263. Hawi Keflezighi, Founder & CEO of HAWI Management

enJuly 15, 2020

Ali on the Run Show

What was the main topic of the podcast episode?

Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?

Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?

Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?

Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?

Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

What was the main topic of the podcast episode?

Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?

Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?

Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?

Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?

Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

Agent Journey: Howie Keflesby's journey from law school to becoming a sports agent shows the importance of family support and passion for the sport. His agency prioritizes athletes' growth behind the scenes, emphasizing relationships in achieving success.
Howie Keflesby, a sports agent for track and field athletes, shares his inspiring journey from dreaming of being involved in basketball to representing his brother, Meb, in running. After earning a scholarship as a UCLA basketball team manager, he pursued law to stand out in sports. His passion shifted to track and field, leading him to confidently approach Meb for representation after he won a silver medal in 2004. This leap of faith marked the beginning of Howie Management, which now supports numerous athletes. Howie emphasizes that agents play a crucial role behind the scenes, fostering the passion for running, not just focusing on fame. His dedication to his athletes and their development reflects a humble wisdom, showcasing how important relationships and support systems are in achieving success in competitive sports. His story highlights the importance of family ties and believing in one's potential.
Agent Insights: Becoming an agent involves balancing trust, education, and hard work. Agents negotiate deals and manage logistics, prioritizing integrity in all dealings to support their clients effectively.
Starting a career as an agent for a friend can be both rewarding and challenging. Trust, hard work, and education play key roles in this journey. Initially, the agent felt nervous due to lack of experience, but the support from a successful client helped boost confidence. Completing law school provided essential skills for contract negotiations and decision-making. In the sports industry, agents often handle both contract negotiations and logistical tasks, unlike other fields where the roles may differ. This mixture of responsibilities is thought to benefit clients by offering comprehensive support, fostering integrity and dedication throughout their work. The agency's core principle emphasizes handling adversity with integrity, highlighting the importance of ethics and trust in building successful relationships in their field.
Integrity in Sports: Integrity and strong relationships are vital for sports agents, focusing on clean athletes and shared values rather than just signings.
In the sports agency world, integrity is crucial, especially when dealing with athletes facing adversity. An agent should prioritize working with athletes who are clean and humble rather than those who achieve success through doping. Building a strong relationship based on shared values and open communication is essential in this process. Recruiting athletes requires diligence and an understanding of their character, background, and work ethic. While competition among agents exists, a sense of camaraderie can also be present, where agents respect each other's work and maintain friendly relationships. For agents, the focus should not just be on signing numerous clients but rather on selecting the right athletes who align with their agency's values and integrity. This approach ultimately fosters a positive reputation and enables athletes to overcome challenges with the right guidance.
Relationships in Sports: Athlete-agent relationships flourish through respect, managing expectations, and celebrating victories, as seen in Meb's inspiring journey.
Successful athlete-agent relationships thrive on mutual respect and support, even amidst competition. The journey of realization comes from managing expectations, such as the thrill of Meb’s comeback and his victories after setbacks. Significant moments, like winning the New York and Boston marathons, showcase not just personal triumphs but also the joy shared with support systems. Reflecting on accomplishments and expressing gratitude for growth and progress is essential, even amidst life's challenges. Celebrating milestones helps foster a deeper connection and reminds everyone of the shared journey, creating lasting memories. Each achievement adds to the emotional connection agents and athletes have, reinforcing that setbacks can lead to extraordinary comebacks in their careers and lives.
Meb's Impact: Meb's Boston Marathon win changed lives and created many opportunities, prompting his agent Howie to expand his agency. They focused on honoring commitments while navigating the new demands and potential of Meb's success.
