Quincy and Paul Guarino @pgsports talk about the importance of setting up life after soccer.
The #AskASocerPro show is a Live video podcast where 11 year MLS vet and Mental Strength Coach Quincy Amarikwa dives into the mentalities of highly successful individuals both on and off the pitch. In this weeks episode Quincy Amarikwa and Paul Guarino of @pgsports and perfect soccer audio engineer discussed about how Quincy sees the conflict between Lebron and Zlatan, Is Quincy or Paul Guarino @pgsports getting into the NFT Game, importance of setting up life after soccer, and more.
Time Stamps
0:00-3:02 The #AskASoccerPro show featuring @PGSports tackles his experience working with perfect soccer and his thoughts on the @mentalstrengthleague
3:03-5:09 Paul Guarino of @pgsports and perfect soccer audio engineer joins the live
5:10-6:25 Paul Guarino @pgsports explains which podcast has been the most entertaining to do.
6:26-10:28 What has Paul Guarino @pgsports taken away from representing MLS players?
11:14-12:22 Paul Guarino @pgsports gives his thoughts on athletes banding together.
13:10-15:45 Quincy explains how he sees the conflict between Lebron and Zlatan.
15:55-18:58 Is Quincy or Paul Guarino @pgsports getting into the NFT Game?
20:02-21:41 Where did the inspiration for #amarikwaacres come from?
22:36-27:43 Paul Guarino @pgsports on the importance of development on and off the field.
27:44-29:14 Quincy and Paul Guarino @pgsports talk about the importance of setting up life after soccer.
29:15-32:55 Quincy and Paul Guarnio @pgsports on the importance of experience
33:00-34:05 What works best for conditioning and speed? @mirian3679
34:06-40:49 Paul Guarino @pgsports on being a jack of all trades, or master of one?
40:50-42:12 How has Paul Guarnio @pgsports dealt with people who do not understand his vast skillset.
42:13-44:09 Paul Guarnio @pgsports on how the Mental Strength League affects his everyday life.
44:01-49:17 Paul Guarino’s @pgsports 2021 predictions
49:18-51:32 What MLS team does Quincy think has the best social media.
51:33-56:54 Times Quincy and Paul Guarino @pgsports have been ahead of the curve.
56:55-59:56 Thats a wrap on the 106th episode of the #AskASoccerPro show featuring Paul Guarino of @pgsports that tackled topics like the NFT markets, and player development.
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*Transcript is unedited and machine-generated. There will be errors. For further clarity please refer to the audio or video.
Quincy Amarikwa (00:00):
We're all here to ride the MSL waves. You mentioned strengthened lead. I'd like to welcome you to another episode of the hashtag ask eight soccer pro,
Quincy Amarikwa (00:13):
Or if K refugees joined in what's going on fly with captain Lucas, Joe Jackson, 11. Uh, what is up everybody? Amir Robel joined in Connor Johnson. Um, fly with captains. Luca said it was Quincy what's going on. Um, and this joined in Hunter joined in, you know? Yeah. Apologies for the late start. Paul PG sports dropped in what's up. The one known is Anthony what's in the background who, that's a good question. That's Quincy's rail referable, uh, account. You guys have been following, you know, w no, we'll get into that today. Right? So that's my rare vole collection. And, uh, my first collectors item drop to silently dropped my NFT, uh, my NFT, uh, collection here. Um, and I'm sure we'll get into that, which I'm excited about, uh, and just kinda get a check-in and see how everybody's doing in the MSL community. Perfect soccer community, um, and yeah, get into it.
Quincy Amarikwa (01:30):
So you guys know what it is. We've got the intro now updated and ready to go. And I want to welcome everybody to another episode of the hashtag ask a soccer pro show episode one Oh seven. I believe it is. I'm your host, 12 year pro MLS cup champion, ambulance comeback player of the year, UC Davis hall of fame member, black players change founder MSL, coach coinci America. Uh, what is the MSL? Yes. Might be asking yourself as all people who are dropping him for the first time. Well, it is what we're here to talk about. Every Thursday, 6:00 PM, PST 9:00 PM EST live here on the Instagram account. Perfect soccer, Instagram account. Um, it's the mental strength league. It is AKA I'm in your head. Drop those in your hand. Emojis, if you are down in the MSL and you know what it is, and Gosey joined in what's going on, um, for those of you who are just tuning into the hashtag frequency, it's a game of 40 mental chess.
Quincy Amarikwa (02:27):
One where you are either aware and an active participant, or you're a upon in the game steady getting played. What is the MSL? It's the mindset you need to accomplish your goals? Why do you need that mindset? So you can learn how to learn, why learn, how to learn so you can know how, and when you are stopping yourself from achieving your goals and what to do about it. And when does that mindset start? The moment you take responsibility for where you are, even if where you are, isn't your fault and put forth a plan to learn what you need to, to continue forward. So if you're ready for today's episode, I'm going to need you guys to span that heart button. As I see everybody's spamming that hard button and welcoming our guests here, Paul, uh, uh, uh, perfect soccer audio engineer, been with us for time. Now, I'm excited to talk with him a little bit here, and, uh, while you guys spam that hard button and let us know what it is we're going to get into today's episode in a bit of a background here from, uh, Paul and see where the conversation, see where the conversation leads us. What up Paul
Quincy Amarikwa (03:34):
Roles, roles are reversed. Now
Quincy Amarikwa (03:37):
The roles are reversed. How, how, how do you, how would you like to, uh, best introduce yourself to reintroduce yourself to the audience? Um, let them get a little bit of a background as to who you are, what you do, and, um, and what we're, what we'll talk about today.
Quincy Amarikwa (04:03):
So I'm Paul Grino, I'm from Connecticut I'm own company as well, PG sports, and I do sports marketing for athletes, all of a sudden apparel too. Um, started working with Quincy in 2019, I believe now. So it's been like two years and, um, the backstory is I had you on my podcast and that's how we all started. We had a 45 minute podcasts and we talked for 45 minutes after. And if you guys know Quincy, you know how much he gets off. So we had a great discussion. And then I think a couple of months later, uh, you brought me on to host another podcast to just grow a perfect soccer. And, uh, we're 45 episodes deep now. And, uh, we had a lot of good guests and, uh, come now every Monday,
Quincy Amarikwa (04:51):
That, and for those who don't know, Paul is talking about the perfect soccer podcast, where he goes deep with pro players, breaking down their stories and understanding how they got to the professional level. And, um, and, uh, then likes to take them through the infamous Quincy five, uh, questions, uh, Paul. So, so far of the 45 episodes, um, that you've, you've done interviews for. I'm gonna put you on the spot, which one has been the most entertaining for you?
