The Sports Business Life Podcast

When you've spent most of your career working for some of the biggest sports properties (hello MLSE & NHL), it's safe to say you've seen it all. But what about when you crossover into the world of banking?

This question was answered today by Tangerine's Director of Marketing Partnerships, Eric Nachman, who brought over 10 years of sports business experience onto today's episode. After recently working for MLSE (including the Toronto Raptors' 2019 Championship run), Eric shares his thoughts on what life on the financial side has been like, as well as some of the differences he's noticed working on the brand side vs property.

This McGill University and San Diego State Alum also provides valuable insights on why he was chasing more than a degree when choosing to get his MBA in the USA and how we don't necessarily need to go "up" to advance our learning and understanding of the sports business industry.

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With baseball season right around the corner, it was only fitting we threw a curveball of our own on today's episode. "Not one, not two..." but three (!) recent sports business graduates joined us for a special panel exploring life after school.

Our panelists include:
- Tai Domingues, MLSE & 2019 graduate of George Brown College
- Dylan Howe, Guelph Nighthawks & 2018 graduate of Brock University
- Connor Vande Weghe, Greater Sudbury Soccer Club & 2019 graduate of Laurentian University

All three provided amazing perspectives on how they obtained their first internships, the biggest adjustments they had to make once they entered the sports business world, things they would love to re-do while in school, lessons for future generations on how to approach landing that first gig, and more!

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Made-to-measure menswear is definitely not the most obvious gateway into sports business. But on today's episode, we learn from Aly Habib of INDOCHINO how he was able to carve a path in the industry after spending over 10 years in business development within banking and media.

This Ryerson University Alum shed light on what makes his partnership role at INDOCHINO unique enough to bring on an array of talent from the sports and entertainment worlds, including the likes of RJ Barrett, Pascal Siakam, 50 Cent and more!

Aly also shares his impressive wisdom on how he learned to avoid chasing titles at work, what pushes him to 'get uncomfortable' in his profession, while also offering a few (and much needed) style tips!

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To spend over 30 years in sports business and maintain a strong level of success is no small feat, especially when that career transcends the worlds of agency, property and brand.

On today's episode, it was a privilege to bring Dana Gladstone onto the podcast to discuss how she achieved the trifecta of career experiences in sports business. This VP of Partnership Strategy & Licensing at Hockey Canada brings a wealth of insight and knowledge on the skills she's sharpened after working for the likes of the CFL, MacLaren McCann, Canadian Tire, and Molstar Sports & Entertainment.

We also learn how a random opportunity with a university basketball team launched her sports career, in addition to the ways we can stand out in a competitive landscape and take more appreciation for the amazing experiences this industry provides.

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There's a pretty good chance that if you've watched or attended an NHL game in Canada, beer was involved in some capacity. There's probably even a better chance that Molson Coors had a significant role to play in that experience. That's because there are not too many brands as connected to hockey as the leader of beer in Canada.

To discuss more about Molson Coors' success in sports, we are joined today by Brian Collins, their Senior Manager of Sports & Entertainment Partnerships. Brian was kind enough to share the strategic focus Molson Coors possesses when it comes to earning the title of "the beer of hockey". In addition, he provides his perspective about the key difference between sponsorships and partnerships, as well as the 'tough' discussions he's had with his NHL partners throughout the pandemic.

We also shed some light on Brian's extensive community involvement, whether it was during his time at Purolator with their 'Tackle Hunger' program or his volunteer experience with the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada.

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With Super Bowl LV only a few days away,  it only made sense we chat with a key member of the Business Analytics team over at the Kansas City Chiefs! Armaan Ahluwalia comes onto the pod to enlighten us on what goes into his data analytics role with the reigning NFL champs. 

For those of you that possess dreams of working in the United States, it was fascinating to hear how this Winnipeg native was able to overcome a few hurdles in obtaining a dream job south of the 49th, but also why he decided to pursue an MBA in southern California.

Lastly, hear more about the motivation behind his passion for reading, the one book that transformed his career, and what he hopes to achieve with his own sports business podcast that he co-hosts.

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We all keep track of our favourite teams through a number of sports writers. But what separates the good from the....not so good?

On today's episode, we learn about the art of sports journalism from Joshua Kloke of The Athletic. Through his experiences covering the Toronto Maple Leafs and the TFC, this Guelph University Alum (and writer of two books) sheds light on what defines a great article and the work that goes into it.

