Can financial education turn athletes into powerful investors?

In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Danny Cortenraede shares his journey from entrepreneur to investor and mentor, helping athletes and early-stage startups build long-term wealth. Drawing from his background scaling multiple companies, Danny now leads initiatives that teach athletes how to make smart investment decisions, build their financial literacy, and take control of their legacy beyond the field.

We explore how his work at LEAD is shaping a new generation of athlete-entrepreneurs—through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world exposure to capital strategy.

You’ll learn:

• Why 80% of startups fail—and how to avoid it

• How athletes can transition from endorsements to equity

• What startup founders should know about scaling to Series A

• Why real estate is a powerful entry point for investing

• How LEAD is building an ecosystem of athlete-driven innovation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Danny Cortenraede

01:16 Danny's Entrepreneurial Journey

04:28 Transitioning to Investment and Education

10:00 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Athletes

19:36 Building the Athlete Council and Educational Initiatives

26:51 Success Stories and Impact of Education

31:33 Changing Perspectives on Investment Among Athletes

34:14 Mindset for Lasting Legacy

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or someone looking to build lasting value, this episode is packed with strategy, insight, and inspiration.

—

Subscribe to CPO PLAYBOOK for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and capital strategy: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/newsletter

Need support scaling leadership or culture? Let’s talk: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/contact-us