One Question Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
Spades Media Group - Roots of Wisdom LLC
The One Question Leadership Podcast is designed to highlight executive and organizational leadership with a heavy emphasis on college athletics. 1Q is primarily hosted by @TaiMBrown, but features occasional guest hosts. Subscribe here: 1quest.co/itun
@1QLeadership Question: How can leaders in college athletics use their own story and environment to build better systems for student‑athlete success in the age of NIL?
Dr. Ron Moses, Deputy AD at Old Dominion, shares how dropping out of high school, serving in the Army, and returning to college shaped his people‑first leadership style and commitment to mentoring. He explains why he keeps his office in the academic center, how his counseling and HR background inform mental health, academic, and NIL education, and why he treats revenue sharing as a financial literacy and life‑skills challenge for young athletes.
Moses also discusses his work with veterans and military partners. In his opinion, work such as teaching emotional intelligence, transition skills, and organizational development carry over to college athletics. He reflects on leading through an AD transition, using Virginia's competitive athletics landscape to raise standards, and leveraging the region's military presence to teach perspective, teamwork, and leadership.
In summary, Moses shows how lived experience, intentional relationships, and a unique local context can help leaders build holistic support systems that outlast any single person or era. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Stephanie Garcia-Cichosz - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can leaders uncover the hidden unwritten rules in their organization's culture to move through resistance and find success?
Dr. Lauren Bullock, Executive Coach at Stretch and Professor at Temple University, explores how leadership, communication, and culture intersect. Dr. Bullock posits that real leadership lives in the tension between struggle and success, not in titles alone.
- Bullock traces her unconventional path from sports information and student affairs into academia and coaching
- She breaks culture into four parts including values, unwritten ground rules, logos, and organizational systems
- She links public relations, sport media, and coaching into one process: listening to stakeholders, naming challenges, and helping leaders push through resistance to find relief on the other side.
Dr. Bullock also discusses the misconceptions of a multi-generational workforce. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
In this episode of One Question Leadership Podcast, University of Southern California Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration Lindsay Jaffe sits down with host Steph Garcia Cichosz to offer insight into her journey from Appalachian State soccer student-athlete to senior-level athletic administrator.
The conversation explores the mentors who opened doors throughout her career, the servant leadership philosophy that guides her work, and how she navigates the complex responsibilities of overseeing multiple sports. Jaffe also offers practical insights on sport administration, coaching relationships, leadership adaptability, and building high-performing teams.
· Great sport administrators fill blind spots, not just manage programs
· Leadership requires adapting your communication style to the people you serve
· High-performing cultures are built through consistent behaviors and clear standards
Jaffe: "You can't lose the plot. Continue to pour into young people and remember that's why we all signed up for this business." - One Question Leadership Podcast - Steph Garcia-Cichosz
@1QLeadership Question: Can qualitative process metrics lead to increased revenue in a college athletics department?
In this episode of 1Q, University of Houston Executive Senior Associate AD/Chief Revenue Officer, Alvin Franklin details how he applies coaching principles to his leadership style, dissects the department's people-first hiring preference, and discusses how a process-focused revenue strategy has impacted the Cougars in the NIL and revenue-sharing era.
- Franklin discusses a "people-first" hiring framework that relies on an evaluation of candidates beyond an AI-driven resume screen. This framework prioritizes direct dialogue, contextual fit, and demonstrated authenticity.
- Franklin gives his philosophy on the revenue operations model which shows that a shift away from quantitative targets to qualitative process metrics have led to record ticketing, fundraising, sponsorship and concession results.
- Franklin also outlines the "8 to 5 Club," as a structured business-community advisory mechanism that informs fan experience design, donor cycles, and NIL activation strategies in a pro-sports market like Houston. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Steph Garcia-Cichosz - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can schools use NIL and personal branding to serve all athletes, not just the superstars?
This episode of 1Q features Tyler Jaynes, Founder and CEO at Influxer. The discussion gives a fast, practical look at how a former walk-on built an NIL company that can help all student-athletes, not just the top 1% of stars. It blends leadership lessons, athlete development, and very concrete ways administrators can plug into Influxer's "NIL for all" model.
- Tyler's walk-on story sets the tone as he pivots from baseball to football, earns a scholarship, and experiences high-level success during Baylor's Big 12 championship run and a new stadium experience. The conversation touches on "athlete identity syndrome" and the difficult shift from sport to life after eligibility, especially when original career plans no longer fit.
- The core value for Influxer is "NIL for all." It is a free platform where high school and college athletes, at a licensed school or not, can quickly launch a merchandise storefront, upload their own designs, and earn royalties without setup costs. Influxer currently serves roughly 70,000 athletes, with revenue driven by merchandise sales and brand sponsors. Athletes and schools only see costs when value is created.
- Jaynes frames merchandise as a first building block of an athlete's long-term personal brand, not life-changing money, and highlights how that portfolio can lead to future deals and post-graduation opportunities. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Are there measurable metrics beyond revenue that lead to championships in college athletics?
George Mason AD Marvin Lewis shares how he walked into a department hungry for leadership and, in three years, built a people-first, championship culture grounded in a clear strategic "playbook."
He breaks down the staff survey that set the tone, the shift from bad‑news‑only meetings to high‑energy all‑staffs, and a revised coach evaluation model that finally matches expectations to resources and values more than just wins and losses.
Lewis also explains how he uses a senior deputy AD/COO, quarterly "time and score" metrics, and a campus‑wide approach to strategic planning—plus his work on the NCAA Women's Basketball Committee and the Professional Patriots leadership program—to offer a ready-made blueprint for aspiring Division I ADs. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
In this special episode of 1Q, Tai M. Brown welcomes former pro runner and longtime interviewer Steph Garcia Cichosz as the new co-host of the One Question Leadership Podcast. Both reflect on what they learned from years of interviews on the AthleticDirectorU platform.
They discuss former Oklahoma AD, Joe Castiglione's "water the plant" analogy regarding developing staff, former Washington and current USC AD, Jen Cohen's focus on mentorship, and other insightful conversations that have influenced how they think about leadership.
They also introduce a new framework that will quietly guide future episodes, Forward Management. With segments based on creation, cultivation, and affirmation, listeners can zero in on how leaders build culture, sustain it, and celebrate the people inside it. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown - Steph Garcia Cichosz
@1QLeadership Question: Is compliance leadership superpower in college athletics?
This episode of the One Question Leadership Podcast follows Erin Adkins' journey from law school to becoming Executive Senior Associate AD for NIL Strategy and Initiatives at UCLA. It explores how compliance, instinct, and relationships prepare leaders to guide student‑athletes and coaches in an era of NIL, the transfer portal, and high‑stakes competitive success.
Path to college athletics
- Erin shares how growing up an Arizona fan, choosing law school, and trying both pro sports and college internships helped her realize that collegiate athletics was where she could directly impact the "product" every day.
Why a compliance background is a leadership superpower
- She explains how compliance touches every corner of an athletic department, giving future sport administrators a 360‑degree view of people, processes, and problems—and making it an ideal launchpad for leadership roles
Leading through relationships in the NIL and transfer‑portal era
- Adkins describes how intentional presence, quick responsiveness, and small daily interactions with coaches and student‑athletes build trust, which then underpins everything from navigating NIL to keeping elite teams—like UCLA baseball's veteran junior core—together and thriving
One Question Leaderhsip Podcast - Stephanie Garcia Cichosz - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How does an alumnus-turned-athletic-director leverage personal history, modern college athletics trends, and deep relationships to transform a tradition-rich military institute without losing what makes it unique?
- Jamaal Walton, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at VMI, talks with Stephanie Garcia-Cichosz about how his path from student-athlete to athletic director at his alma mater shaped his leadership style and philosophy
- The discussion examines how he is modernizing VMI athletics through fundraising, marketing, NIL, and strategic planning while staying true to the institute's military-centered identity
- It also highlights the importance he places on relationships—with mentors, staff, cadet-athletes, and family—and how that focus guides major decisions like hiring coaches and opting into the House settlement - One Question Leadership Podcast - Stephanie Garcia-Cichosz - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can an athletics director build and sustain a championship‑level athletic department in the Great Plains?
Montana State Director of Athletics, Leon Costello, discusses presidential leadership transitions on campus, the strategic growth of the athletic department, and how aligned support for athletics drives institutional success.
Costello explains how strategic planning, investment in student‑athlete support staff, and revenue growth have fueled competitive success, culminating in a football national championship and a strong departmental culture.
He also reflects on coach retention, NIL and transfer‑portal dynamics, and how deep engagement with student‑athletes and coaches helps Montana State sustain a championship environment and long‑term leadership development. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What matters most in how we develop student-athletes?
College football analyst Yogi Roth challenges administrators to see athletes not as transactions or brands, but as human stories whose mental skills and identity must be developed as intentionally as their physical talent. He argues that in today's NIL and transfer-portal era, alignment on "what matters most" from the president to the graduate assistant is the only sustainable way to support coaches, protect athletes' mental health, and keep sport rooted in purpose rather than purely in revenue.
-
Mental performance is framed as a competitive advantage: Roth emphasizes visualization, self-talk, body language, and "competing in the absence of fear," urging programs to front-load mental skills support with licensed professionals just as aggressively as they invest in strength and conditioning.
-
Athlete identity and NIL: The discussion warns that a hyper-transactional environment and NIL money amplify "athlete identity syndrome," and calls on coaches and departments to help athletes know their story, voice, and purpose beyond their sport and logo so the college experience sets up the next 40–60 years, not just the next season.
-
Alignment and culture as AD work: Roth stresses that presidents, ADs, coaches, and staff must be able to answer the same "what matters most here?" question, and that administrators should structure resources, policies, and daily operations to mirror those priorities to create a sustainable alignment. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can university presidents creatively lead conference realignment while protecting academic priorities and strengthening institutional and league stability for the long term?
Dr. John R. Porter of Lindenwood University, and Dr. Yancy Freeman of University of Tennessee Martin, explore how university presidents balance athletics and academics. The two CEO's discuss leading through conference realignment challenges in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). They also cover using creative, business-minded strategy to stabilize and grow their respective institutions.
Presidents' role in athletics
The guests explain that athletics is often the most visible and attention grabbing part of a university, driving applications, enrollment, school pride, donations, and media exposure, which forces presidents to devote significant time and strategic focus to sports. They emphasize that athletics must enhance the academic mission, not overshadow it, so they deliberately balance funding and messaging between academic priorities and athletic success.
Stabilizing the Ohio Valley Conference
When member schools left or considered leaving, the Board of Presidents responded with unusually candid, frequent conversations to reaffirm commitment, increase exit fees, and engage consultants to craft a long term strategy and structure for the conference. They describe this moment of "friction" as ultimately positive, creating tighter relationships among presidents, clearer shared vision, and a more intentional search for a new commissioner who can elevate the OVC.
Creativity, strategy, and leadership style
Dr. Porter applies business discipline and growth thinking—like building a multi-entity education system and treating Lindenwood as an enterprise—to drive execution, revenue growth, and investment capacity that can support both academics and athletics. Dr. Freeman focuses on strategic planning rooted in enrollment management and student experience, contributing an outcome-driven approach to conference strategy and to aligning athletics with campus-wide priorities.
-Tai M. Brown - One Question Leadership Podcast
@1QLeadership Question: How can leaders in college sports build innovative, business-savvy organizations that still protect and prioritize the long-term wellbeing and development of student-athletes?
Gary Stokan, retiring President and CEO of the Peach Bowl, reflects on his 47-year career in sports and how coaching principles shaped his leadership in college football. He shares his core frameworks—TEAM (teamwork, empowerment, accountability, management), CARE (customer, attitude, relationships, excellence), and ROCKS (relationships, opportunities, competitiveness, knowledge, strategy)—as simple guides for building people-first, business-smart organizations.
Stokan and 1Q guest host, Steph Garcia Cichosz also unpack his role in growing the Peach Bowl, bringing the College Football Hall of Fame to Atlanta, and navigating today's changing landscape of NIL, the transfer portal, and playoff expansion. Throughout the episode, he stresses keeping student-athletes' long-term wellbeing at the center while maintaining an "attitude of gratitude" and enjoying the journey. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown - Steph Garcia Cichosz
@1QLeadership Question: What exactly is the problem in college athletics?
Sean Frazier, VP of Athletics and Recreation at NIU, discusses how and why the Huskies is restructured its conference affiliations, and also explores how new financial models can help sustain athletics without burdening the institution.
-
Frazier explains NIU's strategy to "decouple" football from its traditional all-sports conference, moving football to the Mountain West, Olympic sports to the Horizon League, and wrestling to the Pac-12 to reduce travel costs, increase media revenue, and better align regionally while maintaining academic and athletic standards
-
He describes the financial and strategic logic behind this model, including regional scheduling savings, expanded media markets, and using new conference affiliations to enhance both the university's athletic profile and potential academic and research partnerships
-
The discussion also explores private capital and private equity in college sports, distinguishing capital from equity, examining venture-capital-style investment, and emphasizing the need for entrepreneurial thinking and stronger governance to address new expenses like revenue sharing and NIL without compromising core academic values
A frequent guest on 1Q, Frazier has always thought strategically, and creatively, about the intercollegiate athletics community and how to position all involved for success. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
How do you become indispensable to your athletics department and athletics director?
Charity Anderson, Assistant AD for Scholar-Athlete Success at UC San Diego, joins 1Q's Steph Garcia Cichosz to offer insight into this question after serving for five years as an Executive Assistant to then-Tritons AD Earl Edwards. Anderson discusses the impact of collaboration and how she remains compassionately curious while staying rooted in her core values.
00:00 - Introduction
01:24 - You've been with the Titans for six years, including five years as executive assistant to the great Earl Edwards. You have a background in sports psychology and you have experience working directly with athletes, including as a SAAC advisor. Walk us through your journey to San Diego.
03:52 - You said you had aspirations to be a sports psychologist - where did that come from?
06:57 - So in the ecosystem of athletics, you wanted to support the holistic, whole person side of an athlete - rather than serve as a coach or agent.
09:00 - Where does the executive assistant side come into this story? How do these puzzle pieces fit together?
12:05 - There are three pieces to your puzzle: your sports psych background, your high level of emotional intelligence, and your organizational capacity. What advice do you give aspiring senior leaders who hope to recreate their own version of this?
15:29 - What was the moment for you when you realized you were living your truth?
18:07 - Respect and trust… when did you trust the senior administrators around you, in that they were taking your perspective and your feedback seriously and truly incorporating your perspective?
21:57 - Do you feel pressure to be an AD or do you feel you can be the most effective from behind the scenes?
- One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown - Steph Garcia Cichosz
@1QLeadership Question: What role do external partnerships, internal collaboration, and campus engagement play in growing the athletics program’s visibility, revenue, and fan base?
From the 2024 PacNet Conference, Phil Wang, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at UC Irvine, talks about his almost 20 years at UCI. His transition from finance to external affairs, and how the department is maximizing automation and innovation with Learfield and Paciolan.
Wang also covers collaboration with campus, the value of athletics within the university and broader community, and how the department operates with resources that could be considered limited in the context of the athletics industr. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can student-athlete development programs be effectively built and measured within collegiate athletics?
Dr. Marissa Nichols, Sr. Associate AD for Student-Athlete Experience and Director of the Cameron Institute at Cal, shares her approach to creating measurable student-athlete development initiatives—from conducting needs assessments and aligning with institutional strategic goals to setting clear metrics for measuring program outcomes like career placement, mental well-being, and alumni engagement. She also talks about the three skill sets she brings as a college athletics executive:
- Program building
- Engaging stakeholder to get resources
- Measuring outcomes
Nichols, a future TEDx speaker, believes the direction of college athletics should be refocused on the student-athlete experience. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadershp Question: What are some useful elements of cultivation for fundraising in college athletics?
Mimi Hill, Sr. Associate Athletics Director at Hampton University, talks with 1Q guest host Jazmin Elliott about Hill's journey working in college athletics advancement.
- connect and listen to donors
- personalize your engagement
- cultivate each interaction
Hill gives a few personal stories involving failure, success, mentorship and much more. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can an internship directly impact your early years as a young professional?
Brandon Fisher, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at UNT, and Colby Wilson, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at Pitt, discuss the mindset and competencies they learned during the NCAA Post Graduate Internship Program, and now apply during their first full-time job as young professionals.
- Fisher - Understand how your supervisor operates
- Wilson - Advocate for yourself
When asked where they see themselves in the future. Fisher wants to merge his passion for sport with his passion for leading people, while Wilson is driven by the impact of developing talent. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What role does leadership play in shaping feelings of inclusion (or exclusion) among Black women in college athletics administration?
Dr. Jennifer Jacobs, Head Volleyball Coach at Augustana University, discusses her dissertation research outcomes after interviewing multiple Black women from all divisions of college athletics. One of the key findings is that the default for leadership is to be exclusionary, meaning helping people feel included is not automatic.
- There were no inclusionary moments that didn't have direct involvement with supervisors
- Inclusive leadership is an active process
Dr. Jacobs also talked about her fundraising process at Augustana, which supports 75% of her annual budget for the volleyball program. She has raised roughly $1 million over the past few years. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can college athletics departments best support student-athletes in navigating the transition out of competitive sports, particularly in addressing the challenges of athlete identity and life after sports?
Caitlin Broadwell, Athletics Case Manager at Long Beach State, discusses the curriculum used in a class for senior student-athletes on campus. The semester long class focuses on values, developing community, find hobbies away from sports, and other foundation building aspects that help athletes feel better prepared for retiring from competition and the inevitable "Athlete Identity Syndrome" that comes with retirement.
Broadwell, on her way to becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, developed the curriculum used in the semester-long class for senior student-athletes. She was a multi-school and multi-sport transfer, finishing her career as a beach volleyball player at LSU. With experience from playing, research, and practical knowledge, Broadwell brings passion and purpose to the mental health in athletics industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Are athlete injuries predictable?
Henry Abbott, Founder of TrueHoop, discusses his new book "Ballistic" which follows the story of Dr. Marcus Elliott and the Peak Performance Project (P3). Abbott talks about how Dr. Elliott's research is being used by NBA athletes to prevent injury. Similar to the way biomarkers are used to inform of possible cardiac emergencies, P3 has developed a way to process data about body movement that can detect an impending athlete injury.
Abbott also goes into the importance of storytelling and its impact on the world of sports. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is there a success blueprint for leadership in college athletics?
Dr. Jacqui Schuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at UMASS-Boston, asks Anthony Azama, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics at WashU, about his blueprint for success as a leader in college athletics. Azama describes his view on college athletics and its benefits to all involved.
- Passion does not run on fumes the way purpose does
- College athletics teaches people how to respond to failure better than anybody else on a college campus
Both Schuman and Azama were student-athletes at Vanderbilt before starting their respective journeys in college athletics administration. They reflect on their experiences and how they have shaped some of their current thoughts on leadership. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What goes into an effective graduate sport administration program?
Dr. Patty Raube Keller, Sports Administration Graduate Program Director at Boston College, discusses how her background and experiences shaped her approach to building the sports administration program. After working in college athletics, she transitioned to academia to be more present for her daughter. Her doctoral focus was on the marginalization of women in college athletics.
Raube Keller focuses on practical education as all classes in the program are taught by practitioners who work in sports. The program has a heavy emphasis on technical skills and soft skills as alumni work in all areas of sport. She also talks about the new graduate program in sports analytics. – One Question Leadership Podcst – Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can work-life integration be a necessity when considering future employers?
Yulander Wells, Jr. , Deputy Athletics Director for Finance, Operations, Revenue & Business Strategy at Notre Dame shares how family has been an integral part of his career in college athletics. He also covers how his business background informs his leadership style, especially given Notre Dame's non-traditional approach to athletics.
Wells emphasizes the importance of integrating family into his professional life and modeling this approach for younger staff members. – One Question Leadership Podcast – Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How do you integrate a leadership philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and informed decision-making within an athletics department?
Dr. Jackie Shuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation at UMass Boston, discussing her leadership philosophy and approach to decision-making within college athletics.