Meb’s victory at the Boston Marathon in 2014 had a profound impact, not only on his life but also on his agent, Howie. The win opened numerous doors, leading to many media requests and endorsement opportunities. With increased demand for Meb, Howie realized he could no longer manage everything alone. This experience pushed him to consider expanding his agency. The boost in Meb's career inspired Howie to invest in his agency and help more athletes. Balancing commitments while honoring pre-existing agreements was essential for them. They chose to rely on their values and integrity, ensuring they fulfilled obligations while navigating new opportunities that arose post-victory. In summary, Meb’s achievement transformed their professional landscape, demonstrating that success in sports can resonate beyond the field, affecting careers and personal growth. It reinforced the idea that victories can lead to significant changes and responsibilities outside of athletic endeavors.
Commitment and Connection: Balancing commitments can be tough, as seen with Meb missing the Ellen show, but strong relationships and support in sports lead to meaningful successes like Alephine's victory.
Navigating opportunities and commitments can be challenging, especially for athletes like Meb and Alephine. Meb had to miss a chance to appear on the Ellen show due to other commitments, highlighting the difficulty of balancing professional and personal obligations. However, their bond as brothers strengthens their working relationship. Despite being busy professionals, they maintain a close connection, reflecting the importance of mutual respect and support in any partnership. Race days, like Alephine's big victory, stir up emotions, but the joy of seeing athletes succeed is what motivates them. Experiences like these demonstrate the importance of teamwork and encouragement in sports, emphasizing that while business is important, personal relationships remain paramount.
American Dreams: American dreams involve immigrant sacrifices, unique challenges for different communities, and the importance of optimism and conversation for change.
American dreams are often rooted in the sacrifices of immigrant parents, who hope for better opportunities for their children. This journey can be tough, filled with disappointments, especially in competitive fields like sports. However, it’s important to recognize the struggles faced by different communities and that not everyone experiences the same opportunities equally. Success can show the power of resilience and optimism, highlighting the importance of conversation around race and equality. Television and cultural connections also play a role in helping families assimilate and understand new societies, making the pursuit of dreams more relatable and attainable. Embracing these conversations can lead to progress, and remaining hopeful is crucial in overcoming challenges.
Connection Over Schedule: Meb Kofleski cherishes his fans, often prioritizing connections over time, which highlights the importance of relationships and accountability in health and life.
Meb Kofleski's down-to-earth nature and appreciation for his fans set him apart. Despite having a busy schedule, he finds joy in connecting with people, which sometimes creates a challenge for those managing his time. They’ve adapted by allowing extra time for the spontaneous fan interactions he enjoys. This reveals a heartwarming truth: genuine connections are more important than strict schedules. Howie, who supports Meb, emphasizes that physical activity, whether through running or even walking, is beneficial for both body and mind. It serves as a reminder to prioritize health and challenge oneself, creating accountability through promises made to oneself or others. Ultimately, it’s not just about athletics; it's about sharing experiences, laughter, and connections with loved ones, which makes life richer. This sentiment reflects the importance of valuing moments over schedules.
Gratitude and Community: Ali expresses deep gratitude for her clients and friends, emphasizing the importance of relationships and community in her journey. She encourages listeners to stay connected through her podcast and support her work on Patreon.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Ali expresses gratitude toward her clients, highlighting their significance in her agency’s success. She particularly appreciates the strong relationships formed over the years, especially with friends like Howie. Their ongoing support and the community around them are emphasized, showcasing the importance of connections in personal and professional growth. Ali encourages her audience to stay engaged with her show, subscribe for upcoming episodes, and support her exclusive content on Patreon. There’s a nod to the contributors, like the sponsor Aftershocks, who help make the journey smoother. This interaction reminds everyone that alongside hard work, appreciation for others fosters a positive environment. Ali’s closing message is one of encouragement, reminding listeners that they are doing great and are valued, reinforcing a sense of community and support within the sport and the podcasting world.

