#7 JR:

JR’s career is unique, not only because of how it all ended but mostly because of how it all started. From a ‘try out application’ to go and play in Latvia to winning multiple Euroleague Championships with CSKA Moscow (2006 & 2008) as well as becoming European Champion with the Russian National Team in 2007. On top of all that, JR became an Olympian in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. During this conversation it sounded like he cherished the Greek League Championship in 2002 with AEK the most because of the unlikely championship run. In the end of the day, he became a champion in every country he played in; Latvia, Belgium, Greece & Russia. Point-blank Winner.

On this episode, JR and me started off talking a bit about his background and how it all started with a tryout in Latvia. We shortly touched on his time in Belgium, Greece as well as CSKA Moscow and mainly talked about the biggest lessons he picked up from the coaches he ended up playing for. He took away valuable lessons from each coach that he shared with us one by one.

The bulk of our discussion focused around retiring and filling a void, talked about the common mistakes that retired players do in terms of money-spending that he was trying to avoid. JR also shared his special relationship with Coach Ettore Messina and how it grew over time through a specific conversation they had. Also, he shared the biggest regret of his career, which seemingly was not easy to share (thanks again). Meanwhile, JR is working as a front office Executive for the Brooklyn Nets and is striving to win the next championship of his career, this time at the highest possible level.

It’s an inspiring story with plenty of valuable lessons along the way for the next generation. Please enjoy this episode and share with your loved ones, lots of ‘nuggets’ in there for everyone.

PS: I clearly used the phrase “Paradigm Shift” way too much 🙂

Topics:

• Intro
• Our Friendship
• Tryouts in Latvia
• Cultural Adjustments 
• Now vs Then
• First Career Shift 
• Lessons from Euro Coaches
• Relationship with Messina
• Contemplating Retirement
• Finding New Purpose
• Trying Different Avenues
• DRIVE & TRIBE
• Bucket List
• Biggest Regret of Career
• Lesson Learned in Europe
• JR Holden Now vs Past

Finding J.R.:

I will be the filter 🙂

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