- Gather as much insight as possible from stakeholders who have the most to gain or lose from a decision
- Consider the timing and level of impact of decision
- Regularly reassess the department's organization, processes, and priorities
- Conduct executive leadership retreats to evaluate progress, restructure meetings, and adapt to changes in the college athletics landscape
Dr. Schuman emphasizes collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement, and prioritizes safety when making decisions as a leader on campus. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Podcast: What happens when someone who always wanted to be in the background assumes the leadership position?
This conversation initially took place on AthleticDirectorU.com.
Deana Barnes, President at Paciolan, shares insight into her collective leadership strategy and how her longevity with the organization provides her with perspective. The conversation took place after Barnes had been in the position for roughly a year. She talks about vulnerability of leadership, and feeling better suited in the No. 2 position. She also talks about being a former point guard and how it translates in her leadership style. – One Question Leadership Podcast – Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can someone who dropped out of high school excel in college athletics administration?
Randale Richmond, VP and Director of Athletics at Kent State, and Dr. Ron Moses, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director at Old Dominion talk about culture, athlete identity, and leadership.
- Ron Moses discusses his journey to college athletics, including dropping out of high school, enlisting in the military, and starting his career in football
- Randale Richmond discusses his decision to hire Ron Moses at ODU, emphasizing Moses' unique ability to cultivate and elevate the student-athlete experience
Both Richmond and Moses discuss their involvement in programs that address the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sports - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How does a Vice President of Student Affairs develop a philosophy on college athletics?
Sarah Comstock, VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at University of Puget Sound, discusses how she developed her philosophy on athletics after the department was recently reassigned to report to her. She talks about her input in creating a profile for hiring a new director of athletics. Comstock also gives insight into the importance of the position and how athletics fits into the mission of the university.
- Student-Athletes make up 33% of students on campus
- Rewriting Student Affairs strategic plan to include the student-athlete experience
Comstock talks about studying other schools and figuring out what works best for Puget Sound in terms of leadership for the department. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How much does an athletics director think about succession planning?
Alex Ricker-Gilbert, Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at Jacksonville University, discusses hiring coaches and succession planning with Lamarr Pottinger, Director of Leadership Development with NCAA. Ricker-Gilbert has a process of identifying assistant coaches that could potentially be head coaches in the future and engaging with them regularly. He also talks about being aggressive with head coaches who show early signs of success, such as extending one Jacksonville head coach to a 10-year contract after his first year.
- "Will this person care more about our student-athletes as people than as athletes?"
- "Tell us why you want to be at our institution"
- "If you do a good job hiring, the rest of the leader's job is much easier."
Ricker-Gilbert believes upward mobility at Jacksonville is the department's competitive advantage. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Where does passion fit in sales and business development?
Kevin Barefoot, Sr. VP of Business Development for Teamworks, discusses his experiences working in sales for startups. He talks about the culture at Teamworks and the company's growth. After spending a decade with WinAD, a tech startup operating in college athletics, Barefoot now finds himself in a role where he is leading and evaluating people.
- "You can't manufacture passion, but you also can't hide passion."
- "I try to create relationships that will last for 30 years"
Barefoot takes a consultative approach to sales. He believes it is necessary to have a passion for whatever he is selling. Throughout the conversation, the passion for the vision at Teamworks is very visible. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is there a grieving period after losing your job?
Amber McCray, volleyball coach and sports administrator, shares her introspection after being dismissed from the head coaching position at Louisiana Tech. Contemplating on what she valued from the experience, what she could have done differently, and where she goes from this point, McCray gives us an inside look into the mind of a coach who is "in transition."
"God will scream at you if you don't listen to the whispers" - Amber McCray
McCray helped build the La Tech athletics fan community and increased attendance to matches while she was the head coach. Heavy on relationships and weary of the transactional direction that college athletics is headed in, she is contemplating her future in sports. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What does it take to find success in every role?
Kortne Gosha, Sr. Associate AD for Capital Planning at Nebraska, visits with Wesley Abercrombie of Peak Sports to discuss leadership and finding career success. Gosha started his career as a football equipment manager. Since then, he has led an athletics department, hired coaches, raised money, and done a number of other things that has helped the institutions he worked for change for the better. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can working in video production lead to a career in fundraising? Joseph Walters, Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs and Chief Revenue Officer at Hampton University describes how his family-owned video production business has helped him to the role he currently holds in fundraising in college athletics.
- uses journalism background to tell the story of Hampton Athletics
- considers donors as investors
- minimizes workload in his mind to avoid nervousness
Walters explains how the naming rights are applied for significant gifts and talks about his desire to turn the relationships with donors from transactional to transformational. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What are some of the best ways to communicate change from the leadership and management perspective?
Troy Austin, Deputy Athletics Director for Development at Duke University, discusses his role helping the athletics director manage change. Interviewed by People and Culture Professional Lamarr Pottinger, Austin gives his definition of culture as "how the staff acts within its environment."
- Address points that are actually at play
- Don’t jump ahead of the facts
- Dispel rumors
- Control what’s in front of you
- Manage the leader’s message
Austin believes in leading with clear, candid communication combined with positivity. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Does the adjustment from making decisions to giving suggestions have to be difficult?
Kim Record, Sr. Associate Commissioner & Chief of Staff at the Atlantic 10 (A10) Conference, talks about her adjustment to working with longtime A10 Commissioner, Bernadette McGlade. Record talks about times when challenging conversations are necessary for the team to be effective.
- trust is the bottom line of any kind of relationship
- anytime there is change, there is opportunity
- teaching, learning, and giving back are necessary for success
Record also covers learning how to become a team when many people in the office have only been together for a couple years. She believes active listening and empathy are two important skills for effective leadership. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can a team show consistent growth if most of the players come from the transfer portal?
From the 2023 AVCA Convention, Matt Buttermore, Head Volleyball Coach at Omaha, talks about what he valued about the volleyball day matchup, which pitted Omaha against Nebraska and saw record attendance and viewership. He also gives his thoughts on transfers and NIL.
- you don't know exactly how a transfer will fit in
- we can't try to do the same things we did last year
- if we keep growing great teams, the sport will continue to grow
The conversation wraps with Buttermore sharing advice for people who want to be in a head coaching role. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Does age matter if someone has the capacity to do the job?
Tangela Cheatham, Deputy Athletic Director for Sport Administration and Senior Woman Administrator at Central Michigan, talks about being trusted with an executive level position at an early age. The woman who hired her, CMU Director of Athletics Amy Folan, was also trusted early in her career.
- credits 'supported autonomy' as a critical development tool
- most of her current responsibilities were new experiences when she was hired
- understands that she will never know everything, thus she is always willing to learn
Cheatham describes leaning on Folan to understand the depth of the Deputy position. She also gives her thoughts on impostor syndrome. Throughout her career, Cheatham has always considered caring about people as her primary skill. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Should substance abuse in sports be viewed as more than just a disciplinary issue?
Ryan Cain, CEO of The Hope Desk, and Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate AD for Health and Wellness at LSU, discuss the mechanics of providing mental health services for former LSU student-athletes. Mullenix talks about studying social work to further impact the people she has served for nearly three decades. Cain gives his story of recovery and how it led him to create The Hope Desk, which serves people dealing with similar issues that he dealt with.
- substance abuse must be viewed beyond simply a disciplinary issue
- a family system approach is just as important as a diagnosis
- people begin the mental health journey by searching for a lower level of care than they may actually need
Through the Tiger Legacy Care program, Mullenix hopes to help out any and all former LSU student-athletes that need help. Cain and The Hope Desk are expanding services to more schools throughout the country. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What role does a third-party multimedia rights holder play in mending and maintaining relationships with businesses throughout the campus community?
Otis Wiley, General Manager at Michigan State Sports Properties (PlayFly), talks about his experiences in revenue generation, including repairing relationships on campus after the school faced a few tumultuous years in the news.
- PIPER Values - People Innovation Partnerships Empathy Results
- "If innovation comes with a plan of action to drive additional revenue, then go for it."
- "Working in sports is a blessing, we aren't doing hard labor."
Wiley leads by example and emphasizes patient aggressiveness to reach goals. He encourages his staff to enjoy their jobs without sacrificing the passion that comes with living a joyful life. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Are corporate partnerships always about advertising exposure?
Jazmin Elliott, Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Marketing at Norfolk State athletics, discusses her thought process when looking for companies to partner with the department. She finds areas of alignment between the company and the university, that go beyond just advertising exposure.
- national brands don't need Norfolk State for exposure
- impactful relationships between a company and student-athletes are always top of mind
- "In business and personal relationships, when you make their ROI just as important as your ROI, people will try their best to help you succeed."
Elliott gives an example of a synergistic relationship with a corporate partner where both parties value a lot more than just the transaction of money. Her overarching philosophy is that people should always be a part of the formula for maximizing return on investment. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can the processes learned throughout your career lay the foundation for entrepreneurial pursuits?
Dr. Jason Penry, Founder of Penry Advisors, spent years working in fundraising in college athletics and on campus in general. Not long ago, he decided to start a business based on the concepts he learned during his career raising money.
- "involvement precedes investment, almost always"
- relationships work across all industries
- doing things for the greater good makes it easier to put in the time
- never promise something you can't deliver
Before branching out on his own, Penry used the same concepts to help start a medical school in the state of Arkansas. He also notes that the pace of athletics fundraising is far more urgent, in terms of immediate use, than academic fundraising. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Do the titles given during your career define your underlying skillset?
Chris McFarlane is the Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations and Business Development at UCF. At a quick glance, his career arc would have him labeled as a fundraiser. With further study, McFarlane's career is actually rooted in building programs.
- Hired to lead an athletics fundraising office in his mid-20s
- Purposely stepped away from a leadership role after successfully building a couple of fundraising programs
- Recent appointment leans into his program building skill while using aspects of his fundraising experience
McFarlane continues to rely on the skills developed while working as a fundraiser but has always known that his superpower is building sustainable programs that help athletics departments focus on executing their purpose for existing. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Do winning head coaches need leadership training?
Penny Lucas-White, Head Volleyball Coach at Alabama State, tells her introspective journey learning to be a better leader after 30 years in the role. She decided to invest in her own development by attending a John Maxwell leadership retreat.
- she was communicating but not connecting with student-athletes
- when student-athletes police themselves, the coach's job is easy
- the country is paying attention to the HBCU experience
Coach Lucas-White shares her excitement for the health of the game of volleyball and considers herself a relational and servant leader whose role is to grow and show people how great they are. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can doing your job contribute to your professional development?
Andrew Kearney, Deputy Athletics Director at Nicholls State, discusses how trying to help others on campus has helped him improve his communication skill. He also touches on learning from Division II and Division III institutions in terms of facilities and use of resources.
- find ways to do what it is you love about the job
- communicate mutual benefit to the campus community
- learn from other institutions who may have similar resources
Helping athletics to be an integral connection between campus and community is always top of mind for Kearney and others in the department. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is it possible to pre-determine if someone will be a good hire?
Brandi Stuart, Deputy AD for Administration and External Operations at Penn State, answers questions about her experience on the NCAA Softball Committee, accepting a job offer, hiring, and her role with the Nittany Lions.
- Restructuring NCAA Softball postseason play
- Power of a referral when considering a job, as well as, when hiring
- Telling the collective and continuing story of Penn State Athletics
- Hitting and missing when hiring
Stuart is very self-aware and leads with a penchant for getting work done at a high level. She also emphasizes that slow-pitch is the brand of softball she plays now, as she competes with tempered expectations. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How can core values help with decisions in the workplace?
Raymond Harrison, Senior Associate Athletics Director at NC State, discusses how core values and purpose are integral to how he navigates his career. From deciding whether or not to take a job, to deciding whether or not to hire someone, Harrison checks on value alignment throughout most of his decision making processes.
- you don't teach values, you hire values
- you live life forward but you understand it looking backward
- values of the organization should be used to guide decisions within the organization
With patience as a core value, he strives to keep emotion out of his decisions. In terms of his personal life, he strives to live imperfectly in front of his children. One of his primary reasons for being in the college athletics industry is to ensure young people use the student-athlete experience to create better opportunities in their lives. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What happens when a perfectionist realizes that no one can be perfect?
Jessie Gardner, Executive Senior Associate AD at UNT, discusses her evolution from being a perfectionist to considering herself an achiever. She acknowledges that perfectionism held her back in her prior leadership roles. Gardner gives credit to enneagram, Strengthsfinders, and self-reflection for her leadership self discovery.
- leadership is a constant evolution of who you are and how you show up in the world
- leaders must learn themselves to understand how they can be the most effective
Gardner gives examples of her progress while acknowledging that people around played a big part in her development. She currently focuses on what the people she leads need from her, and how she can create spaces that people want to be in. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
New Episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast
BOCreativity Question: When should an entrepreneur's role change within the company they founded?
Peak Sports MGMT executives, Ryan Holloway (President) and Wes Abercrombie (Vice President), talk about evolving roles within the company. Holloway, co-founder and president, has been the technician, the manager, and the entrepreneur throughout the company's existence. Abercrombie started in an entry-level position and has worked his way up to the #3 executive within the organization. The two hash out roles and responsibilities as Abercrombie's role and influence has grown along with the company.
Peak Sports MGMT is a 3rd Party Multi-Marketing company which operates primarily within the college athletics industry. - The Business of Creativity Podcast - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is it important to assess a potential head coach's ability to evaluate talent?
Sarah Baumgartner, Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Texas and retired Director of Athletics, Bill McGillis talk about facilitating sports as a college athletics executive. They also cover evaluating talent and the layers involved when hiring head coaches.
- hiring a head coach can be surprising process
- managing sports in a department is complex
- talent evaluation can be the separator for a good and great head coach
McGillis recently retired from University of San Diego after serving as the Director of Athletics for seven years. Baumgartner has been a long-time fundraiser in college athletics, but currently manages all sports programs at University of Texas. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is life different when working at an off-campus job after a career working on campus in college athletics?
Brittney Whiteside, VP of ASP College at Altius Sports Partners, shares her insight on her role at a college athletics adjacent organization and how life has changed without on-campus pressures. Serving on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Whiteside also talks about being in a position to provide insight to the leadership at Wright State about athletic matters.
- helping college athletics programs navigate strategies and leverage opportunities
- keeping campus partners informed about how current news can impact the industry
Hired as employee #7 at Altius, Whiteside has helped the organization grow by using her expertise from almost 15 years in college athletics. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can for-profit businesses be mission driven and drive profits all while delivering a public good?
Joe Karlgaard, former Director of Athletics at Rice, discusses his current role advising entrepreneurs with GSV Ventures, a global education technology company. He talks about the education he is receiving in terms of how for-profit businesses can be profitable while still focusing on purpose.
- in the near future, people will begin to wrap their heads around the new opportunities that can benefit college athletics
- people are what keep organizations valuing purpose ahead of profit
- in intense competition, delivering value to shareholders is top priority and can lead to organizations losing their souls
Karlgaard's focus on people, leadership, and organizational effectiveness stem from his experience in college athletics. He believes there is room for entrepreneurial growth in the industry without sacrificing the primary purpose of developing student-athletes. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
The Business of Creativity Podcast highlights creativity in business leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. For this episode of 1Q, we will listen to a recent episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast.
Urina Harrell started her company, Vox Pop Branding, while she was a student-athlete at Duke. At the time, college athletes couldn't make any extra income as it was before the Name-Image-Likeness movement we see today. Now, 11 years later, she is still focused on the purpose of the company which is to help people grow their businesses using positive impact messaging.
- most organizationals problems stem from some form of communication issue
- experience as a Walmart buyer gives her insight into marketing strategies
- work-life balance isn't a necessity when what you do is based on who you are
With clients such as Jrue & Lauren Holiday, Harrell is very selective in the businesses she engages with. The primary filter is the focus on positive impact. - The Business of Creativity Podcast - Tai M. Brown
Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy’s girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.
@1QLeadership Question: Where do you find stability in an industry where instability is rampant?
Deneé Barracato, Deputy AD for Operations and Capital Projects at Northwestern, stopped by 1Q to talk about her role, her career, what keeps her centered, and being a mother working in sports. As a leader in the college athletics industry, Barracato emphasizes the importance of focusing on the experiences of student-athletes.
- building a temporary football stadium
- transitioning from playing basketball to working in sports
- remaining stable amongst instability
- dealing with mom guilt
Barracato believes the legacy she is building is rooted in creating an environment where the people she works with can thrive and find success. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy’s girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.
@1QLeadership Question: Can you blend your personality into the responsibilities of your job?
Kyle Adams, Deputy Athletics Director at Delaware State, discusses his role in supporting others in the department in addition to focusing on student-athletes. His background as a basketball coach, involvement in the community, and focus on leadership blend together as he executes his daily responsibilities.
- Considers himself the Chief Energy Officer
- Providing great experiences to student-athletes
- Working on a doctorate to have a bigger impact on those around him
While coaching coaches, supporting administrators, and developing student-athletes, Kyle Adams believes that constant improvement is a necessity for those who operate in a leadership role. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy’s girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.
The Business of Creativity Podcast highlights creativity in business leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. For this episode of 1Q, we will listen to a recent episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast.
Matt Roberts created a newsletter that almost every NCAA Division I Director of Athletics reads everyday. The D1.ticker is one of the primary sources of information covering key business developments throughout the college athletics industry. His business, Drive & Company, exists to make the lives of decision makers in college athletics easier.
- Build trust through consistency
- Act on ideas that add value to customers
- Be realistic about who you are and what you are good at
In this episode, Roberts covers the thought process behind creating the business and how he views value creation around his company's purpose. - The Business of Creativity Podcast - Tai M. Brown
Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy’s girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. She loves her cat, her friends, and her community. Tye lives with her father who loves and supports her dreams unconditionally. One day he gives her a gift, and they couldn’t predict how the gift would influence her ambition. She learns that knowing what she wants and believing in herself are the cornerstones to joy. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.
_________
@1QLeadership Question: How do schools provide fans and donors transportation to bowl games, NCAA tournaments, and other events?
Kyle McDonald, President of Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET), talks about providing experiences around athletic related events. While schools transport teams, coaches, and other related staff, many departments outsource the logistics and experiences of the outside constituency.
- Provide options for travel, lodging, entertainment, etc.
- Facilitate donor experiences related to giving societies
- Assist athletics department in identifying quality experiences
McDonald and his business partners started the company in 2014 after identifying a need in the college athletics industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What are the elements of an effective student-athlete mental health program?
Dr. Stephany Coakley, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Mental Health at Temple University, discusses the functions and processes in place that make up the TUWell program. She covers aspects of creating and maintaining an environment for student-athletes to feel comfortable using the services provided.
- Assess student-athletes every year of their career
- Educate coaches and administrators on how to identify possible crisis symptoms
- Manage the Student-Athlete transition process
Dr. Coakley created and implemented the program for Temple Athletics. For more information on her process see her article, If You Build It, They Will Come: Establishing a Student-Athlete Mental Health Program, on AthleticDirectorU.com. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How does a coach know when to remove someone from the team?
Leanne Ulmer, Head Volleyball Coach at Carthage College, talks about her experiences leading the team for almost 25 years. She discusses working through athletics director changes, leading the team without a full-time assistant coach, deciding when to remove someone from the team, and celebrating other sports on campus while mentoring young coaches throughout the department.
- "If you don't wither and die, you'll learn from the experience."
- Anticipating which student-athletes will be leaders
- Being enrollment driven is a lot to manage with a small staff
- Being intentional with developing relationships with other coaches in the department
Coach Ulmer also talks a lot about her son, University of Oregon Volleyball Coach Matt Ulmer, and the personal and professional relationship they have as volleyball coaches. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How do leadership development, personnel changes, and organizational behavior intersect?
Angie Torain, Director of Athletics & Recreation at University of Chicago, discusses her development as an executive, developing the leaders on her staff, and enhancing the organizational priorities within the department.
- Evaluate the environment, then ask for what you need
- Allow staff to make decisions
- Figure out how you can enhance the existing culture
Torain also covers aspects of fundraising, expanding facilities, and expanding her staff to provide better experiences for student-athletes. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Are mental health services provided to an institution's athletic alumni?
