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Covid-19 impacted many businesses around the globe, for this founder it was no different. Overnight they had no revenue coming in and the world looked like a very dark place. Some of us panic, some of us stay calm and look for solutions and some of us disappear.  This founder takes us on his journey through the crisis he never thought he would face in his lifetime and shares his experiences on how they were forced to pivot as a business.  Tune in for a very insightful episode.  Get in touch with Kris here. 

Kimberly Davis is a trailblazer and change agent, positively disrupting the financial industry and wide world of sports over her illustrious 30+ year career. Well-regarded as a resilient and visionary leader, Davis brings change to life through sound strategic planning and strong organizational development. She is an inspirational storyteller, an architect of coalitions and a culture builder, with a style that empowers others and a belief that successful business contributes to healthy, vibrant communities. Driven by both data and a passion for progress, she has consistently provided structure and glide paths for organizations to realize their potential for sustainable business growth. Currently, as Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League – the premier professional ice hockey league in the world – Davis has set the League on a new course to attract, retain and develop fans, with a specific focus on multi-cultural audiences. Reporti

Ben Flora is an experienced Sports marketing professional building integrated, comprehensive, and motivating partnership campaigns that serve as a catalyst to drive brand initiatives and revenue. Learn more about Ben here. 

Ron Li is Director of Growth and Commercialization: esports at Electronic Arts (EA), where he helps build the organization’s competitive gaming initiative, focused on fanbase growth, strategic partnerships, and sponsorship development.  Prior, Li spent nearly five years at the PGA TOUR, where he helped build its international business, focused on strategy, business development, and market research. Having lived in Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore, Canada and now the US, Li believes deeply in the power of sport as a means of the human experience, bringing the world together through competition, emotion, and entertainment.  Having dabbled in professional gaming as a teen, he definitely thinks there’s something to this esports thing.  Li earned his MBA from the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of British Columbia. Learn more about Ron here. 

Patrick Arthur is an experienced NFL marketing Professional having worked at the Miami Dolphins for 13 years and recently moving to the Los Angeles chargers, he shares with us a story of experience, growth, determination, and Success. This episode is filled with insights and tips for students and individuals looking to build a career in Sport.  Tune in for a great episode!  Learn more about Patrick here.

Michael Ciolek is a proactive professional with years of experience in the sports industry.  He currently works for NHL Seattle and has worked for other professional teams in the NFL, MLS, and NCAA. His time with these organizations has enabled him to learn and grow from many great people. He was fortunate to be in an industry that teaches all aspects of the business world and looks forward to building relationships along the way. Get in touch with Michael here or via email on mciolek@nhlseattle.com. 

Mike DeBetta is the Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Miami HEAT, joining the organization in August 2019 with over a decade of experience spanning the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and the Department of Defense. As a self-described critical thinker with a propensity to challenge conventional wisdom, DeBetta approached his collegiate and professional careers with an understanding that the “right way” simply doesn’t exist (i.e. what works some might not be the right approach for others) – an ideology themed throughout his journey. A native of Harpursville, NY, DeBetta attended Utica College to pursue a business degree, while also playing baseball and football at the Division III level. This collective experience prompted an unexpected job offer from the DOD upon graduation – a position he accepted and held for 2 years while also earning his MBA in Technology Management. In 2010, he resigned from the Federal Government to pursue his goal of coaching at the NFL level, starting with an unpaid internship with an AFL te

Chelsea Zahn, Partnership Activation Manager at the Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off her seventh season in Sponsorship Sales & Activation. She is responsible for coordinating and executing assets within various partnerships. Chelsea focuses primarily on developing and analyzing strategies to improve marketing consultation and expertise with all current partners and new business prospects each season. Her emphasis on teamwork, communication, and constant growth, is vital in the world of sports partnerships. Chelsea is a native of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University (’14) with a degree in Sports Marketing. Feel free to connect with Chelsea on Linkedin, welcoming any further questions you may have.

Who is Scott Garber? Experienced Account Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Sales, Sales Operations, Conflict Resolution, Sales Management, and Team Building. Strong sales professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from University of South Alabama. Get in touch with Scott here. 

Lindsey Ross is currently Director of Rights Acquisition at FloSports where she is responsible for FloHoops, FloFootball, and the company's overall college sports strategy. She has more than 18 years of experience in college conferences and sports media. Ross’ expertise spans creating and fostering relationships, generating new business opportunities to maximize viewership and revenue, coordinating media operations, and negotiating acquisitions and renewals. Prior to joining FloSports, Ross worked for ESPN as Manager of Programming and Acquisitions, where she managed and coordinated the construction of the men’s and women’s college basketball schedules across all ESPN networks and platforms, totaling more than 3,800 games. In addition, she previously worked for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Conference USA, University of Miami, and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Ross holds an MBA from FAU and a BBA from the McCombs Business School at The University of Texas at Austin. Get in touch with Lindsay

Brittany's Story My name is Brittany Ramos and I am currently the Director of Partnership Strategy at the Los Angeles Rams.  I was born and raised in Southern California and went to school at San Jose State University in the Bay Area where I started my career in sports as an intern throughout college. Since then I have been very lucky to be a part of world-class organizations allowing me to develop a diverse portfolio of experience within the NFL, NBA, NHL, and other professional entities with a focus in partnership strategy, business development, partnership sales, client marketing, and hospitality in marquee markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. I am passionate about helping those who are interested in learning more about the sports industry and need advice on how to advance their career. You can reach me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanylaurenramos/