With an NHL player recently throwing shade at a local columnist, Joshua also gives his take on how to earn respect in the locker room and how all aspiring writers need to understand that backlash is part of the game.

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There's no shortage of live sports these days, which means a lot of us take to Twitter to follow our favourite teams or sports personalities. So it only makes sense to chat with their Head of Sports here in Canada on today's episode!

Conor dropped some serious knowledge on how Twitter has elevated the fan experience, in addition to his outlook on how this area of sports business could evolve over the next decade. At the same time, this UBC Alum and former resident of MLSE & Redbull, guides us through his journey in multiple arenas of marketing and how those aspiring to work in social media can get their foot in the door.

Lastly, we discuss the best ways we can all feel more comfortable approaching new digital platforms and our first tweets (trust us, they are embarrassing).

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It's not often you come across a sports business expert whose career spans across FIVE decades, has a business partner by the name of Lebron James, possesses an Emmy award, brokered the largest media deal in Canadian history, and originally wanted to become a standup comedian early on in his career.

Well, we were fortunate enough to welcome Scott Moore onto today's episode to share his incredible experience overseeing some of Canada's largest media entities, including the CBC and Sportsnet. At the same time, we hear how he made the transition into his current role working alongside the likes of Maverick Carter and Lebron James. 

Lastly, this industry titan enlightens us on how to become more effective mentors, while also educating us on the importance of resilience and not being intimated by those younger than you in the workplace.

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To mark the end of our 2020 season, we want to bring an early gift to those who wanted to hear more from Joel and Mitch.

On today's episode, we both take a seat in the interview chair to provide our insights on how our professional and personal lives have changed since we started this podcast during a global pandemic. We also touch on a variety of lessons learned, including ways we've adapted to working from home, key skills that we each developed, and changes in our worlds of sports business. And by request, each of us take a turn in your favourite segment, 'Rapid Fire'!

Lastly, and most importantly, we give a big thanks to our guests and YOU for your tremendous support over these last 5 months. These two Canadian boys couldn't do it without our listeners and we can't wait to be back in 2021!

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Most of us have dreamed of becoming professional General Managers, but few have actually turned that into a reality. With the World Juniors around the corner, we are joined today by some of the brightest, youngest and accomplished General Managers in the Canadian Hockey League, Dave Drinkill (Saginaw Spirit) and Trevor Georgie (Saint John Sea Dogs).

Both GMs enlighten us on how life has changed in junior hockey since the start of the pandemic, the reality of life as a GM, what they're looking forward to with the upcoming 2021 World Juniors in Alberta, and how hockey operations are trending in the right direction when it comes to hiring more women.

What makes this conversation unique is how Dave and Trevor put the spotlight on their career journeys to date. Each GM went down complete opposite paths, with one starting out in Game Day Promotions in junior hockey and the other as a Financial Services Manager at a bank. Truly proving that anything is possible!

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Professional Goaltender. International Broadcaster. Community Activist. Fashion Designer.

The word 'impossible' means nothing to Kevin Weekes and we couldn't have been more excited to sit down with him on today's episode. From growing up in Toronto to transitioning into the broadcast life after retiring from the NHL, Kevin shares his experiences through it all and what's still to come.

This 12-year NHL veteran educated us where his love for goaltending originated, how being a 'glue guy' allowed him to see his potential in broadcasting, learning the art of leadership after sharing a locker room with the likes of Messier, Luongo & Brodeur, the effect his immigrant parents had on him in choosing to pursue hockey as a career, and more! We left almost no stone unturned with one of the key faces of the NHL Network.

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After what felt like they just ended one season, the NBA is picking things back up in less than a month! So it only makes sense we chat all things basketball with Chantel Smith of NBA Canada.

She helps us understand what the Canadian chapter of the NBA aims to accomplish, including some of the programs it created for the recent virtual draft. We also learn more of her history in the world of sports as she earned her stripes working for and with the likes of Ford, the NFL, Air Canada, multiple NHL teams and more!

And to build on the recent growth of diversity hires within the sports industry, we gain Chantel's perspective on being a Black woman in sports, some of the unfortunate discrimination she still sees today, but also the positive outlook she has for the future.

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Data Analytics can be intimidating to a lot of us, so who do the biggest brands in sports call to filter down consumer data to better understand the value of their sponsorships?