Quincy Amarikwa (05:20):
Come on, get through that. Um, I mean, uh, I don't want to sound cliche, but both of them I have enjoyed. And I mean, every Monday, you know, in a meeting, I kind of go back to you and say like, Oh, this person was dope and things like that. So, um, but I mean, just like, even just like, um, like Griffin was, or, uh, what's his name? Uh, Kevin was interesting cause he was like still in high school and he was a soccer player. So I thought that was pretty interesting. And like, how do you balance that and tell your friends, like I'm a pro, but I'm in high school doing algebra one,
Quincy Amarikwa (05:58):
Turn it, turn it, listen to your teacher, tell you what to do. Like,
Quincy Amarikwa (06:03):
Like I'm a pro I guess
Quincy Amarikwa (06:07):
You're like, Hey, I pay union dues. I pay taxes. Just like you, like, come on, relax. What are you, what are you coming at me for? Uh, no, that's dope, man. Um, okay, so I will put you in the hot seat in terms of like, who's your favorite guest or what what's been most interesting, but what are you, what is, what's been stuff that you've, you've learned or taken away? Like, we, we, we have a lot of conversations, obviously offline as well, too, um, in our team meeting. And then, you know, as we've had conversations over over the years, um, you, you represent a lot of, uh, w NBA players, right? A lot of boxers. Um, I believe you've got what else you've got now you've got NBA hockey. You said hockey. Uh, I know, you know, you've been introduced kinda to the soccer world through, you know, our, our relationship and time that's gone, gone on what, what is, what have you kind of taken away from the soccer market or what's been unique or interesting to you that you felt has translated well into the other industries that you're in and the other places that you represent?
Quincy Amarikwa (07:19):
Yeah. So actually I got to shout out a mobi because he's the one that originally originally introduced us. Cause I had him on my podcast. Um, I knew I knew him for awhile. Um, so yeah, I dunno. Just, uh, I mean just, probably just like, cause you know, soccer is more international obviously. So I feel like, I feel like a lot of the players like kava chip on the shoulder for like, you know, like trying to prove that MLS is elite, which it is elite. Um, so I think a lot of that, stuff like that and just, um, just the journeys are obviously, uh, all the same to the, the, the cross, uh, like the, the finish line is the same, like everyone's path has been different, which is everything buddy in life. But like the soccer, this to be crazy. Cause it's like some of them don't go to college and some go straight to, um, the USL or that, or the MSL.
Quincy Amarikwa (08:07):
Uh, so it's always interesting to figure out like, or what's his name? Uh, there was one there's one player, uh, the goat, one of the goalies, uh, I think he's on, uh, forgot his name. He's on the right now Matt persona. Yeah. So he was like, um, uh, generations, uh, Adidas player, but they owned his rights, but he wasn't, but they didn't sign them after the four years. And he went to a grad year. He wasn't able to get drafted. So, um, so then, uh, another team, I got to buys the rights, but it was like weird because like, he was obviously good enough to get drafted, but he wasn't eligible.
Quincy Amarikwa (08:49):
He was eligible. Uh, okay. And what was interesting, what you had, what you'd mentioned was, and what it made me realize was like the soccer market's been built, like, I guess it's, it's must less established than the NBA, WWE NBA, MLB NHL. Right. And like rules are in place that like, for instance, at the NBA level, like they just recently changed the rule where you don't have to go to college before you can enter the draft. Right. But you're just,
Quincy Amarikwa (09:26):
Yeah, you have to be one year out. Whereas like you can sign it like 14 years old for soccer. Like that's just normal to us in our world. Right. And you have to figure out, and we talked a lot about it here. And you had mentioned, you said, uh, they entered the MSL and you are correct, bro. They did enter the MSL and having to figure, figure out how it all comes together and how to navigate it when you're 14 or 15. And you maybe you've got to play at a 35 year old, a guy with a kid, maybe half your age, or maybe just like two years younger than you. You know what I mean? Like in a, it's a whole different animal. And I think what's been most interesting about the time we've worked together, as well as during the time that we worked together, the pandemic happening, all of the leagues kind of unifying and coming together around amplifying and elevating each other across, across industries. Right. So when I just, I noticed, I just saw Renee had joined in on the live and said, what up to you? But a VP,
Quincy Amarikwa (10:33):
This guy just said, man's using this neighbor's wifi.
Quincy Amarikwa (10:39):
Yeah, bro. You how'd, you log in, bro. What are you on right now?
Quincy Amarikwa (10:44):
I'm just on LTE. So I'm actually in another, I'm in my apartment complex, but I'm in another, uh, a vacant bill, uh, apartment,
Quincy Amarikwa (10:52):
Uh, run the community communities clapping back into your heavy bro. Yo uh, bro, your videos coming through, like you got half of one bro.
Quincy Amarikwa (11:09):
My most clear, hold on, let me try this.
Quincy Amarikwa (11:15):
Um Oh, but while you, while you find better, I think,
Quincy Amarikwa (11:23):
Uh,
Quincy Amarikwa (11:25):
But yeah, the sounds, you know, the sounds a little bit better that I think the video is a little bit wonky, but um, Oh yeah. Like I was saying, like with, with us working together and then like the pandemic and then seeing like all the sports kind of band together in terms of amplifying and, and, and elevating each other, like what's that, what's that process been like for you? Right?
Quincy Amarikwa (11:55):
Um, Yeah, I mean, I think it's just, um, obviously athlete, activism and empowerment, uh, things like that. Just, uh, you know, uh, just like LeBron just said, uh, you know, just, uh, quoted the people that, you know, stick to sports, but he's not, he wasn't like he was, uh, trolling them basically. Um, so yeah, it's dope to see.
