Advancing Your Career in Sports Business: Trends and Insights from Industry Leaders and Peers · 48:18

In this special SBJ Live episode, members of Leaders Club discuss the skills, experiences and relationships that help sports business professionals advance their careers. Panelists from Fanatics, aXiomatic/Team Liquid, the Chicago Sky and PGA of America share lessons on communication, networking, leadership, career pivots, professional development and the realities of growing into management roles. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, the value of internships and practical experience, building authentic professional relationships, and strategies for long-term career growth. Leaders Club is a leadership program for mid-career #sportsbiz professionals, created and managed by Sports Business Journal and our sister company in the UK, Leaders in Sport. For more information visit here: https://info.sportsbusinessjournal.com/sbj-live-membership-redirect Speakers Lizzie Leader, VP of Communications & Investor Relations, aXiomatic Marisa Ferrara, Director of Partnership Activation, Chicago Sky Chazz Lucenti, Senior Manager of VIP Strategy and Operations, Fanatics Jake Weir, Director of Industry Partnerships & Development, PGA of America Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leaders Club and SBJ Live 02:35 Meet the Panel 06:51 Icebreaker: One Sporting Event in History 09:04 Skills That Drive Career Growth 10:01 The Evolving Importance of Communication 11:45 AI, Storytelling and Creative Thinking 14:22 What Sports Professionals Need to Learn Outside the Classroom 16:19 Audience Question: Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Roles 18:02 Deciding When to Pursue Graduate School 19:44 Building the Right Professional Network 20:39 Career Opportunities Created Through Relationships 23:03 Maintaining Industry Connections Authentically 24:53 Transitioning Into Sports From Other Industries 26:52 Poll Results: Getting Jobs Through Personal Connections 27:51 Navigating Career Growth and Unexpected Detours 30:31 Lessons From Working Outside Sports 32:01 The Transition From Contributor to Leader 33:47 Leadership Lessons and Developing Confidence 35:58 Reverse Mentorship and Leading Across Generations 37:09 Speaking Truth to Power 38:18 Freelance and Seasonal Roles in Sports 39:38 Transitioning From Legal Work Into Sports 41:09 Career Habits That Drive Long-Term Success 41:55 Goal Setting and Intentional Career Planning 43:22 Organization and Time Management 43:56 The Value of Curiosity and Continuous Learning 45:06 Work-Life Balance and the Importance of Community 47:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming SBJ Live Programming 48:10 End of Episode #SportsBusiness #CareerGrowth #Leadership #LeadersClub

July 6, 2026