beyond the baseball diamond - justin and kourtney’s
There’s a moment every high performer eventually faces:
When the single thing that defined you… no longer does by itself.
For professional athletes, that moment could be a trade, an injury, a transition to coaching, business, and more.
For founders, it comes in different forms — an exit, a pivot, a plateau.
In my conversation with Justin and Kourtney Turner, we talked about what it really looks like to navigate those layers of ourselves — not just from baseball to business, but from identity to purpose.
And the biggest takeaway?
You Are Not JUST Your Career
Justin has spent years performing at the highest level in Major League Baseball.
But one thing that stood out immediately in our conversation:
He doesn’t define himself by it alone.
That mindset is intentional.
Because if your identity is tied to one chapter, you’ll struggle when that chapter ends.
The same is true for founders.
You are not your company.
You are not your last raise.
You are not your last win — or loss.
You’re the person building through it.
Transition Requires Humility
There’s a misconception that elite performers can just “step into” the next thing.
That’s not how it works.
Justin and Kourtney both emphasized how much learning and vulnerability is required when stepping into business and investing.
New rules.
New language.
New skill sets.
And the willingness to say:
“I don’t know — but I’m willing to learn.”
That mindset is what allows people to evolve.
Betting on People, Not Just Products
One of the most important insights from the conversation:
Great investments start with great people.
Not just a great product.
Not just a hot category.
But founders who are:
• authentic
• resilient
• coachable
• aligned in values
Because products can change.
Markets shift.
But people?
They’re the constant.
Authenticity Wins
We talked a lot about partnerships — both in business and in life.
The Turners are incredibly intentional about who they work with.
Their filter is simple:
Is this real?
Authenticity builds trust.
Trust builds alignment.
Alignment drives results.
This applies whether you’re:
• choosing investors
• building a team
• selecting brand partners
If it’s forced, it doesn’t last.
The Power of Support Systems
Another theme that came up repeatedly:
No one builds anything meaningful alone.
Justin and Kourtney spoke openly about the importance of having a strong support system — both personally and professionally.
That includes:
• partners who challenge you
• people who tell you the truth
• a network that keeps you grounded
For founders, this is everything.
Because the journey gets heavy.
And who you have around you determines how you carry it.
Building Beyond Business
What stood out most wasn’t just what they’re building — but why.
Through the Justin Turner Foundation, they focus on supporting:
• children battling serious illness
• homeless veterans
This isn’t a side project.
It’s a core part of how they think about impact.
Success isn’t just about what you accumulate.
It’s about what you contribute.
Balancing Roles as Partners
Justin and Kourtney also shared how they navigate building together.
Like any strong partnership, it comes down to:
• understanding roles
• respecting strengths
• supporting each other through pressure
That balance isn’t always easy.
But when it works, it creates leverage — in business and in life.
Resilience Is the Through Line
Whether it’s sports, investing, or entrepreneurship…
Resilience is the common thread.
Things don’t go as planned.
Opportunities don’t always hit.
You take losses.
But the ability to stay in the game — mentally and emotionally — is what separates those who last from those who don’t.
Final Thought
This conversation wasn’t about baseball.
It was about evolution.
About letting go of old identities.
About stepping into new arenas with humility.
About building something that actually matters.
Justin and Kourtney are doing exactly that.
And the lesson for all of us is simple:
What you’ve done is just the starting point.
What you build next is the real story.
About Justin Turner:
Justin Turner is a 15+ year MLB veteran, 2x All-Star, and World Series Champion known for his leadership on and off the field. The 2023 Roberto Clemente Award winner, Turner has built a reputation for purpose-driven impact, translating his platform into ownable national campaigns and prioritizing partnerships that align with his personal passions -- health, dairy-free advocacy and community initiatives — while focusing on long-term equity relationships that create sustained value. Through authentic social media engagement, Turner continues to connect directly with fans and extend his influence beyond the game.
About Kourtney Turner:
Kourtney Turner is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to creating meaningful community impact. As co-founder of the Justin Turner Foundation, she leads initiatives focused on supporting veterans, children battling serious illness, and families in need. Kourtney is passionate about purpose-driven partnerships, aligning with brands that authentically reflect her values around wellness, family, and community. As host of Holding Kourt Podcast, with a strong, relatable digital presence, she connects with audiences through storytelling, lifestyle content, and advocacy — building long-term relationships with fans and brands across the world.