Quincy Amarikwa (12:22):
No that's uh that's uh, Renee had said hat is tough. Uh she's so what's, what's uh, what's what's up with the hat. I see the, the PG logo, but the, the, what is that championship championship. Okay. What's that? What's that
Quincy Amarikwa (12:38):
That's like eyes on the prize.
Quincy Amarikwa (12:41):
Okay. I liked that. You did you design that? How did that come about?
Quincy Amarikwa (12:45):
Uh, now one of my friends actually made it, um, a while ago actually for a different brand that I was doing so far. And then I just took the design cause we weren't doing it anymore.
Quincy Amarikwa (12:54):
Ah, gotcha. Okay. All right. Well I liked, I liked that. Let's go down blurred. Yeah, bro.
Quincy Amarikwa (13:00):
This is crazy. Cause it's clear.
Quincy Amarikwa (13:03):
Okay. There you go. Okay. So I like what you brought up here. So you opened up a can of worms. Let's dive into it. Um, the real LDN said I lost my respect for LeBron after what he said to Ebro. So what, okay. What, what is your respect for LeBron? That'd be interesting. And then, Oh, but Punka Jr said what happened exactly with, with relation to what specifically? Okay. So then the real Elden said Ebro was telling LeBron to stay out of politics and LeBron brought up some conflicts, lots on had in his youth years, basically Ebro was saying since he was a refugee, he was treated differently and LeBron wasn't buying it. Uh, okay. I think, I think, uh, as I understand it is more so when, as I understand it, it's when Ebro tells LeBron to stay out of politics, he's making a political statement.
Quincy Amarikwa (14:01):
So I think there's a bit of irony in him staying that, uh, first and foremost, and then from my understanding of LeBron's response, it's uh, I think he was highlighting the fact that IBA was talking about injustice that he faced in his life, which is also a political statement. So I think there's just a bunch of irony and hypocrisy in, in the idea of telling players to not make political statements or just stay out of politics when sports is literally political and has been, uh, has always been because you think about the institutions that own sports franchises tend to have a lot of institutions and individuals who own sports franchises, it happened to have a lot of money and influence and that translates into, um, you know, politics politicians,
Quincy Amarikwa (14:56):
Uh,
Quincy Amarikwa (14:58):
And okay. Paul you back, bro.
Quincy Amarikwa (15:02):
Yeah. We're just rolling with the blurry. If you can hear me,
Quincy Amarikwa (15:05):
I'll stop the audio. That's all we need. Right. Running our podcast division. So audio is all we need. Okay. Let's see what we got here. So yeah. You, maybe, if you had heard some of the feedback from the audience in terms of LeBron lots on a real, other said, LeBron is almost a walking contradiction as well. Uh, I agree that we are all walking contradictions. We all make mistakes all the time. It takes time to learn and we, we, we don't know everything and many of us have different experiences from each other. So I agree with us all being walking contradictions. So Paul, you had said, you said, uh, roles are reversed here, so let's reverse the roles. What do you got for me, bro?
Quincy Amarikwa (15:58):
No. What do I got for you? You want a question?
Quincy Amarikwa (16:03):
I don't know. Like what do you got like what's, what's going on? Like, um, what's new have, Oh, have you, uh, I did a little bit in there. I, I made my, um, my rare bull account and building out my first entity collectible drop.
Quincy Amarikwa (16:23):
So I already made, uh, so when we're new on the, when we're on the, um, the call, I can't pull up the screen stuff, but you know, the, so we just dropped the, the blackout collection, the participation trophy. So for those who aren't aware, uh, BPC dropped the first limited edition BPC one, uh, the blackout collection and each, uh, so there's eight jerseys in total. Um, seven of which are MLS. One of which is USL. The USL one is, is, uh, is mine. And each of the eight jerseys all have a story that accompanies the Jersey. So it's what 2020 meant to you. And I created my first, it created and put for auction and sell my first NFT, which is, uh, an exclusive drop of 25, um, NFTs, which is one 25th, um, fractional ownership of the 20, 20 blackout story for me. And, um, each, each one will come with its own, um, image. So there are only be 25 ever total minted. And then it also comes with, uh, unlock on makeable content, which is randomized. And, uh, in the, you you'll find out what you, what you get once you, if you get it. So that's, that's what I just made. I've been going super deep on, on that. Cause you know, it'd be that crypto space for several years now. I probably got to get more into the defy space.
Quincy Amarikwa (17:57):
I just saw a rapper, came out with the, uh, an empty basketball and sold it for $6,000. So what came with it? I have no idea. I have no idea. I just saw it on Twitter real fast.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:12):
Uh, have you gone, have you gotten into the defy space at all or NFTs and stuff or
Quincy Amarikwa (18:19):
Uh, just what the NBA top shot, uh, like the digital moments.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:23):
Did you, did you create an account or you just, you just looked at, you just know about it.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:28):
I got some packs, so they were like, you gotta go on, you gotta get in lock virtual line and wait your turn to buy them. So I got a couple, this sounds weird to say
Quincy Amarikwa (18:43):
Isn't it right? Like I had to go standard virtual virtual line.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:46):
Yeah. 20, 20, 20 or 21 stuff.
Quincy Amarikwa (18:51):
That's that? 20, 21, uh, 20, 21, uh, frequency. I like that mint. Um, there
Quincy Amarikwa (18:59):
How's my wifi bad. And you're in the middle of nowhere
Quincy Amarikwa (19:03):
On the frequency, bro. What are you, what are you going to tap in? Come on, man.
Quincy Amarikwa (19:12):
I can't even see the comments anymore either. No, no. I'm popping up on my screen.
Quincy Amarikwa (19:17):
Oh, let's see. Uh,
Quincy Amarikwa (19:19):
Or you could go live with four people now
Quincy Amarikwa (19:22):
When I logged on it just said three. So what since then it's four now or what?
Quincy Amarikwa (19:27):
Well, well, yeah, well, I mean, I guess it's three plus three total. No, no, four total three closer. Oh really?
