Unlocking Peak Potential: Wisdom from Annika Sorenstam
Annika Sorenstam is not just a golf legend but a visionary whose dedication shaped the game and whose philanthropic spirit, through the ANNIKA Foundation, is redefining excellence for the next generation of leaders in sports and beyond, offering a treasure trove of wisdom cultivated through years of unparalleled achievement. Takeaways: - The Power of Preparation and Confidence: Annika emphasizes that thorough preparation is the antidote to shyness and nervousness, acting as a profound source of confidence that allows her to perform at her best and represent herself and her partners with excellence. - Managing Pressure Through Process: Pressure is a given, but Annika effectively manages it by adhering to routines and focusing on the process rather than solely on the outcome, recognizing that a healthy level of pressure can sharpen focus and discipline. - The Art of Balancing Technology: In an increasingly distracted world, Annika advocates for finding a healthy balance with technology, urging selective use to enhance performance while maintaining dedicated, distraction-free time for personal growth and genuine human connection. Sound Bytes: "Because I think, I mean, it makes me feel good. I want to make a difference. I want to inspire the next generation. because I feel very lucky, to be honest." "I think for me, was just, it's almost like living. And doing something before you do it made me feel very comfortable. And I think I can relate that to many things in my life where I feel in my mind I've done it." "You need a little bit of that in your mix, in the recipe. You need a little bit of that, but not too much." Connect & Discover Annika: Website: annikafoundation.org Facebook: @Annika Instagram:@annikas59 X:@annika59 🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 ** Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership**, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life →Amazon,[Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-be-a-good-leader-when-youve-never-had-one-mick-hunt/[redacted phone]?ean=[redacted card]%20),[Books A Million](https://www.booksamillion.com/p/How-Be-Good-Leader-Youve/Mick-Hunt/[redacted card])** ** ** ** FOLLOW MICK ON: Spotify:MickUnplugged Instagram:@mickunplugged Facebook:@mickunplugged YouTube:@MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn:@mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.com Apple:MickUnplugged See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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[00:00] The people who seem to get more done than everyone else, they're not working longer hours or running on more caffeine. [00:06] They've just stopped wasting time on the stuff that doesn't move work forward. [00:09] Switching apps, re-explaining context, hunting for files, [00:13] Those aren't small inefficiencies. They're hours wasted every week. [00:17] Superhuman Go gives you those hours back. [00:20] From the makers of Grammarly, Go is an AI chat that sits inside every tab and tool you already use. Always available and ready to help you with what you're working on. [00:30] Ask it to draft something. Summarize a long thread. [00:33] pull up a file, or prep you for a meeting. [00:35] Go handles it without you ever leaving the page you're on. [00:39] This is what it looks like when AI actually fits into your work instead of adding to it. [00:43] It's like having a teammate whose only job is to help you be better at yours. [00:48] Go keeps up so you can move forward. And with Go working with you, you can show off what you do best. [00:54] See what Superhuman Go can do at superhuman.com. [00:57] That's superhuman.com. [01:00] The most effective people at work aren't working harder than everyone else. They're working smarter inside better systems. [01:07] Superhuman Go, from the makers of Grammarly, is the AI chat that works inside every tool you already use. [01:13] always ready and already aware of what you're working on. [01:16] It's a teammate whose only job is to help you be better at yours. [01:20] With Go Working With You, you can show off what you do best. [01:24] See what Superhuman Go can do at superhuman.com. [01:27] That's superhuman.com.
[01:31] You're listening to Mick Unplugged, hosted by the one and only Mick Hunt. This is where purpose meets power and stories spark transformation. Mick takes you beyond the motivation and into meaning, helping you discover your because and becoming unstoppable. I'm Rudy Rush, and trust me, you're in the right place. Let's get unplugged. [01:58] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged. And today I am with Mike Goat of all goats. A lot of you don't know this about me, but I picked up golf several years ago. I'm not great by any stretch of imagination. Most people say I'm not good by any stretch of imagination. [02:14] But today's guest is the reason that I picked up a golf club to begin with, watching her dominate. [02:19] watching her competitive spirit, watching the consistency. [02:22] Taught me a lot about what I should be doing both on the golf course and in life. So I'm honored to present to you the legendary, the iconic, the brilliant, the unparalleled, Mrs. Annika Sorensen. Annika, how are you doing today, dear? Well, thank you so much for that introduction. Great to be with you. I am the honored one. This is truly a bucket list. [02:43] You know, when he talked to my kids and they saw that I started playing golf many, many years ago. And again, I'm not good by any stretch of imagination. [02:51] But I got into golf because of you, the domination that you had in the [02:56] fearlessness that you had was so unparalleled. So again, I'm honored to be here with you. Well, thank you. I'm glad you picked up the sport. As you know, it's a fun sport you can do with everybody all your life. So good for you. And you can't blame anyone else either. You can only blame yourself, right? That's why I love golf. Sometimes you wish you could, but in the end, it all comes back to you.