Ashton Henderson, Deputy Athletics Director at Michigan State, and Renaldo Hill, NFL/College football coach, discuss the transition away from playing sports as a competitor and the impact it can have on former athletes. Henderson describes a new resource at Michigan State for former student-athletes called Alumni STATE of Mind.
- Available to anyone who was a student-athlete at Michigan State
- 24-hour dedicated crisis lifeline available for MSU athletic alumni managed by The Hope Desk
- Discounted services provided anywhere in the country managed by Skywood Recovery
- For those without insurance, Fund Recovery will work with former student-athletes to ensure quality care despite any financial challenges
Both Henderson and Hill describe their respective transitions to their current professions. Hill talks about mentoring NFL and college football players and helping them focus on life away from Football, while Henderson covers providing services to current student-athletes and ensuring care is accessible after they finish playing. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What is the role of an Athletic Certification Officer?
Carol Bonner, Associate Registrar for Athletic Certification and Eligibility at Texas Tech, explains her role on campus and how it supports the athletics by being housed outside of the department.
- Manage the process of determining eligibility for student-athletes
- The role is different on every college campus
- Decisions are very objective - no subjectivity
Bonner's office is also responsible for managing the research for the NCAA Graduation Success Rates and Academic Progress Rates at the school. She works with over 30 people throughout campus who contribute to the athletic certification at Texas Tech. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can one brand or symbol represent all of campus, including athletics?
Jason Cook, VP for Marketing and Communications at Baylor University, shares insights on communicating with a specific objective. He also gives us a deep dive into his One Brand Approach to marketing for an institution of higher education.
- 'Communicating with a specific objective' is an overarching description that covers all branches of communications
- A college's athletics logo is usually its most recognizable symbol
- Avoid brand fragmentation amongst on-campus departments, individual sports teams, alumni organizations, etc.
- People don't graduate from specific colleges on campus, they graduate from the institution
Cook discusses how communicating with a specific objective helped the Heisman campaign for former Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel. He also gives his insight on using college athletics strategies to recruiting students who aren't athletes. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can the Faculty Athletics Representative's (FAR) role overlap with their research and professorial responsibilities?
As a Faculty Athletics Representative at Texas Tech, Professor Brian Shannon is responsible for advocating for student-athlete welfare. While his primary teaching responsibility is contract law, he focuses his policy and research work on mental health law, an area he has been researching for a lifetime due to his family experience with mental illness.
Professor Shannon explains that mental illness patients often get caught in the criminal justice system without receiving treatment. He also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between having a mental illness and dealing with mental health challenges. As mental health is a top issue faced by NCAA student-athletes, the NCAA Mental Health Best Practices are continuously updated to provide support. - One Question Leadership Podcat - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is the path to the athletics director chair always the same?
Sharief Hashim, Director of Athletics at Susquehanna University stopped by 1Q to talk about his journey from recreation director to college athletics director. From assistant basketball coach to interim athletics director, Hashim has navigated his career through passion and purpose.
- working with people
- leading adults
- servant leadership
- understanding business
Hashim's leadership principles include having empathy, understand your leadership style, and get outside of your comfort zone. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What can college athletics teach us about retention rates?
We asked the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Chancellor, Dr. Jim Schmidt, about the importance of athletics on a college campus. He gave us insight from research done at UW-Eau Claire which says there are key components that exists in college sports that can translate to higher retention if applied to campus in general.
- Meet students where they are academically, socially, mentally
- Sense of belonging
- Upperclass mentors
- Trusted adults
- Community
At UW-Eau Claire, Black men who are student-athletes have a retention rate in the 90% range, while those of the same group who aren't athletes have a retention rate in the 70% range. Chancellor Schmidt talks about the goals and community strategies the school has put in place to focus on each student. He also talks about how a $70 million athletics facility helps to accomplish those goals. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: How does donor feedback and creativity fit in fundraising?
We asked Alvin Hines II, Sr. Associate Athletics Director at FAU, about athletics fundraising. The key topics covered were how his personality fits within the specific niche of athletic development, what is the process of fundraising in an athletics department, and how much input do donors (and potential donors) have in how funds should be used.
- Personality is a big factor in fundraising
- Season ticket holders are a starting point
- Many big ideas come from donors
- Donors will most likely support their own ideas
Hines notes that one of the biggest jobs of a fundraiser is to leverage your current assets, whether that be under utilized space to events that already exist. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
1QLeadership Question: When should a coach or administrator hire an agent?
Garry Rosenfield, Coaches Agent for Coaches Inc., stops by 1Q to discuss his process for valuing coaches contracts and why he believes agents are an asset in terms of representation.
- Football sets the standard for contracts across sports
- Women's Volleyball has the biggest potential
- Process for valuation varies across schools
- Counsel can be necessary beyond negotiating contracts
While many people think agents are only hired for money, jobs, and contracts, Rosenfield believes representation is also necessary for counsel on many of the things required that allow a coach to focus on being a successful coach. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Would an 'NIT type' event make sense considering the new College Football Playoff structure?
Sean Frazier, VP & Director of Athletics at NIU, stops by 1Q to discuss a few items on his mind as college athletics continues to evolve.
- Clandestine Transfer Portal activities
- Value of bowl games
- 'NIT type' event tied to the College Football Playoff
- Antitrust thoughts
- Positive outlook in college athletics
Frazier has led NIU athletics for over a decade and continues to provide insight, mentorship, and leadership in the industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Is a Division I athletics director job always the goal?
1Q guest host Dr. Monique Carroll of Chicago State asks Point University VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jaunelle White, about leading the athletics department at an NAIA institution after a career of working in NCAA D1.
- If an opportunity aligns, explore it
- Trust your intuition
- Continue to add to your toolbox
- Have an elite mentality no matter where you are
White discusses building trust with staff, relationships with student-athletes, and hiring as Carroll provides context with questions from a fellow athletics director's perspective. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Should interns specialize in one area or learn as much as they can about everything?
NCAA Post Graduate Intern (and 1Q guest host) Kendee Hilliard asked Rose-Hulman Athletics Director Ayanna Tweedy about the choice between specialization or getting broad experience during the early developmental years in one's career.
- Be multifaceted
- Say yes to everything
- Learn as much as possible
- Allows you to understand what is needed later
Tweedy brings her insight and experience to the conversation as Hilliard launches her career in intercollegiate athletics. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
1QLeadership Question: How does being a woman in football operations intersect with the servant leader mindset?
1Q guest host Mattie White asked Jashell Mitchell, Chief of Staff for Football Operations at Jackson State, about her roles in football and her progression as a leader in college athletics. With extensive experience in operations and a sharp focus on people and details, Mitchell has been recognized as a Rising Executive in the college athletics industry.
- Embrace the role of a woman on staff
- Thrive in people development
- Thrive in off the field details
- Servant mindset
- Consistency
Jashell has worked for legendary coaches, spent time in the NFL, and is very passionate about her home community of Flint, Michigan. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown - Mattie White
1QLeadership Question: What does it take to be a university's first Director of Athletics?
We asked Darnell Smith, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M-San Antonio, about the process of starting an athletics department. The school did not have varsity sports prior to Smith's arrival.
- Create a vision
- Hire coaches and staff
- Establish a way to fund the department
- Join a governing body
- Ensure compliance
- Create culture
Darnell smith started as the only person in the department and has hired everyone who is currently a part of the staff. Culture and leadership development are major aspects of his process. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: Can personal and professional purpose intersect?
We asked Misty Brown, Assistant Commissioner at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) if her purpose as a professional intersects with her purpose as an individual. She pointed out that the things she loves to do at work coincide with what she loves to do at home:
• Develop relationships that go beyond the transactional nature of work • Set aside time for intentional focus on your reason for doing what you do • Understand how your professional purpose impacts your personal life • Understand how your personal purpose impacts your professional life
In executing her purpose, Brown has provided internships to student-athletes, created volunteer opportunities at conference tournaments, and designates one day a week to engaging with the young people who compete in the Southeastern Conference. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What are the steps needed to create a major giving society for a college athletics department?
Colton Primm, Senior Associate Athletics Director at Louisiana Tech, answered this question based on his experience setting up the Aillet Society on campus:
- Establish the purpose of the organization
- Delineate the giving amounts and respective benefits
- Identify and inform potential donors
- Launch the campaign
Primm explains that (at La Tech) the annual fund is used for the general operations of the athletics department, while the major giving society creates long term giving opportunities and is used for specific projects. As the giving amounts get higher, information and access have proven to be the key benefits. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
@1QLeadership Question: What elements are necessary for success in a college athletics department?
During a visit with Tulane University's Deputy Athletics Director, Kortne Gosha, we asked what it takes to build a successful athletics program.
- Collaboration within the department
- Relationships with campus administration and external stakeholders
- Valuing the academic environment
- Understanding the intricacies of customer vs consumer
- Prioritizing the student-athlete experience
Gosha has experience leading a department and provides a perspective during a transitional period with the recent departure of the Director of Athletics.
@1QLeadership Question: How can Student-Athletes voice concerns about their experiences on campus?
We asked David Chadwick, Founder & CEO of RealResponse, about solving the problem athletics departments faced in receiving real-time, confidential feedback from student-athletes on campus.
- Anonymity and confidentiality are complex yet important needs
- Ease of reporting allows for more people to come forward
- Not all feedback given is negative
Chadwick started the company as an undergrad after playing his final basketball game at Valparaiso. The company has evolved to include professional leagues, NASCAR, corporations, and the general student body on college campuses. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
I asked Keiko Price, Associate VP of Campus Life & Director of Athletics at Emory University, about making tough decisions while leading an athletics department. She answered on the topic of student-athlete accusations against coaches:
- Be present as much as possible
- Support the student-athletes and advocate for the coach
- Assess everyone involved to hear all sides
- Make the best possible and informed decision
Price is in her third year leading the department. She also covers the impact and challenges of her responsibilities as Associate VP of Campus Life. The conversation is wide ranging and insightful.
@1QLeadership Question: Should a leader have a set process for making tough decisions?
One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
I asked Valparaiso University Director of Athletics, Dr. Charles Small about how social work concepts fit on campus and specifically within college athletics. He covered the concepts below:
- Understanding the balance of the overall support system while being flexible enough to have an individual approach as everyone's experience is different
- Understanding the capacity within the community to meet the needs of the different subgroups on campus
- Levels of Practice
- Micro - Understanding the individual and their identity, as well as their well being within their respective environment.
- Mezzo - Understanding and identifying small groups based on identities.
- Macro - Understanding the larger institutions and communities such as athletics department, or the campus as a whole
- Understanding and implementing Culture Humility - having the humility to maintain self-awareness while respecting and working with others from different walks of life.
Dr. Small has a social work background and comes from a family of social workers, so his insight on the 'person in the environment' is excellent. He covers all this in the context of his work at Valpo here on the One Question Leadership Podcast.
@1QLeadership Question: Is there an intersection between social work concepts and leadership?
-Tai M. Brown
We asked Breakthru Brands Founder, Laura Barnard, about common patterns women face during their leadership journey. The company has worked with over 200 clients, primarily women leaders, to elevate their unique contributions and voices. Based on the data and other studies, Barnard identified two gaps senior women leaders deal with as they progress in their careers:
-
Confidence gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel confident in their job performance within their careers.
-
Authority gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel heard and trusted in the workplace, they also experience interruptions and doubt in the workplace.
This insight is interesting because one is internal, while the other seems to be external. Barnard goes in depth about these two gaps and much more during her visit to @1QLeadership.
@1QLeadership Question: Have you faced the confidence and authority gaps during your career?
- Tai M. Brown - One Question Leadership Podcast
On the question of creating a strategic plan, Toledo Executive Associate Athletics Director & COO, Nicole Aldersonvisits @1QLeadership to talk about her involvement in putting together the strategy for Toledo Athletics. Immediately upon being hired, Alderson was tasked with creating the strategy for success for the department. She gives insight on communicating with campus and tying all aspects of campus together to prepare a successful future. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of valuing the human element in the workplace, Michigan Associate AD for Communications & PR, Kurt Svoboda, stops by @1QLeadership to share his insight on growing people, separating work and home identity, crisis communications, and leadership development. Svoboda also gives his thoughts on analyzing failure within the context of issues management. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of mid-major conference finances, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Deputy Commissioner, Jessica Grasso visits @1QLeadership to discuss revenue generation, building trust within the conference, and leadership. Grasso gives her insight on what makes the MAAC unique within the industry. She also talks about her philosophy of 'Leading Beyond the W.' - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of the Hispanic experience within college athletics, Liz Reyes of Illinois and Ben Rodriguez of Rutgers visit @1QLeadership to share insight and talk about the establishment of the Latino Association for Collegiate Athletics Administrators & Student Athletes (@LA_CAASA). The organization exists to increase representation and opportunities for Hispanics in college athletics. Both Reyes and Rodriguez talk about their experiences and desires for what they have seen and want to see within the industry.
On the question of the role of legal counsel within an athletics department, Ane Debro, Associate General Counsel for Athletics at Ole Miss, visits @1QLeadership to discuss her position. Debro talks about the difference in tempo working in athletics versus working as the general counsel on campus. She gives her insight on how her responsibilities go beyond compliance, which include providing legal answers that help things move a bit faster within the department. The conversation wraps with Debro's thoughts on student-athletes and NIL.
On the question of leadership through a reflective lens, Texas A&M Director of Athletics, Ross Bjork, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about his experiences and understanding the breadth of college athletics. The conversation covers planning for different possible outcomes, letting his emotions impact his actions in the past, and advice to those looking to be in the chair. His five hot button areas for ascending professionals are embracing tradition, understanding the political environment, increasing competitiveness, finances, and adapting to the evolving nature of college athletics. - One question leadership podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of creating an environment where mental wellness is a priority, Temple University Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Dr. Stephany Coakley, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the setup for the athletics department. With a purpose of helping people master the mental and emotional aspects of performing consistently at a high level, Dr. Coakley has put education for coaches and staff as a priority within the department. The conversation also covers the difficulty athletes have transitioning away from sports, noting it can take a minimum of 12 months to fully accept the transition. Coakley also provides advice to people who are influential in a student-athlete's life to help them prepare to transition away from participating in sports. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of NCAA activism, Northern Illinois VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Sean Frazier returns to @1QLeadership to ponder what the collective group of institutions that make up the governing body of college athletics is doing to counteract the trend of states banning DEI positions, banning books, and other actions that seem to violate the social agreement. Frazier mentions past activism actions in the Carolinas among other places as a standard that should continue. - One question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of managing athletic facilities on campus, Notre Dame Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Timothy Wise, visits @1QLeadership to cover a number of related items. Wise talks about the important areas that get overlooked with planning a facilities operating budget. He gives insight on how someone in his position is evaluated, and covers the pain points when managing up in terms of facilities. The conversation wraps with his involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the college athletics industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of coaching football with her father, University of St. Thomas (MN) student Anna Caruso, joins Head Football Coach Glenn Caruso, to give her perspective of being on the sideline with family. Anna, a current Tommies Softball Student-Athlete, talks about categorizing the coach mindset while playing, and Coach Caruso gives his thoughts on the evolution of women coaching football.
On the question of feeling like a leader, Macalester College Director of Athletics, Donnie Brooks, visits @1QLeadership to talk about his evolution in the leadership chair. Brooks goes over his process of developing personal core values, and affirming them by also defining what they do and don't look like in action. He also discusses feeling uncomfortable in the traditional AD outfit of sport coat and Cole Haan's but acknowledges visiting other leaders and finding unique qualities to bring back to his department as the school ascends its conference.
On the question of the why women and people of color are given unfavorable leadership positions, Dr. Christy Glass, Professor of Sociology at Utah State, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the Glass Cliff. Glass unpacks her research finding that that women and people of color are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions when an organization is at risk to fail. She also offers suggestions on how to convince organization leaders about the importance of diversity. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of how purpose, core values, and culture fit in college athletics, Eric Hyman, former Athletics Director oat VMI, Miami (OH), TCU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, stopped by @1QLeadership to give his experienced insight. With 47 years in college athletics, including 28 years as an AD, Hyman discusses definitions of the key terms inherent to successful leadership – value, values, core values, purpose, and culture. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
On the question of developing staff for a successful culture, Lamarr Pottinger, Associate Director of NCAA Leadership Development, visits @1QLeadership to give his insight on prioritizing people. With regard to HR, Pottinger talks about the need for the athletics industry to further understand what it means to be a resource to humans. He also mentions the importance of knowing that everyone should be poured into even if they don't want to move up the proverbial career ladder. The conversation wraps on individual sports employing staff members specifically for people development. - Tai M. Brown - One Question Leadership Podcast
Addressing the topic of being transformational in an industry filled with transactions, Kent State Director of Athletics, Randale Richmond, visits @1QLeadership to give his thoughts. Richmond talks about the process of ensuring action behind the department's guiding principle of being student-centered, coach-led, and administrator-supported. He talks about how Alston Awards are earned, and relates the current state of athletics to the economic principle that every free market in a capitalistic system finds its balance. The conversation wraps with advice on existing in an environment where values don't align.
Andrew Gavin, AD at UW-Parkside, and Chris Barker, AD at Southern Connecticut State, stop by @1QLeadership to discuss their friendship in the business, leadership styles, and lessons learned. Gavin talks about keeping work away from home by having a colleague with common experiences to talk through issues with. Barker covers working for Gavin at Parkside prior to taking on his own leadership role. Both Gavin and Barker discuss the benefits of the NCAA's Leadership Development programming as they progressed to the AD chair. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown
DaShena Stevens, Deputy AD at UIW, visits @1QLeadership to talk leadership. Stevens covers her thoughts on the difference between leaders and managers saying that leaders wear both hats. She covers her philosophy evolution, giving her top three priorities of leadership, leading by example, having an impact, and being transformational. She also addresses the changes in responsibilities since becoming the Deputy AD.
In a recently discovered conversation from Summer 2022, Heath Schroyer LinkedIn Profile Director of Athletics at McNeese State, visits @1QLeadership to talk about the adventure of leading an athletics department through the aftermath of two nasty hurricanes, in the middle of a pandemic, and all during his first year or so as he transitioned from head basketball coach to AD. He talks about assessing the community, prioritizing safety, creating a plan to play, and executing the plan to play all sport seasons. The conversation wraps on the diligence of student-athletes.
Sean Frazier, VP & Director of Athletics at NIU, visits @1QLeadership to discuss his idea for mitigating the potential educational impact of entering the transfer portal. Frazier proposes a solution that finances the remaining degree requirements for those who enter but don't sign on with a new school. He also gives his insight on why ADs went from silence to actively promoting NIL collectives on their respective campuses. Also joining the conversation is Lauren Bullock of Stretch.
James Hall, Sr Associate AD at New Mexico State, visits @1Q Leadership to talk primarily about his role overseeing athletics diversity. He talks about the balance of the role being included in conversations and knowing when to interject his position into certain situations. Hall also talks about how the diversity position can have a positive impact on recruiting and the Student-Athlete experience.
Derita Dawkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Deputy AD at Arkansas, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss titles, responsibilities, asking questions, and influence. Dawkins talks about advocating for the return of football during her time at UAB. She also covers adjusting to changes on campus during her career and why asking great questions is important for success. The conversation wraps on how her responsibility is to inform rather than influence.
Ryan Holloway, President and Co-Founder of Peak Sports MGMT, visits @1QLeadership on the topics of entrepreneurship, young professionals, and business growth. Holloway talks about identifying the lack of media rights partners on NCAA-FCS campuses (including HBCUs), and starting the business as a solution. He also talks about the internship model and why hiring young professionals has worked for Peak.
Chris Barker, Director of Athletics at Southern Connecticut State visits @1QLeadership to talk about his philosophy of inclusion and hard work. On the day of his one year anniversary as AD, Barker discusses his method of keeping track of small wins, and tackling tough conversations.
Dr. Bren Stevens, VP & Director of Athletics at University of Charleston, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of staff professional development. Stevens provides 16 total sessions for her staff with programming in leadership, emotional intelligence, inclusion, and other topics. The conversation wraps on the NCAA Division II initiative which helps women and minorities get opportunities to become athletics directors.