Quincy Amarikwa (19:40):
Um let's okay. Well you said you weren't seeing the stuff that came through. Well, we want to bring another person on, have the first three individual conversation, ask a soccer pro show, uh, triple up IgG, uh, GB and said, yo yo P G. So I'm assuming that's one of your, when your followers joining it and saying what up? I don't know, think someone
Quincy Amarikwa (20:04):
Actually, I wanted to put about you this week, this past week. I think you said your mom was from Montana
Quincy Amarikwa (20:14):
Superior Montana.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:16):
So I thought that was pretty random probably
Quincy Amarikwa (20:24):
Yeah. Population, uh, 1500.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:30):
Yeah.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:31):
Yeah. We'd, we'd go visit like every other summer or like every three summers when I was growing up and I always loved it.
Quincy Amarikwa (20:40):
Is that why you started the farm?
Quincy Amarikwa (20:43):
Uh, I'm sure that had like an influence on it, like visiting, growing up, but then also visiting back home in Nigeria, like my dad's from Nigeria, you know, as well. So like, like I'm from both sides of the family. And then just work when I think about for as long as I've played soccer for a majority of the work that I do is physical. Right? Like using your body running, staying in shape and stuff. So like, I think a lot of the rewards you get from doing stuff is as a result of like working with your hands, using your body and kind of farming just kind of falls into that as well to you. Like, we, we spend a lot of time on these digital platforms and having these conversations and stuff, but I, I like the re uh, I like the way you feel once you accomplish something with your hands, you know, like working. I gotcha. I forgot. I was trying to see who I think the real evidence said, yo, Paul PG sports. Why you blocked me? Correct. Face out here, dropping the Banhammer on people. What's going on, bro?
Quincy Amarikwa (21:55):
How would they be inherited? I dropped if I abandoned.
Quincy Amarikwa (21:58):
I dunno. That's what I was asking. W uh, who was the name? Uh, the real Elden. If, if, okay. That's a question. If, if you're blocked on one account, but you, but you're not blocked in another, and then they go live. Is that, is that the way that you get in?
Quincy Amarikwa (22:17):
I re I rarely block people unless they're a fake account.
Quincy Amarikwa (22:21):
Got it. So, you know, real evidence still can't believe I got blocked by PG. So then what you, what, what happened brother?
Quincy Amarikwa (22:30):
You know, I might have to rejoin just to see these comments.
Quincy Amarikwa (22:34):
Uh, okay. Ben Jammin had said, he said his definition of success was having memories and experiences that were worthwhile and criticized coaches who pushed the players too far, trying to turn out wins. What do you think about this? Um, I'm assuming there's another part of that. Okay. Yeah. Um, making the best experience of everyone on the team, it might be because he's cross country track coach, but he also kind of criticize another coach of mine who is focused on winning. Okay. So that's the old, okay, so this is good. So Paul, let's get your take on this as well to you. So development, which is if you have to choose between one or the other, are you focused on wins or are you focusing on developing the player
Quincy Amarikwa (23:24):
If I'm a GM of a team?
Quincy Amarikwa (23:27):
Okay. I love how you, okay. I love how you preface that. Right. And that, I think that's kind of the point to take away from it. It says, what's the level you're talking about here. If you're, if you're talking about the professional level, Hey, wins, wins are more important than development team, uh, development of players. That's just, that's just what it is at the pro level. But at the youth level, sometimes that's the case, but it definitely should be focused on development of players. Um, Paul, if you're
Quincy Amarikwa (23:56):
Depends on what kind of team you're on, like, if you're on a local, like, uh, just like the regular, I don't even know what you call them, like a little league team then, then it's just like, it's supposed to be for fun.
Quincy Amarikwa (24:09):
Yes. And that's where, and then Ben, to that point, if the team is there for, for fun and like enjoyment and just kind of learning, then, then focusing on the experiences and the memories, um, should be kind of aligned with that being the focal point. But at the professional level, I understand coaches who, coaches, general managers and organizations who don't, who don't focus on that. Like they want to have the experience of winning and, um, there's pros and cons to that, but yeah.
Quincy Amarikwa (24:43):
Yeah. Yeah. I think another interesting thing when interviewing all the pros, it's like, uh, did they play high school or did they play club only or both.
Quincy Amarikwa (24:52):
Okay. And what, what, what stands out to you most with the answers you when, when, when they answer those questions?
Quincy Amarikwa (25:02):
Um, well, it's always interesting, uh, because, uh, I feel like the older guys are like, Oh yeah, like it's not, you can't play both anymore, but I was able to play both. And then some of the younger guys are like, Oh, I was just at the cutoff and I couldn't do that. And then they act like they're older and I'm like, now you're like really young. So it's kind of funny. But, uh, yeah, I think, uh, I think most of the time they don't really care about playing high school. Cause they know they're like way better than that. Or they like playing it because of the comradery, like building, you know, just regular friendships in high school and just being, uh, like quote unquote fitting in.
Quincy Amarikwa (25:39):
Yeah. I think what's, what's bittersweet about what I'm seeing happen in the soccer market as more money and attention comes in, there's going to be less and less of those experiences and those memories that those kids coming up through the system will have access to because there'll be trying to identify talent and skill at such a young age. Like you said, like 14, you know, you might be an exceptional talent at 14 or 13 years old, uh, for the sport that you play. But you still aren't, you, you, you don't know who you are yet. You haven't gotten, gained any life experiences and that's where I'm not a huge fan of
Quincy Amarikwa (26:19):
Taking away.
Quincy Amarikwa (26:21):
Yeah. Yeah. It's like for what? For what? So like you can entertain people. I, I understand that, but like you can enter, you can entertain them. You can still find, you can still be entertained, you know, uh, but creating paths so that these individuals develop into good human beings and have life skills for when their sport eventually ends. You know, like even if you're Allan and you're picked up at 14 years old and you go on to have a, you know, 20 year career, you're still 34 when you're done.
Quincy Amarikwa (26:57):
Yeah. Yeah. Two interesting things was, um, I forgot who it was, but they were talking about, um, the MLS has some program that, uh, helps them like go back to college or like get online classes like during, like, while they're playing. And then, um, another goalie didn't get released yet. Uh, Chris, uh, he's on DC United and then DC and the goalie person. Yeah. He was talking about like, he was trying to, he was like, yeah, like I'm trying to figure out what type of like job I'm getting after soccer, which I thought that was like crazy to think. Like I know, like he was talking about like a nine to five that was like crazy to me. Cause I'm like, I feel like usually they try to venture into like being like entrepreneur or like going into coaching or something like that.