[03:16] Absolutely. Monica, the first question I love asking all of my guests. [03:21] is what is your because, right? Like if I were to ask you what's your why, you're gonna tell me, you know, my kids, my family, my community, my foundation. But when I say why, [03:31] Why is that important? That sentence usually begins with, well, because. And I care about your because. And your because changes over time. [03:40] So if I were to say today, Annika Sorensen, what is your big cause? Why do you do the things that you do? That's kind of a fun way to ask that question, because I think that hits the spot more directly. Because I think... [03:54] I mean, it makes me feel good. [03:56] I want to make a difference. I want to inspire the next generation. [04:00] Yeah. [04:01] And because I feel... [04:03] I feel very lucky, to be honest. I feel very lucky in the sense that, you know, I start playing golf as a hobby. Of course, it was fun. And then I took it to a different level. It became kind of my [04:14] my work or [04:15] if you want to put it there, was a kind of great work. And then, you know, be able to step away and continue to follow that passion. And so I think that is my because. I love that. [04:27] I love everything about it because that truly defines who you are. And I think who you always have been. [04:33] You know, one of the things that I learned from you, and again, this isn't golf, this is just in life, is the dedication to your craft. Always being prepared. You know, I've heard you say this. [04:44] I've heard Michael Jordan say this same thing, and it's something that I live by.
[04:48] you know, like, [04:49] Michael Jordan said he never took a shot. He never practiced, right? Like he was always prepared for moments. And I've heard you say that. [04:55] you know, [04:56] You were always prepared to do what you needed to do. Talk to us about just the preparation. Again, I get it in sports, but also in life. I think you are one of, if not the most prepared person for moments that I've ever seen. Well, thank you. For me, I just want to be ready. I'm going to step in in any arena. I want to be ready to go. It doesn't mean that I [05:19] Of course, I understand that sometimes you have to pivot, especially golf. I mean, things don't really turn out the way you think it is. It might start raining on the third hole or you get bad bounces, you think, or whatever the circumstance, you have to learn how to pivot. But I do feel like to do something well and [05:35] and, you know, felt comfortable in something to me. I'm just very shy by nature. So for me, preparation was a way to, you know, handle a situation. Knowing I'm ready, I can do that. Then that shyness and that nervousness didn't really appear so much. So I think for me, it was just, it's almost like living and doing something before you do it made me feel very comfortable. And I think I can relate that to many things in my life where I feel in my mind, I've done it. And then I go and try and do it. [06:05] where [06:07] totally... [06:08] you know, out of the blue or totally cold, it would make me really, you know, uncomfortable. And that's where I think preparation is, gives me confidence and, [06:16] And I like to do things well. I mean, I like to represent personally myself, my partners, my family, and to do that, to
[06:23] to be [06:24] You know, you want to make sure that you do what you can. And that's giving me confidence, I think, coming in and being aware of a situation or have done the research, knowing what I'm talking about. It just helps to feel good about something. Absolutely. Absolutely. And I just learned something. I did not know that you were shy by nature. I would not have known that with how you interact and all the things that you do and the lives that you touch. [06:45] But speaking of the lives that you touch, again, I think you single-handedly had the greatest impacts on the game of golf at an international and global level. And I give Tiger a ton of credit for that as well, too. But I think you kind of had that first because, again, for someone like me, it was watching you. It was watching you play. And it was watching... [07:07] again, the domination that you had, but the preparation that you had, [07:12] And you did everything with grace. And that's what I love. Like you're ultra competitive. [07:15] And I know that because I'm ultra competitive too. [07:18] But you still handle things with grace. And I think a lot of people that are ultra competitive don't necessarily do that, right? It's easy to win with grace, but it's not easy to not win. I'm not going to say lose, but it's not easy to not win with grace. When did you realize the global impact that you were having on lives? Yeah, I mean, I think just, you know, growing up in Sweden and, you know, Sweden is, you know, with [07:41] quite a small country that, you know, early on I was exposed to traveling around the world to compete. I mean, it started obviously, you know, in Scandinavia and then it was Europe and then it was, you know, a little bit more globally after. And I just, you know, you get to experience different cultures and different people and understanding what,
