SBJ I Factor

This month’s SBJ I Factor is with Brandon Doll. SBJ’s Abe Madkour chats with the founder of Sports & Entertainment Advisors about his journey and how he played an instrumental part in bringing the Raiders to Las Vegas. Doll served as a Naval officer for seven years and he explains how lessons learned on deck prepared him for the sports industry. Doll is a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 Class of 2021.

SBJ I Factor features an interview with Molly Mazzolini. Elevate's Senior Operating Advisor – Design + Strategic Alliances chats with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about the power of taking chances. Mazzolini is a member of the SBJ Game Changers Class of 2016. She shares stories of her career including co-founding sports design consultancy Infinite Scale career journey and how a chance encounter while working at a stationery store launched her career in the sports industry. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

SBJ I Factor features an interview with Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. The second-ever MWC commissioner chats with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about her climb through the collegiate ranks. Nevarez is a member of SBJ’s Game Changers Class of 2019. Nevarez has had stints at the conference level in the Pac-12, West Coast Conference, and Mountain West Conference as well as at the college level at Oklahoma, Cal, and San Jose State. She shares stories of that journey as well as how being a former student-athlete guides her decision-making today. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

SBJ I Factor features an interview with AMB Sports and Entertainment Chief Commercial Office Nana-Yaw Asamoah. Asamoah, who moved over to AMBSE last year after 14 years at the NFL, talks with SBJ’s Ben Fischer about how his role model parents and older sisters pushed him to shrive, how the power of lifelong learning fuels successful people, and why AMBSE was an opportunity he could not pass up. Asamoah is 2021 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

SBJ I Factor features an interview with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, who has a role in every aspect of the league’s business and is an influential voice across the industry. Daly is a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame, having been named to the classes of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Daly talks with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about the lessons he learned from competitive sports, the relationships he developed that led him to the NHL, hiring good people and letting them work, and why the industry needs to do a better job of communicating

SBJ I Factor: Ilana Kloss, presented by Allied Sports SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Ilana Kloss, CEO of Billie Jean King Enterprises. Kloss, a member of Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers class of 2011 and a U.S. Open tennis doubles champion, sat down with SBJ’s Ross Nethery to talk about her career path, the importance of building relationships, and having the courage to make difficult career decisions. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor: Chris Allphin, presented by Allied Sports SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Chris Allphin, executive vice president of Elevate Sports Ventures. Allphin, a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2015, sat down with SBJ’s Bret McCormick to talk about his career path, his evolution as a leader, and the importance of protecting the live experience in sports and bringing communities together. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Jon Niemuth, director of sports at Gensler. Niemuth, a longtime leader and innovator in architecture, is a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2006. He sat down with SBJ’s Abe Madkour to talk about his career path, what it takes to be successful, and how facilities have changed and will continue to evolve. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Amy Latimer. Latimer was recently promoted to Executive Vice President and COO of Delaware North -- a role she will assume in mid-October. Before she takes over her new role, the current president of TD Garden and member of the inaugural SBJ Game Changers class in 2011 sat down with SBJ’s Austin Karp to talk about her career path, passion for sports and what her eventual biography would be titled. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports — Michael Goldstein SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Michael Goldstein, founder of SES Insights and a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2019. Goldstein talks with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about how he transitioned from ESPN to Mastercard to now starting up his own marketing and sponsorship company. Goldstein also shares how testing out new waters has benefited him throughout his career and personal life. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Amy Azzi, senior director and head of sponsorships for T-Mobile, and a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2022. Azzi talks with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about how an early interest in what goes on behind the scenes led to a career that has included college athletics, agency work and brand marketing. Azzi also talks about her growth as a leader, what makes a good teammate, and the value of asking for what you need.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports — Charles Altchek SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Charles Altchek, president of MLS Next Pro and a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2023. Altchek talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about how joining the Mets early in his career led directly to his influential position at Major League Soccer, the opportunity to work without a net when he helped launch MLS Next Pro, and how he’s handled his biggest career and management challenges. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Danita Johnson, president of business operations for D.C. United and a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2023. Johnson talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about learning how to sell and to not fear change, becoming an effective manager, the importance of empathy as a leadership trait, and what to look for when evaluating job candidates. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Navigate founder A.J. Maestas, a member of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 class of 2015. Maestas talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about the early days of Navigate, which he said he founded “with too little knowledge,” though “good fortune as far as timing made up for my mistakes.” Maestas traces his career path and personal development, and highlights the attributes and practices that he believes help make a successful business person and human being. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. Berman talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour almost a year into her role as leader of the women’s soccer league. Prior to the NWSL, Berman spent over two years as deputy commissioner of the National Lacrosse League and the previous 13 years with the National Hockey League. Berman was an SBJ Forty Under 40 award honoree in 2014. During her interview, Berman talks about growing up in an entrepreneurial family, how Nelson Mandela became her guiding star, the importance of calendar management, the traits of good leaders, and how her love of the New York Islanders helped shape her sports industry journey. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. Martins is a long-time sports executive who first started with the Magic in 1989. He has been CEO since 2011, and was instrumental in the Amway Center winning a Sports Business Award for Facility of the Year in 2012. Martins talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about coming up through the business from the communications side, what he learned during stints with multiple teams, and why he looks for emotional intelligence when interviewing job candidates. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, including Forty Under 40, Game Changers and Sports Business Awards.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports: With Peter Stern of Strategic This episode features Peter Stern, president of The Strategic Agency, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about launching his consultancy firm from his apartment, his leadership style, and how advice from his grandmother guides who he decides to work with. Stern was named to Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class in 2006.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports: With Renee Washington of USA Track & Field This episode features Renee Washington, chief operating officer for USA Track & Field, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about her leadership style, what she looks for in a new hire, and how her career was influenced by spending 10 years as a stay-at-home mom. Washington is a member of SBJ’s Game Changers class of 2017.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Kate Johnson, a sports industry veteran who is Google’s director of global sports, media and entertainment marketing. Johnson is also experienced in brand marketing and the agency side of the industry. She was a member of the 2017 class of SBJ’s Forty Under 40. Johnson, an Olympic medalist in crew, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about what she learned from competing in sports both from a young age and at a high level; how her sports background influenced the way she approached her cancer diagnosis; and her most important advice for young people who want to advance in their career. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor: Jed York, presented by Allied Sports SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York. York is in his 17th year with the organization and his 12th as CEO. He is a two-time SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree as a member of the classes of 2012 and 2013. York talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about what he learned from growing up in the sports business, working in multiple departments at the team, the challenges of building Levi’s Stadium, and how his leadership style has evolved through the years. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with GMR Executive Vice President Todd Fischer. Fischer has a keen sense of the brand side of the industry, and how brands can leverage sports. Before his current stint at GMR, he worked at State Farm, where he helped drive the brand’s broad marketing and sponsorship strategy. Fischer was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2016. During the interview, Fischer talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about the lessons learned growing up in the midwest, the power of networking, why it’s critical to learn everything you can about a partner’s business, and what advice he gives to young people entering sports. SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