Quincy Amarikwa (27:45):
Well, it's, it's tough. Cause because over the course of your career, you're told by most, all of the people outside saying, you need to focus on the, on the sport and what's in front of you and your coach and you don't don't do all this, but it's not like they're also building like a platform or an ability or the nor is it their responsibility, right. To set you up for life Docker, that's your responsibility. That's why we talk about the three S's of self-awareness a lot here. Right? Like at the end of the day, like understand that it's a business and they're in the business of getting the most out of you and investing as little as possible. So the time that you have off the, off the field, you need to be spending, like setting yourself up for post-career. Cause you're going to have a post-career no matter what. And to your point with sites, um, that was my Rumi on the, on road trips while I was in DC. And um, I think he was taking his, was he taking this MB MBA. Okay. And, uh, that was a fun experience because you know, we'd be in the room together and he'd be taking his MBA and would be asking me questions. And then, and that's where I became aware of like, like what do they teach you in these programs? Like what, like that's when I became aware, you know what I mean?
Quincy Amarikwa (28:58):
That could be a whole nother
Quincy Amarikwa (29:00):
Oh, a hundred percent,
Quincy Amarikwa (29:04):
Uh, to, to like, that's why I don't, that's not, I think professors should have more, um, credentials and real-world experience versus just education. Cause it's like, I think we talked about it offline before, when it was just like a sports marketing professor and they never worked in sports and they just been in the education system and all done. So what, how do you, how can you teach somebody something that you technically haven't done?
Quincy Amarikwa (29:32):
Yeah. Well, and because there's different, there's different theories and practice, right? So like there's theory and then there's practice and putting something into practice. And uh, I think that's what this is where our gas, our platform and our show up a lot. I think we're, I think that's what we do. Well, here, we, we, we talk about theory. We talk about, you know, psychology, we talk about philosophy, but we also talk about how you can apply it to your everyday life and get real world experience to decide for yourself if it works or how to make adjustments or how to improve or, or what to throw in the trash. Because not everything that you learn will help you and not everything you someone's teaching you is relevant for the time that you grow up in or, or live in. You know, I think that's something that a lot of, uh, educators and professors in the system, I think they're aware of it and they know it, but to acknowledge it and see it as influential or as important as it is means they're kind of talking themselves out of a job, but,
Quincy Amarikwa (30:33):
And uh, I mean a perfect example. It was like Connor. Uh, I th I don't, I don't even know what his title is, but I know he got promoted and he's not entering anymore. But, uh, I think that he's a perfect example because like, uh, if I was still in high school, like he's gonna, he's gonna think differently now because he already had like a real world experience that not a lot of college kids probably have gone into college
Quincy Amarikwa (30:54):
A hundred percent. And when I think about, like, when I think about that on a large scale, that's where, that's where I go. Wow. You know, like,
Quincy Amarikwa (31:07):
Like Connor COVID, doesn't need to go to college. You'd probably get a job now.
Quincy Amarikwa (31:11):
Yeah. Well, okay. Tech, okay. Yes. Yeah. Hopefully parents aren't listening, but no, but I, but I hope Connor's parents are listening. Cause my, my point is, and all parents are listening, Joe, and I tell every single kid the same thing. Yes. Just, just because that's true. Doesn't mean you shouldn't go or going, won't be a value to you. Like I've had, I've had a 12 plus year professional soccer career and knowing what I know now and seeing the position that I'm in right now, if you're saying, Hey, you, you have to choose between having the professional, the professional experience or having the college experience and choose a college experience. Right. Like, so, so, and this is coming from someone who in school, didn't see why I needed school all along the way, but at least trusted that my parents knew what they were talking about enough to do it.
Quincy Amarikwa (32:08):
So that's even me saying like, yeah, you know, if it's, if it's easy or you don't like it, or you don't need it, we'll then finish it and then go do something else. And that way, if I'm finishing it and you realize you need it, or is value, it's valuable to you, you don't want to be sitting here wishing you paid attention in school more. You don't want to wish that you had gotten the education and not have it. So, um, I put that caveat in there because yeah, you might not need it, but you might not need it right now. But later in life, those experiences, those networks, those connections, you know?
Quincy Amarikwa (32:42):
Yeah. I think more about the network instead of just cause like, I mean, I like pretty obviously probably like 80% of my network is from, uh, college.
Quincy Amarikwa (32:52):
There you go. There you go. Um, so I, I wanted to get to this question cause uh, speaking of soccer parents, right? Uh, soccer mom, M I R I a N three, six, seven, nine said soccer mom of 12 year old. He has great technical skills, great mentality of the game needs more speed. Any ideas, uh, on what works best for conditioning and speed. Uh, Ross did a lot of, uh, videos back in the day on one skill, one drill and fitness Friday going through the agility ladder. So, um, yeah, that would be a great place to start. If you're wanting to increase increased speed and quickness and then read the perfect soccer player blueprint because we break down, um, the nine keys to soccer success. And one of those is, um, is, um, is speed, right? Like, like in breaking down what speed means in terms of the context of like, uh, quickness versus, um, endurance versus, you know, uh, your versus your approach to the game. So hopefully that's helpful. Um, let's see, uh, Sage DBZ said he was just, if he was just being polite when I emailed him about if I should come again and he can either say yes in response or no in response, or just say, no, exactly. And as you guys understand, like you're going to get for every, like, yes, you get on this journey, you're going to get like, what do you think Paul, like 99 nos. Yeah.
Quincy Amarikwa (34:31):
Most of your job is dealing with people telling you no, and you suck and you're no good to your face and then you just gotta go. Perfect. Okay. Thank you for that feedback. And like, I'm going to try to take something constructive from it, my pitch and try again, you know?
Quincy Amarikwa (34:47):
Yeah. The only thing that compared to like job interviews and, um, but the work like worst thing, getting a no is no response. Cause then you're just like, what? Like just give me like a no is way better than a no response. Like I need an answer.
Quincy Amarikwa (35:07):
Um, Oh man. Let's see,
Quincy Amarikwa (35:11):
Like, okay, if you try it out for a soccer team, would you rather know like they just ghosted you? Or like they said, no, Quincy, you didn't make the team.