[08:02] a little bit more about the world. So I learned pretty early what, you know, the big picture. And so I think for me, it was, you know, early on, it's like, well, I represent myself, but I also represent Sweden and women's golf. And yes, I am a [08:15] extremely competitive. And I think I'm one of those players that, you know, I, [08:19] worked very hard behind the scenes, you know, very disciplined. And then the curtain will open and here I come and [08:25] And I do my thing and then I kind of go. I've always wanted to take the trophy and run. I was never really somebody who wanted to be seen and be heard and, you know, kind of be on stage and have that limelight. That was just, that's not really what I was, that's ever really been important to me. I think what's been important to me is obviously the sport, playing well, becoming a good golfer and fine tuning my game. And like my dad always said, you know, Annika, let the clubs do the talking. [08:55] I would say that's kind of my core, how I am and what I stood for. And it made me comfortable. You know, I was never, you know, drama and theater and singing. That was just never my thing. But sports were, and this was my way of performing, but also doing it in a way that, you know, I enjoyed grinding. I mean, I love hitting balls on the range. I love working on my stroke. You know, I went out there and there was the gym or the mental aspect, just, you know, dissecting my game in pieces and really trying to make every piece. [09:24] the very best that I could. And I figured, you know, if I was... [09:27] the best player in every category. [09:29] you know, I would be hard to beat. And that was really how, what drove me. That was my motivation. And that's what, you know, that was my goal through the years. And you did it.
[09:38] better than anyone else has ever done. So congratulations and kudos to you. But I know as proud as you are of what you did today, [09:46] you know, in the game of golf and what you're continuing to do in the game of golf, you also, and these are my words and my words only, but you're more proud, I think, of the lives that you're touching with the foundation that you have. And I'd love to talk about the Annika Foundation a little bit because I'm proud of the work that you're doing. And I want to give you the floor to talk about [10:07] you know, the mission behind the foundation. Yeah, well, thank you for bringing that up. You know, when I stepped away, I knew that I wanted to do something to give back. [10:17] maybe this ties in with the first question is because, but I knew that, [10:21] You know, I just, you know, I'm not finished. I just... [10:25] finished competing myself. But I wanted to continue my legacy and be able to inspire the next generation of, you know, because I remember when, [10:34] Again, when I was a young girl, a shy young girl, and what was important and, you know, who I was looking up to and what were the possibilities. And, you know, when I stepped away in 2008, I mean, I felt like the possibilities of being a [10:47] a female golfer is a lot bigger today than it was, you know, when I, [10:53] you know, when I started. And obviously now, 20 years later, there's even more opportunities for these young women. To me, that is just, I don't know, it makes you feel good and makes you proud that you're part of a sport where, you know, opportunities exist for young players, you know, to work hard and be able to travel around the world and, you know,
[11:12] you know, for, and have a, you know, make a living on a sport that they love. And so, you know, I really, I really get a lot of joy out of spending time with young people. [11:23] you know, young, don't have to be professionals, but, you know, as you know, these amateurs nowadays, they act like professionals. They're so mature already, but just to be able to talk to them, inspire them, motivate them and guide them by sharing stories or mistakes that I made. And then to see them go on and do very well. I mean, it's like, [11:42] you cheer for them and you become part of their journey. And I really get a lot of joy out of that. And I feel like with my knowledge I have or the expertise and kind of the resources, you know, the foundation, we've been able to provide these opportunities to empower and advance young women through the sport. So yeah, it's competitions, but it's also mentoring. We do sponsor some players, we sponsor a tour, we recognize successes for these young women. And it's just, I don't know, [12:12] doors for them and [12:13] And it's been fun to see the growth of women's sport on different levels. The people who seem to get more done than everyone else, they're not working longer hours or running on more caffeine. They've just stopped wasting time on the stuff that doesn't move work forward. Switching apps, re-explaining context, hunting for files. Those aren't small inefficiencies. They're hours wasted every week. Superhuman Go gives you those hours back.
