Kerri Walsh Jennings Is Absolutely Not Done Playing Volleyball

Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings is not done playing volleyball. And don’t even think about asking that question-she WILL come find you.

Truth is, the four-time Olympic gold medalist has plans-big plans. After suffering a debilitating shoulder injury last year in the semi-finals of a pro tournament in Poland, she’s itching to get back into the game. Her eyes are dead-set on the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

“I have this new kind of energy about me,” Walsh Jennings said. “I want to go out on top with a fairy tale ending,”

But clinching gold again is just one thing on her radar-she has business ambitions, too. Walsh Jennings is now the founder of P1440, an events and technology company that she says is “revolutionizing the way beach volleyball is brought to the market.”

The company has already lined up eight festival events that–along with world-class volleyball–will bring spectators a “diversity of offerings with regards to health and wellness, personal developments and entertainment.” That includes live music at every event and a digital platform where top athletes share tips on how to live an awesome, active lifestyle.

Launching a new company while also preparing for the Olympics may seem like a lot to juggle, but for Walsh Jennings it’s all part of the same game.

“There are a lot of parallels between the business world and the competitive world,” she said.

“You have to have drive, you have to have focus, you have to have all the intangibles as far as work ethic and grit and heart and courage. You have to be able to take risks and be humble.”

The volleyball legend offered up some great insights on how to stay ahead of the game, and on the importance of good relationships for business development.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download