Quincy Amarikwa (35:17):
Oh, a hundred percent. No. Yeah. Yeah. Like I think, Oh, was talking to you about this. So obviously I mentor a lot of players and like, uh, with a lot of guys over it over the years and you know, at different, you get, uh, an influx of questions and guys reaching out and other times you don't hear from anybody at all. Right. And that's the ebbs and flows of it. But the, um, Oh man. But what was my, my point from it was, um, it was just making me self-reflect and real quick. Okay. What I was expressing to him is I said, okay, most players approach the game. Let's say there's 30 spots on a roster. Or let's say there's 30 teams that you could sign for. Right. They're trying to be the player that like the all around player and you know, trying to do everything well so that they can look good and, and maybe work for like 27 of the 30 teams. Right. And that's an approach that I understand and get, but my thinking and approach is saying, sssssssss
Quincy Amarikwa (36:43):
Right. So you've got less in, in, I understand this where, how most people are looking at it. Technically you have less opportunity, but you have a greater likelihood of becoming a very integral, valuable part of the system. Uh, going deep now there's risk in that, right? Because if you get super specialized in one particular thing, and now nobody needs that specialty anymore. Like, uh, you know, all of a sudden all the world's knowledge is available for free on the internet. And you can just learn whatever you want, whether you're at an institution or not, that's a disadvantage, but the one advantage that you still have, I'm tying it back to the college, uh, issue is the, the ability to, to add that name to your resume is extremely valuable and important in the world. Whether you, whether you like it or not. Right. So it's like, What free for you? Cause Paul, in terms of like our relationship over time, when I look, I see you as more, so the, the individual who approaches it as like the, the three, not the 27. Right. What would you agree with that? And if so, like what, what's been your specialty, what's been your focus?
Quincy Amarikwa (38:08):
Um, my specialty and focus. I say my specialty is not having a specialty.
Quincy Amarikwa (38:20):
That's a very, that's a very unique specialty bro. Cause
Quincy Amarikwa (38:24):
I'll do a little bit of everything.
Quincy Amarikwa (38:26):
Okay. And okay. A lot of people have probably heard am I, I like this because I was having this conversation with another players will too, in terms of, uh, uh, the saying goes, uh, Jack of all trades master of none. Right? Yeah. Um, I like to think of it. You can be a Jack of all trades and master of all and master of all right. But you have to master the skillset of getting really good at something really quickly. Right. Yeah. Okay. So how, how do you focus on that? How do you execute on that and get good at that?
Quincy Amarikwa (39:04):
Uh, yeah, I think I just been kinda like a fast learner, especially to just like internet period, things like that. Uh, just like, uh, I didn't know how to use Photoshop. Like when I first started and now I know how to use Photoshop, uh, I still not like a graphic designer, but I could definitely make some dope things. Um, so I think just over time, you know, going on YouTube university, uh, and just learning different things like that, uh, pretty much learning on the job. Uh, yeah.
Quincy Amarikwa (39:37):
And what do you think motivated you to do that? Is, is that, is that match natural? Was, were you born with it? Do you think it's, uh, it's learned.
Quincy Amarikwa (39:48):
Yeah. Well, I mean, just going back to jobs since it was like, if you ever look at a job description now it's not really one singular thing anymore. It's just like, you have to do X, Y, and Z. So you have to learn everything anyways. So let's just say like social media manager, like most of the jobs now want, you didn't know how to video and it not to make graphics, know how to post and things like that. So that's three things. It's not one thing. If it was just posting and making the copy, then that's, that's what a social media manager is technically in my opinion, not making the stuff.
Quincy Amarikwa (40:21):
Okay. I, I, 100% agree grieve. And it's also thinking about like taking old world thinking or old world, like framework and applying it to a new world where like, there's so many dynamic variables to it. There's so many different hats. You have to be an error or is expected for you to wear. Um, but there's also individuals who might not understand that. So how have you, how have you navigated dealing with individuals who don't understand the vast skill sets that you have?
Quincy Amarikwa (41:02):
No, I don't work with them.
Quincy Amarikwa (41:07):
Okay. No, but that's good. I like that energy.
Quincy Amarikwa (41:10):
Uh, but, uh, I'll give you two real world examples. Like for example, um, when I was a social media manager at a small company and I applied for a job at subway to just do, uh, social media analytics. So my job would have went from managing everything, to just doing the analytics on social media and doing reports. So that's like, that was like crazy to me. Like, I was like, okay, like I just have to do reports instead of everything. So that w and then, uh, uh, or just like podcasting, like, I didn't know how to do podcasting. And I started at three years ago and I figured it out from there. Like I took probably like two or three months to just like, I wasn't, I wasn't doing it every day, but I'm saying like, over the time of two or three months, just figuring out how to do it and listening to other things and looking at other people's things and like that. And then I figured it out.
Quincy Amarikwa (42:06):
This is, this is three S's of self-awareness bro. The MSL mentality. All right. Well, um, we're wrapping up here on the hour. Um, I think final kind of questions for you. Like what do you resonate with, with the MSL mentality? Like you have, you, you feel like it's been something that you've taken anything away from, um, what do you like it, you hate it? Like, what are your thoughts? What are you thoughts on the, on the MSL and, um, and, uh, kind of our approach to life, business soccer and everything.
Quincy Amarikwa (42:41):
Yeah. No, I like it. And especially like your quote and I made a graphic of it, of a adaptor die. Cause I think that's a, like, I think that's what I've been doing my whole life, but not really kind of noticing it.
Quincy Amarikwa (42:54):
Uh, okay. I like that. Uh, yeah. I, I, um, just in our, like in, over the course of our time, having conversations at our friendship and relationship, I, I feel like, uh, that very much aligns and resonates with kind of your approach. Like you're, you're very, um, driven and you're going to figure it out, right. It's like not figuring it out is not an option. And if it just means you have to spend more time to figure it out, then so be it. If you have to, you know, try more times than you thought you needed to then, so be it, but you're either going to, you're going to get there or, or there's nothing there that's or nothing else you're going to get there.
