The 12th annual Sports Business Journal Game Changers conference was held last week at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Attended by powerhouses from the sports and corporate worlds, attendees learned about career development, sponsorships, mentoring, and exciting new initiatives.
“I like learning about other women in sports because I don’t feel like they always get highlighted as much,” said Amanda Oliver, executive vice president and chief legal officer for NASCAR, and a past Game Changers honoree. “Some do and that’s great, but I think for a lot of us who may be in roles that people don’t know about, it’s a great opportunity to put yourself forward.” Speakers and panelists reflected on networking and attendees made the most of it. “As driven women, you’re always wanting to grow and learn,” said Oliver.
Dr. Tunisha Singleton, a media psychologist, professor, and inclusive media strategy and innovation consultant, appreciated the environment. “I feel there’s a lot of synergy in terms of what we all stand for and believe in — community, diversity, representation, empowering women to empower women. That’s important and unspoken a lot of times,” she said. A recurring theme was building confidence over the course of one’s career. Among the speakers was Nicole Lynn, president of football operations for KLUTCH Sports Group, who spoke about being authentic and knowledgeable, and striving for excellence. WWE superstar Jade Cargill discussed finding the sport of wrestling as well as being a businesswoman. She and her husband own the Texas Smoke, a franchise in Women’s Professional Fastpitch. Everyone in their front office is African American, which Cargill believes sets an example of leadership. A panel from the NFL and Verizon presented a new program that will enable female broadcasters to develop their skills and resumes.
Philicia Douglas, director of partnership and spring training business development for the Minnesota Twins, said the conference provided a time to celebrate and come together. “I’m learning that every person has their challenges and things that they’re going through, but it doesn’t mean you can’t overcome and do great things,” said Douglas, who is also part of a 20-woman cohort chosen as future leaders by Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent management company. “Some of the speakers we heard, from Nicole to Jade, both of them had struggles that they overcame and look at where they are today. I’ve learned it doesn’t matter who you are — if you have the ambition and the grit, you can make it on top.”
