At Shift Group, we believe success is built on mindset
And few people embody that better than our guest on Episode 3 of the Shift Group Podcast, JT Ibe.
From professional football to the world of business, JT shares a powerful mantra that has guided every stage of his career: Be learning or earning.
Whether you’re transitioning industries, climbing the ladder, or starting something new, JT’s journey offers lessons for anyone striving to grow and succeed.
From the Field to the Boardroom: JT’s Journey
JT is a former athlete who successfully transitioned into a sales career—an inspiring example for anyone looking for opportunities for former athletes. But like many athletes, JT eventually faced a major crossroads — how to pivot from sports to the professional world while staying true to his values.
His answer? Stay coachable. Stay committed. And most importantly: always keep growing.
JT’s experiences taught him that no matter the industry, the mentality that makes you successful remains the same — a hunger to learn, paired with a relentless work ethic.
The "Learning or Earning" Mindset Explained
JT lives by a simple but powerful phrase: “You’re either learning or you’re earning.” That mindset carried him through challenges on the football field and now fuels his success in the corporate world.
- Learning Phase: You’re sharpening skills, building knowledge, and gaining experience — even if the paycheck doesn’t reflect it yet.
- Earning Phase: You’re applying those skills and relationships to deliver real value — and getting rewarded for it.
In JT’s view, every day should be spent doing one or the other.
If you’re not actively learning something new, you should be earning from what you’ve already mastered.
It’s a mindset that keeps you from getting stuck. It forces you to move forward, stay adaptable, and seize opportunities before they pass you by.
Lessons for Career Shifters and Lifelong Learners
JT’s philosophy is especially relevant for anyone making a big career shift — whether that’s transitioning from sports, changing industries, or starting from scratch.
Some of his biggest takeaways include:
- Stay Humble: Approach every new challenge like a rookie — willing to ask questions, take feedback, and hustle.
- Value the Process: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. The time spent learning is an investment that pays off later.
- Be Intentional: Don’t “coast” through jobs. Know whether you’re there to learn, earn, or ideally — both.
As JT puts it:
“You should never waste a day. Either grow your mind, grow your network, or grow your results.”
Final Takeaways: Keep Moving Forward
JT’s story is a reminder that true success isn’t just about natural talent — it’s about choosing every day to either learn something new or earn from what you’ve built.
In a world that rewards speed and adaptability, this mindset is more important than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next leap, embracing the “learning or earning” mentality can be your ultimate advantage.
JT’s success isn’t unique—it’s repeatable. That’s why organizations like ours help employers hire college athletes and transition them into high-impact roles.
👉 Want to hear JT’s full story and more insights?
FAQs: Athletes in the Workplace
Sales, recruiting, and leadership development roles are ideal fits due to the drive, discipline, and resilience athletes naturally bring.
Athletes come with grit, coachability, and goal-oriented mindsets—traits that translate directly into business performance.
Platforms like Shift Group specialize in matching athletes with companies that value their unique skill sets.
About Shift Group:
Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.
The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.
Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.