Quincy Amarikwa (43:39):
Yeah, pretty much. Yeah. Mean, I think the other thing is just like, uh, just working with athletes all the time. Like, I dunno how it's happened, but it's just like, I always find a red that I'm always working to like good people. And I feel like I'm always open to like underdogs and I feel like I'm an underdog too. So I think that sounded like gets us always connect
Quincy Amarikwa (43:56):
A hundred percent, bro. The underdogs have been uniting and connecting for time. The official rise of the underdogs pretty much. Okay. So 20, 21 predictions, like what do you, what do you got? What do you, what do you got?
Quincy Amarikwa (44:15):
Oh, well, I mean, it's already been awhile, but with NFTs, so who knows the next thing, what are we going to be selling like, uh, uh, which we call digital houses next.
Quincy Amarikwa (44:26):
What'd you say digital houses. Oh, know, buy some digital. You want to buy some digital land in my digital world and
Quincy Amarikwa (44:39):
Probably actually, I mean, I mean, that's how it kind of like the video games and you bought a virtual currency to get jerseys and things like that.
Quincy Amarikwa (44:48):
Yup. Yup. Um, yeah. Okay. Thinking about that, like the future, like what's coming and stuff. Um, yeah. Jumping on the I'm jumping on the sandbox, buy some digital, some digital land next to my digital land and then build, build, build, uh, build some stuff, you know, we've been, we've been buying that, that mental real estate for some time. Now it's the buy some digital real estate fizz, digital, physical real estate.
Quincy Amarikwa (45:23):
Thank you. I mean, no, I think that's the dopest thing about 2020, obviously there was a lot of bad stuff, but I'm saying like the technology that we had and people weren't using it was dope to see. Like, for example, again, we've been using zoom for like two years and everybody's didn't know zoom plus,
Quincy Amarikwa (45:43):
Which I think yeah. Which I think is a crazy experience because yeah. I still don't even understand that. Yeah.
Quincy Amarikwa (45:51):
So like, okay. Like for example, like we didn't, everyone works remote, so we didn't really miss a beat on the, you know, we're creating and everything. So like it wasn't abnormal tests.
Quincy Amarikwa (46:02):
Yeah. Okay. You know why it, uh, no, you know, what that's making me think is, um, I was still in the physical world of soccer. Right. And my, um, greatly impacted, greatly impacted and affected by the pandemic and just the times as it pertains to the soccer world, you know, because we're very far behind the other markets, but NFL, NBA, all of that. But because we're far behind, we're also the first to get back to play because right. Because of, I mean, I won't even go down the whole rabbit hole as to why we're back to play, but I think that puts soccer in a position in America as first in America and in the history of America. Right. And, but that also exposes a lot of the issues and problems that have been within it. And that roller coaster of like physical, just man 2020 was difficult, extremely difficult physically like in the physical world.
Quincy Amarikwa (47:12):
But I think on the digital, speaking to the digital side where you're talking about like not missing a beat in terms of like real realizing how much learning the market had to do, to be able to understand most of the stuff we've been working and putting into space, putting into place, right. Like if you've never used zoom before and you don't know how to get on a zoom call, like, it doesn't matter if we've been dropping MSL knowledge for years now and tutorials and breakdowns and making things that could be applicable in the real world. If you, if you can't log on your phone or the internet, you know? Uh, no, that's a great,
Quincy Amarikwa (47:52):
Uh, I think, uh, you already been ahead of the curve on the count of, uh, I think you were the first MLS player with the, with the YouTube channel and things like that.
Quincy Amarikwa (48:02):
Uh, yeah. Uh, that is true. That's true.
Quincy Amarikwa (48:05):
Yeah. So I think, I think MLS probably should have promoted a few more
Quincy Amarikwa (48:14):
Mic drop on that. Yeah. That's the best joke. That's the real joke.
Quincy Amarikwa (48:22):
That could be the episode title MLS. Should've promoted Quincy more
Quincy Amarikwa (48:28):
And now they're just catching up or they're trying to catch up. Yeah. Try. I don't, I hope they're just catching up
Quincy Amarikwa (48:37):
Next year. We're doing a block or falling around one team and we're blogging all year.
Quincy Amarikwa (48:41):
Oh man. Um, Paul Paul, if just, if just one team, right. If one MLS team like wakes up and understands the value, we can provide the insight we can provide to an organization, the amount of fan engagement, the amount of, you know what I mean, the amount of just community, we can build it, a dynasty greatest team of all time level.
Quincy Amarikwa (49:17):
How about this question? If you could answer a fast, who do you, who do you think in the MLS has the best social media? Like which team
Quincy Amarikwa (49:26):
Is there any that stand out? I would say, I'd say San Jose earthquakes did a great job. Uh, did a great job. Started, started doing a really good job. Uh, what year was that starting in 2018. So what was it? I was there 2016, 2017, 2018. I got traded to Montreal, right? Yeah. And then 2019, like after I left, I saw them really set to me. You know what I'm saying? Like, I was like, yo, they really stepped it up. It was funny how much grief they were giving me while I was there about social media. But I think, you know, when you're, when you're okay. So when I reflect back on it, that's a good question. When I reflect back on it, I didn't realize I was ahead of the curve. I wasn't trying to be her. And I just was like, Hey, I think this is really important.
Quincy Amarikwa (50:30):
I think it's really valuable. I think it's a great experience. I think the fans love it. I think it's something that we should be doing. Yeah. And you know, if you're the head of the marketing department or the head individual who does that and you don't like it, or you, you don't, you don't want to hear a pro player telling you how to do your job. I understand why there's pushback on that. But that's what I talk to the time. The truth is true, whether you believe it or not. Right. And what I realized is, you know, what I realize is like, when I'd leave, then they would do the stuff I was talking about. And for me, I was like, that's cool. As long as it's getting done, because at the end of the day, it's, it's helping players is getting them like, that's what I want, but I would, I would love to be at a club or organization that saw and understood, well, not even, you don't have to understand my value or what I'm doing as much as just like trust that I'm doing it with the right and best intentions for the, for the people for the organization.
Quincy Amarikwa (51:29):
You know? So, uh, no, that's a good, that's a good thing.