Was this summary helpful?

Recent Episodes from Ali on the Run Show

702. Run Your Way with Jackie Gaughan

"I think about when I was a kid and I would just go out and run hard and not worry about the result or what was the worst thing that could happen. I run my best when I run with the same mindset I had when I was 12."

Jackie Gaughan qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials in her very first marathon. At 24 years old, she was the 18th-fastest qualifier in the field. (Her PR is a 2:27 from the 2023 Berlin Marathon.) In this conversation, Jackie talks about going from being an anxiety-riddled runner at Notre Dame to a four-time marathoner who finished 25th at the Trials. She talks about how running fits into her life as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, about her oldest daughter tendencies (she's the oldest of four), and about racing with a Jackie Mindset.

FOLLOW JACKIE @jackie_gaughan

SPONSOR:

New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

What you’ll get on this episode:

All about Jackie’s run today (1:45)
Jackie’s decision not to run this year’s Boston Marathon (2:45)
What Jackie’s job entails, and how she fits running in (5:00)
How it felt going into the Trials as the 18^th-fastest qualifier (7:00)
What it means to run with a Jackie Mindset (8:00)
How and why Jackie became a runner (9:35)
On dealing with race-related and running-related anxiety (14:15)
Why Jackie decided to move up to the marathon after college (16:10)
What Jackie’s Trials training was like (18:05)
What it was like in Orlando leading up to the Trials (23:25)
On making the decision to walk during the race (28:00)
How Jackie got through the toughest parts of the race, and what the finish line experience was like (34:00)
What running looks like for Jackie right now (38:00)
What it means to run the Jackie Gaughan way (41:00)

Follow Ali:

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

enMarch 05, 2024

701. Rachel Schneider Smith, Olympian, Professional Runner, & Mom

"Hands down, the most courageous thing I’ve ever done is walk into trying to get pregnant and walking through pregnancy after loss."

Rachel Schneider Smith just might be the most-loved woman in the professional running world. Everyone adores her — and in this episode, it's easy to see why. Rachel is a HOKA-sponsored professional runner who competes in everything from the 1500m on the track to the half marathon on the roads. (Girl's got range!) She lives in Flagstaff, AZ, where she is coached by her husband, Mike Smith. In this conversation, Rachel talks about pregnancy after loss, and about the role running played during her grieving process in the wake of a miscarriage. She talks about returning to running and racing, and about how she's feeling heading into the USATF 15K Championships this weekend in Florida.

FOLLOW RACHEL @rachschneid18

SPONSORS:

Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I’m an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

All about Rachel’s run today, and how her body feels returning to running after having a baby (2:25)
Where Rachel finds her flow state (5:00)
Rachel reflects on her performances at USA Indoor National Championships last weekend (6:00)
On running with teammates in Flagstaff, and running with nose strips at USAs (11:45)
Rachel’s New Hampshire roots (14:20)
What Rachel’s return to racing has been like (16:40)
Navigating life as a professional runner and mom (22:45)
The sisterhood of professional runner moms (27:40)
Rachel’s experience with loss, and the role running played in her grieving process (30:25)
Rachel’s bout with skin cancer (38:00)
What Rachel was like as a kid (45:30)
Rachel’s goals for the USATF 15K Championships (50:15)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 29, 2024

700. Jess McClain's 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Recap

"I had the time of my life out there. I soaked it all in."

So often, the fourth-place finisher at any given Olympic Trials is the most devastated of the day. The person who came closest to the podium, and was the first not to make the team. But at this year's U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, Jess McClain changed the narrative. The self-coached, unsponsored, agent-less runner shocked fans with her fourth-place finish and four-minute personal best, finishing in 2:25:46. In this conversation, Jess — who is the executive director of the Love Up Foundation and is a freelance marketing consultant — talks about how she made it happen.

FOLLOW JESS @jesstonn

SPONSORS:

goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping.
Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool.

What you’ll get on this episode:

Jess’s emotions a few days post-Trials (2:55)
On Jess’s approach to the Trials (4:45)
Does Jess want a coach, an agent, a sponsor? (7:20)
Jess’s snapshot moment from the day (11:30)
How the race played out (22:15)
When Jess knew she was in fourth place (29:00)
What it means to be the official Team USA alternate (30:40)
How Jess trained for the Trials (36:20)
On Jess’s work with the Love Up Foundation (38:55)
What Jess decided to wear on race day (44:15)
How Jess found the confidence to go for it (50:35)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 22, 2024

699. Sara Hall's 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Recap

"This was the happy ending to it all, to all the struggle. But that’s life, right? It wasn’t how the story ended. But believing it was kept me in it."

Sara Hall just competed at her eighth Olympic Trials event. She went all-in for this one, hoping to make her first Olympic team. At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in Orlando, FL, Sara ultimately finished fifth — two spots short of earning a spot on Team USA. Her 2:26:06 finish broke the American Masters Marathon Record, and as she processes what it all means for her and her journey, Sara shares in this episode that there's so much to be proud of and grateful for. (And, after her eighth Trials, it's fitting that this is Sara's eighth appearance on the Ali on the Run Show!)