None other than Neal Covant of IMI International! He is one of Canada's brightest marketing problem solvers and brings over 15 years of data analysis and sponsorship valuation experience onto today's episode. Working with the likes of McDonalds, WWE, NFL, TIFF, and MLSE, Neal knows a thing or two about giving brands unique lines of sight on their sponsorship performance, as well as pushing them to elevate how they engage with consumers.

We also learn where his passion for data stems from, explore his love of mentorship through SMCC, the moment he had to check his ego at the door early on in his career, and who is his favourite wrestler of all-time!

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TSN, a.k.a The Sports Network, is synonymous with Canadians when it comes to consuming sports content through broadcast, digital and social. However, what goes into integrating some of the world's biggest brands into their various media assets?

On today's episode, we welcome our very own TSN Insider, Jamie Saull, who is their Head of Brand Partnerships. He highlights how the sport media titan adjusted their programming during the pandemic, as well as how they aim to elevate their brand partners (e.g. Old Spice, McDonalds, RBC) across all channels.

This '5 to Watch' Award winner and Laurentian Alum also delivers amazing insight into the importance of 'attitude' in finding industry success, how to avoid 'tunnel vision' in your career, and why Jay Onrait is his 'top choice' to be stuck with on a deserted island.

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Remember the good ol' days when we used to watch a hockey game in person? Did you ever wonder who controls the music or comes up with that fun on-ice activation?

On today's episode, we sit down with Taylor Dean of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, who shares her experiences managing the game presentation for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge in one of the more forgotten areas of sports business and provides insight into her work not only here in the '6ix' with the recent NHL playoff bubble, but also working abroad for several NHL All-Star games and a memorable Winter Classic in the Big House!

Taylor had no shortage of career advice for those of you wondering how to better utilize your network to land the sports job you desire, as well as how we need to be more than just a name at the bottom of an email.

And as always, remember to subscribe and share!

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We all saw the big unveiling back in the summer, but what went into the marketing planning and strategy for the NHL's 32nd franchise?

On today's episode, we get an in-depth look as Savannah Hollis joins us to chat about her role with the Seattle Kraken's Social Media team. We gain a better understanding of how the Kraken want to properly educate their fans, but also provide unique storytelling and engagement that the rest of the league has never seen before.

In addition, Savannah shares her journey across professional hockey as she gained amazing experience in both the NHL and AHL, while also discussing the impact strong female leadership had on her career, why we need to 'Start with Why', how a battle between the Flyers & Devils kickstarted her passion for hockey, and much more!

For your reading pleasure, here is Matthew Berry's article that Joel and I referenced at the start of the episode.

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LinkedIn: The Sports Business Life Podcast

So far, even a global pandemic can't shut down the mighty NFL. Nevertheless, we have already seen the impact COVID-19 has had on the league, but what was that impact on business north of the 49th?

Gavin Kemp, NFL Canada's Director of Corporate Partnerships, joins us on today's episode to dive into the effects of the pandemic in Canada. We also learn what distinguishes the Canadian arm of the football juggernaut and what's to come in the future for fans up here.

Then we discuss how Gavin transferred his sales and marketing skills working with the likes of  Tennis Canada, Rogers, Bell, and Sports Illustrated. Finally, he gives us his insight into what we are doing wrong in interviews and why we need to stop pigeonholing ourselves to just sports (say what!?).

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Twitter: @TheSBLPodcast
LinkedIn: The Sports Business Life Podcast

Captain -> Assistant General Manager -> General Manager.

Chelsea Purcell knows what it means to rise to the occasion both on and off the ice. Serving dual sponsorship roles with CCMC Sports and the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association, this former professional hockey player has quickly ascended up the chain in sports business and shared her experiences with us on today's episode.

We learn of her transition from athlete to business executive, including winning a league championship! She also shares details on her biggest challenge with the folding of the CWHL, what she took away from that moving forward, and what she looks for in hiring an intern.

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LinkedIn: The Sports Business Life Podcast

Iginla. Wickenheiser. Hall. Marner. Spooner. Guerrero Jr. 

These are just some of the names Dan Kuzmarov has worked with over the years as an athlete representative. The Partner & VP of Manifesto Sport Management joined us on the pod to chat about how he got into the world of sports agency, the growth he has seen within the industry over the years, and the impacts of COVID-19. 

Not only does Dan provide intriguing perspective on what it takes to become a sports agent, he also busts a few misconceptions of what being in this field is all about (hint: it's not all about "Show Me the Money!"). Lastly, you'll get a chance to learn more about Dan's love of music, the Expos and the theme of his cover band!