Dr. Bren Stevens, VP & Director of Athletics at University of Charleston, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of staff professional development. Stevens provides 16 total sessions for her staff with programming in leadership, emotional intelligence, inclusion, and other topics. The conversation wraps on the NCAA Division II initiative which helps women and minorities get opportunities to become athletics directors.
Herb Courtney, CEO of Renaissance Search & Consulting, visits @1QLeadership to discuss starting and growing the firm without external funding while addressing specific issues in the college athletics industry. He discusses reasons for expanding the staff and how it has helped the company's processes evolve. The conversation also goes into understanding the client to help find the best and most diverse candidate pool.
Herb Courtney, CEO of Renaissance Search & Consulting, visits @1QLeadership to discuss starting and growing the firm without external funding while addressing specific issues in the college athletics industry. He discusses reasons for expanding the staff and how it has helped the company's processes evolve. The conversation also goes into understanding the client to help find the best and most diverse candidate pool.
Sable Lee, Assistant Director for Leadership Development at NCAA, stops by @1QLeadership to give some insight on young professionals in the workforce, specifically within the college athletics industry. She talks about perceptions young professionals may have of the environment and methods to adjust to that environment before jumping ship to find something else. She also provides information on the upcoming NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar including who should and how to apply.
Sable Lee, Assistant Director for Leadership Development at NCAA, stops by @1QLeadership to give some insight on young professionals in the workforce, specifically within the college athletics industry. She talks about perceptions young professionals may have of the environment and methods to adjust to that environment before jumping ship to find something else. She also provides information on the upcoming NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar including who should and how to apply.
Candace Smith, Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations at Akron, stops by @1QLeadership for an insightful conversation about her role. She talks about the transition from basketball operations and working with a new leader as she has worked for two head coaches and, in her current role, two athletics directors. The discussion also covers budget planning with coaches and working with numbers and people. Smith wraps the conversation with insight on being unsure when transitioning to a new leadership role.
Michelle Morgan, Senior Director of Athletics at John Carroll University, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss responsibilities as Chair of NCAA D3 Management Council. She talks about the challenge of considering competing priorities within the division. Morgan also gives insight on taking over a successful athletics department and the conversation wraps on professional development and her leadership philosophy.
Michelle Morgan, Senior Director of Athletics at John Carroll University, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss responsibilities as Chair of NCAA D3 Management Council. She talks about the challenge of considering competing priorities within the division. Morgan also gives insight on taking over a successful athletics department and the conversation wraps on professional development and her leadership philosophy.
Tim Duncan, VP of Athletics at University of New Orleans, visits @1QLeadership to discuss why embracing the New Orleans community culture was included in his strategic plan. The conversation also covers working with the university on raising funds for campus, hiring staff, and wraps on the future of the Emerging Leaders Conference.
Tim Duncan, VP of Athletics at University of New Orleans, visits @1QLeadership to discuss why embracing the New Orleans community culture was included in his strategic plan. The conversation also covers working with the university on raising funds for campus, hiring staff, and wraps on the future of the Emerging Leaders Conference.
Danielle Harris, Commissioner of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about listening as a crucial aspect of leadership. Key skills noted are to listen, observe, and be able to connect the dots. She also covers mental health services post-pandemic and the conversation wraps on the concerns regarding enrollment in higher education.
Danielle Harris, Commissioner of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about listening as a crucial aspect of leadership. Key skills noted are to listen, observe, and be able to connect the dots. She also covers mental health services post-pandemic and the conversation wraps on the concerns regarding enrollment in higher education.
Jeff Mitchell, Deputy AD at Southern MIss, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss topics such as his experience as interim AD at Santa Clara and Southern Miss and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to fact-finding. The conversation also covers putting people at ease during important conversations, how he delineates his opinion from necessary information, writing a text book on leadership and ethics in sport, and his recent professional development experiences.
Jeff Mitchell, Deputy AD at Southern MIss, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss topics such as his experience as interim AD at Santa Clara and Southern Miss and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to fact-finding. The conversation also covers putting people at ease during important conversations, how he delineates his opinion from necessary information, writing a text book on leadership and ethics in sport, and his recent professional development experiences.
Long Beach State Deputy AD, Tiffany Edlin, visits @1QLeadership to talk about strategic thinking in the athletics department and on campus. She talks about using her financial background as a catalyst for thinking athletics centered but with a university perspective. The conversation wraps on maintaining relationships and the process of offering off the wall ideas to get things done.
Cary Groth, Sandy Hatfield Clubb, and Carolyn Schlie Femovich of The Pictor Group stopped by @1QLeadership to talk about the importance of establishing core values, the areas of focus for the organization, how their respective experiences contribute to the work they do collectively, and how they always tie the work they do for an athletics department to the institutional mission of the university.
Earlston Bean, Jr., Sr. Associate AD for Events & Safety Management, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about his role and its position within the framework of the greater IU campus. Bean also talks about his leadership style and how he supports those he reports to.
Dr. Don Bruce, economics professor and FAR at Tennessee, stops by @1QLeadership to give insight from an economics professor on the college athletics model. Bruce is also the President-Elect of the 1A-FAR association, and discusses the group's thoughts on the state of the college athletics industry. He also gives an interesting analogy on high salaries for coaches. The conversation wraps on the importance of athletics to the academic mission of a university.
Dr. Miriam Merrill, AD at Pomona Pitzer Colleges, visits @1QLeadership in a conversation that covers hiring for fit and evaluating those hires. The discussion takes a wide diversion as Merrill gives us her way of escaping college athletics every year by attending the national bartenders convention. The episode wraps with her thoughts on using restorative justice concepts in college athletics.
ULM Running Backs Coach, Tony Hull, covers accountability, working for NASA, and the transition from coaching in high school to coaching in college. From Hull, "A big problem in sports is that people focus on winning instead of focusing on creating an environment for winning to happen."
Andrew T. Goodrich, Deputy AD and Chief Marketing Officer at Syracuse, visits @1QLeadershp to discuss his philosophy of engineering the solution to deal with any problem that may arrive. Learned during his time at IBM, Goodrich talks about planning, identifying resources, and executing the plan and how he has applied that ideology in college athletics. He also gives us his thoughts on the importance of zero based budgeting.
The One Question Leadership Podcast was created to discuss leadership with some of the most influential leaders within the college athletics industry. We look at the systems, policies, and people needed to create an environment that people want to be a part of. While college athletics may be the industry we emphasize, the leadership concepts discussed span all walks of life.
Illinois State VB Student-Athlete, Kendee Hilliard, is joined by Redbirds AD, Kyle Brennan as the two cover a number of topics relating to leadership. Brennan discusses diversifying his leadership team, handling decisions he may not agree with, and advice to those seeking to make it to the AD Chair.
Darrice Griffin, Sr. Deputy Director of Athletics at Georgia, stops by @1QLeadership to dive into the evolution of her servant leadership style. She covers the areas where she and the department align - experience of those who work and study at the school, maintaining a level of excellence in sports, and commitment to inclusion. The conversation wraps on becoming a servant leader with a vision, and learning from everyone around her.
Troy Austin, Deputy AD for Competitive Excellence, People, and Culture at Duke visits @1QLeadership on the topic of making decisions and giving a voice to staff who are not involved in making decisions. He also covers evaluating culture and engaging underrepresented populations within the department. The conversation wraps on the topic of weighing experience against values when making decisions in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment.
Illinois State VB Student-Athlete Hilliard is back as a guest host for @1QLeadership. Hilliard talks with Women Leaders CEO Patti Phillips on managing energy as a leader, finding your voice, and balancing commitments. The two visit about the anniversary of Title IX and the ongoing pursuit of equity for women. As the conversation progresses, Hilliard gets fired up and asks Phillips about her use of emojis on Twitter.
Ball State President, Geoffrey Mearns, visits @1QLeadership to talk about creating and managing a strategic plan. The discussion covers the nuance of planning for a specific future as opposed to providing solutions to existing problems. Mearns talks about his process of planning as far out as 2040 while including incremental goals to measure success in execution. The conversation also covers the process for making adjustments to the plan and wraps on his experience serving on NCAA committees.
Marcus Bowman, Deputy AD, Chief Financial Officer, and Business Strategy at University of Oklahoma visits @1QLeadership to discuss some of the aspects of his role that may or may not be covered in his job title. Bowman doesn't look at business as purely an "increase profitability" proposition, he is more attuned to how they can find more resources to pour into the Student-Athletes, coaches, and staff. He discusses contracts and financial arrangement length relative to the evolving industry. He also gives insight on his three pronged approach to managing effective relationships.
Daniel McCarthy, Deputy AD at University South Alabama, visits @1QLeadership to talk about some of the celebrations and challenges faced as he has grown with the South Alabama athletics department. He talks about switching from internal to external operations and leading a sales team without sales experience. The conversation wraps on the benefits to the community of opening a new stadium.
ACC Director of Student-Athlete Programs & Compliance, Shamaree Brown, gets the @1QLeadership treatment from guest host Kendee Hilliard. The conversation covers two major areas, the ACC's focus on Student-Athlete development, and Brown's advice on career progression for Student-Athletes who want to work in college athletics. He covers the importance of SAAC and the need for increased involvement of basketball and football playing students. They also discuss Brown's leadership philosophy and core values.
Jovan Overshown, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at Baylor, visits @1QLeadership for a discussion focused on her leadership style. With only five years in college athletics, Overshown talks about learning the industry while simultaneously learning how to lead within the industry. She gives insight on her 'project up and protect down' philosophy of running the external department. The conversation wraps on her process of evaluating the progress of those she leads.
Tremaine Jackson, Head Football Coach at Colorado Mesa University, visits @1QLeadership to talk about his experience after his first full season leading the program. Jackson talks about challenging the athletics administration to clearly define success and evaluation for the football program. The conversation delves into the possibility of creating new expectations that may benefit other sports beyond just football. The discussion wraps on the words he delivered during a recent commencement speech.
Louisville Interim AD Heird and Associate AD Calabrese visit @1QLeadership to talk leadership. Both were graduate assistants together getting an MBA and discussed the application of that degree. Heird talks about the impact of self-reflection as a person and throughout an organization. Calabrese gives her input on collaborating with campus colleagues to ensure a successful Student-Athlete experience.
Dr. Karin Lee, Deputy AD for Internal Operations, at Ball State visits @1QLeadership to talk about critical thinking and other outcomes garnered from earning a PhD. She questioned her effectiveness early in her career when she oversaw 14 out of 19 sports, acknowledging that it was not the best situation. Lee talks about, what she considers, a critical component of her responsibility as Deputy Athletics Director and wraps the conversation on the importance of inclusiveness.
Andy Rowdon, Sr. Associate AD for External Affairs at Eastern Michigan, stops by @1QLeadership for a discussion covering creativity, marketing, and leadership. He talks about his team learning how to use data to assist in making decisions and the continual learning process involved. Rowdon also discusses the challenges of transitioning from being a marketing guy to leading the external team.
Haven Fields, Deputy Athletics Director at Ball State visits @1QLeadership to discuss the skill that was identified early on in his career that has been the foundation for his career progress. Sharpening strengths is the underlying topic as Fields discusses honing his people skills. He talks about the things he does that help the Athletics Director, Beth Goetz do her job well. Fields also goes into the additional skills he has developed since being in the deputy chair.
MIT Director of Athletics, Dr. G. Anthony Grant is joined by Rhodes College Dean for Faculty Recruitment, Development, and Diversity, Dr. Justin Rose, on @1QLeadership. In Rose's quest to become a college president, he spends time picking Grant's brain on the nuances of college athletics in the academic setting.
Liz Reyes, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development at Illinois, visits @1QLeadership to work on her leadership philosophy. The conversation touches on starting a new job virtually, developing relationships with colleagues, and earning trust with the Student-Athletes. Reyes' philosophy on leadership is four fold, including caring about those you serve and those you work with, building trust, having high expectations for the quality of work produced, and understanding the goals of those you lead.
Fresno State Director of Compliance, Marcus Everett visits @1QLeadership to work on developing his leadership philosophy. Everette speaks about his previous experience as a one man shop at Stetson University. He talks about coming to Fresno State in a leadership role and learning to be an effective leader. His philosophy develops into being willing to learn, being knowledgeable about your role, being accountable for the work you do, and being able to effectively communicate whatever needs to be communicated.
Andrew Gavin, Director of Athletics at Wisconsin-Parkside visits @1QLeadership on a number of topics. He talks about his background as an SID and how that laid the foundation for how he leads from the AD chair. The conversation also covers answering questions he didn't have the answer to when he began at Parkside. Other topics discussed include introspection, internal fundraising, and his relationship with the chancellor.
Illinois Sr. Associate AD for Sport Administration and Student-Athlete Development, Dr. Brian Russell visits @1QLeadership to talk about the importance of developing a narrative about how the athletics experience helps to develop Student-Athletes for life after sports. Russell also discusses his leadership philosophy, which is rooted in candid care. The conversation wraps with exploring the strategic trade-offs that may be necessary in an athletics department.
Marcus Sedberry, Senior Associate AD at Baylor stops by @1QLeadership for a wide ranging conversation covering hiring, project management, and leadership among other things. Sedberry talks about working with compliance and the university on managing NIL. He also gives his hiring philosophy which revolves around character fit, competency in experience, and coaching acumen. The conversation wraps with his thoughts on the importance of cohesion amongst offices within an athletics department.
Tim Lester, Head Football Coach at Western Michigan visits @1QLeadership on the day his freshmen class reported to camp. Excited about his first full team meeting since before the lockdown, Lester talks about having two classes who have a unique experience coming into college. Recently appointed to the AFCA Board of Trustees, he talks about the job ahead for football coaches amongst all the changes in college athletics. The conversation wraps on Lester's passion for using science and analytics in the game of football.
Compliance and NIL are the @1QLeadership topics with UNLV Sr. Associate AD of Compliance, Eric Nepomuceno. Education, documentation, monitoring, and enforcement are the common aspects in compliance, but this discussion covers adding Name, Image, and Likeness to that plate of responsibilities. Nepomuceno gives insight about the Vegas Effect, which is UNLV's three pronged education platform for Student-Athletes regarding NIL. He also talks about what surprises him so far about NIL since its inception.
Not long before announcing his retirement, longtime Ohio University football coach, Frank Solich, visited @1QLeadership to discuss longevity in coaching. Coach Solich talks about staying nimble with regard to leading 18-22 year olds. He touches on learning how to treat players from legendary coaches Devaney and Osborne at Nebraska. Serving as one of the AFCA Trustees, Solich talks about the importance of service to the industry. He also talks about developing players and sending them out in the world.
Frank Pucher, Sr. Association AD for External Affairs at Fresno State, visits @1QLeadership about providing leadership in the external operations area. He talks about his background working in media rights and how that informs his decisions in his current role. Pucher, former Deputy AD at Southern Utah, talks about his leadership philosophy on building a creative environment.
Jeremy Wang, Associate VP for Development at Temple, visits @1QLeadership with insight from his experience working in fundraising for athletics and on campus as a whole. He talks about the many leadership opportunities while working in development but emphasizes leading from wherever you are. Wang educates on types of development office structures, performance metrics, and priorities in terms of on campus versus the athletics department. The conversation wraps on his upcoming move out of higher education.
Rice Provost, Dr. Reggie DesRoches, visits @1QLeadership guest host Blair on the role of the Provost on campus. As the former Faculty Athletics Representative for Georgia Tech, DesRoches discusses helping faculty understand the commitment and efforts put forth by Student-Athletes. The discussion goes into the similarities between being the number two for a university and being the number two in an athletics department. The conversation wraps on the topic of being the first Black Provost at Rice during the social justice events of 2020.
University of San Diego Sr. Associate AD/Chief Development Officer/SWA, Marcy Lanoue, visits @1QLeadership to talk about her career experiences in external affairs and fundraising. Lanoue goes into some of the challenges and ways to be creative in overcoming the challenges of working in athletics development, specifically deciding when to elevate a donor's issue to the AD or beyond. She also covers her thoughts on leadership opportunities when working in this specific area of college athletics.
Ashwin Puri, Sr. Associate AD and Chief Athletics Operations Officer at Villlanova, visits @1QLeadership to discuss how his background in professional sports has influenced his experience in college athletics. The primary difference is understanding what (or who) is defined as the bottom line. He reflects on the moment he realized the difference between selling a ticket in the pros versus selling a ticket in college. Puri also gives insight on the similarities and differences between fundraising and sales.
Maryland Deputy AD, Colleen Sorem, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss her evolution as a leader. In addition to her Deputy responsibilities, Sorem also serves as CFO and she talks about the challenge of thinking beyond the budget when leading those who work with her. She also gives her insight into making a budget now during the pandemic and how it compared to the pre-pandemic environment.
WashU Director of Athletics, Anthony Azama visits @1QLeadership to talk about how the failure resiliency of being an athlete translates to leading an organization. Azama covers the importance of reflection and resolution as he processes the ups and downs of the day. He talks about the challenge of staying in the moment when you are the leader of the department as it can be easy to get caught up in the minutiae of running the operation. Azama also gives us his insight on the athletic curriculum Student-Athletes learn while participating in college athletics.
Yale Deputy AD and COO, Ann-Marie Guglieri, visits @1QLeadership to talk about her role as the number two in charge under AD, Vicky Chun. Guglieri explains the department's delineation between Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Athletics Director. She talks about the adjustments made while gaining more seniority in her career, specifically going from checking boxes to leading people. She also emphasizes taking time to make decisions as there is much more to consider when thinking about how something impacts the entirety of the organization.
WVU Deputy AD, Kelli Zinn, visits @1QLeadership guest host Blair on the topic of longevity at one place. Zinn talks about her progress to deputy and the challenges when constantly pursuing excellence. With similar career progress, Zinn and Blair discuss the benefits of beginning their athletics journey in compliance. Zinn discusses being responsible for football oversight and touches on the transition to the Big 12. She also talks about her involvement in capital projects and personnel changes.
Dr. Ed Scott, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Morgan State, visits @1QLeadership to talk about his process in deciding to take the AD job. Scott covers common misconceptions about working at HBCUs, early wins in his tenure in the chair, and being creative in finding resources. Growing the number of athletics sponsors by over 500% and recruiting top staffers to his department are some of the specifics of the discussion. The conversation wraps talking about MOAA, the Minority Opportunity Athletic Association.
Ron Seaver, President of the National Sports Forum (NSF), visits with @1QLeadership guest host Blair about the NSF and its growing relevance over 26 years in existence. Seaver gives an overview of the purpose of the event including its emphasis on increasing diversity in the sports industry. The conversation also focuses on the NSF's four pillars of revenue generation and its emphasis on networking and professional development.
Angel Mason, Director of Athletics at Berry College, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of listening to oneself. Mason talks about the transition from coaching basketball to working in administration. She mentions making decisions based on values and how finding an organization that aligns with those values can make leadership less challenging. The conversation wraps on navigating strategic planning through the pandemic.
LSU Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health and Interim Senior Advisor to the AD for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. LaKeitha Poole visits @1QLeadership. In a conversation ranging from her role advising the Athletics Director on DEI to helping Student-Athletes deal with the challenges of the starts and stops of the 2020 football season, Poole talks about filling what could possibly be three different full-time positions in the department. She also gives some insight on discussions with fellow mental health professionals on best practices for helping student-athletes with dealing with a season during the pandemic.
Washington State Deputy AD Bryan Blair steps in as a guest host for @1QLeadership interviewing NCAA Director of Leadership Development DeeDee Merritt. Discussing the new NCAA Leadership Collective, Merritt gives insight on its structure and its relevance in taking away the "lack of qualified candidates" excuse regarding people of color and leadership roles in coaching and administration. She also talks about the latest enhancements to the NCAA Pathway program.