FOLLOW SARA @sarahall3

SPONSORS:

Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

On Sara’s recent car trouble, and how her body is feeling post-Trials (2:10)
What Aliphine and Sara talked about on the start line (3:50)
How serious was Sara’s injury when she scratched from the Houston Half? (4:45)
All about Sara’s pre-race warm-up (7:15)
Why Sara took off and threw her watch at mile 17 (9:30)
Sara shares her proudest racing moments (12:20)
On dealing with mid-race cramping (15:20)
What’s next? (22:00)
Sara’s first workout after the Trials (27:00)
On breaking the Master’s Record at the Trials (28:40)
Sara’s snapshot moment from the day (31:45)
The race plan (40:35)
How Sara processed and grieved this race with her family (40:20)
On making the final turn toward the finish line (48:40)
What it was like seeing training partner Makenna Myler at the finish (52:00)
On never giving up on your dreams (53:45)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 20, 2024

698. Makenna Myler's 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Recap

"Going into this race, I was like, 'Top 10, that sounds like a really good goal. I can do that. Top 10.' And then when that race started, I was like, 'Holy crap, Top 10 is going to be so hard. This is the most talented group of women I have ever been surrounded by.' Everywhere I looked, I was like, 'You’re amazing, you’re amazing, you’re incredible…' I felt honored to be among those women. I just look up to all these women around me."

"Have kids and dreams." It's Makenna Myler's mantra (surely you've seen her post-race video that quickly went viral), and it's exactly what she's doing. The mom of two (10 months and 3 years old) just finished seventh at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, where she ran a personal best time of 2:26:14. Makenna went into the Trials hoping for a Top 10 finish, and wanting "to be a factor." In this episode, she talks about how she made it happen, about being coached by Ryan Hall, about doing workouts alongside Sara Hall, and about what it was like pumping with fellow Trials-running moms before the race.

FOLLOW MAKENNA @benzmakenz

SPONSORS:

New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)
UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

How Makenna processes her races (2:45)
What it was like nursing and pumping during race weekend (5:00)
All about Makenna’s viral “Have kids and dreams” video (10:00)
On imposter syndrome, being coached by Ryan Hall, and training with Sara Hall (13:10)
What the start of the race was like, and the race plan Ryan gave Makenna beforehand (23:55)
The last 10K (29:15)
What Makenna and Ryan talked about after the race (45:30)
Where Makenna plans to run next (51:00)
Why Makenna shaved her head in high school (55:30)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 15, 2024

697. Love on the Run with Best Running Friends Conner Mantz & Clayton Young

"For all the speculators out there, there was no splitting the prize money, no talk about that beforehand, no 'You go first, I go second.' No 'Conner let me win in New Haven, so I have to let him win at the Trials.' It really just happened. I want to make that 100 percent clear. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was pure, raw emotion of enjoying the moment."

It was the marathon finish we all couldn't stop talking about. At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, former Brigham Young University teammates and current training partners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young ran stride-for-stride every step of the way, until Conner broke the tape just ahead of Clayton. Together, they went 1-2 on the podium, securing their spots on Team USA for the Paris Olympic Games this summer. In this conversation, Conner and Clayton talk about the race, about training with coach Ed Eyestone, and about whether Clayton really "let" Conner win. It's Love on the Run meets Friendship Fest!

FOLLOW CONNER @connermantz

FOLLOW CLAYTON @_clayton_young_

SPONSOR:

Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action.

What you’ll get on this episode:

How Clayton, Conner, and Coach Eyestone wow feeling just a few days after the race (2:30)
All about that now-famous Olympic Trials finish (3:30)
The surge that got Conner to the finish (9:55)
What Meb Keflezighi said to Conner and Clayton before the race (15:30)
All about Conner and Clayton’s relationships with fellow professional runner Jared Ward (16:50)
How Conner and Clayton’s families feel about their race results (20:15)
On getting back on the run with the BYU crew (22:25)
Conner and Clayton break down the race — starting with Conner’s missed bottle (25:00)
The post-race conversations Clayton and Conner had with Zach Panning, who led most of the race (34:35)
The nerves of the Trials vs. the Olympics (40:50)
The mid-race high five seen around the country (45:35)
Clayton’s decision to wear sunglasses to the press conference (50:25)
How Conner and Clayton met (54:50)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 13, 2024

696. My 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon Weekend Recap

"Seeing how many people flew down to Florida on a random weekend in February to cheer for total strangers… How cool is that?!"

I had the best weekend in Orlando at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon — running around Lake Eola with friends, attending the elite athlete press conference, hosting a Best Running Friends meetup, going on shakeout runs, and, of course, cheering for all of the runners during Saturday's race. This is my recap from the weekend.

