Why This NBA Player Refuses to Be Called an "Athlete"

In this episode of Beyond High Performance, Jason Jaggard sits down with Matisse Thybulle — NBA player for the Portland Trail Blazers, elite defender, creative storyteller, and member of the Novus Global Sport Division. Working with Novus Global Co-President and Coach Dan Leffelaar, Matisse has navigated career-defining moments — including turning a season-ending injury into a powerful opportunity for leadership, mentorship, and personal growth. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or creative, Matisse’s story is a masterclass in choosing discomfort, reframing setbacks, and pursuing growth with intention. What you’ll learn in this episode: :basketball: Basketball as self-discovery — why Matisse sees the game as a path, not an identity. :muscle: Turning injury into impact — how he mentored teammates while sidelined. :zap: From defense to offense — shifting from reactive to proactive on the court and in life. :dart: Choosing discomfort — why Matisse sees it as a product worth pursuing. :movie_camera: Balancing creativity & competition — moving from viral YouTube fame back to a focused athletic career. Listen to the full episode here on Spotify and here on Apple Podcasts. Book a free vision call with Novus Global to see how we can journey with you to go beyond high performance. Click here to explore https://novus.global/client-meta-perf... Join us on the Beyond High Performance Network - Order The Beyond High Performance book by Jason Jaggard today, and get free access to special bonus content! Ready to stop undercharging and start transforming? Get matched with an enrollment advisor to explore your next level: mp.institute/foundations Are you a coach looking to expand your practice and join an elite coaching firm? Find out more here: https://novus.global/coach-meta-perfo...