Quincy Amarikwa (51:33):
The last thing I'll say is, uh, like I, like you just said, you weren't going to realize it. Like, I didn't realize, well, cause it wasn't a title yet, but like I was doing influencer marketing before it was, it was a term. And I've been saying that in interviews a lot because that's, that's what, everything is pretty much,
Quincy Amarikwa (51:51):
Uh, yeah. Okay. That's what that's making me realize. Okay. So I was building, I was building like a funnels, like sales funnels, building funnels before that was a word. Right. I was just building out sales funnels and things my own time in my free time. And then, um, then, uh, click funnels got made and I'll say, cool, this makes it easier. Um, but it, it wasn't perfect when it first started out. So like it had so many bugs and issues and problems with it. It was faster for me to just continue making my own funnels. And then I just waited a year until it upgraded. And it was good enough to, to, to jump into it. But to, to that point, when you're, when you're jumping into like, uh, the YouTube, what, what was the word that you used a YouTube university, right? Yeah. You're jumping into things because you're, you enjoy them and they're fun and, or you're curious and what I think I'm better understanding now. And it sounds like you are as well to you or you've grasped it much faster than I did is like, if, if you're too far ahead of the curve, by the time someone comes and tells you what the name of something is, you're like, what, like
Quincy Amarikwa (53:06):
My new, my new, my newest favorite one is when people, uh, email me or tell me about like, yeah, you know, you can make t-shirts, I can make your athletes t-shirts on demand. I was, I'm like, that's where, that's where you're pitching. Cause I I've been doing that for like a million years and they think it's a great idea. And I'm like,
Quincy Amarikwa (53:32):
Sure. Okay. Okay. But this is okay, Paul, this is where I go. Like, bro, you is a great idea. That's why the whole industry got built around it. Right. But, but the problem is when the problem is, if you're too far ahead, we're the, we're the idiots in the scenario because we're not, yeah. We're not capitalizing on the time. So this is good too, in terms of [inaudible].
Quincy Amarikwa (54:08):
So here's the thing, what I, what I'm in on, and this is what I realized is, well you, so tying everything that you're talking about and I'll tie it to the soccer as well, too, in terms of when I'm, when I'm talking with, uh, with, uh, kids, parents, coaches, timing is more important than being right, right. Or knowing what to do or not what to do. Right? Like if you're so far ahead of, if you're so far ahead of everything that you run out of money before the market gets there, it doesn't do any good. Right. So, so being too late, isn't good because then you're not maximizing anything and being too early, isn't necessarily a good, you're trying to find the sweet spot. So to your point on the NLP side and the experiences I got realizing that, uh, you've got to, or you've got to try to make sure you're speaking the language of the market's current understanding.
Quincy Amarikwa (55:03):
I'll give you one more example. It's crazy because I just seen it recently. And I remember like maybe like four or five years ago, this company had digital, um, autograph signings for players. And it, and it did, I think are right at the beginning, but then it failed and they stopped and then I just saw a new company doing it. And now they're like crushing it, obviously because of the pandemic. So like basically your point is the timing thing. Cause like they did have a good idea, but at the time you were like, why did I get their digital autographs if I could meet them in person. But now it's like, you can't really meet them.
Quincy Amarikwa (55:34):
Yes. And now people can make that jump as to why it makes sense. Right? Yeah. Once you have that experience and you, you you've got that. And speaking, speaking of gaining, uh, gaining experience and getting into the frequency, your videos finally cleared up bro, at the end, at the end, we got there in the end, bro. We did it. But getting into timing on the NFT side is more so saying you might have all of the ideas, the strategies, the approach, the understanding, but you've also got, you've got to fit it into, fit it into something that can be easily understood digested and consumed by the market. And if you can't do that to your point, like you're saying like, you're not, you're not going to get very far. You might get going, but you're not going to get far. So that, that company that you talked about for the digital signatures, um, have they reopened yet or that you've just seen a new
Quincy Amarikwa (56:43):
No, no, no. Was just a new company. I don't know if the old company ever did anything. Not they're probably mad cause I'd be mad.
Quincy Amarikwa (56:48):
Oh, for sure. Uh, all right. So what's going to be your first, uh, NFT drop, bro.
Quincy Amarikwa (56:58):
I don't know. I think about it. Maybe some little, little Paul figurines.
Quincy Amarikwa (57:07):
Uh, all right. Yeah, no, that'll be, uh, uh, Ben Gemma said, could you show the eyes on the prize again?
Quincy Amarikwa (57:20):
Is it clear now?
Quincy Amarikwa (57:22):
Oh, it was. Then it went and then it went blurry.
Quincy Amarikwa (57:26):
I feel like Drake should like buy it from me and use it as album cover.
Quincy Amarikwa (57:31):
Uh, Joe Jackson said his video just couldn't handle the gym's bro. Not on the right frequency, riding that wave. Um, all right. Well, no, we, we ended up going over, uh, cause I like those last, those last gems, um, uh, from it, Paul, I appreciate you dropping by bro. Uh, this was a fun episode. Um, no, a good conversation. Good banter. Um,
Quincy Amarikwa (58:01):
I'll come back with better internet
Quincy Amarikwa (58:03):
Yet. You gotta come back. You gotta come back in the future with some better internet broke, uh, uh, upgrade that internet access our brother later. Um, all right, everybody. Uh, that is a wrap for, um, for episode, was it episode one Oh seven of the hashtag ask a soccer pro show? Um, we, we covered a lot today, huh? Uh, with, uh, audio engineer, uh, perfect soccer, audio engineer, Paul, um, of PG sports. Um, and yeah, like I'd let you guys know the, um, the collectors items and uh, T's have officially dropped over on my rear bowl. Um,
Quincy Amarikwa (58:56):
So you guys are,
Quincy Amarikwa (58:59):
For those of you who are wanting to own a fractional piece of American merkin soccer history, um, go check that out. Um, but yeah, that's it for today. I appreciate everybody joining in. Um, Oh, be on the lookout next. I've got to check the schedule, but I think we'll have a guest next Thursday. So hopefully we'll be dropping who the guest is on Monday. Um, make sure you check out all the replays of perfect soccer podcast and follow Paul on his accounts. I appreciate everybody joining in as always. And you guys already know what it is. I mean, you had see everybody next week later,