Pepperdine President & CEO, Jim Gash, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of evolving leadership. Gash explains that his style of leadership begins with relationships. From relationships things become collaborative. Collaboration gives way deliberation, and from there, decisions are made. As a former college quarterback, Gash gives insight on the necessity of calling audibles when leading. The conversation wraps on the topic of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Natasha Wilson, VP for Student Life and Athletics at Central Methodist University (CMU), stopped by @1QLeadership to discuss leading two crucial departments on campus. On a campus where Student-Athletes make up half the student body, Wilson works closely with institutional advancement and alumni affairs to provide the best experience to all students. She also acknowledges the learning curve when tasked with running the student life department in addition to athletics.
RPI football coach Ralph Isernia visits @1QLeadership to talk about culture. With a simple definition of "The way of life of a group," Isernia delves into his thoughts on organizational success rooted in culture. He talks about focusing on what is important in the moment. The conversation wraps with his motivation to learn for self-actualization.
Head Football Coaches Danny Rocco of Delaware, and Glenn Caruso of University of St. Thomas (MN) visit @1QLeadership to talk about playing a football season during the Spring. The two veteran coaches talk about providing balance to the football players during the Fall while preparing for the upcoming season. The conversation goes into leaning on values to deal with the starts and stops that will most likely happen. Both coaches talk about the leadership of their respective Athletics Directors, Rawak at Delaware and Esten at St. Thomas.
Harvard Director of Athletics, Erin McDermott, visits @1QLeadership about her virtual adventure leading the Crimson. McDermott talks about the challenge of developing relationships and trust in a virtual environment as she has only been on campus three times since being hired. One method of breaking the ice with the staff was to discuss her first pandemic grocery list (wine, chocolate, etc.). The conversation wraps on the topic of evaluating coaches over a period when there hasn't been any competitions.
Ohio State Sr. VP & AD, Gene Smith, visits the @1QLeadership school of thought to give insight on building the credibility needed to weather the storms and transitions that come with working in college athletics. He talks about the department's performance development program that helped fellow industry leaders Lyke, Jarmond, and Chun among others rise to executive positions. Smith also confirms the story that he tells his staffers to leave the comforts of Ohio State if they want to move up in the industry.
Love, listen, and lead are the three expectations that Colgate AD, Dr. Nicki Moore, consider the roots of her leadership philosophy. In her visit with @1QLeadership, she talks about the importance of giving people the authority to do the job they were hired to do. She also talks about her experiences while working with industry leaders, Castiglione and Cunningham. With psychology as the backdrop of her career, Dr. Moore provides insight on diversity and organizational success.
Columbia's Jessica De Palo, Associate AD for Enrichment Services, talks to @1QLeadership about the thought process behind creating the Success Through Well-Being group within the athletics department. The group includes mental health, nutrition, and academic services among others to centralize the conversations on possible crossover areas that tie-in the Student-Athlete experience. De Palo also talks about providing virtual services and the evaluation process the department uses to measure success.
Psychological Resources for Oklahoma Student-Athletes or PROS is the name of the department where Dr. Dolores Christensen holds the Assistant Director position. Christensen visited @1QLeadership to talk about the structure of the department and the mental health services provided. The PROS department was the first of its kind to be housed in an athletics department. Christensen also serves as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. She discusses the committee's origins, its response to the frustration expressed this summer, and what they are currently doing within athletics as a whole.
Juliana Smith, Deputy Director of Athletics/SWA at Colgate, visits @1QLeadership to discuss her background in human resources and how it relates to her current role in the department. She talks about her history working with AD Nicki Moore at Oklahoma and also gives insight into her method of evaluating information to make effective decisions. The conversation wraps on how the department and campus has made adjustments with regard to racial injustice and the global pandemic.
Torre Becton, Head Athletic Performance Coach for Football at Cal, visits @1QLeadership to follow-up on his recent 1Q episode now that the Pac-12 Conference has reversed its initial decision to cancel the 2020 football season. Becton talks about the transition in training and mentality after the announcement. He mentions the internal conversation that took place after the Big-10 announced its decision and the conversations with some players who may have lost motivation to play during the time off.
Kevin Hambly, Head Volleyball Coach at Stanford, visits @1QLeadership to talk about some of the challenges he faced during his first year of taking over a program with historic success. The conversation also covers a diversity mentorship program created to address the lack of people of color in the volleyball coaching profession. The program involves pairing participants with head coaches throughout the industry to establish relationships, educate and prepare, and create networking opportunities.
Devin Crosby, Director of Athletics at Lynn University, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of moving forward as a country against the backdrop of frustration being expressed over racial injustice. Crosby offers insight into a way of moving forward couched within the intersection of education, leadership development, and society. The conversation also delves into emotional decisions, reactions, and understanding the why behind the decisions we make regarding people.
Tony Reno, Head Football Coach at Yale, visits @1QLeadership guest host Caruso to discuss a number of things related to being a head coach during COVID-19. Reno talks about how much the Student-Athletes want to get in the weightroom while Caruso talks about a statistic which says that athletes are most worried about not being with their teammates. Both talk about feeling sympathy for high school seniors in the class of 2021. The conversation wraps on adjusting to new ADs in Chun and Esten respectively.
Georgetown AD, Lee Reed, and Matt Behrens, supporter and former Hoyas Student-Athlete, visit @1QLeadership to discuss the Behrens family gift funding a new athletics position focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Behrens, a member of the 2018 Big East Champion Men's Lacrosse team, talks on the importance of standing with those who are affected by injustice. Reed talks about meeting with Student-Athletes and informing donors about what is going on, within the department, regarding racial injustice.
Torre Becton, Head Athletic Performance Coach for Football at Cal, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the adjustments the S&C-Athletic Performance coaches have had to make to, not only make sure the workouts are compliant with COVID-19 policies, but also keep the Student-Athletes motivated without a season. Becton also talks about the reporting lines that help to make the Athletic Performance aspect of Cal Athletics efficient.
Assistant Men's Basketball Coaches Saddi Washington of Michigan and DeAndre Haynes of Maryland visit @1QLeadership on leadership during the pandemic. The two cover learning from their head coaches on how to manage sudden change as a leader. Washington talks on being on the floor to play in the Big Ten tournament when the season was cancelled. He also discusses working with first-time head coach Howard. Haynes touches on being Big Ten champions and leading Student-Athletes through the loss of the season.
MELT CEO, Vince Thompson visits @1QLeadership guest host Curti to discuss the ramifications of being a major player in sports marketing during the pandemic. Thompson talks about all the parties involved in trying to devise a potential adjustment strategy for a client partnered with the SEC Conference. He also discusses moving his 1000 person internship program online for the MELT Academy and mentions the abundance of experienced people who will be willing to take lower paying jobs in the future, just to get back in the workforce.
Jordan Lewis, Alabama WBB Student-Athlete, visits @1QLeadership guest host Hilliard on leadership, pandemic challenges, SAAC and a number of other things. Lewis, currently in grad school, talks about being challenged academically during lockdown. She reflects on her early years recommending that Student-Athletes get involved with organizations outside of athletics. The conversation wraps on Alabama's SAAC and advice for younger athletes looking to be leaders.
Newly named University of The Incarnate Word AD, Richard Duran, visits @1QLeadership to discuss his path to the chair. Duran, at 31 and in the industry for just under 10 years, talks about the opportunities that have been presented to him during his career. He touches on his background in fundraising operations how it led to his experience in development. Strengthening campus relationships, doing things for the right reasons, and leading during the pandemic are all topics covered in the conversation.
Dave Brown, Founder & President of Gridiron visits @1QLeadership on the topic of scheduling college football games. Brown talks about his business setup and understanding the needs of conferences, campus, and Athletics Directors when it comes to getting games scheduled. He mentions that relationships are a heavy part of his business. The conversation wraps on the topic of scheduling during the pandemic.
Emmanual Flowers, redshirt junior football player at Michigan State, joins @1QLeadership guest host Hilliard to talk Student-Athlete to Student-Athlete about the challenges of being a college student during the pandemic. The two talk about working out, studying, and leadership among other things. Flowers also talks about speaking up in meetings about racism and social injustice with the football team and the athletics department as a whole. He also talks about adjusting to new MSU head coach Tucker.
Illinois State Deputy AD/SWA Leanna Borner visits ISU Volleyball Student-Athlete Kendee Hilliard on @1QLeadership to discuss working in college athletics. Topic covered include Bordner's role as Deputy and SWA, challenges of being a woman in the industry, and servant leadership. The conversation wraps with advice on how to get into and be successful in the industry.
Jen Baker, Director of Athletics at Johns Hopkins University, visits @1QLeadership to talk about having a direct line of communications to the country's leading hub for information regarding the pandemic. She talks about how her background in the military and in engineering helps her during her first year as AD in terms of applied problem solving. Baker also covers being creative in finding ways for the Student-Athletes to practicing leadership while at home.
William & Mary AD Huge and FB Coach London visit @1QLeadership talk about the interactions and conversations on campus as the country expresses its frustration with racism. Huge speaks on her experience engaging students for in-depth discussions. London talks about engaging his players and being forthright about his experience as a police officer prior to becoming a football coach. The conversation wraps on the potential for positive outcomes from the unified voices heard around the world.
Jessie Gardner, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Enhancement at Alabama, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the necessities for a successful Student-Athlete Development program. Gardner talks about the strategic approach to holistic development and understanding the needs of coaches, administration, and Student-Athletes. She also lays out the fundamental aspects needed no matter the level of available resources.
Jeff Fucci, Associate AD for Capital Projects and Innovation at USC, visits @1QLeadership to discuss managing capital projects during the pandemic. Fucci, former USC Director of Football Operations gives insight on the process of deciding on materials for facilities that can't be chosen over a video call. He mentions the portfolio method of working on capital projects and explains his thoughts on short-term, mid-term, and long-term developments. Fucci also talks about donor involvement as the facilities progress toward being complete.
AJ Maestas, Founder and CEO of Navigate Research, joins @1QLeadership guest host, Diana Curti of Wakefield Research Partners, to discuss the changing landscape of Multimedia Rights (MMR). The conversation covers moving primarily from desktop to mobile in terms of marketing and touches on the need to be ready now for Gen-Z consumers. The pair also cover post-pandemic MMR and wrap the conversation on the possibility of changing the current model used by many in college athletics.
Dr. Renae Myles Payne, Sr. Associate AD for Administration at Miami, chats with Illinois State Volleyball SAAC VP, Kendee Hilliard on @1QLeadership. The discussion covers concerns of parents who have Student-Athletes returning to campus during the pandemic and MOAA's statement on social injustice. Myles Payne emphasizes active listening as an important tool, and calling out discriminatory policies if they exist within the workplace. The conversation also covers being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Bill Curry, former head football coach at Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia State visits @1QLeadership to discuss the frustration expressed across the country with regard to racism. Curry talks about being mentored by Andrew Young and some of lessons he learned playing and coaching football. He recalls two very different experiences being stopped by the police, once while he was driving and the other when his African-American teammate was driving. The conversation wraps on his disappointment in seeing the video of a women using her ability to call the police on an innocent African-American man as a weapon.
Dr. Eric Laudano, Sr. Associate AD for High Performance at Saint Joseph's, revisits @1QLeadership to discuss the process of creating the Return to Activity Plan for Saint Joseph's University as the country emerges from the pandemic lock down. Laudano talks about working with a number of campus departments outside of athletics to ensure students and Student-Athletes alike are safely reintegrated to campus life.
Saint Joseph's University AD Jill Bodensteiner is joined by Sr. Associate AD for High Performance, Dr. Eric Laudano on @1QLeadership on the topic of having one position overseeing all aspects of Student-Athlete well-being. Bodensteiner talks about the reasons for creating the position while Laudano talks about the the structure of the position. They both give details on defining success for the position and why they believe it is necessary for Student-Athlete well-being.
John Shukie, President & Co-Founder of Forward Progress, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about the NCAA's upcoming Values-Based Revenue Distribution. Shukie breaks down the three criteria involved with the distribution. He also goes into detail on APR and how schools can set themselves up for a possible future distribution specifically after weathering COVID-19.
Will Reece, Founder of the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS), visits @1QLeadership to discuss the event and how it has grown in relevance in the college athletics industry. Reece labels his process of allowing attendees from one year to determine who should be invited the following year as, "by invitation, but not exclusive." He also strives to keep the "safe space" atmosphere of the event by not filming sessions or having much, if any, media present.
Katie Smith (Staiger), Associate Director of Business Operations at Baylor University, visits @1QLeadership to talk with guest host and Illinois State Student-Athlete and athletics intern, Kendee Hiilliard. The two talk about leadership on and off the court, SAAC leadership, and the transition from player to athletics administration. Smith also goes into the difference between reporting to a coach versus supervisor and the path to working in administration.
Coach Ron Stolski, long time football coach at Brainerd High School in Minnesota, visits @1QLeadership at the 2020 AFCA Convention to talk about the origins of the create and maintain leadership philosophy. Stolski, with more than 50 years in the coaching profession, talks leadership and the future of the game of football.
James Franklin, Head Football Coach at Penn State, visits @1QLeadership to discuss his methods of adjusting to the pandemic chapter. Topics covered include onboarding new coach assistant coaches remotely, gauging the well-being of his team, and operating with a purpose. Franklin also touches on his relationship with Sandy Barbour, Penn State's VP of Athletics.
Dr. Brandon Martin, Director of Athletics at Kansas City, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of method of providing educational opportunities for the head coaches in his department. Martin gets into the structure of the program and his thoughts for offering it up to other departments in their new conference, The Summit League. He explains the three outcomes he hopes to achieve - enhance communication, ensure alignment and clarify expectations, and advance the speed of trust.
Wesley Ellison-Stewart, Associate VP for Major Gifts & Development at Boston College, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of development during the pandemic. Ellison-Stewart, former Sr. Associate AD for Development at BC, discusses the changes she, her team, and the university have had to make to keep things moving forward in university enhancement. She emphasizes that leadership in development starts with empathy and how that trait has become even more important over the last couple months.
Todd Berry, Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association, visits @1QLeadership to discuss what is on the minds of college football coaches during the pandemic. He discusses the areas where football coaches have input in decisions regarding football and areas where they should leave things to the experts. Coach Berry also gives insight about recruiting implications as various models and contingency plans are being discussed among the numerous committees that he and the AFCA Board serve on.
Bobby Williams, Special Teams Coordinator with University of Oregon, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of leadership over 37 years in coaching. Williams, former head coach at Michigan State University and longtime assistant to Nick Saban talks about learning from those he has worked for and the ups and downs that come with the profession. As a special teams coach, he talks about having relationships with everyone on the team and the value of walk-ons to any team. Williams wraps the conversation with thoughts on losing players after so long in the game.
Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN College Football Analyst, visits @1QLeadership to talk about a number of items relative to the pandemic, including his comments regarding the 2020 college football season. He addresses the deeper understanding of his passion for sports and how much the nation's passion for sports will grow because of the appreciation for something that has been taken away. Herbstreit also expresses concern for Student-Athletes and people in general who struggle to get a healthy meal at home.
Mike Castle, Assistant AD for Ticket Sales & Operations at Georgia Tech, joins @1QLeadership to talk about the gap between the values that guide leaders in college athletics and the expectations of fans who are guided by their value in the entertainment of college sports. Castle emphasizes that the long term success of college athletics rests in helping fans and supporters understand that it is much bigger than just the competition.
Brad Bates, VP for Consulting at Collegiate Sports Associates, talks to @1QLeadership about the possible scenario of no football season. He speaks from experience as the former AD at Boston College and Miami Ohio. Bates gives insight about what is possibly on the minds of those in leadership positions in college athletics.
Curt Pires, President of CAP Sports Group, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of media rights in college athletics and the potential impact if there were no college football season. With consulting experience with WAC, America East, SoCon, and many others, Pires provides insight into some of the possible factors going into figuring out how to plan for the future and the thoughts going into negotiations for future contracts.
Rekha Patterson, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southeast Missouri State, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of leadership after winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship and being named the 2019-2020 OVC Coach of the Year. She talks about preparing for the NCAA selection show when learning that the national tournament was cancelled. Patterson also speaks on the time it took to learn how to lead each player individually as opposed to leading everyone the same.
Candice Walls, Assistant Director of Athletics for Athletic Performance at University of Louisiana, visits @1QLeadership to discuss how the performance staff has made themselves available to the Student-Athletes at home. Her staff chose daily social media postings for different aspects of the Student-Athlete's life. From cooking gumbo, to in-home workouts, to mental conditioning, Coach Walls works with others in the Ragin' Cajuns athletics department to cover as much as they can from afar.
Sean Frazier, Associate VP & Director of Athletics at Northern Illinois, visits @1QLeadership to give insight on the questions ADs may be asking themselves during the coronavirus chapter. One of the key items covered is how to operationalize and provide resources for some of the ideas being discussed regarding the future. He also heavily emphasizes his concern for the health and well-being of the Student-Athletes who have had their routines abruptly halted.
Mike London, Head Football Coach at College of William & Mary, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the synergy between he and Tribe AD Samantha Huge. London checks classes so the team and professors understand the importance of academics to the football team. He talks about dealing with the loss of a player and allowing the team to see him cry. Coach London also gets emotional as he goes into detail about the rare case of being a bone marrow donor for his own daughter. The episode is co-hosted by Coach Glenn Caruso (@Coach_Caruso).
Amy Huchthausen, Commissioner of the America East Conference, visits @1QLeadership to walk us through her timeline of gathering information to make the decision to cancel the conference's men's and women's basketball tournaments as they were down to the final championship games. She talks about using other conference's decisions as data points and speaking with fellow commissioners as the situation evolved over three to four days.
Matthew Caruso, Acting Director of Athletics at Kean University, visits @1QLeadership to discuss Kean as it was among the first institutions to adjust to the effects of the Coronavirus situation. Caruso talks about receiving word of the cancellations and scrambling to let coaches and teams know. During a bit of introspection, he mentions that he could have handled the situation a bit better in terms of communication. He also speaks to the resilience of the Student-Athletes as everything continued to unfold.
Tommy Amaker, Head Men's Basketball at Harvard University, visits @1QLeadership to discuss ending the 2020 season prematurely amid the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the leadership needed to guide the Student-Athletes through the announcement. Being the first Division I school (and conference) to cancel its conference tournament, Amaker talks about how important it was that Harvard, and the Ivy League, had the people and principles in place to make decisions amid uncertainty.
JP Abercrumbie, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development at Rice, visits @1QLeadership to discuss her approach to the role. Her priority is to bridge the gap between internal and external operations ensuring the entire department is involved in the Student-Athlete experience. She also engages departments outside of athletics to provide Student-Athletes the best access to the resources available on campus. Abercrumbie also discusses her methods of building relationships with coaches.
Joe Karlgaard, Director of Athletics at Rice University, visits @1QLeadership for a conversation on leadership within the ranks of his organization. Karlgaard mentions Built to Last as his favorite leadership book, emphasizing the importance of homegrown talent. He also talks about giving people on his staff a wide range of experiences that can help with career enhancement.
David Shaw, Head Football Coach at Stanford, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the recruiting philosophy of "Start as you mean to go on." Shaw emphasizes that coaches should be the adult in recruiting conversations. He mentions differences in communicating to today's youth as opposed to 10-15 years ago. Shaw also gives insight into what he sees as a major deficiency in the development of young people today, mentioning the responsibility of leaders to teach humility, and model self-evaluation.
Greg Burke, longtime Director of Athletics at Northwestern State, visits the 1.Question Leadership Podcast to discuss adjusting as a leader after almost 25 years in the chair. He talks about working with a multi-generational staff as he leads people that have been with him for decades and people who recently joined the department. Burke also addresses his efforts to give his staff and coaches insight on issues affecting the college athletics industry as a whole.
Mark Alnutt, Director of Athletics at University at Buffalo, visits 1Q for a conversation on being in the AD chair at a place where there have been a succession of great leaders. He talks about how his default skill of building relationships has helped to create a successful environment. Throughout the discussion, Alnutt continues to emphasize that knowing his staff beyond the office is what will help him continue to elevate the department.
Mel Tucker, Head Football Coach at Colorado, visits @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Leadership Podcast to talk about the process of creating a culture for winning. He covers the intentional brand transition from establishing his culture in year one to his #TheBuild in year two. He shares the importance of being a relentless recruiter in order to build on the foundation they have laid in season one. He characterizes an environment of integrity and expectations as the two primary factors for creating success. The conversation wraps with Tucker giving his thoughts on the importance of people and building margin in the day for internal reflection and growth.
