Slumps happen. Keep shooting.

A lesson State Farm CMO Kristyn Cook learned from her high school basketball coach and one she’s carried with her from her days as a Syracuse hoops player throughout her 25+ year career in the insurance industry.

In this episode, Kristyn joins Bonnie to talk about a pivotal decision she faced when her family moved during her sophomore year of high school and how that moment shaped the way she approaches life, sports and career. A Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, senior captain and member of Cuse’s 1995-96 Big East Co-Championship team, she also speaks candidly about balancing academics and athletics at a major university and the role her parents played in empowering her and her two sisters to pursue college sports.

Kristyn has been a State Farm “lifer,” but her career hasn’t been without its slumps. She shares how her athlete mindset helped her navigate challenges early in her career as an insurance agent, giving her the confidence and moxie to take on new roles and responsibilities along the way.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, sports parent or young professional, Kristyn’s story is a powerful reminder that the mindset you build through sports can serve you long after the final buzzer.

Topics covered: Kristyn Cook CMO State Farm, Syracuse basketball, betting on yourself, women's team sports leadership, NIL, vulnerability in leadership, personal branding, authenticity, perseverance.

Show Notes and Socials:

• Drive by Daniel K Pink - Leadership Book https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/

Kristyn Cook:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyncookturner/

The Athlete Effect™:

• instagram.com/the_athlete_effect
• tiktok.com/@theathleteeffect
• www.youtube.com/@TheAthleteEffect

Bonnie Bernstein:

• instagram.com/BonnieBernstein
• https://www.tiktok.com/discover/bonnie-bernstein
• twitter.com/BonnieBernstein
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-bernstein/