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Published on:

9th Feb 2026

Mindset, Money, and the Modern Athlete: Insights from Michelle Panovich

In this episode of the Charge Forward Coaching Podcast, host James Blasco speaks with Michelle Panovich, a founding partner of Mid-America Asset Management, and a highly respected leader in commercial real estate. They discuss the importance of mental toughness, particularly the four C’s: commitment, challenge, control, and confidence. Michelle shares her journey into real estate, the pressures of decision making in high stakes environments, and the significance of risk management and learning from failures.

The conversation also explores why athletes — especially young athletes and professionals — need to understand how to properly invest their money. With college athletes now earning substantial income through their schools and NIL opportunities, financial literacy and smart investing have never been more important. Michelle highlights how real estate can be a powerful long term wealth building tool and why education in this area is essential. They also touch on the importance of interpersonal confidence and communication skills, especially when working with clients. The episode closes with a look at the real estate school at Marquette University, which aims to prepare students for successful careers in the industry and equip the next generation — including athletes — with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

Takeaways:

Mental toughness is essential in all aspects of life.

Understanding the market is crucial before making investments.

Taking risks is necessary for growth and opportunity.

Confidence is built through experience and preparation.

Interpersonal skills are vital for effective communication.

Education in finance is critical for young athletes.

Long-term vision helps in navigating challenges.

Managing emotions is key in high-pressure situations.

Learning from failures is part of the growth process.

Helping others can be as rewarding as personal success.

Sound bites:

"Mental toughness goes beyond the court."

"Take a step back and analyze the deal." "You can't just walk away and give up."

About the Guest:

Michelle Panovich is a founding partner of Mid-America Asset Management and a highly respected leader in the commercial real estate industry. With decades of experience overseeing retail portfolios, guiding major development projects, and advising national brands, Michelle has built a reputation for strategic thinking, strong client relationships, and exceptional operational insight. Throughout her career, she has navigated high stakes environments where decision making, risk management, and composure under pressure are essential. Her ability to blend analytical discipline with interpersonal confidence has made her a trusted partner to property owners, investors, and retailers across the country. Michelle is also deeply committed to education and mentorship. She played a key role in supporting the establishment of the real estate program at Marquette University, helping prepare the next generation of professionals — including young athletes — to understand financial literacy, long term investing, and the wealth building potential of real estate. Michelle continues to influence the commercial real estate landscape while empowering future leaders to think boldly, communicate confidently, and make informed decisions.

About the Host:

James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach, and a Certified Neuroscience Coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success.

Resources:

Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargeforwardcoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/ChargeForwardCoaching Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ChargeForwardCoaching Marquette University Real Estate: https://www.marquette.edu/business/undergraduate/majors/real-estate.php

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About the Podcast

Charge Forward Coaching
What if the key to unlocking your athletic potential wasn’t just about improving your skills, but strengthening your mind? At Charge Forward Coaching, we believe that mental toughness is the secret weapon every elite athlete needs to excel. In this podcast, we explore how athletes can develop the focus, resilience, and mindset necessary to perform at their best, whether you're a high school athlete facing intense competition or a college athlete aiming for the next level.

We explore essential topics such as mental resilience, providing techniques for overcoming self-doubt and building mental endurance. We also tackle performance anxiety, offering strategies to manage stress and stay focused under pressure. Throughout the show, we focus on mindset mastery, sharing tools to stay motivated, handle setbacks, and maintain peak performance. James Blasco offers expert advice on cultivating a champion's mindset for long-term success, helping athletes gain the mental clarity needed to perform at their highest level.

With expert guidance from James Blasco, each episode empowers athletes with actionable strategies they can apply immediately, enabling them to sharpen their focus, handle adversity, and perform under pressure. James’s coaching approach fosters a supportive and empowering environment, where athletes are encouraged to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and unlock their full potential. In the world of elite sports, success goes far beyond physical ability—it’s about mastering the mental challenges that arise during competition and ensuring they are prepared to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

In addition to James’s insights, each episode features interviews with top athletes, coaches, and mental performance experts. These guests share their own stories, experiences, and strategies for achieving success in highly competitive environments. Through these conversations, listeners will gain diverse perspectives on how mental toughness plays a pivotal role in their journeys to excellence. Whether it’s learning from a former professional athlete about overcoming personal obstacles, or hearing a coach’s tips for developing a high-performance team mindset, these interviews will offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for athletes of all levels.
Join us on this journey to improve your concentration, boost your confidence, and develop the mindset necessary to reach new heights in your athletic career. Start listening today and begin charging forward toward your goals with mental clarity and strength.

About the Host:
James Blasco is a CTA Certified Coach, and a Certified Functional Mental Toughness and Resilience coach based in Ormond Beach, Florida, with a rich background in sales, media, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, James has excelled in sales and sales coaching for some of the largest media companies, owned three successful businesses, and worked in media relations in the NFL. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, communication, and the drive needed to achieve success. James is also trained specifically to coach to all aspects of mental toughness and resilience.
Having received coaching and mentoring throughout his personal and professional life, James recognizes the profound impact of genuine, constructive, and meaningful guidance. He understands the passion required to pursue a goal, as well as the challenges of doubt, fear, and the need for perseverance. James’s coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and results, focusing on helping clients uncover their goals, develop actionable plans, and persist through obstacles.

Resources:
Website: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChargeForwardCoaching/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChargeForwardCoaching

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James Blasco