[12:43] tab and tool you already use. Always available and ready to help you with what you're working on. Ask it to draft something, summarize a long thread, pull up a file or prep you for a meeting. Go handles it without you ever leaving the page you're on. This is what it looks like when AI actually fits into your work instead of adding to it. It's like having a teammate whose only job is to help you be better at yours. Go keeps up so you can move forward. With Go working with you, [13:13] and go can do at superhuman.com. That's superhuman.com. The most effective people at work aren't working harder than everyone else. They're working smarter inside better systems. [13:24] Superhuman Go, from the makers of Grammarly, is the AI chat that works inside every tool you already use. [13:32] Always ready and already aware of what you're working on. It's a teammate whose only job is to help you be better at yours. [13:39] With Go working with you, you can show off what you do best. See what Superhuman Go can do at superhuman.com. That's superhuman.com. Yeah, I love it. I appreciate it. And I actually learned from you through the foundation as well, too. And I've had this question for you that I've been waiting to sit on because I need help. [13:57] hoping that Anika can help me here. How do you help these young people in such a distracted time that we have now, right? Like, [14:06] When I was growing up, I'm sure when you were growing up, there were no cell phones. There were. [14:10] There were not distractions in your face. And I'm not saying that these are bad things. So don't think I'm being the old guy in the room, right? That's not what I'm doing. How do you help?
[14:19] people focus in a distraction mode. [14:23] heavy world that we're in now. And this is me learning from you right now. So you're coaching me. [14:28] I don't know if I have... [14:31] the certificate to do that. But no, I know exactly what you mean, because I mean, I have two teenagers at home and, and, you know, personally also, you know, we have cell phones and it feels like we're so busy all the time. And that, you know, my mom says it all the time, just, [14:45] You know, you guys are running around all day. And, you know, of course, they're in the 80s. So they don't remember what they did when they were 40 or 50. And I'm sure they did similar. But I do feel like we, you know, by having access to whether it's information or to people or just to anything, it's like we are constantly at a demand. Either people want us or we need other people. [15:05] And it just feels like it's at the fingertips. So there is a lot of distractions and, you know, this human communication and going for a coffee break or, you know, those are just very rare because, you know, the phone will ring or somebody texts you. And so that accessibility, I think, is important. [15:23] It's good and bad, but also our patience level is so, it's not the way it used to be. It's like you text somebody, if you don't text in five minutes, you're like, oh, what's wrong, right? [15:34] So I think, so how do I manage that? How do I tackle that with our kids? And I think it's all about [15:42] what's important. You know, you have to prioritize what's, you know, when it's you and you're doing something, achieving something and staying focused. And it's a constant battle. For me, it's having a little me time. And, you know, if I'm in the middle of something, then, you know, this is my time. And, you know, I don't want to have distractions or other people. I don't need more information. I don't need more reels and videos to just, you know, complicate the decisions that you make. You know, put the phones away, focus on the moment and achieving things. And
[16:12] I think is one of the things so good about golf is, [16:14] You know, on the range, I mean, there's a few things that you can do, you know, leave the [16:19] You know, the phone in the golf bag, leave the phone in the cart, go hit some balls and putt, have a little competition and, you know, don't put it in your back pocket so that you feel every buzz or whatever it is. And, you know, and just so those are some of the things that we do. [16:32] But then again, I mean, technology is a good thing. I mean, today you can film your swing, you can look at other people's swings, and you can analyze and get all kinds of information. So it's finding that balance where you are, you know, still can be a human because you know, I mean, people talk about this AI, and I don't know if this is even part of the conversation. But, you know, there's certain things you can replace. I don't think you can replace a golfer or an athlete, like in certain things, right? [17:02] of hitting shots and shots. So I always tell our son, especially, you don't need the phone here. You know, we're working on our swing and it's you and I would have a discussion. So it's finding that balance where technology is helping, but then also it's almost like a curve, you know, it gets to the point where it's good and then too much is just kind of like that. So yeah, I think balance is the word that we all need to, you know, implement in our lives. And, you know, that balance level, of course, can be different for different people. Not sure I answer your
