Michael Dell—moments I'll never forget.
A few years ago, I moved to Arizona to improve my allergies after undergoing eye surgery at the Mayo Clinic. I've been married for 27 years and have two amazing daughters, now 24 and 20.
Outside of work, I love playing tennis, practicing martial arts (I was just six months shy of earning my black belt!), and surrounding myself with good people. I'm also deeply proud of my Indian heritage. Back in California, I served as President of our local Indian Association, where I worked to pass down our culture, values, and traditions for others to experience.
Loyalty is everything to me—I stand by my friends no matter what. Whether in business or life, I believe in the power of strong relationships and always showing up for those who matter
