Different Pitches, Same Passion: A Global Career with Shaina Ashouri

In this episode of Uncomfortable by Design, we sit down with Shaina Ashouri, a professional soccer player whose career has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step into the unknown.

Shaina shares what it really looks like to build a career in professional soccer. From navigating different leagues and countries to staying mentally grounded through uncertainty, setbacks, and constant competition, this conversation goes beyond highlights and stats.

We talk about:

• What the pro grind actually feels like behind the scenes
• The mental discipline required when nothing is guaranteed
• Playing abroad and adapting to new cultures, systems, and expectations
• Confidence, identity, and learning to stay ready when opportunities are unpredictable
• Why growth often comes from discomfort, not momentum

This episode is an honest look at what it takes to sustain a career at the professional level and how embracing discomfort becomes a competitive advantage, on and off the field.

This one is for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating high-pressure environments where comfort isn’t an option.