The beauty of growing up in a coaching family, particularly one that isn't at the very highest level, is that you get to be in the gym - that's where you grow up.

For professional athletes, I always think about it in these terms: the most difficult diva of women's soccer would be the easiest NBA player ever.

There's always been conflict, inherent conflict between players and coaches.

Losing has an unbelievably negative impact on me.

I had the option of building a career in the U.S. Many of my friends who went at the time did not come back, but for me, building the family business and being with family was worth it. I became a general manager within four months, as I used my education to improve productivity and output.

I was an underdog my whole career, but I knew I had the ability to compete with those guys.

I knew I wasn't going to make money in the beginning, so I found another way to support myself - I was a receptionist. It's quite smart to work that way. Otherwise, you get vicious and desperate, and no one wants to work with you. Build your career slowly; then people start to trust you and pay you well.

I've had a couple of guys that I've had co-produce records with me through my career, and it's fun to work with a co-producer.