From Professional Basketball to LVAD: George Boakye-Yiadom's Unexpected Journey
George was a professional basketball player in Russia when he experienced a sharp pain in his chest and was diagnosed with heart failure. He was quickly put on a Balloon Pump and then an LVAD. During this difficult time, his wife Ivy found
Podcast
From Professional Basketball to LVAD: George Boakye-Yiadom's Unexpected Journey
May 25, 2024
10 min read
Heart of a Giant
"If it wasn't for Ivy, I probably wouldn't be where I am. So I thank God for her. It wasn't easy.", George Boakye-Yiadom
Episode 11: Bouba talks with George about the ups and downs of living with a heart condition. George Boakye-Yiadom is a mental health coach, fashion designer, and technology consultant. He is the founder of the Boak Group LLC and works at Fathers Uplift.
George was a professional basketball player in Russia when he experienced a sharp pain in his chest and was diagnosed with heart failure. He was quickly put on a Balloon Pump and then an LVAD. During this difficult time, his wife Ivy found him a therapist and mentor, Charles Daniels (Co-Founder of Fathers' Uplift), who helped George rebuild his life.
George developed an interest in fashion, starting a company called The Boak Group, and later became a technology consultant and coach at Fathers Uplift. Despite his heart condition, George traveled to Ghana with his LVAD. With the support of his wife and family, George made a successful transition from professional basketball player to entrepreneur.
In This Episode You'll Learn
- George's incredible journey from professional basketball to living with a heart condition, LVAD, and now a heart transplant.
- How his wife Ivy and mentor Charles helped him rebuild his life, pursuing fashion, technology consulting, and mental health coaching.
- His experiences traveling with an LVAD, including to Ghana for his wedding, and his hope to play basketball again.
Episode Highlights
From Normal to Heart Failure
George went from normal to needing something to support his heart in just a few months. He recently had a heart transplant at the end of October 2021.
Traveling with an LVAD
The LVAD has 46 hours on each battery. George had to replace his batteries by year three but did travel to Ghana with his LVAD, navigating airports and security with the device.
Building a New Career
"Everything we do, at the end of the day, is about people. And it's about those relationships." George became a counselor, coach, fashion designer, and technology consultant after his diagnosis.
Weight Loss & Recovery
"I went from 310 to 240 in months. Mostly water." George went back to work in February, working virtually, while still managing diabetes and nutrition.
Words of Wisdom
"Always think positive, and positive things will come. The only difference between a millionaire and a broke person is how they think."
Connect with George:
Instagram: @theboakgroup
Listen to More Episodes:
Living With Heart Disease Podcast
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