Gabby Reece: Lessons on Resilience, Reinvention, and Redefining Success | E142
In Search Of Excellence
Deep Dive
How did Gabby Reece's unusual height impact her relationships with teammates during her college volleyball career?
It was hard for Gabby to be singled out from her teammates, who sometimes felt jealous or resentful of her modeling success and the attention she received. She had to navigate these challenges while staying dedicated to her sport and team.
What was Gabby Reece's reaction to being named one of the five most beautiful women in the world by Elle magazine?
Gabby was pragmatic and recognized it as good fortune and an opportunity to create more chances for herself. She understood the difference between good fortune and hard work and stayed grounded.
Why did Gabby choose to do a Playboy spread, and how did it affect her career and personal life?
Gabby chose to do the Playboy spread at 30, with full creative control and a trusted photographer. She felt comfortable with the content, which celebrated a powerful female form. While it helped financially, it also led to a missed opportunity with a presidential fitness campaign due to the perceived controversy.
How does Gabby Reece define success in her personal and professional life?
Gabby defines success as when her life reflects her inner self, including her relationships, where she lives, and her work. She values professional and creative choices that keep her stimulated and excited. For her, success is about deep, loving relationships and a life that feels connected to her spirit and soul.
What are the three most important ingredients of success according to Gabby Reece?
For Gabby, the three most important ingredients of success are hard work, objectivity about what you're doing, and ensuring that your success aligns with who you are and what you value. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and the ability to pivot and adapt when necessary.
How did Gabby's diverse experiences, including modeling and playing volleyball, contribute to her becoming the first woman to design a shoe for Nike?
Gabby's diverse experiences, including her modeling career and serious training in volleyball, positioned her well to become Nike's first female cross-training shoe designer. Her serious approach to training and strong relationships in the industry led to her being chosen at the right time.
What is Gabby's parenting philosophy, and how does it influence her relationship with her children?
Gabby's parenting philosophy is to be a good example, set boundaries, and create a sense of freedom for her children. She believes in letting her kids know they don't owe their parents anything and that they should build relationships that are good for them. She also emphasizes the importance of deep and loving, though not perfect, relationships.
How did Gabby balance her college volleyball scholarship with her modeling career?
Gabby balanced her college volleyball scholarship with her modeling career by initially playing on scholarship for basketball and volleyball at Florida State, then giving up her scholarship to play volleyball independently. She would work in New York during breaks and summers, then return to school and play, maintaining eligibility through strategic planning and strong support from her coach, Cecile Renaud.
What advice does Gabby give to young people and parents about dealing with physical differences?
Gabby advises young people and parents to see physical differences as a gift rather than a curse. She suggests focusing on what these differences can teach and how they can support personal growth. For parents, it's important to be direct and supportive, and for young people, to understand that their uniqueness is valuable and will be an asset in the future.
How did Gabby's transition from indoor to beach volleyball happen, and what challenges did she face?
Gabby transitioned to beach volleyball after moving to California, where she was a practice partner for top teams and later joined the four-person tour. Initially, she faced challenges due to the specialized skills required in beach volleyball, but her adaptability and strong physical presence helped her succeed. She was the first pick in the draft and quickly became successful.
- Former professional volleyball player
- Sports announcer, fitness advocate, serial entrepreneur, public speaker, model, actress, New York Times bestselling author, television host, and podcast host
- First female to design a shoe for Nike
- Spokesperson for Nike and Coppertone
- Co-founder of XPT fitness training program and Laird Superfood
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