EP 49 | Matt Stankiewitch: Former NFLer | Solo Dad | HR Professional | USA Rowing & Hybrid Athlete Stand-out

The Competitive Edge Podcast: Fatherhood | Fitness | Focus

Summary In this conversation, Matt Stankiewitch, a former NFL player and current HR professional, discusses his journey as a father and athlete. He shares his experiences of being a solo dad and the importance of having a stable income for his son. Matt also talks about his athletic accomplishments, including playing football at Penn State and in the NFL, as well as his success in rowing and hybrid races like Hyrox and DEKA. Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-improvement, and competing with oneself. In this conversation, Matt Stankiewitch discusses his experience as a competitive athlete and a single father. He emphasizes the importance of competing with the best and setting personal records in order to achieve a competitive edge. Matt also shares his accomplishments as a father and the challenges of balancing work and fatherhood. He highlights the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete and the importance of strategy in team sports. Matt provides tips for time management and emphasizes the need for consistency and goal setting. He encourages fathers to embrace the moments and enjoy the journey of fatherhood. Takeaways

• Being a solo dad requires maturity, dedication, and the willingness to be present for your child.
• Transitioning from professional sports to a stable career can provide financial security and a sense of purpose.
• Athletic accomplishments are a result of hard work, consistency, and a competitive mindset.
• Competing with oneself and focusing on personal growth can lead to continuous improvement and success.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gym Talk 03:26 Introduction to the Competitive Edge Podcast 04:02 Background and Move to Jacksonville 05:20 Being a Father and Moving Closer to Family 06:12 Transition from NFL to HR 16:34 Being a Solo Dad 24:52 Athletic Accomplishments and Competing in Rowing 31:06 Competing in High Rocks and DEKA 33:13 Competing with the Best 34:09 Accomplishments as a Father 35:28 Early Sports Experience 37:23 The Importance of Competition 38:12 Taking Responsibility for Success 39:02 The Benefits of Being a Multi-Sport Athlete 42:33 Defining Competitive Edge 43:37 Consistency and Goal Setting 45:21 The Importance of Strategy in Team Sports 46:24 Balancing Work and Fatherhood 48:12 Tips for Time Management 51:02 Embracing Fatherhood 52:04 Setting Personal Records 53:15 Avoiding Fitness Industry Propaganda 55:53 Keeping it Simple and Consistent 57:06 Meal Prepping and Having Home Gym Equipment 01:00:10 Advice for Solo Dads 01:01:56 Upcoming Races and Events Full Name? *

Matthew Stankiewitch

Home City and State? *

Phoenixville, PA

Current Age? *

34

Current Occupation/Employment? * Human Resources at a medical facility How many kids do you have? Please include Gender ( No names needed) *

1 son

What were your all-time biggest accomplishments as an athlete? *

Playing D1 (Penn State) and Professional Football (Patriots and Jaguars) 1st Team All-Big 10 Finalist for the Rimington Trophy Rowing 5:57 2,000m 2:44 1,000m 1:14 500m Spartan DEKA 3rd Place Finished at SPARTAN DEKA FIT MENS ELITE TEAMS World Championships *Being the heaviest athlete (251lbs) to ever compete in the elite divisions under SPARTAN DEKA

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career? *

Designed and implemented my facilties covid safety procedures during pandemic.

What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)? *

I'm a single father with a son with autism, so everyday is an accomplishment.

How would you define "Competitive Edge"? * Lasting longer when being uncomfortable then everyone else