Curious Leadership with Dominic Monkhouse E324 | From NFL to Venture Capitalist with Marques Colston
Summary
In this conversation, Marques Colston, a former NFL player transitioned to leading the boardroom playbook, dives into the dynamic world of sports and business ventures. Marques discusses his innovative investments in the sports value chain, including sports medicine, technology, and fan engagement. The conversation covers Marque's insights on the socioeconomic impact around stadiums, the rising popularity of lacrosse, and his hands-on approach to parenting. He also opens up about coaching his son's football team and the importance of instilling resilience in his children.
Marques also shares his football crossover strategy to finding sustainable and scalable investments, his philosophy on team dynamics, and the challenges athletes face when transitioning from professional sports. From founding Champion Venture Partners to raising a $100 million fund, Marques Colston's story is a testament to innovation and resilience.
Takeaways
- Marques’ investment portfolio focuses on the sports value chain.
- From athlete to investor, Marques seamlessly transitioned from the field to venture capitalism.
- Marques introduces his three levels of awareness—self, peripheral, and situational.
- Understanding team dynamics and individual roles can maximise collective performance.
- A focus on democratising investments, making it more accessible for others.
- Marques shares his parenting approach to build resilience.
Chapters
(00:00) From Football Field to Business Strategy with Marques Colston.
(03:43) Run down of Marques Colston’s 10-year football career.
(06:13) Introducing Champion Venture Partners, a fund that invests in sports companies.
(07:00) Democratising private investments for average investors.
(12:51) Humble beginnings and embracing challenges to strengthen growth.
(14:37) Sports teach resilience and self-awareness through adversity.
(16:59) Marques Colston’s career highlights include consistency.
(20:04) Motivation as an internal standard.
(21:50) Transitioning from professional football to next career.
(23:36) Early career investments built skills and confidence for the next steps.
(30:16) Evaluating scalability and sustainability of businesses.
(35:37) Creating access to opportunities in alternative investments.
(37:27) Changes to opportunities in the pandemic.
(40:10) Taking football team experience into executive coaching.
(45:12) Culture and leadership impact performance and rewards.
(46:06) Quick fire questions with Marques Colston.
(49:12) Book recommendations.
About Marques Colston
Marques Colston is a former NFL star now leading wins in the business field of venture capitalists. He is a Founding Partner at Champion Venture Partners, a fund dedicated to innovative investment opportunities that generate meaningful returns in the sports ecosystem.
Marquesis humble about his outstanding 10 year career as a wide receiver for New Orleans Saints. He was the Saints all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and he played a key role in their super bowl victory in 2009. Since stepping off the field, he's seamlessly transitioned into the world of business applying the same Creating Separation mindset that defined his football career.
Over the last 15+ years, he has become a trusted leader in business strategy, private equity, and sports business, driving sustainable growth for companies across various sectors. He's passionate about supporting athletes in navigating the shift from professional sports to business, creating a pathway and holding the door open for those coming up behind him.
Marques wants to democratise investment capability, or the ability of people to invest in early-stage businesses. His current $100 million fund aims to invest in sports, sports tech, and wellness businesses at Series A.
Marques is also a dedicated father to three children, carefully navigating the role of coach and parent.
Follow Marques Colston
Website: https://www.championventurepartners.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marques-colston
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquescolston/
X: https://x.com/marquescolston
Book Recommendations
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Mentioned in this episode:
Get Mind Your F**king Business