Cathy Rossi, Deputy Director of Athletics at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, visits 1Q to discuss her role as the number two. She talks about what to look for when initially assessing the financial health of an athletics department. Rossi goes on to speak about starting in ticket sales and working her way into the business of college athletics.
Tavaras Hardy, Head Basketball Coach at Loyola University Maryland, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Leadership podcast on the topic of being a new leader in the head coaching role. Hardy, discusses the adjustments he has made as a head coach from year one to year two. He identifies transparency and accountability as two areas he heavily focuses on. Hardy also gives the methods for self-reflection he and his staff use for continuous internal evaluation.
Chrissi Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at University of Delaware, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Leadership Podcast on the topic of ensuring good leadership exists throughout an entire organization. Rawak discusses the discovery that her department was missing the mark on the foundational elements of a successful functioning organization. She goes into the steps she has taken to be intentional with the learning and development of people who are leading other people in her department.
Coach Tremaine Jackson, newly named (and first time) Head Football Coach at Colorado Mesa, engages in an insightful conversation with Coach Glenn Caruso of Unversity of St. Thomas, Coach Tim Lester of Western Michigan, and @TaiMBrown on the topic of being a first-time head coach. Jackson gets advice from Caruso and Lester on addressing the team for the first time, hiring staff, and developing a successful organizational culture.
Jashell Mitchell, Manager of Diversity & Inclusion for NFL Operations, visits 1.Q to discuss the opportunities she creates for Student-Athletes from HBCUs. Mitchell, former Associate AD for Internal Operations at North Carolina Central, has a history of working in football after spending time as a DFO. She oversees the HBCU Careers in Football Forum through which students are nominated by ADs, SWAs and/or Conference Commissioners from HBCU campuses for internship opportunities with NFL teams and events.
Anton Goff, former AD at Bowie State, Hartford, and St. John's visits the 1.Question Leadership Podcast to give insight into his reason for abruptly leaving St. John's. Goff talks about the stresses of living separate from family and speaks on how he will handle living situations moving forward. The conversation also covers Goff's success in developing relationships in development and the idea of carrying those relationships to other Athletics Director positions.
The tables are turned on @jayfhicks as his Sports Creatives Podcast is commandeered by 1Question Leadership Podcast host, Tai M. Brown. Hicks is put in the in the guest's chair as Brown asks questions about leadership in the collegiate sports creatives industry. Specific topics cover how creatives can value themselves and what to look for in an athletic department that values creatives.
Jim Grobe, former head football coach at Ohio, Wake Forest, and Baylor, visits @TaMBrown on the 1.Q. Coach Grobe talks about the differences in his initial assessment of the programs at his head coaching stops. He goes in depth about taking over at Baylor for one year as his primary focus was to do whatever was necessary to help the Student-Athletes and staff get through the season. Grobe also gives his insight for those who look to be leaders in the future.
Ken Mannie, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Michigan State, talks about his thoughts on similarities and differences in working with coaches, administrators, and Student-Athletes over 45 years in the profession. With standards and expectations on the forefront of his leadership philosophy, Mannie discusses how his approach to leading Student-Athletes has changed. He also talks about the three important questions he asks all young people interested in playing college football.
Shawn Jones, Director of Athletics at Henderson State joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the school's transition to the Arkansas State system. Jones talks about learning to communicate with a new interim president while simultaneously working with the Arkansas State system to help manage the transition from an athletics perspective. He expresses excitement about new resources to the program, which include monetary but more specifically the impact seen from an expertise level in strategic planning.
Kirby Hocutt, Director of Athletics at Texas Tech, visits the 1.Question Leadership Podcast on the topic of inclusive leadership from entry-level roles all the way through executive positions. Hocutt mentions the culture at Tech, which encourages input and collaboration from staff through subcommittees that are open to everyone in the department. He also talks about the in-house Talkington Leadership Academy which offers programs for Student-Athletes and staff alike.
On the eve of the NCAA Volleyball Semifinals and AVCA National Convention, @TaiMBrown caught up with University of North Dakota Head Volleyball Coach, Jeremiah Tiffin. Fresh off of his first season as a Division I head coach, Tiffin talks about the commonalities from his stints as a two-year and NAIA head coach. Thrust into the head coaching position after only four months as an assistant, Tiffin talks about the importance of communication as he had only 20 days to prepare for the first game of the season.
Dr. Monique Marsh-Bell, Clinical Psychologist and Asst. AD for Mental Health Services at Baylor University, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Leadership Podcast to discuss the services she provides to Baylor's Student-Athletes. Dr. Marsh-Bell was as a counselor on campus prior to joining the athletics department. She begins by explaining the difference between sport vs. clinical psychologist and gives insight on the different experiences between the general student body and that of Student-Athletes.
Tommy McClelland, AD at Louisiana Tech, talks about his Louisiana Tech Athletics Leadership Institute. Open to everyone in the department other than senior level staff or head coaches, the program begins with an aptitude test designed by the school's Industrial Psychology department. It also includes a $10k (provided by a donor) challenge for designing a program that helps to address mental health issues in the student-athlete population. The school's president has created similar model for staff on campus.
Lonn Reisman, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Tarleton State University, talks with @TaiMBrown about the school's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. Reisman has been at Tarleton State for 26 years, spending the first 24 as the Head Men's Basketball Coach. He touches on the move from NAIA, to Division II, and the almost 20 year exploration into moving to NCAA Division I.
Jamie Pollard, AD at Iowa State, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast on the topic of creating an environment where people feel valued. Pollard talks about his process of helping new hires embrace the culture at Iowa State athletics. He goes into detail about his very intentional efforts to get to know everyone who is in his department. Pollard also give insight into his 'Athletic Director Unplugged' meetings.
Kentucky State's Etienne Thomas joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast on a number of topics ranging from working in compliance to hiring a football coach. With a little over a year in the AD chair, Thomas talks about the people and inflection points which helped moved her career forward. She mentions working for veteran leaders, such as Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree and Tom Bowen, who gave her responsibilities beyond her initial role in compliance.
Coach Glenn Caruso, Head Football Coach at University of St. Thomas (MN), visits the 1.Question Podcast on the topic of coaching amidst all the changes happening within the athletics program. He talks about the culture of habits and how focusing on the season is a habit that hasn't been broken within the football program. Caruso also heaps praise on VP & Director of Athletics, Phil Esten, on how he has led the department through a unique transition.
Carrie Cecil, CEO of Anachel Communications & SM2, visits 1Q to share insight on how ADs, Presidents, Coaches, and other executives manage some of the biggest reputation and career crises seen today. She talks about winning the narrative in terms of controlling what information is out in the public. Cecil also addresses the biggest threats to college athletics leaders and what needs to be in place to avoid those threats. The conversation wraps with advice to future leaders in college athletics.
Armani Dawkins, Sr. Associate AD & Chief of Staff at Oklahoma, visits 1Q to talk about being hired to help enhance the culture at a department that, from the outside looking in, seems to always operate at a high level. Dawkins talks about the trait of vulnerability that leaders such as Joe Castiglione possess, and how a part of the her role is to point out blind spots in the department or even in Castiglione's leadership.
Jessica Gelman, CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of using data analytics in college athletics. Gelman gives insight on the services KAGR provides to Mississippi State and the importance of understanding who and how often people attend games. She wraps the conversation on the human relations aspect of being a leader in data analytics.
Coach Gary Goff, Head Football Coach at Valdosta State, visits the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the organizational approach he used to turn around the football program at Tiffin, which was ranked 165 out of 168 in NCAA Division II when he arrived. He follows that by explaining the approach he is using now as he takes over at Valdosta State, which was the NCAA Division II national champion last year.
Tom Burman, Director of Athletics at University of Wyoming, visits the 1.Question Podcast on the topic of creating a successful organizational culture. Burman discusses an ADs feelings a few years after hiring a successful coach and the unique hiring process he used for his current basketball coach. The conversation also touches on expectations and sharing leadership advice with coaches on staff.
Devon Thomas, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at Eastern Washington, visits @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast on the topics of tying previous experiences together and the challenges faced during career growth. Thomas talks about his experience in marketing and the innovative ways he and his crew would test upcoming promotions. The conversation wraps on the topic of delegation and leadership.
Rick George, Athletics Director at University of Colorado, visits @TaiMBrown on 1Q to discuss the weight of tradition. George was on the football staff when Colorado won the National Championship in the early 90's and talks about the importance of understanding the expectations that a successful history can bring. He also talks about the importance of expecting success when bringing on new coaches.
Samantha Huge, Director of Athletics at William & Mary, stops by the 1.Question Podcast to visit with @TaiMBrown on the topic of making major changes to her staff over her two and a half years leading the department. She talks about her charge from the president for athletics to help raise the profile of the institution. Huge also discusses some of the books she gives to the staff as she emphasizes professional development for everyone in the department.
Tommy McClelland, Athletics Director at Louisiana Tech, talks with @TaiMBrown about taking on a leadership role at a young age. McClelland was named interim AD at McNeese State at 25 years old, and named the permanent leader at 26. He talks about some of the challenges that come with being in an influential role at that age, such as experience and being perceived as immature. McClelland also touches on his leadership growth now that he has been in the Chair for over a decade.
Beth Goetz, Director of Athletics at Ball State, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the process of searching for and hiring a Deputy AD. Goetz discusses her recent hire of Haven Fields and how she had to redefine the position prior to developing the profile of the person to fill the position.
Craig Pintens, Athletics Director at Loyola Marymount University, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast on the topic of coach evaluations. Pintens includes each sport's national ranking metric as an evaluating factor as opposed to just wins and losses. Recruit, teach, win, and graduate are the four pillars of the evaluation focus with winning being the quantitative measure.
Bloom where you are planted is the focus of this quick clip from the 1Q cutting room floor. Dr. Mónica Lebrón, Deputy AD & COO at Tulane, talks about changing jobs just as she was making waves in her previous role at Georgia.
Lamarr Pottinger, Assistant AD at Texas Tech, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss how the Red Raiders focus on career and professional development for Student-Athletes and staff. Pottinger describes the unique setup at the Talkington Leadership Academy where the emphasis of career and leadership development includes options for department personnel, as well as Student-Athletes. He also covers the ongoing process of creating a "scoreboard" to evaluate quantitative and qualitative measures for success.
Jen Baker, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics at Johns Hopkins University, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of consulting for leadership development. Baker moonlights as a leadership development consultant for other athletics departments, corporations, and coaches. Emphasizing that leadership must be practiced, she helps coaches define what it is they want their Student-Athletes to learn during their experience on campus.
Craig Ricks, Sr. Vice President for Marketing at Paciolan, visits @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast on the topic of diminishing game day attendance in college athletics. Ricks, who has been with the company for 16 years, talks about Paciolan's use of data, social media, and digital marketing campaigns to customize and personalize the experience of fans and potential fans. He gives insight into the process of developing messages to people through stories that help articulate the value and vision of each organization.
Gerald Harrison, Director of Athletics at Austin Peay State University, sits down with @TaiMBrown to discuss adjusting to the AD job. Harrison, 10 months on the job, talks about his acclimatization to leadership as an Athletics Director. He talks about his process of self-evaluation and his method of release after long workdays. Harrison also addresses his reputation of telling people "exactly what they need to hear in a good way."
Coach Molly Miller, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Drury University, talks with @TaiMBrown on the topic of avoiding complacency as a winner. Miller, the 2019 WBCA D2 Coach of the Year, talks about explaining the expectations her Student-Athletes can expect from her. With the highest winning percentage of all active NCAA coaches, she also discusses the pressure of expectations when you've won a lot of games.
Dr. Jamil Northcutt, VP for Player Engagement with Major League Soccer, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss how the league engages with intercollegiate athletics. Northcutt, former executive with the NFL and NCAA brings his vast experience and network to MLS to develop its player development program. With a heavy focus on three core groups, future players, current players, and past players, Northcutt emphasizes that education is the bedrock of Major League Soccer.
Akilah Laster, Assistant Director for Athletic Communications at Cal, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss a wide range of topics from knowing how and when to speak up at the office to the importance of storytelling in athletics. Laster, a former high school teacher and journalist, says people need to know you care about what you are doing before they are willing to receive your input. She also notes what it means to be one of very few African-American women who are in a Power 5 sports information role.
Mark Dyer, Founder & CEO of Taymar Sales U, visits the 1.Question Podcast to give an update on the third-party ticket sales company. In addition to Kentucky, Taymar Sales U adds LSU and Georgia State to its portfolio. Dyer also gives his thoughts on alcohol sales and attendance issues at college athletics venues.
Shawn Respert, Assistant Coach for the Chicago Bulls, talks with @TaiMBrown about leading basketball players in the social media era. Respert, with experience in basketball coaching and administration on the college and professional levels, emphasizes the point that social media allows young players to become celebrities before they become stars. He also discusses the importance of celebrating the role player in any organization.
Taurian Houston, Associate AD for Compliance at Rice, visits with @TaiMBrown at the 2019 NACDA Convention. Houston, with experience as a law school grad and a former intern at the NCAA, tackles some of the intricacies of the name, image, and likeness debate with regard to Student-Athletes starting business while in school. He also gives his insight into the process of submitting a potential new NCAA bylaw.
Coach Grant Teaff, former Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association and long time Baylor University football coach, talks with @TaiMBrown about the phrase "Be Better Tomorrow Than You Are Today." Teaff, long known as an expert on influential leadership, discusses the inherent meaning of the phrase that Brown regularly uses to close each episode of the 1.Question Podcast.
Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, AD at Dillard and Interim Commissioner of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, joins @TaiMBrown on the topic of balancing priorities while serving two organizations. Dr. Barnes, in her second stint as Interim Commissioner for the conference while leading Dillard Athletics, discusses her methods of making decisions that need to be objective for one, but subjective for the other. Prioritize, strategize, and organize are the three steps that help keep her operating at a high level.
Combining Student-Athlete Development with strength and condition, Michigan State's Lorenzo Guess helps the Spartans take the Student-Athlete experience to another level. In this 1.Question Podcast interview with @TaiMBrown, Guess explains the benefit of serving in dual roles within Spartan Athletics. From coaches buy-in to earning trust of the athletes, this unique setup may be a coming trend.
Dr. Eric Wood, Deputy AD for Competitive Excellence at UCF, visits the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the intricacies of his role as it relates to the function of the athletics department. Primarily housed in the internal operations, Wood discusses his interaction with the other Deputy ADs on staff and his process of gathering information to advise the Director of Athletics on critical issues involving coaches, Student-Athletes, and those on staff with sport oversight.
Elliott Daniels, Associate AD for Student-Athlete Engagement at Michigan State, talks with @TaiMBrown about the Student-Athlete Development operation within the Spartan athletics program. Daniels explains how identifying the difference between inviting students to participate in programming versus engaging the students and bringing programming to them helped take the department to new height.
Eric Hyman, former Athletics Director at a number of institutions, helps @TaiMBrown define a number of key leadership terms such as purpose, core values, and culture. Hyman and Brown dive into a discussion on how terms such as these relate to leadership in college athletics industry. Hyman brings 47 years of experience to the conversation; serving as AD at VMI, Miami (OH), TCU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.
Ariel Pesante, Associate AD for Governance and Compliance at University of Massachusetts, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Pesante's balance of compliance and sport oversight. Pesante oversees Football, Men's Basketball, and Baseball while serving as the primary compliance officer for the department. He talks about his top priority of protecting the integrity of the institution while addressing his learning curve in sport supervision.
Kathryne Buckley, Assistant VP of Partner & Event Services for the Frisco RoughRiders, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss activating sponsorships and developing young professionals. Buckley give insight on making each sponsorship partner's experience unique when engaging with the RoughRiders. She talks about the activation evaluation process, as well as, how ideas are generated. The conversations wraps with Buckley's insight on interns and career development.
Tom Michael, Director of Athletics at Eastern Illinois, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss the type of environment that can lead to positive inflection points when hiring for an organization. Michael describes the small pieces that need to be in place for a new coaching hire to have a positive impact within athletics and in the campus community as a whole. He also discusses the tremendous influence his recent football hire, Adam Cushing, has had on other coaches on staff and the entirety of the department.
Coach Danielle O'Banion, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Minnesota, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss the leadership lessons O'Banion learned during her four year stint as the head WBB coach at Kent State. O'Banion also discusses the lessons learned through her battle with cancer and how she applies those lessons in her current role.
Shawn Heilbron, Director of Athletics at Stony Brook University, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of communicating with the university President. Heilbron, five years into his tenure as AD at Stony Brook, talks about the importance of immediately understanding the communication style of your immediate supervisor upon assuming a leadership role. Specific to athletics, he mentions that Presidents should be in the loop on everything that could positively or negatively come across their desk.
Mike Lombardi, former NFL Executive and Author of Gridiron Genius, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss the four components of leadership. Lombardi worked with legendary professional football leaders, Bill Walsh, Al Davis, and Bill Belichick. In his recent book, he outlines command of attention, command of message, command of self, and command of trust as the components necessary to be an effective leader. Lombardi points out that almost all successful leader possess three of the four components.
Jim Johnson, Director of Athletics at Pitt State, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss how Johnson's wide ranging experience enhances his current role leading the Gorillas. With previous positions at the NCAA office, as a Conference Commissioner, and other influential roles, Johnson believes that the servant leadership aspect of higher education is of the utmost importance.
Doug McNamee, President at Magnolia, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss McNamee's transition from Sr. Associate Athletics Director at Baylor to his current position leading one of the fastest growing brands in the country. As he approaches a year in the President's chair, McNamee identifies skills used in athletics administration that are directly transferable to the corporate world. He also gives insight into the culture and leadership provided by Joanna & Chip Gaines.
Greg Myford, Director of Athletics at University of Alaska-Anchorage, visits @TaiMBrown with a unique program for engaging Student-Athletes while in the AD chair. Myford has been in the chair for less than a year but has established his Direct Connect program which allows he and his executive staff the opportunity to have multiple roundtable discussions with Student-Athletes from every sport over the academic year. Myford also discusses the department's three fundamentals and 50 organizational priorities.
John Benedick, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics at MIT, and @TaiMBrown get together to reflect on Benedick's 44 years with the Engineers. With 22 years as the Swimming & Water Polo Coach and the 22 years in administration, Benedick notes that in college athletics, there is a never ending resource of opportunities to influence change. His advice to those listening is that focusing on trying to win will always pay more dividends than focusing on winning.
Zac Selmon, Sr. Associate AD for Administration & Development at Oklahoma, talks with @TaiMBrown about working for industry elephants Joe Castiglione and Bubba Cunningham. Selmon, 10 years into his athletics administration career, also discusses some of the key aspects of his role leading the fundraising efforts for the Sooner.
Kristy Bayer, Deputy AD at Emporia State, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Bayer's transition from Head Volleyball Coach at Arkansas Tech to the deputy position for Emporia State athletics. Bayer gives insight on the decision to give up coaching, discussing that decision with her supervisor at the time, and having the final conversation with her team. She also covers her current role as Deputy AD and how her coaching background has proven to be a major asset to the department at Emporia State.
Dr. Christy Glass, Professor of Sociology at Utah State, visits @TaiMBrown on the topics of the Glass Cliff, inclusion, & leadership. Glass discusses her research on hiring head coaches in NCAA Division I Men's Basketball and CEOs in Fortune 500 companies, which found that women and people of color are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions when an organization is at risk to fail. The conversation also covers methods leaders can use when trying to diversify their staff and develop a culture.
Phil Esten, Vice President & Director of Athletics at University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, talks with @TaiMBrown about the questions that should be asked when weighing career decisions. Esten was the Deputy AD at Penn State prior to his appointment to the AD chair at St. Thomas. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the difference between what is perceived to be important and what is actually important during major transitions in life.
