Madeline "Maddie" Davis Tully is a former collegiate rower at Princeton University whose athletic journey carried her from the Ivy League to the U23 U.S. National Team and the World Rowing Championships. After stepping away from elite competition on her own terms, Maddy transitioned into coaching, where she spent over two decades developing athletes and helping to build championship programs at Stanford, Ohio State, and Boston University.

In this episode, Maddy reflects on the two major transitions that shaped her life: retiring from competition and, years later, leaving a coaching career that had defined her identity. She shares how each transition required letting go of a role she deeply loved while trusting that something meaningful could exist on the other side.

Now the founder of her own leadership and performance coaching practice, Maddy works with high-achieving professionals navigating seasons of growth and change. She discusses the importance of moving toward something—not simply away from something—the lessons athletics continue to teach long after competition ends, and how redefining success can create space for a more intentional and fulfilling life.

This conversation is a thoughtful reflection on identity, leadership, purpose, and embracing the next chapter with confidence.

Maddy's leadership and performance coaching practice can be found at https://www.mdtlead.com/