Olympian Gail Devers and "The Real MVP" Wanda Durant | How to Optimize Your Health and Achieve Success By Being Your Own Biggest Advocate

Do you want insights to set yourself up for success, optimal health and happiness? In this Live Greatly Podcast episode Kristel Bauer sits down with Olympian Gail Devers and "The Real MVP" Wanda Durant to talk about mindset, resiliency and being your own biggest advocate.  Gail and Wanda share their journeys and struggles dealing with the health condition Graves disease as well as a look into Thyroid Eye Disease also known as T-E-D. They share insights into supporting your health and well-being while going after your goals as well as how to keep an empowering mindset while dealing with criticism. Gail gives an inside look at her journey as an Olympian and Wanda shares a look into being the mother of NBA Champion and MVP player Kevin Durant.  Tune in now!

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

How to prioritize your well-being while doing after your goals Importance of taking time for yourself Gail’s health struggle as an elite athlete Gail and Wanda's experience with Graves Disease and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (T-E-D) Insights to deal with challenges in life A story from Gail’s olympic experience falling down during the hurdles Gail and Wanda'a perspectives on success A look into goal setting How to navigate positive and negative feedback How Wanda and Gail handle criticism How Wanda has handled negative feedback with her son Kevin Durant’s basketball journey The mentality of successful people

About Gail Devers

Gail Devers is a five-time Olympian, nine-time World Champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field who was one of the fastest women alive for almost two decades. Amid this unprecedented feat, Gail has also been living with Graves’ disease and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) for more than 30 years. After a harrowing two-and-a-half-year quest for answers about her health, Gail was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 1990, just two years before winning her first Olympic gold medal. Her journey back to the track was nothing short of spectacular, especially after overcoming near career-ending symptoms, including extreme weight loss, fatigue, and insomnia. Gail also experienced symptoms of TED including eye pain, dryness, irritation and bulging eyes.

In a decorated 25-year track career that followed, Gail has been recognized as an American sporting icon. By winning back-to-back 100m Olympic gold medals, and three World Championships in 100m hurdles, Gail cemented herself as one of the most dominant female sprinters of our time. She has since been inducted into both the National Track and Field and the United States Olympic Halls of Fame.

Today, Gail enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community through organizations that include The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Atlanta Track Club. She also coaches hurdles for her daughter’s high school track team, mentors world-class athletes, and loves spending time with her family, two dogs and their rabbit. 

About Wanda Durant

Wanda Durant, affectionately known as “Mama Durant” and “The Real MVP,” is a leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist and patient advocate, who has been living with Graves’ disease for 17 years. She is a mother of two sons: NBA Champion and MVP player, Kevin Durant, and businessman Anthony (Tony) Durant. As president and CEO of motivation platform

“Hope, Dream, Believe, Achieve” (HDBA, LLC) Wanda shares her blueprint for parenting that she used to help her children become successful adults. One of her mantras is “where there is hope, there are possibilities.” Her passion is to inspire underserved children, single mothers, families, and communities to move beyond their immediate circumstances and to aim for higher heights in life.

Website: www.focusonted.com 

Wanda Durant: http://www.mamadurant.com/ 

LinkedIn: Wanda Durant

Twitter: @MamaDurant

Instagram: @imgaildevers

@therealmamadurant

@thyroideyes

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ThyroidEyes/photos/ 

About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer:

Kristel, the Founder of Live Greatly, is on a mission to help people thrive personally and professionally while promoting vibrant company cultures. Kristel is a corporate wellness expert, Integrative Medicine Fellow, Top Keynote Speaker, TEDx speaker & contributing writer for Entrepreneur. 

Kristel brings her expertise & extensive experience in Corporate Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Mindset, Resilience, Self-Care, and Stress Management to in-person and virtual events as Professional Keynote Speaker.  If you are looking for a motivational speaker to inspire and empower your audience to reclaim their well-being, inner motivation and happiness,  Kristel would be happy to discuss partnering with you to make your next event one to remember!  Speaking Topics can be tailored to fit the needs of your group.

To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here.

Website: www.livegreatly.co 

Follow Kristel Bauer on:

Instagram: @livegreatly_co 
LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer
Twitter: @livegreatly_co
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Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer

To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.