SPONSOR:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

Why I went to the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando (1:00)
Friday: a morning run, wise words from Deena Kastor, the elite athlete press conference, an impromptu Best Running Friends meetup, a shakeout run, and a weird sushi dinner (9:00)
Saturday: race day! (34:10)
Final takeaways (51:50)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 08, 2024

695. Dakotah Lindwurm's 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Recap

"I knew months ago that was going to be my caption for that post!"

Let the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon recaps begin! First up: Dakotah Lindwurm! The 28-year-old Puma-sponsored athlete who trains with Minnesota Distance Elite finished third at the Trials, running 2:25:31 and fulfilling a lifelong dream of earning a spot on Team USA. In this conversation, recorded just two days after the race (while on vacation in the Dominican Republic!), Dakotah talks about her 130-mile training weeks leading up to the Trials while working full-time as a paralegal. She talks about developing an unwavering confidence and belief in herself, shares her original race plan, and breaks down the race itself. Plus, what it was like racing with teammate and best friend Annie Frisbie, what the spectators in Orlando were like, and the mid-race move that makes her feel "icky."

FOLLOW DAKOTAH @dakotahlindwurm

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 06, 2024

694. Weini Kelati, American Record Holder in the Half Marathon

"As runners, we all deserve to be at the start line — and at the finish line, winning races."

Last month, Weini Kelati broke the American record in the half marathon, running 1:06:25 in Houston in her debut at the distance. Just a few days later, she ran — and won — the USATF cross-country championships. Weini's plan was never to be a record-breaking runner, though. Growing up in Eritrea, Weini was accustomed to walking — sometimes running — two hours to get to school each day, six days a week. Running on top of that? No thank you, she told her P.E. teacher. But somehow, she ended up on the school's track team, and at 17 years old, she was chosen to represent Eritrea at the Junior World Championships in Eugene, OR. The rest, as they say, is history. Weini intentionally missed her flight back home in favor of seeking asylum to stay in the U.S. and pursue a running career. She attended the University of New Mexico, where she became the most-decorated track and field athlete in the program's history, and she's been breaking records ever since. Weini lives in Flagstaff, AZ, where she is sponsored by Under Armour and trains with the Dark Sky Distance group.

FOLLOW WEINI @weini_kelati

SPONSOR:

Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

What you’ll get on this episode:

What’s next on Weini’s racing calendar? (3:40)
All about Weini’s childhood (4:30)
When — and why — Weini started running in elementary school (10:00)
The trip to the U.S. that changed Weini’s life forever (19:00)
On acclimating to life in the U.S. (25:45)
What it was like for Weini to go eight years without seeing her mother (30:00)
Weini’s college experience at the University of New Mexico (41:00)
How Weini became a professional runner (45:00)
Why Weini wanted to move up to the half-marathon distance (49:00)
Weini’s advice for first-time half-marathoners (55:35)

Follow Ali:

enFebruary 01, 2024

693. Fiona O'Keeffe, 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials Competitor

"I wouldn’t say I’m a favorite in a lot of peoples’ eyes. But it’s the Trials. We’re here to select a team. So I’m going to go for it and see what happens."

Happy Olympic Trials Week! This Saturday, the fastest distance runners in the U.S. will line up in Orlando, FL, racing for their chance to represent Team USA in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Among those runners will be Fiona O'Keeffe, making her debut at the distance. Fiona runs professionally for Puma, and trains with the Puma Elite coaches Amy and Alistair Cragg. Fiona qualified for the Trials by running a 1:11 half marathon, and now she's ready to see what she can do over the course of 26.2 miles. In this episode, Fiona talks about her training, about the advice Amy Cragg (who won the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials) has given her, and about her recovery from a staph infection in her ankle last summer.

FOLLOW FIONA @fiona_okeeffe

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

What you’ll get on this episode:

Race week! Fiona shares how she’s feeling just days away from the Trials (1:50)
Was Fiona’s plan to debut in the marathon at the Trials? (5:10)
What Fiona’s Trials training looked like, including her favorite and least favorite workouts (10:00)
On pressure — internal and external (17:20)
The ankle injury that sidelined Fiona last summer (18:45)
Fiona’s visualization plans, and what the week before the Trials entails (27:25)
Why Fiona chose to train with Amy and Alistair Cragg (31:10)
Noise vs. hype (34:20)
All about the runners in Fiona’s family (36:30)
What it might look like to continue competing on both the track and the roads (41:50)
Fiona’s pre-race must-dos (44:50)