Henry Abbott, Founder of TrueHoop.com, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss storytelling and how it helped grow the TrueHoop blog to a point where it was acquired by ESPN. Abbott has written for GQ, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN the magazine among others. He talks about the importance of telling stories, in all avenues of sports, that go beyond the focus of the star athlete.
Jess Duff, Special Assistant to the AD at MIT, sits down with @TaiMBrown to discuss revitalizing Student-Athlete development on campus while working for longtime college athletics leader, Julie Soriero. Duff, a former basketball coach and NCAA staffer, talks about lessons learned working for Soriero. She also dives into one of her main projects since being on campus, a revitalization of the Student-Athlete leadership program.
Damani Leech, VP for Football Strategy & Business Development for the NFL, visits @TaiMBrown at the 2019 Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. Leech discusses methods the NFL uses to improve the game of football at the professional level and how the league coordinates with those in NCAA ranks to improve the game for all involved. He explains how the use of data, technology, and input from teams helps to design rules that make the game safer for players and more entertaining for fans.
Dave Brunk, Commissioner of the Peach Belt Conference, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss a leader's role in creating a culture of innovation. Brunk, a long time NCAA Division II commissioner, talks about keeping the conference new, unique, and relevant in the industry. From conference wide eSports, sleep masks for all Student-Athletes, opportunities for veterans, and much more, the Peach Belt conference prioritizes opportunities to improve.
Mónica Lebrón, Deputy AD at Tulane, visits with @TaiMBrown to discuss her transition from an extensive career in development to the number two spot with significant sport oversight. Lebrón, whose work in athletics started freshman year in college, talks about building confidence in her leadership and supervisory abilities as her time as Deputy progresses. She also emphasizes her gratitude for Greg McGarity (Georgia) and Carla Wilson (Virginia) for advice and support on making the move to Tulane.
Gary Pine, Director of Athletics at Azusa Pacific, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of the dwindling number of NCAA D2 football playing institutions on the west coast of the United States. Pine talks about some of the possible reasons why many schools have made the decision to drop football over the past 20 years. He also discusses the challenges such as travel and potential missed playoff opportunities that are presented with only three football playing D2 schools in the general area of the country.
Pennie Parker, Director of Athletics at Rollins College, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of serving on industry committees and boards while executing a full-time job as a leader. Parker serves as the Chair of the NCAA Division II Management Council, the President of the D2 Athletic Director's Association, and a member of the NCAA Legislation Committee. She discusses how she prepares for meetings while simultaneously fulfilling her role as AD and serving the Student-Athletes at Rollins College.
Tommy Gray, Executive Associate AD for External Relations at Stanford, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss Stanford Athletics' Business Strategy Team and its influence within the organization. Gray explains the benefits of implementing a data analysis mindset throughout an athletics department. He also addresses the potential pitfalls of trying to make everything quantitative as opposed to understanding the value of the human element.
Kirsten Ford, Associate Commissioner/SWA for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), visits @TaiMBrown at the 2019 NCAA Convention. The RMAC has seen a school come or go in each of the last five years. Ford discusses her role at the RMAC and what she does when a school is preparing to leave, and/or join the conference. She also discusses what happens behind the scenes at the conference office when changes are on the horizon.
Doug Gillin, AD at Appalachian State, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss how Gillin's time working in marketing and working for legendary Missouri AD Mike Alden helped to mold his decision making process now that he is in the chair. Gillin emphasizes how important it is for leaders to understand the sense of urgency when gathering information to make big decisions. He also gives insight on how the habits he developed throughout his career helped him prepare for his recent football coaching search.
Nan Carney-DeBord, Associate VP & Director of Athletics at Denison College, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss Denison's Development Through Sport initiative. Carney-DeBord defines the program as culture developed through leadership, mentorship, and character education. The initiative emphasizes intentionality with a four pronged focus: 1. Athletic Team Culture 2. Student-Athlete Development 3. Coaching Development 4. Professional Development.
Irma Garcia, Director of Athletics at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of principled leadership. Garcia, a long term fixture at Saint Francis, discusses how she has kept a purpose and guiding principles at the forefront of her leadership. She and her staff select a theme for each year and implement programs which emphasize that theme throughout the department.
Willie Simmons, Head Football Coach at Florida A&M, visits @TaiMBrown as two discuss Simmons' use of an anonymous staff self evaluation process called forced ranking. A tool used in the corporate world, forced ranking allows a staff to evaluate itself and anonymously rank each member on a set of evaluation points. Simmons discusses how he uses this process within his coaching staff and, of course, this anonymous evaluation also includes him as the head coach.
Dr. Brian Wickstrom, Director of Athletics at UIW, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the promise to grow an athletics department using only self-generated revenue. With commitments from the university to keep institutional funding constant and to allow athletics to keep all its self-generated revenue, Wickstrom's programs have been able to flourish without requesting any additional operating funds. This setup has helped Wickstrom increase his operating budgets at each of his stops as an AD.
Joe Karlgaard, Director of Athletics at Rice, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of engaging influential stakeholders. Karlgaard emphasizes the importance of including influential individuals in the process of making major decisions as a leader. He mentions the president as "the" stakeholder based on the inherent nature of influence the position has on a campus. Karlgaard also acknowledges that making decisions in a vacuum may not be the best idea when seeking longevity in leadership.
Lauren Adee, Sr. Associate AD for Executive Affairs at SMU, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of leaving a development position to work in strategic planning. Adee spent most of her career fundraising but recently joined the SMU staff in a new role involving strategic planning, internal controls, and more. She discusses the quantitative evaluation approach she was accustomed to while working in development and gives insight on how she will be evaluated now in a position which is more project oriented.
Craig Fink, Sr. Associate AD for Advancement & Chief Revenue Officer at UNC Greensboro joins @TaiMBrown to discuss some of the creative ways the UNCG Spartans go about fundraising. Fink talks about one of the more creative programs in which current Student-Athletes donate to the Spartan Club. Boasting 100% participation over the last five years, the True Spartan Challenge has created a culture of philanthropy among the current Student-Athletes.
Matt Donovan, Sr. Associate AD for Development at University of Indianapolis, visits with @TaiMBrown to discuss creating a successful culture for development in an athletics department. Donovan, 24 years into his tenure with UIndy, gives insight on what it takes to be successful when working in fundraising. He emphasizes that potential donors should know why they are important to the process. Donovan also speaks to the importance of the entire department asking themselves, "Are we doing the best we can do?"
Marie Tuite, Athletics Director at San Jose State, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss making collaborative decisions. Tuite talks about her process for receiving input from her staff when weighing important options. She emphasizes the importance and benefit of a strong senior team when in the AD chair as there is always an abundance of information to synthesize. The conversation rounds out on the topic of making decisions that may be in contrast to the recommendations of the staff.
Brian Sisson, Athletics Director at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, visits @TaiMBrown on the topic of getting to know conference colleagues. Sisson details his road trip to visit fellow ADs within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He also discusses his vision for fundraising at Saint Mary's as he closes out his first four months in the AD chair.
John Cheney, Executive Associate AD at NIU, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Cheney's stint as the interim Associate VP for Facilities and how that experience ties to his current role in athletics. Cheney also covers creating and implementing NIU Athletics' Facilities Master Plan, specifically as the state of Illinois entered a two year budgetary fiasco.
Wendy Wilson, Associate AD for Compliance & Student-Athlete Welfare at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss educating new coaches, students, and staff about compliance. Working through a 75% turnover within the athletics staff, Wilson details her process of continual education which helps onboard those new to the department. A self-proclaimed compliance nerd, she also talks about her love for learning which helps to keep her in tune with what is going on in the athletics industry.
Bill Kramer, Head Football Coach at Naples High School in Florida, visits @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the high school coaches voice within the NCAA. Coach Kramer, nationally involved with the game of football, the coaching profession, and high school sports in general, gives insight on how high school coaches have to adjust to NCAA legislation. On the topic of recruiting and the early signing date, Kramer offers advice to college coaches as the season ends and the search for talent ramps up.
Kelley Kish, AD at Lake Erie College, revisits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to give an update on day 365 of leading Lake Erie Athletics. As she embarks on the start of year two, Kish discusses how some of her early decisions are currently paying dividends. She also talks about laying the foundation for a strategic plan as she leads the staff through exercises to help identify individual values, as well as those for the department. The conversation ends with advice for those new to the AD chair.
David Harris, Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss career progression. Harris talks about his path from Student-Athlete Services to AD. He recalls solving an organizational problem at Wisconsin which caught the eye of then football coach, Barry Alvarez. He also touches on the importance of finding success in uncomfortable situations, as well as making and managing decisions. A proponent of mentorship, Harris prepares his staff for a career outside of his leadership.
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, recently announced the addition of long-time media executive Rick Alessandri to the talent recruitment/executive search firm. Matt Roberts visited with Alessandri on a number of items related to the media rights and the future of media and college athletics.
Dr. Chelsea Herman, Sr. Associate AD & SWA at Cal State San Bernardino, visits @TaiMBrown at the 2018 Women Leaders in College Sports Convention to discuss the transition from internal relations to running the external side of an athletics department. Herman talks about going from educating coaches about compliance internally to her current role where she recently dealt with a brush fire at a soccer match. She also talks about the creativity necessary when leading the external relations side of athletics.
Ronald Machtley, President at Bryant University, visits @TaiMBrown to give a presidential perspective from the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. Machtley, in his 23rd year as President, tells what his philosophy was before being appointed to the committee and how his thoughts on the NCAA has changed since his appointment. He also serves on the Board of Governors and touches on why the recommendations from the Rice Commission will prove to be beneficial to all of college athletics.
Marcus Woodson, Defensive Backs Coach at Auburn, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss adjusting to new leadership when changing coaching jobs. Woodson, a 14 year coaching veteran, goes into detail about the process of maintaining his leadership values while adapting to the culture of a new program and the leadership style of a new head coach. He notes the importance of personal leadership vs leadership tied to a position and touches on how one can be much more influential than the other, especially in the coaching profession.
Ashley Stone, Director of Development Events & Hospitality at Nebraska, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Stone's transition from Student-Athlete services to the development office. In her previous role, Stone helped to create experiences for Student-Athletes as they navigated life on campus and prepared for life after athletics. In her current role, she helps to create experiences for donors and potential donors who want to contribute to the success of Nebraska's current and former Student-Athletes.
Dr. Jeffrey Docking, President at Adrian College, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss college athletics from the perspective of the Chair of the NCAA DIII President's Council. Docking, 13 years into his presidential tenure, discusses his role as Chair and how his time on the Council has broadened his view of sports on campus. A college athletics "enthusiast," Dr. Docking speaks to its benefit to NCAA DIII schools in terms of enrollment, its benefit to Student-Athletes, and also its benefit to all who are involved.
Natalie Winkelfoos, Associate VP for Athletic Advancement and Director of Athletics at Oberlin College, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss the importance of caring about the work you do, how you do it, why you do it, and who you do it for and with. Using care as its competitive advantage, Oberlin's athletics department is driven by compassion. Winkelfoos, six years into her AD tenure, has found success in fundraising and leadership by leading with the core foundational aspect of caring for those she leads.
Tanya Vogel, Director of Athletics & Recreation at George Washington, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss empathic leadership. With almost a year on the job, Vogel leads her department with a style that takes others into consideration before oneself. She discusses how leading with empathy has proven to be beneficial for all on staff including Student-Athletes, coaches, and administrators. Vogel also talks about values driven leadership, listing determination, commitment, and respect as her core beliefs.
Jessica Poole, Sr. Associate AD for External Relations at Florida Atlantic University, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss her thoughts on effective leadership. Recently hired to the FAU athletics senior team, Poole discusses the aspects of leadership she considers effective. Self-awareness, understanding those you work with and for, and collaborative decision-making are qualities she deems necessary as she embarks in her new role overseeing the communications, marketing, and corporate sponsorship departments.
Alex Ricker-Gilbert, Senior VP & Athletics Director at Jacksonville University, chats with @TaiMBrown about establishing a culture in athletics. Ricker-Gilbert mentions his background in compliance and Student-Athlete services as a crucial element to his success in athletics administration after becoming an AD at the age of 28. He also discusses his collaborative process of establishing core values for the department, noting that the initial challenges faced by his staff helped to lay the groundwork.
Todd Wilkinson, Director of Athletics at Barton College, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss searching for normalcy after Hurricane Florence. Barton, largely undamaged by the storm, closed its doors for eight days as students left campus to find safety. Wilkinson discusses the process of keeping track of Student-Athletes while they were away. He also touches on the process of rescheduling games and ensuring Student-Athlete safety be giving a few days of practice before jumping right back into competition.
Eugene Marshall, AD at Hampton, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss Hampton's move from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to the Big South. Marshall discusses the process of explaining the benefits of the change to the University's constituency. He also talks about the innovative mind of Hampton's president, Dr. William Harvey, who has led all of the major changes at the school since 1978. With Harvey's support, Marshall has taken the Pirates to new heights in academics, as well as athletics.
Kenny Boyd, Sr. Associate AD for Student-Athlete Health & Wellness at Baylor, chats with @TaiMBrown about the collective health & wellness leadership position which is relatively new on campuses nationwide. Overseeing the areas of Athletic Medicine, Athletic Performance, Sports Nutrition, & Mental Health, Boyd goes into detail about evaluating the position and communicating with the AD as a part of the executive staff. The emphasis is to protect Student-Athletes by having an independent medical structure.
Jeff "Mad Dog" Madden, longtime Strength & Conditioning coach, joins @TaiMBrown to give insight on the S&C profession and why education and professional development is an important aspect to the health and well being of Student-Athletes. Madden also talks about his relationship with Mack Brown and DeLoss Dodds while at Texas. He recalls that Dodds' would try to spend time with every person that was hired on his athletics staff, making the point to tell them to never embarrass the university.
Jay Moran, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Southern Connecticut State, visits @TaiMBrown to discuss his dual role as AD and Mayor of the town of Manchester. Moran has served the Manchester community for almost 11 years giving back to a town that poured into him during the loss of a daughter. The tough task of balancing priorities between the two very important leadership positions is on full display throughout the conversation. Moran key point is that he has a passion for life and people.
Dr. Nancy Hixson, CEO of Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation (AFAAC), visits @TaiMBrown to discuss the complex setup of the revenue generation arm of Air Force Academy Athletics. As CEO of AFAAC, Hixson works very closely with Air Force AD, Col. Jenn Block, but runs the business side of athletics as a separate entity. With oversight over all revenue generation aspects, the structure and business relationship between AFAAC and the athletics department proves to be very complex yet very beneficial.
Scott Noble, Director of Athletics at Western New Mexico, and @TaiMBrown discuss Noble's four cornerstones for organizational success. Selflessness, Discipline, Work Ethic, and Kindness guide the actions of the athletics staff and Student-Athletes at Western New Mexico. The conversation goes into each value and how it is defined within the organization. Noble also explains how he implements and evaluates the principles on the individual level and for the department as a whole.
Big move in the ticket sales space as former IMG College SVP & current Taymar Ventures Founder/CEO Dyer links up with Elevate Sports Ventures to create Elevate On Campus. First partner: Kentucky. Dyer, of course, oversaw the build of IMG College Ticket Solutions & later ran the IMG Learfield joint venture unit. Elevate On Campus was formed as "a joint venture created to support ticket sales, strategy and service for intercollegiate athletics and university venues."
Mike Williams, former Director of Athletics at Cal, joins 1Q host, @TaiMBrown, as the two rehash Williams' experience leading the Golden Bears. Fresh off of a four-year stint in the chair, Williams discusses the accomplishments of the department during his tenure. Emphasizing mission driven leadership, he celebrates increasing the Academic Progress Rate, winning multiple team championships, and enhancing the overall Student-Athlete experience for those who were under his charge.
Jason Penry, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at Arkansas State, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the similarities & differences between athletics development and university advancement. During the conversation, Penry offers advice to those who want to work in development emphasizing experience in some form of revenue generation and working closely with the advancement team. He closes the conversation referencing the importance of collaboration between athletics and the university when it comes to fundraising.
Jennifer Williams, Interim AD at Alabama State, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss development at HBCUs. Williams, the 2018 Women Leaders in College Sports FCS Administrator of the Year, discusses the similarities in fundraising at Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Predominantly White Institutions. Explaining two traditional approaches to development, she praises both methods as effective. Williams also discusses how her philosophy on Student-Athlete experience has expanded since assuming the chair.
Noreen Morris, Commissioner of the Northeast Conference, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss the process of creating the NEC Front Row network. Morris, eight years into her tenure, discusses how she made technology a priority in her initial strategic plan. The NEC Front Row as the digital network for the conference has been considered one of the biggest assets of the league. Morris also talks about the newest technological initiatives which include implementing instant replay with better camera angles.
Kevin Anderson and @TaiMBrown get together for part 2 of their leadership conversation. Anderson, former Maryland & Army AD, talks avoiding assumptions when interviewing for leadership positions. He also defines vulnerability in terms of its benefit to leadership with regard to sharing true feelings and receiving advice on overall direction. Anderson rounds out the discussion on the critical importance of staying focused on Student-Athlete well-being amid the many distractions within the college athletics industry.
Kevin Anderson, former AD at Maryland & Army and veteran of the college athletics industry, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss leadership. In the first of a two part conversation, Anderson touches on preparing for leadership and the traits needed to be successful prior to and during any leadership role. He stresses the importance of being authentic and vulnerable. On the topic of developing company culture, Anderson mentions that those who listen and observe are usually more successful.
Callie Dale, Associate Director of Football at Stanford, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss managing personalities among football coaches, providing support to the athletics department, and being the head coach's point person. Dale, a woman in an industry dominated by men, talks about onboarding new assistant coaches while learning their individual communication styles. With regard to her role assisting the head coach, she says it helps with football operations as a whole because of the immediate access.
Josh Gordon of the Sports Conflict Institute joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the process of building a successful organizational culture. Gordon, consultant to multiple athletic departments, corporations, and sports teams talks about the importance of going beyond stating core values, but communicating them in terms of behavior to avoid misinterpretation. He emphasizes being deliberate in developing culture similar to strength training and game planning, stressing the importance of discipline and structure to be successful.
Glenn Caruso, Head Football Coach at University of St. Thomas, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the intricacies of helping a team focus on the upcoming season without being weighed down by the challenges or success of the previous season. Coach Caruso talks about being process oriented vs focusing on results and how that helps his teams recalibrate each year. The conversation rounds out with Caruso's philosophy on F.A.M.I.L.Y. and how it applies to his players passing on the legacy of the programs overall culture but maintaining their individual identity as each team is different.
Woody McCorvey, Associate AD for Football Administration at Clemson, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss McCorvey's 46 years in the game. In his current role, MCorvey works with football operations and athletic administration on a staff with a number of colleagues that he coached during his career on the sidelines. He discusses his concerns for Student-Athletes being recruited as the amount of money involved has grown tremendously. He also mentions some of the player development tools used in the program.
Vince Volpe, Deputy AD & COO at University of Texas at Rio Grand Valley, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Volpe's specific role in creating the department's strategic plan. Emphasizing how valuable the experience was for him and his colleagues, Volpe expresses appreciation for Vaqueros AD King for creating a culture of inclusive leadership. He also touches on core values, measurable outcomes, and even relates his contribution to creating the plan to a transformational experience from early in his career.
Charles Guthrie, Director of Athletics at Wisconsin Green Bay, joins @TaiMBrown as the two discuss Guthrie's first six months in the chair. A former two-year college and Division II AD, Guthrie discusses how his previous experience helps him with his current role. He also talks about his process of calling the campus community stakeholders prior to arriving on campus to establish key relationships early-on. To round out the conversation, Guthrie touches on his methods of engaging Student-Athletes.
Jamie Zaninovich, Deputy Commissioner & COO at the Pac-12, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss leadership from the conference perspective. Zaninovich, former Commissioner of the West Coast Conference, discusses the decision making process when weighing concerns from a multi-layered constituency. Communication plays a strong part in finding the collective interest when dealing with 12 different institutions - each with its own President, AD, FAR, sport Coaches, Compliance office, and of course, the Student-Athletes.