[17:32] to bed. It's, you know, there's distractions left and right. Yeah. No, you, you answered it perfectly. I needed that for me. Like you were coaching me because, you know, I work with youths and, and do a lot of my communities. And one of the things that I run into, it's like every teenager now was almost like their own publicist or their own journalist, right? Because, you know, [17:51] they can go run their social media account and do whatever. And again, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. [17:56] I just had to learn what you just told me. And that's what I'm going to use is the balance, the healthy balance of distractions. [18:04] or of technology or of AI. So thank you for that. I needed that. Lesson learned from Monica Sorkin. [18:11] You know, one of the things that I've always praised you about and something I've learned, and I know you're helping your athletes and students with this, too, is just the mental fortitude that it takes not just to win, but to manage pressure. And I've always said this, you know, I work with entrepreneurs, I work with salespeople, and I work with young folks as well, too. Pressure is a real thing. [18:33] But how you control it, how you manage it, how you prepare for it, [18:37] is what separates those that can handle it and those who can't. And I don't like when people say, [18:43] There's no such thing as pressure. I'm like, no, you've never been in those moments before. There are moments where pressure is definitely real. How do you work with your students on [18:53] on managing pressure. Yeah, no, I'm in... [18:56] There's no doubt that pressure exists. I think [18:59] Pressure comes in different forms, for sure. I mean, I would say in my case, a lot of the
[19:04] pressure that I feel is coming for me personally. You know, expectations are [19:08] certain things I want to achieve or people, you know, I think that they maybe expect me that I have to do a certain thing. So you put pressure on yourself. And, you know, I think, again, it goes back to preparation. You know, if I'm not prepared, then I feel a lot more pressure because I it's like, OK, what am I doing? How am I going to? [19:26] attack this and what am I going to say? And so, but I think, you know, pressure kind of goes hand in hand with goals and what do you want to achieve and being realistic about it. And I think that if, you know, for me, pressure has always been [19:40] away from me to focus a little bit more, being more disciplined. Because I think pressure in a way is like, okay, well, it's time to do something. And I just stay more focused if I, rather than not having a goal or maybe not a deadline or maybe not a... [19:56] whenever it could be. [19:57] I think it's important to have, I mean, you can have a vision and then you have a goal and then somehow pressure comes in there. But it's like anything, a little pressure is good. Too much is obviously, you know, I think that can be detrimental. And the same thing, if you don't feel anything, then it's like, well, does this really mean anything to you? Do you care about this?
[20:27] and not so much on the results. [20:31] If you just stare at something, then I can see how the pressure would be, you know, your mounted pressure versus, okay, I got to do this. So now you're like in the process of, okay, I got to, you know. [20:43] choose the club, where's the wind and take the practice swing. Now it's like, I'm not focusing on the result. I'm focusing more on what to do, as they say, the journey versus just, you know, staring at the result. And so I welcome pressure. And I always talked about these young women, you know, pressure and being nervous. It's like, you need a little bit of that in your mix, in the recipe, you need a little bit of that, but not too much. And so, and again, in the end of the day, I tried to say, if you're prepared, that's certainly going to help you. And it's all those [21:13] door. A lot of people might think, well, that's boring, but it's that boringness, the consistency that eventually you step out and now you execute and now people are paying attention. And that's kind of what I enjoy. And that comes with all these different factors that create results. [21:30] I agree. And you taught me years ago muscle memory. And I heard you talking in an interview once of [21:37] you know, [21:38] almost that mundane, right? The practice until you can't practice it anymore because you have so much to think about. [21:46] that you don't want your body to react. You don't want your mind to react. You want your body and mind to do what it knows how to do. You want to be able to mentally tell yourself, I just need to hit the ball over here. You know how to do it because you've done it a hundred million times, right? Talk to us about that, the power of mental reps and your body doing what it's supposed to do versus reacting to something or in the mind too, not just the body. Yeah. I mean, that's,
[22:16] I think, you know, when you look at people that perform... [22:20] at the highest level, you know, they find that good balance. They find, you know, how to manage that [22:25] And, but you're right. I mean, the mind is really where it starts. I mean, it has to come. And I think it has to come from you personally. You know, you can have people tell you a lot of different things, but, you know, and I feel like my mind is probably one of my strongest suits. Like if I decide to do something, it's, you know, my mind and then my body, and then I go and do it. But that connection is, you know, it's really important. I mean, especially, you know, in golf, as I know the sport is, you know, a lot of people have the physical attributes and, [22:53] Then it's like, well, it doesn't really connect. And then you have the vice versa. We have a lot of people that are just extremely focused and then the physical aspect doesn't really connect. So, you know, going to work them and they need to be together in the sense that you have to taper them also. If you know what I mean, a lot of people, I think are, you know, they feel physically strong and then, you know, not everything is synced. And I think a combination of that and it's, you know, it's not, I wouldn't say it's, you know, super, super complicated. [23:23] Figure out your weaknesses and your strength, what you need, but also understand that it doesn't have to be just one way. I mean, you've got to find your way where you feel like you're hitting, you know, that you can peak. [23:34] Before I switched to Wealthfront, my APY was probably 0.1. Like, it was a joke. I was literally getting pennies. Once I switched, cha-ching! With a Wealthfront cash account, earn up to 4.2% APY on your cash. The high APY with Wealthfront was a clear winner. There are no petty fees. Every month there's this much that I'm getting an interest in. I didn't have to do anything. My money is working hard on its own, and I can trust Wealthfront is taking care of me.
