In this live recorded season finale, we welcome Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Predators. Michelle shares her roots growing up in Kentucky, her foundation as an athlete at Vanderbilt University, where she would later return as the Associate Athletic Director to achieve her desire to someday work in sports. Determined to follow her passions, she makes a bold move in her mid-30s to go to law school and earn her Juris Doctorate. A move that lands her the ultimate opportunity with the Predators, with whom she’s climbed the ranks from In-House counsel to Pr ..read more

In this episode, we welcome Jill Gregory, EVP and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. Jill is an acclaimed NASCAR executive and innovative sports marketer, who has blazed a career journey with a remarkable reputation. Twice named by Adweek as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports”, Jill was a key member of the leadership team, that shepherded the sport through COVID and made historic moves for social justice. A champion, for diversity, equity and inclusion, Jill is only the second women leader of a NASCAR sanctioned venue and is dedicated to continue to shape the sport for future generation ..read more

In this episode, we welcome Buffy Filippell, Founder of TeamWork Online. Buffy is a true blazer by definition. She founded her Cleveland based company 30 years ago, and changed the game when she launched the online job portal that has effectively matched sports teams with over 200,000 of the best and brightest talent coming up in the industry. She has been honored by several organizations, and was recognized in 2019 as a SBJ Champion, highlighting her contributions as a pioneer and innovator. Buffy is a woman who leads with heart, passion, and a deep sense of purpose ..read more

In this episode, we welcome Leah MacNab, Sr. Vice President & Managing Director of NBA Canada. Leah’s journey to becoming the first women to be named the Managing Director of NBA Canada was one of hard work and persistence. As the SVP and Managing Director, Leah is responsible for the development and growth of the league’s business in Canada, including television and digital media, marketing and retail partnerships, licensing, special events and basketball development. Leah is at the forefront of growing the game she loves and instilling the pride of Canada throughout the league ..read more

In this episode, we welcome Starr Jemison, Sr. Vice President of Content Development and Private Events for the Oak View Group. Starr had an unconventional foundation to her career before starting her own talent management business that led her into the venue booking, content development, and private event space. Her investment in learning and taking unique opportunities, shaped an incredible path that has resulted in two decades of industry experience and accolades. Starr is a game changer, influencer and leader who is making a mark in the event and entertainment industry ..read more

It’s the 75th episode and we are excited to welcome Kelly Higgins as our featured guest for this episode. Kelly serves as the Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Kelly was introduced to sports business at a young age when she landed an opportunity to work for the NY Mets during summer league throughout her high school years in southeast Florida. It was inevitable, that she would pursue a career path in sports and be on the amazing journey she has been on with experiences working for the NBA, NY Mets, NBC Sports and now, U.S. Soccer ..read more

In this episode we welcome Missy Ripepi, Sr. Director of Ticket Sales & Service for the Pittsburgh Pirates of the MLB. Missy has led an incredible career journey. She built the foundation of her career in inside sales with the Pirates, was dedicated to growing her career and found that growth in her journey. Missy has worked for the Rams of the NFL, Avalanche of the NHL, FEVO, IMG College, and her path has come full circle back with her hometown team the Pittsburgh Pirates developing future stars in our industry ..read more

In this episode we welcome Tracy Ellis-Ward, Sr. Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Tracy has led an incredible career journey, where she has held several executive-level positions in athletics and higher education, contributed to building the foundation of the WNBA, and now is responsible for leading the strategic vision and driving initiatives to meet the DEI goals for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which continues to fulfill her purpose to do impactful and meaningful work ..read more

In this episode we welcome Khalia Collier, Vice President and Chief of Staff for Basketball Operations for the Dallas Mavericks. Khalia shares her incredible career journey with us. She started playing basketball at the age of 5, which sparked her love for the game and set her on a path to take what she learned on the court and apply it to her life. After becoming an owner of a professional Women’s Team at the age of 23, she dedicated her career to serving the community she loves, growing the game, and expanding her impact ..read more

In this episode we welcome Nam McGrail, Senior Vice President of Partnership Activation for the LA Kings of the NHL and AEG Global Partnerships. Nam shares her incredible career journey with us. After dedicating 10 years to her title as Mom, she was ready to dive back into her career life and explore new opportunities. It only took one conversation to open her door into the sports industry and to a 16 year career of working with wonderful people, partners, and in a city that she loves to call home ..read more