SBJ I Factor, presented by Allied Sports, features an interview with NFL CRO and Executive VP Renie Anderson, one of the most connected leaders in the sports business. Anderson talks about her personal and professional journeys, from growing up in Kentucky to her almost accidental entry into the industry and becoming one of the top executives at the NFL. Anderson is a member of the Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame, having been an honoree in 2013, 2014 and 2015. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the publication’s awards.

Today’s episode features Matt Caldwell, president and CEO of the Florida Panthers, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about his unconventional path into the industry, his experience at West Point and during combat in Iraq, and how the leadership and teamwork he encountered in the military shapes his career today. Caldwell is a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2018.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with Fanaply Chief Commercial Officer Danielle Maged. Maged has had a wide range of experience in the sports industry, with stints at the NBA, Fox Sports, ESPN, Madison Square Garden and StubHub. Now at Fanaply, she is a leader in the NFT and digital collectibles space. Maged was an SBJ Game Changers honoree in 2012. During her interview with SBJ’s Abe Madkour, she talks about making the most of and learning from every opportunity, handling tough negotiations, and how an obsession with the NBA shaped her career journey. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

SBJ I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with SMAC Entertainment CEO and co-founder Constance Schwartz-Morini. Schwartz-Morini spent a decade at the NFL before joining broadcaster and NFL legend Michael Strahan to found SMAC, which sits at the center of sports, entertainment and pop culture. She was an SBJ Game Changers honoree in 2018. During her interview with SBJ’s Abe Madkour, she talks about changing her early focus from law to marketing, refusing to take ‘No’ for an answer, and how taking a chance on Hootie and the Blowfish helped get her start in entertainment marketing. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

I Factor presented by Allied Sports features an interview with longtime ESPN executive Carol Stiff, who left the network last year to launch her own company, Stiff Sports Media Consulting. Stiff spent 31 years at ESPN, joining the network to work on its tenth anniversary celebration, then rising through the ranks to become one of the most well-liked and influential executives in the company. During her interview with SBJ’s John Ourand, she talks about getting her start in the industry as a field hockey coach, adopting Tennessee’s legendary Pat Summitt as a mentor, and working to give women’s sports more prominence on ESPN telecasts. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards, such as Forty Under 40, Game Changers and others.

Today’s episode features George Pyne, founder and CEO of Bruin Capital, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about building personal networks to create opportunities, his introduction to Brian France and how that led to his role at NASCAR, what he learned working with Ted Forstmann and IMG, and how he decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Pyne is a member of SBJ’s Forty Under Forty Hall of Fame as a part of the classes of 1999, 2001 and 2003.

Today’s episode features Miheer Walavalkar, co-founder and CEO of LiveLike, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about growing up in India, his non-traditional path into the sports industry, building a company based on the communal sports experience, and his friendship with legendary NBA Commissioner David Stern. Walavalkar was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2018.

