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How do you actually find your passion?

For many people, passion isn’t something you discover overnight. It’s something you uncover through experience, failure, and the willingness to keep asking questions about what truly drives you.

In this episode of Unexpected Advice, Esther sits down with Todd Thurman, Director of Athletics at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Todd’s career has taken him from national championship basketball player to professional athlete, coach, and athletic director. But the most powerful lessons he’s learned along the way aren’t just about sports — they’re about understanding your strengths and building a life around them.

Todd shares a question he often asks young coaches and professionals:

“If someone wrote a scouting report about you… what would the headline say?”

That question opens the door to a deeper conversation about identity, leadership, and discovering what you're truly passionate about.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to discover what you're actually passionate about
• Why building around your strengths matters more than fixing weaknesses
• The role failure plays in growth and leadership
• Why fear keeps so many people from pursuing their next opportunity
• How great leaders build teams and help others succeed

Todd’s advice is simple but powerful:
Know who you are, build to your strengths, and don’t let fear make your decisions.

Learn more about Todd:
Metro State Athletics: https://roadrunnersathletics.com/staff-directory/todd-thurman/217

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-thurman-32216030/

You can learn more about Unexpected Advice by visiting https://insightfullycurious.com/unexpected-advice-podcast