[24:04] Wealthfront Cash Account. No account fees, no minimums, and no strings attached. Get started today at Wealthfront.com. Clients were paid $1,000 for their testimonials, creating a conflict of interest. Outcomes vary. 3.3%. They say PY as of January 30th, 2026 is representative, variable, and earned on funds swept to program banks. 0.65% new client boost for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. Cash account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC member FINRA SIPC, not a bank. Fees and eligibility [24:34] Before I switched to Wealthfront, my APY was probably 0.1. Once I switched, cha-ching. With the Wealthfront Cash Account, earn up to 4.2% APY on your cash. I can trust Wealthfront is taking care of me. Make your money earn more. Get started at Wealthfront.com. Clients were paid $1,000 for their testimonials, creating a conflict of interest. Outcomes vary. 3.3% base APY as of January 30th, 2026 is representative, variable, and earned on funds swept to program banks. 0.65% new client boost for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. [25:04] bank. [25:05] versus trying to do something. I mean, I'm not 6'4", so I can't do certain things. And I'm, you know, this, but I can do it, you know, the way I think. And that's, I think that's, [25:14] That's how you get success in the long run. Yep. I agree. So... [25:17] I know how competitive you are. Do you ever every once in a while just have to show them, hey, I still got it? [25:23] I mean, yeah, that's the hardest part when you're, I mean, I would say anybody that's been, you know, have achieved success or, you know, been at the top of something and, you know, that's.
[25:34] personal satisfaction or feeling that you still have some kind of [25:38] worth if you know i mean like a purpose and i a lot of times is you know you you don't see a lot of athletes i mean they don't necessarily leave on their own you know many of them are forced to leave maybe injuries or it could be things and then then you always wonder what it would been like to you know to get to the top and be able to leave on your free will i was lucky to leave on my free will but then also when you step away you keep asking yourself you know what's your purpose [26:08] show something. And I think that's been the hardest part for me, you know, the last few years is how do you still feel like you're doing something? And that's why the foundation has been a good thing for me, you know, because I look at the girls and I, [26:20] I get joy out of that. [26:22] But of course, you know, when I go play, in my mind, I'm still 28 and you still feel like, you know, you feel good. And then it just doesn't come together. And those, I mean, it's frustrating. And I know other athletes have been at the top and they don't, they don't perform now. [26:35] it just, I can't just shake it and say, oh, you know, because you always care and you always feel like, you know, I did it. Like I just talked to somebody about my 59 and, [26:44] And I'm just like, well, why don't I do that again? [26:47] So I think as athletes and maybe type A personalities, people that are doers and strivers, it's hard when you leave your arena and trying to do something else that you still feel like you, you know, that you have, you know, again, a purpose or a role in your second chapter or third chapter.