Seth Pellerin's Story:  Senior Sales Executive with deep experience selling market research/data/analytics into retail and technology sectors. Using a consultative approach consistently builds relationships with C-level executives to understand their business objectives - providing strategic insights to help them achieve their goals and more. Has used data in the past to help customers with Strategic Planning, Market Sizing, Competitive Intel, Assortment Planning, New product development, Top line growth, Brand awareness, Lead generation, Customer experience, Geographic expansion, Mergers and acquisitions, SWOT analysis and others. Collaborative and loves nothing more than helping the team win! TODAY: I help sports apparel, accessory, and footwear manufacturers utilize POS and consumer data to understand how their company is comparing to various market dynamics, and how to uncover new opportunities that will ultimately help them grow. You can reach me at: seth.pellerin@npd.com 985.519.3430

Ivan has 16 years of experience in being an athlete and working with student-athletes. Ivan has impacted over 150 student-athletes since founding the Zone April 2016.  His role as a Director of Sports Performance at Prime performance and development has equipped him with the knowledge to see how the younger athletes adapt and engage with specific needs to further their careers on and off the court.  Packaging that experience with attaining his Masters in physiology, Sports management online certification program, and courses from Executive business program all at Columbia University has prepared Ivan to take on this role and lead the Zone through its growth. Ivan wants to make sure athletes are equipped with tools to succeed in life holistically. Learn more about Ivan here. 

Toriano Morgan joined the Virginia State Football Program in March 2019 accepting the position of Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach. Prior to joining the staff at Virginia State University, Morgan was a highly decorated Head Coach at Dillard High School (2018) in South Florida, where he restored the perennial prep power to prominence, guiding them to a regional playoff appearance in his first season. Morgan compiled a 9-3 record which was his Alma Mater’s best record in 15 years. Morgan was selected as the Head Coach of the BCAA All-Star Game and the Head Coach for the Public vs Private All-Start Game. Morgan was also selected as a finalist for the Tournament of Champions Coach of the Year. Prior to his appointment as Head Coach at Dillard High School. Morgan served as the Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Virginia Union University (2014-2017). Morgan is credited with directing a prolific offense at Virginia Union, which averaged over 400 yards and 34 pts per game during his 4-year stint.

Zenab's Story:  My name is Zenab Keita (pronounced Zee-na Kay-ta) and I am a Manager of Partnership Development with the Golden State Warriors! As a former collegiate women's basketball player, I know firsthand the immense impact that sports can have on a person and a community. Sports and the connections I have made as a result of playing them is what led me to my dream school at Yale University and later on to Wake Forest School of Business to complete my Masters in Management. Grateful for these opportunities, my goal is to pay it forward through my career using the knowledge and skills I acquired in my Anthropology degree and my business school education. Get in touch with Zenab here. 

Experienced Sales Leader with a demonstrated history of success in SaaS sales. Passionate about coaching, and proven track record of hitting goals and helping sales professionals take their game to the 'next level'. Strong sales professional highly skilled in: Sales, Team Development/Leadership/Motivation, Sales Training, Sales Development, Cold Calling, Enterprise Software, and Sales Operations. Continuously seeking additional opportunities to grow & learn, as well as driven to help others achieve 'best-they-can-be' results. Believer that we all have greatness inside, and must intentionally work to tap into and maximize. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if I can be of assistance in helping you be great...Don't Stop, Get It-Get It! Get in touch with Larry here. 

Cameron is currently a Partnership Sales Manager with the San Francisco 49ers.  In his role, Cameron is responsible for generating new business for 49ers and Levi’s® Stadium properties. Prior to joining the 49ers, Cameron oversaw sponsorship and ticket sales at Seattle Reign FC from 2013-2016. He earned an M.S. in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in ’13 and graduated from Arizona State University in ’10. Get in touch with Cameron here. 

Jareds Story:  All Glory to God. I have been on teams, on the field, and in the classroom my whole life. My role is best as a leader but I can adapt and be a "team player." I'm an entrepreneur by nature but my passions lie in helping/motivating others in all aspects of life, not just business. I also love all things technology and investing in the future. I am currently the CEO of Seam Readers where it is our mission to teach the hidden art of hitting to the baseball and softball world. Learn more about Jared here

Michael Haddix is one of the nation’s most trusted and experienced business advisors for professional athletes. His passion for helping athletes build their careers beyond the playing field is the result of a lifetime immersed in sports and business. The son of a first-round NFL pick, Michael has had an intimate, personal view of the challenges and opportunities faced by active and retired athletes. After graduating from Siena College -- where he starred for the basketball program and finished among the school’s all-time leaders in points and rebounds -- Michael received his MBA from Columbia University and began a successful career on Wall Street as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs and Lazard. He leveraged his banking experience to become a financial advisor for professional athletes at Octagon Sports, managing portfolios for some of the world’s biggest sports stars. Today, Michael leads Empower3d, which provides athletes with the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry leaders across all

Developing a growing sports tech brand with the help of a fantastic team that is passionate about developing unrivaled sports apps for teams, leagues & tournaments. Bleachr app products elevate the fan experience and strengthen the fan community through social sharing, loyalty rewards, in-seat ordering, & ticketing. Our platform is currently being used by many of the largest WTA and ATP tennis tournaments, including Tennis Canada's Rogers Cup, USTA's Western & Southern Open, Rolex Paris Master's, Swiss Open Gstaad, Ladies Open Lausanne, Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, New York Open, BB&T Atlanta Open, Charleston Volvo Open, and more. We are entering our fifth season with the St. Paul Saints and several other minor league baseball teams. Additionally, we are heavily integrated in the college sports market with Syracuse University, Stanford University, Pitt, Temple University, Virginia Tech, San Diego State, and several others.