Today’s episode features John Brody, chief revenue officer for LEARFIELD, talking with SBJ’s Terry Lefton about being ready for career opportunities, what he learned from working at WWE, why he still gets asked about putting Spider-Man on the bases, and the important traits he looks for when hiring. Brody was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 classes of 2005-2007, and was inducted into the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame in 2007. Quick hits: On being ready for opportunities: “I believe strongly that timing is everything in life, both professionally and personally, and what I’ve tried to do is look at opportunities where I felt there was an opportunity or chance for me to have a real impact.” On his six years at WWE: “I learned so much in those years beyond even what I had done at baseball or football, because Vince [McMahon] and that group of leadership were risk-takers, and not risk for risk’s sake, risk for good business. We did a lot of things there that I think set the table for what’s going on a lot in the marketplace now.” On how he hires: “It starts with three things: integrity, loyalty, morality. That is the precursor before you even can make a decision about a hire or make a decision about a change.”

Today’s episode features Rob Tilliss, CEO of Inner Circle Sports, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about his career move from finance to sports, despite being “not really a sports guy”; how his leadership style sets high expectations but gives “a lot of latitude”; and why the NFL’s debut on Fox was a landmark deal for the sports industry. Tilliss was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 classes of 1999 and 2000.

Today’s episode features Brandon Schneider, president and COO of the Golden State Warriors, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about leadership lessons, how he manages, executives he’s learned from, and the advantages of staying with a company for the long term. Schneider was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2017

This episode of SBJ I Factor offers a look back at some of the best moments from the series to date. You will hear insight from leaders from across the sports industry and how they have navigated their careers, with highlights from KAGR CEO JESSICA GELMAN, PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer JEFF PRICE, WWE Chief Brand Officer STEPHANIE MCMAHON, 49ers Enterprises President PARAAG MARATHE and more.

Today’s episode features Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer of the WWE, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about leadership lessons, hiring and career advice, approaching jobs with a fresh outlook every day, and what she learned about business from her parents. McMahon was a member of SBJ’s Game Changers class of 2017.

Today’s episode features Andrea Marini, deputy CEO and group chief commercial officer of Deltatre, talking with SBJ’s John Ourand about how he almost had a career in investment banking, his biggest risk and best failure, the leaders he admires and his best advice to young people. Marini was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2020.

Akshay Khanna, Stubhub's general manager for North America, talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about his career path, growing up all over the world, what he's learned about leadership, and the importance of passion in building a successful career.

Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and COO of the NBA, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about growing up as the oldest son of immigrant parents in Brooklyn, utilizing all resources available for career growth, and the importance of compassion in leadership. As a 3-time Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree, Tatum is a Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame inductee. He was selected to the classes of 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Whalen Rozelle, senior director of global esports for Riot Games, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about living up to the Rozelle legacy, the intersection of sports and video games, investing in yourself, and the important role of mentors. Rozelle was a member of the Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 class of 2019.

Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations, talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about his leadership style, advice for young people in the industry, the lessons of accountability and the importance of "tuning out the noise." Marathe was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 class of 2015.

Scott O'Neil, CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about his influential career in sports business, including his early career with the NBA, the value of taking chances, his business philosophy and his guidance for young people. O'Neil was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 classes of 2005, 2006 and 2007. His new book, "Be Where Your Feet Are," will be released in June. I Factor is sponsored by Pepsi.

Paul Archey, chief commercial officer for JMI Sports, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about the early influences on his career, taking a career chance when MLB formed an international division, and why it's important for young people to take jobs where they work for someone who can become a mentor. Archey was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 class of 2002.

Tom Glick, president of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about the advice that got him started in the sports industry, his biggest failure and the hard lessons that came with it, running a pro football franchise while starting an MLS team and managing a massive new real estate development, and what he learned from working with legendary NBA Commissioner David Stern. Glick was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 classes of 1999 and 2000.

Kathy Carter, CRO of LA28 and CEO of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties, talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about working her way up through the sports industry and being on the team planning the startup of Major League Soccer; the value of taking on any challenge, even if it isn't in your job description; learning how to make business ("I don't call it selling"); and much more. Carter was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 classes of 2006 and 2007.

Veteran marketer Steve Lauletta talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about how teaching tennis taught him to relate to people, the importance of broadening your work experience, his years with Miller and Ganassi Racing, and his role in helping to build Michael Jordan's new motorsports team. Lauletta, president of Pigeon Sports Marketing, was a member of the SBJ Forty Under 40 classes of 2002 and 2003.

Alison Overholt talks with SBJ’s John Ourand about leadership lessons, mentors who helped guide her career, her best failure, and going to work for one of the most famous and successful people in the world. Overholt, who just left ESPN to join Oprah and Hearst, was a member of SBJ’s Game Changers class of 2015.

Jeff Price, chief commercial officer of the PGA of America, talks with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about the importance of mentors, working for legendary NBA Commissioner David Stern, his favorite question for job candidates and bouncing back from failure. Price was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 classes of 1999 and 2000.

Our premiere episode features CEO of Kraft Analytics Group, Jessica Gelman. Winner of SBJ's Forty Under 40 2014 and SBJ's Game Changers 2012, Jessica Gelman talks about growing up and playing basketball in Chicago, going to Harvard and landing a job with the Kraft family after the organization won its first Super Bowl.