[27:17] Those that are watching or listening can be a part of the foundation that can help the foundation that can support the foundation. Yeah, well, thank you. It's AnnikaFoundation.org, number one, if you just want to check out what we do. Again, it's about empowering and advancing women through the sports. There's a lot of life lessons. You know, it's not just, okay... [27:36] another golf tournament, another, you know, challenge. I mean, it's really about the human beings. And I tell people all the time, you know, we're humans that play golf. We're not golfers that are trying to be human beings. So, you know, we really try to educate these young women, you know, build a great base. If golf is your calling, great. But, you know, why don't we use golf as a platform for you to achieve your dreams, you know, off the course? It could be, you know, in manufacturing, maybe it could be in tournaments, it could be in management, it could be in [28:06] whatever it could be something that [28:09] you can still use the game of golf and we need women, you know, in these areas outside of competition. So, but I really feel like golf is, is a sport that teaches you so much about life. I mean, just you wake up in the morning and we, you know, we talked about the word patience, you know, we talked about pressure and I mean, as you know, there's a lot of integrity and discipline and confidence, all those things, golf teaches you that. And it's just the sport that, you know,
[28:39] So as far as somebody wanting to help, I mean, you can go to our website, learn a bit more about our cause, and then look at what the things we do. We had lots of different initiatives. Of course, you can volunteer and be part of our events, you know, help these young girls, resources, all kinds of stuff. I mean, sponsorships doesn't have to be necessarily just money. It could be, you know, other things, whatever it is that, you know. [29:01] you might have access to that could be helpful. And also just spreading the word about what we do and sign up your young girl to one of our initiatives. We're all over the country in different parts. [29:11] You know, we're going to be in Atlanta later in the spring. And then, I mean, we have tournaments all around the world. So if you feel like you have, you know, a six-year-old to 12-year-old that just want to learn the game, we have initiatives for that. If you know somebody who's 12 to 18 and, you know, somewhat, [29:27] you know, competitive. We have tournaments for that. And then we also have players that are just graduating from college and entering the, you know, the pro circuit. Sponsor 14 of them. You know, they're just kind of entering that phase. You know, they didn't sign the million dollar contract. They need some help along their journey. So we have, you know, people that are helping them together with the foundation. So there are different ways to, you know, to help. And it is the next generation of young women. And what I get, again, a lot of joy out of is, [29:56] These women are amazing representative of the sports. So they're great role models for, you know, for the next generation of theirs. So that's pretty cool, I think. And one day I know they will get back to... [30:07] It was important to them. Absolutely. Absolutely. So the event in Atlanta, do you know the date for that? I got to look into that.
[30:17] I'll look it up and I'm going to link it. It's called Share My Passion. Yeah. It's a Share My Passion clinic and we do different things. And it's just, you write a letter why you want to be part of it. And a lot of it, the topic is why you love golf. And so, yeah, I just, just to, and it's just fun. It's nothing, you know, no pressure packed. It's just introduction to the sport. You know, some girls are really good, but you know, you get a chance to hit, you get a chance to putt. We do like a fitness station and I do clinic and [30:43] Just do things like that where you do. But, yeah, I mean, I'm happy to send it. It should be really right on the foundation website. If not, then. I'll get it. I'll get it from the foundation. No, no, no. I'll get it from there. And the reason I ask is because Atlanta is two hours from me. So I would love to support however I can. And anytime you're doing anything East Coast, Southeast, I am going to make sure that I do my part to support and help, whether that's financially, being physically there or whatever it is. [31:13] Like, I'm going to do that. And I'm going to challenge a few of my viewers and listeners as well, too. So I'm going to find... [31:20] Anika Foundation event and Mick Unplugged is going to go represent. And so. That'd be fun. Yeah. You should come there. I mean, talk to the girls and it's, I mean, it's just, I don't know. It's so fun. They're so, they're like sponges, right? They want to learn. And, and what I like really about this and you, you know, this already, but you know, [31:38] Boys are, when you do clinics with boys, you know, they have a lot more confidence. You know, they raise their hand and they feel confident even though they don't know anybody at the clinic. You know, a lot of girls are, you know, they're...
