Insights from an Interview

a fragment from:

an Interview with Wally Hayward, CEO, W Partners:

“…and just because you played football or you play tennis or golf and you want to be the next commissioner, there's a path to get there. And if your first opportunity is to work for a minor league baseball team or to work in NASCAR even if you don't like racing, take the job and just get involve. because one, there's a lot you can learn at your age. And then two, you have to start building your network. And the first job you take unfortunately today in sports, most likely will not be your last job, right? Once you've learned as much as you can, you are probably going to move and jump to the next level. Because especially when you work in teams and organizations, there's only 32 teams. So that means there are only 32 presidents, 32 GMs. So sometimes in order to make a move and move up in an organization, you have to move and switch your jersey.”

The sports industry is a business. To achieve important roles and leadership positions, we must learn, study, and gain hands-on experience in operations and management. Being a successful athlete in the past does not automatically qualify someone to become a Marketing Manager, President, or Commissioner of a sports federation or club. Success in sports does not replace the need for knowledge, strategy, and professional expertise.