[31:48] ready to sign up and they think that they are, I'm not good enough or I don't know anybody. And [31:53] And all of a sudden they show up and all of a sudden you see, you know, 40 other girls your age. You're like, wow, I thought I was alone doing it. And that just... [32:00] But, you know, girls need to be more in a, they're more like in pack. You know, they go in groups and they have fun in a group. Boys in general, you know, they don't, they're more like, they can be more lone wolves, if you know what I mean. They can go out there and they find people. But, you know, young ladies and young girls, they need to be in a pack where they feel comfortable in their little girl zone. Absolutely. Annika, again, you are my goat of goats. I know how busy you are. So just to take a little bit of time out of your day and your schedule means. [32:30] world to me. I'm going to get you out of here on my rapid fire top five. [32:35] So you don't get to prepare, you don't get to think, but it'll be fun, I promise. Of course. Yeah, no, thank you for having me on my show, number one. I know you've done quite well. So I was intrigued to have a conversation. No, it meant the world to me. You made my year. You've already made 2026. So I can talk to no one else and I will be perfect and content. But like I said, I am going to support the foundation. So I'm going to. [32:55] I'm going to do that. I'll reach out to your team and figure out what I can do and how I can do it. But I'm a huge supporter. Thank you. [33:03] All right, so here's the rapid fire. You ready? [33:05] All right, number one, the favorite course you've ever played? Pine Valley. I knew you. You've already said that. I just wanted to hear it. Okay, sorry. [33:12] No, no, no. I've heard you say it on TV before. What's one golf rule that you would change?
[33:19] You know, I don't like when you hit a good drive in the middle of the fairway and you're in somebody's divots. That should be ground under repair. Yes, totally agree. Totally agree. So I know you're an athlete, too. So besides golf growing up, what was your other go-to sport? So I competed in tennis for eight years. So that was really what I wanted. I wanted to be a tennis pro. I watched the US Open a lot. And then I did a lot of downhill skiing. So, yeah, I have those styles. [33:46] to sports. But I love sports in general. But I would say those two. And I have a lot of things that I could have done and continue to do. Yep. One of the best athletes you will ever find is Annika for course. [33:56] for sure. [33:57] What's one hidden talent that you possess that most people don't know you have? Hidden talents. I enjoy cooking. You know, I don't burn too many things. My husband think I can make anything out of leftovers. So, but he's very nice. [34:11] There you go. I'm a good scrambler. How about that? [34:15] I love it. I love it. So last question, your ideal Sunday afternoon looks like what? You know, I love being home. So we would probably, an afternoon where I can prepare for a nice meal for some friends. We love to entertain, having good friends over. So for me to look through a few recipe books, you know, put a meal together like a three course and then head out to my herb garden and then doing that, that's probably what I enjoy. And then, you know, my family, you know, just being in the [34:44] Be in the area, whether Mike is watching football or hanging out and the kids are there. Maybe they're playing with friends in the area. That would be my favorite, you know, Sunday afternoon. I'll do that any day. Anika, again, totally honored to spend time with you. This means the world to me. Everybody do me a huge favor. AnikaFoundation.org, right over there right now.
[35:04] There's many ways that you can be a part of what's going on and just see all the goodness that Anika and the Foundation team are doing to impact the lives. [35:12] and the development of others. So, Anika, thank you so much, dear. [35:16] Thank you. You've been a true gentleman. Thank you very much. You got it. And to all the viewers and listeners, remember, your because is your superpower. [35:23] Go on, use it. [35:25] That's another powerful conversation on Mick Unplugged. If this episode moved you, and I'm sure it did, follow the show wherever you listen. Share it with someone who needs that spark and leave a review so more people can find their because. I'm Rudy Rush, and until next time, stay driven, stay focused, and stay unplugged. [35:51] At my bank, I was literally getting pennies using Wealthfront. Cha-ching! Meet Angela, a Wealthfront Cash Account client since 2023. I lost my job, not having something else lined up yet. I was pregnant with my second. We had to think about how do we make our money work for us. Every month there's this much that I'm getting an interest in. I didn't have to do anything. My money is working hard on its own and I can trust Wealthfront is taking care of me. With a Wealthfront Cash Account, earn up to 4.2% APY on your cash. [36:21] No minimums and no strings attached. Plus, free instant withdrawals to eligible accounts. Get started at Wealthfront.com. Client was paid $1,000 for their testimonial, creating a conflict of interest. Outcomes vary. 3.3% base APY as of January 30th, 2026 is representative, variable, and earned on funds swept to program banks. 0.65% new client boost for three months on up to $150,000. Direct deposit $1,000 a month and fund an investing account for a 0.25% increase. Cash account offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC member FINRA SIPC, not a bank. Instant withdrawal subject to conditions, fees, and eligibility requirements may apply to certain checking features of the cash account.
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