Mark Dantonio, Head Football Coach at Michigan State, visited @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast for a quick interview to discuss team chemistry in terms of a family atmosphere. Dantonio believes a family environment has led to his success as a head coach as he emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with players beyond just their time on the team. Constant evaluation has also proven to be an important tool as he critiques everything from how the team traveled to how they won a football game.
Dr. Chris Kimball, President at Cal Lutheran, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the importance of athletics on campus. Kimball talks about how the connection between academics and athletics is essential at CLU, specifically speaking on the process of educating the whole person academically, physically, and spiritually. Serving on the D3 Management Council, Kimball mentions how this group expands his thoughts on the complexities and importance of operating intercollegiate athletics on campuses around the country.
Markus Jennings, Associate AD for External Affairs at Sacramento State, joins @TaiMBrown on 1.Question during the 2018 NACDA Convention. Jennings talks about his transition from the corporate world to working in development to his current position overseeing external affairs. He discusses his critical follow-up question when on a development visit and how it can help with future cultivation. Jennings also covers his strategy for managing people during his transition to external affairs and sport oversight.
Sherryta Freeman, AD at Lafayette College, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss her evaluation process as she completes her first few months in the chair. Freeman discusses how making connections within the department and on campus allows her to empower those under her leadership to handle tasks more efficiently. She also discusses setting goals and expectations for those on staff, explaining that each person will be evaluated based on the five values which guide the department.
Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, President at Frostburg State, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss FSU's transition from D-III to D-II. Nowaczyk touches on the feasibility study involving facilities, staffing, Student-Athletes, and the university as a whole to gauge the move beforehand. He details engaging the campus constituency to sell the idea and build excitement. Nowaczyk, a well researched and published psychology educator, also discusses his perspective on the psychological importance of athletics to the campus community.
Kelley Hartley Hutton, AD at Purdue Fort Wayne, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss her role in twice rebranding the department. When she started as AD, athletics was branded as IPFW Athletics. Hartley Hutton discusses the process of presenting the rebrand idea to the chancellor, to bringing on Under Armour to outfit the newly branded Fort Wayne Mastadons. In addition to the initial rebrand, the entire school recently rebranded itself as Purdue Fort Wayne. Hartley Hutton also discusses her role in that process.
Portia Hoeg, Executive Director of Athletics at Rhodes College, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the transition into her new role. Hoeg talks about what attracted her to the job, and what she expects to bring to the department. She also discusses the importance of her "listening tour" to know the who, what, when, where, and why of how the institution operates. Empowering Student-Athletes to use their voice is at the core of Hoeg's philosophy and she intends to keep that on the forefront as she moves forward.
Dr. Kristene Kelly, AD at Keene State and soon to be Sr. Associate AD/SWA at Dartmouth joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the aspects of her time in the chair that she will bring to her upcoming appointment. Kelly talks about how her department provided creative solutions to campus-wide budgetary problems. She also discusses how making decisions as an AD has helped to sharpen her problem solving and prioritization skills, identifying "expectation management" as a key asset that she'll bring to Dartmouth.
Sean Frazier, Associate VP & AD at NIU, visits @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast at the 2018 NACDA Convention. Frazier discusses the tumultuous environment in society and its effect on leadership in athletics. He mentions being a constant educator on what's happening, what are the potential outcomes, and what can be done now to prepare for future issues. Emphasizing that there is no substitute for daily preparation, Frazier also talks about athletics continuing to be the on the forefront of social change.
John Shukie, President of Forward Progress Athletic Consulting, visited with @TaiMBrown at the 2018 NACDA Convention. Shukie provides insight into the upcoming NCAA Academic Based Revenue Distribution Initiative. He explains how schools can position themselves to receive the monetary incentive by focusing on the "student" aspect as well as looking at a variety of variables related to APR, GSR, and a host of other academic benchmarks. Shukie also touches on the current conversation surrounding transfers.
Rob Knox, Associate Media Relations Director at Towson, visits with @TaiMBrown at the 2018 NACDA Convention. Knox, incoming CoSIDA President, talks about the significance of being only the 2nd African-American president in the association's history. He also discusses the title of Sports Information Director (SID) and why it no longer accurately describes the role's functionality. With a demeanor showing how much he is honored, Knox expresses his true appreciation for everything the organization represents.
Eileen Daley, Sr. Associate AD for Academic & Student Services/SWA at San Jose State, chats with @TaiMBrown about her background in admissions and how it helps with her current role in athletics. Daley initially left the department and joined campus admissions to gain experience managing a team and to diversify her profile. In her return to athletics, she brought the department and campus closer in terms of ties between recruiting, admissions, academic advising, and Student-Athlete experiences.
Mark Jackson, AD at Villanova, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss leadership through self-discovery. Jackson speaks to the importance for people in leadership positions to find the quiet time to understand who they are. He talks about his own process of discovering his leadership philosophy and how his mentor, Pete Caroll emphasized doing the "lonely work" as a mandatory growth exercise. On the topic of interviewing staff, the first question asked is, "Can you sum up your leadership philosophy in two minutes?"
Tanner Gardner, Sr. Assoc. AD & COO at Rice, visits @TaiMBrown as the two discuss how Gardner's background as a business management consultant in the corporate world helped land his initial position as Chief Revenue Officer; a role which oversaw most aspects of external operations. As COO, Gardner is responsible for a majority of the department's business operations, traditionally a function of the internal side of the house. A role he says brings strong corporate business practices to college athletics.
Dell Robinson, Lead Search Associate for the Athletic Practice at the Spelman Johnson Executive Search Firm, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. Robinson, former commissioner for the GLIAC and conference office veteran, discusses how his background and wealth of relationships has proven to be a benefit to Spelman Johnson's athletics practice. He also breaks down the firm's search process from the initial proposal, all the way through presenting candidates and placement checkups later down the line.
Dr. Renae Myles, Sr. Assoc. AD, COO & SWA at Winthrop, visits with @TaiMBrown to discuss the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) events at the upcoming 2018 NACDA Convention. Myles discusses important aspects of the MOAA Symposium including speakers such as Kevin DeShazo and Arne Duncan. She also goes into detail on how convention attendees can maximize their return on investment with emphasis on follow-up notes to speakers and reporting to supervisors on the takeaways from the conference.
Judy Sackfield, Deputy AD & SWA at Texas A&M Commerce, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. Sackfield, having been interim AD twice, discusses how time in the Chair has helped her in her current role as the Deputy. She specifically speaks on learning to better package information so the AD can make well-informed decisions. Speaking on influence within the department, Sackfield mentions longevity and stability as assets when it comes to providing direction for Student-Athletes and coaches alike.
Lesley Irvine, AD at Pomona & Pitzer Colleges, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss the process of developing a culture. Hired as the first full-time AD in almost 20 years, Irvine's department has won conference & national championships. She talks about core values and working with different areas on campus to ensure a successful synergy in supporting athletics. Irvine also discusses the unique set up as Pomona College & Pitzer College are two different institutions but have one combined athletics department.
Jo Potuto, FAR & Law Professor at Nebraska, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss concerns currently on the minds of FARs around the country. Potuto touches on ramifications of potential transfer rules and maintaining academic integrity in the process. She also touches on the FAR's position in athletics in terms of being informed and active in vetting potential compliance issues as (or before) they arrive. Finally, Potuto expresses frustration that the faculty voice is somewhat muted in the current NCAA structure.
Dr. Kevin Blue, Director of Athletics at UC Davis, joins @TaiMBrown to discuss his methods of staff development and professional learning. Blue, the "Professorial AD," taught classes while earning his MBA & PhD and talks about how important learning is as a professional considering the ongoing changes in athletics. He also identifies his preferred methods of helping his staff prepare to handle tough situations, enhance their leadership roles, and provide the best possible environment for Student-Athletes.
Ron McKeefery, Vice President of Performance and Education for PLAE Perform, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast during the 2018 CSCCa National Conference. McKeefery, former S&C coach in the NFL, MLB, on the collegiate level, and with the Army Special Forces shares how S&C coaches can build impactful relationships and an open line of communication with Athletic Directors. He talks about consistency, efficiency, and outlines the importance of having an organized plan when requesting additional resources from the administration.
Patrick Dunkley, Deputy AD & Sr. University Counsel at Stanford, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss how his legal background prepared him for his current role with Stanford athletics. Categorizing his responsibilities as 60/40 non-legal to legal work, he talks about his methods of keeping the university abreast of everything that goes on in athletics on campus and around the country. Dunkley also addresses his priority management methods as he also the top athletics compliance official.
Jason Grooms, Assistant AD for Football at Vanderbilt, visits with @TaiMBrown to discuss how the admin-level football operations role benefits the athletics department as a whole. He notes the growth from team travel manager, to being the bridge between the AD and the primary revenue generator. With tentacles in the biggest roster, budget, staff, and marketing projects, Grooms notes that the Football Operations Admin has to translate all aspects of the program down to one voice in senior-level athletics decisions.
Kenneth Miles, Asstistant Vice Chancellor & Executive Director for the Cox Communications Center for Student-Athletes at LSU, visits with @TaiMBrown on 1.Question to discuss his unique role reporting to the Vice Provost of Academic Support & Review, as well as a dotted line to the AD. Miles notes that this setup helps everyone focus on recruitment and retention for all students. He also talks about how this structure has helped LSU athletics raise its Graduation Success Rate from 69% to 90% since he and the AD arrived on campus.
Continuing his visit with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast, Dave Hart talks about trust in communications saying that most, if not all, major decisions in athletics should be communicated with the President well before those decisions are actually made. He also talks about his new venture, Athletics Legacy Partners, and its leadership development mission. When discussing his current role as Special Advisor to the Chancellor at ECU, he says it is exactly what he wants to do as he winds down his career.
Dave Hart, long time leader in the college athletics industry and current Special Advisor to the Chancellor at ECU visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. In the first part of the conversation, Hart talks about the leadership challenge of making tough decisions. He mentions the influence of mentors in providing direction when a potential decision could go against the values leaders have established for themselves. Hart goes on to say that values based decisions can be, at times, very unpopular.
Garrett Rowland, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Lee University, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast during the 2018 CSCCa National Conference. Two years ago, Coach Rowland was asked to build Lee University's first strength & conditioning program as the school was completing the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Rowland discusses the process of getting coaches and administrators on board as he implemented the new program. He also touches on the intricacies of organizational structure.
Coach Andrea Hudy, Asst. AD for Sports Performance at Kansas, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast during the 2018 CSCCa National Conference. Coach Hudy was an integral component to multiple national championships at UCONN and most recently, in 2008, with Kansas Men's Basketball. Assessing her current post with KU, Hudy discusses leadership and creating a successful culture in the Athletic Performance role; specifically as it relates to and complements the head coach's style in leading the team.
Scott Wetherbee, VP & Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss his progression from a ticketing intern to Athletics Director. He recalls his exposure to alumni, marketing, development, and much of the external side of athletics as the foundation for his experience leading to the AD chair. Wetherbee also mentions the challenge for those in tickets is to avoid being pigeonholed as just a ticketing person by being active in as much as possible.
Devin Crosby, Director of Athletics at Lynn University, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss his approach to leadership. He discusses his philosophy on the fundamentals of C.A.R.E. (Cultivate, Absorb, Rest, Excellence). Crosby also talks about his process of running meetings using Design Thinking. During those meetings, he puts his title as AD to the side, a process which he says allows free-flowing problem solving and creativity without everyone looking to him for all the answers.
Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports (Women Leaders) joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the changing narrative around women in leadership roles within the industry. As of the recording, 26 women have been hired to positions such as Director of Athletics, Commissioner, etc. in 2018. Phillips talks about the Women Leaders mission of taking a proactive role in advancing women into positions of influence; specifically through its leadership institutes, membership, and national convention.
Harry Stinson, Athletics Director at Lincoln (Pa.) University joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the process of moving a portion of the Lions athletics portfolio to a different conference. A member of the CIAA (NCAA DII), Lincoln University moved the Baseball & Women's Soccer teams to the East Coast Conference (ECC) in early 2018. Stinson touches on his leadership relative to the Student-Athletes and coaches during the transition time before officially joining the ECC.
Kevin Hurley, Sr. Associate AD for Facilities & Construction at Texas A&M, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the process of coordinating multi-million dollar facilities projects. Hurley specifically talks about one of (if not the) biggest renovation projects in college athletics, the $450 million upgrade to the football stadium-Kyle Field. He notes that the biggest challenges those in facilities face are budgetary concerns, scope of the facility, and time to completion.
Mike Hill, AD at UNC-Charlotte, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss executing a basketball search within the first month of accepting the position. Hill, a first-time AD, talks understanding the expectations from the moment he was hired. Empowered by the 49er leadership, he leaned on his experience with Florida Athletics to execute the search in a high-level fashion. The conversation also touched on the challenges of priority management that come with being new to the AD chair.
David Wright, Assistant VP, Development Officer, & AD at Gettysburg College (PA) visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss his unique responsibilities reporting to the Enrollment & Educational Services Division. In this role, Wright has had a hand in bringing the coaches on staff to the table to understand the admissions process beyond just athletics. He also has been very active in fundraising for the school and touches on how that has proven to be beneficial for all parties involved.
Portia Hoeg, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Allegheny College, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss some of the challenges that NCAA Division III institutions face as the cost of higher education continues to rise. Hoeg touches on the struggles of many DIII athletic departments related to recruiting and offering financial aid packages. She even finds herself explaining the value of the college experience to the parents of some recruits because of the high costs of tuition.
1.Question Co-host @TaiMBrown continues his conversation with Eric Hyman, retired college athletics leader. Hyman talks about maintaining values and avoiding situational ethics as a leader in the current high-dollar college athletics environment. On the question of taking time for himself and his family when he was an AD, Hyman admits he wasn't the best at it. He recommends leaders take a step backwards, take time to re-energize yourself, and invest in your family.
Victor Santa Cruz, Head Football Coach at Azusa Pacific University, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Santa Cruz mentions how including the whole athletics department in the decision making process helped create collective buy-in. He also mentions NCAA brand awareness as an immediate benefit while recruiting, as well as new donors coming on board to help increase scholarships and make the transition successful.
Tim Duncan, new Deputy AD for External Affairs at Northeastern University, recently stepped down as Director of Athletics at Clayton State. Prior to doing so, he visited @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss professional development for his staff and Student-Athletes. Duncan, founder of the Emerging ADs conference, speaks to possibly being hired by a former Student-Athlete as the ultimate measure of success in terms of leadership development.
Eric Hyman, former Director of Athletics at VMI, Miami (OH), TCU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. Hyman's career spanned 47 years in intercollegiate athletics including his time as a Student-Athlete, football coach, and athletics administrator. In the first of two parts, he discusses what it takes to be successful and have longevity in the AD chair.
Chris Fuller, Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations at Syracuse University, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the similarities and differences between the corporate sales & marketing industry and athletic development in college athletics. Fuller goes into the interesting intricacies of university fundraising campaigns such as how much money is actually available to use after a successful campaign. This is an excellent peek behind the development curtain.
Paul Winters, Head Football Coach at Wayne State University, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss how his very visible role as football coach is and should be a benefit to the athletics department as a whole. From development, being an ambassador for the university, and providing community service, Coach Winters speaks to the variety of ways he and his program support the university and the wider Detroit community. (Recorded during the 2018 AFCA Convention)
Stevie Baker-Watson, Associate VP & Director of Athletics at DePauw University joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss group dynamics. Baker-Watson has served on dozens of NCAA committees and working groups designed to improve the state of college athletics. In this discussion, she shares her insight on how successful groups can function to produce effective outcomes.
Dr. Pat Ivey, Assistant AD for Athletic Performance at Arkansas State, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the influence held by those in the Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Performance position. Coach Ivey expounds on the variety of evaluation methods that strength coaches face, such as reporting to the football coach, a sport admin, and possibly the director of athletics. He also touches on the process of implementing a sports psychologist into the fold during his time at Missouri.
Albany State's AD, Sherie Cornish Gordon, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the leadership challenges involved with combining two athletics programs from two very different institutions. When Albany State University absorbed Darton State College, Gordon had to outline expectations and a vision for the new Golden Rams athletics department, all while maintaining success on and off the field. Of note - all this took place during her first year on the job.
Brian Streeter, Director of Athletics at Penn State - Behrend, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the benefits of longevity and continuity at one institution. Streeter has been at Penn State - Behrend for 21 years, with coaches on staff that have been there for longer than he has. During his tenure, he has added 16 sports to the portfolio. The conversation touches on avoiding complacency by realizing every year as a new year and being fair to every sport, coach, and student-athlete.
Larry Lyons, Director of Athletics at Illinois State, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss maintaining a strong and stable financial status throughout a tumultuous budgetary period within the state of Illinois. He touches on relationships with faculty and staff on campus and how combining success in athletics and academics has helped to strengthen the financial model used by the Redbirds.
Matt Bassett, Assistant Vice President & Director of Athletics at Le Moyne College, visits with @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast to discuss developing a successful campus-wide program geared toward enhancing the Student-Athlete (SA) experience. The L.E.G.U.P program is a mission and culture driven initiative which includes aspects of self-assessment by every SA in the athletics department. Bassett gives insight on taking the initiative from an idea to implementation.
Kelley Kish, Director of Athletics at Lake Erie College, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast on her 101st day on the job. With that milestone as the backdrop, the conversation centered around her process of learning the new environment, making decisions, fulfilling the strategic plan of the institution, and developing relationships with staff and everyone around her. With a notable excitement about the challenges ahead, Kish gives insight into the mind of a first-time AD.
Jean Boyd, Executive Sr. Associate AD at Arizona State, rounds out his conversation with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast with specifics on how the NFL setup will work for the Sun Devils. Boyd mentions messaging to Student-Athletes, recruiting, and continuity amid changes as major benefits of the new structure. Seamless communication also seems to be a major factor.
Jean Boyd, Executive Sr. Associate AD at Arizona State, joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the NFL-type setup that the Sun Devils have implemented for the football program. In the first of a two part interview, Boyd touches on the new concept which allows the head coach to be free to do the coaching, recruiting, etc., while a leadership structure is put in place to manage many of the other executive level responsibilities.
Andy Carter, Director of Athletics at Minot State University, visits with @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the interesting moment in time which exists after a coach leaves a program and before a new coach is hired. Carter expounds on setting expectations for the Student-Athletes of the respective sport where a new leader is being considered. He emphasizes that this group has a voice but not necessarily a vote.
Hope College sets the standard for attendance in NCAA Division III Men's & Women's Basketball. Co-Athletic Director, Tim Schoonveld joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss the process of engaging fans and consistently leading in fan attendance.
Coach Robin Fralick has been a head coach for a total of three basketball seasons - all at Ashland University. During that span, she has amassed nearly 100 wins and a NCAA DII National Championship. Coach Fralick took a few minutes during this year's undefeated regular season to visit with @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast to talk about fan engagement. With Student-Athlete involvement and support from the athletic administration, The Purple Swarm has proven to be an asset in Ashland's WBB success.
Coach Mel Tjeerdsma, Director of Athletics at NW Missouri State University, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. Coach Tjeerdsma, three time national champion football coach, discusses his transition to Director of Athletics and how he has approached the chair with a fair perspective while maintaining his passion for football.
Sam Atkinson, Associate Athletic Director of Communications at Gallaudet University joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. Atkinson explains the intricacies of telling the athletics story of the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.
Jacqie McWilliams, Commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), joins @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. McWilliams, in her fifth year leading the CIAA, discusses the intricacies of hosting the conference's basketball tournament in a city (Charlotte) which boasts a significant number other sports attractions. She also touches on how her background directing NCAA Basketball tournaments helped prepare her for such an undertaking.
Paul Plinske, Director of Athletics at University of Nebraska at Kearney, joins the 1.Question podcast to discuss UNK's recent announcement that it will drop three sports as part of a campus-wide plan to close a $3.4M budget deficit. Plinske addresses stabilizing the department, facilitating student-athlete transfers, and outreach to donors and alumni. Key takeaways include necessity of an open line of communication and guiding principle of taking care of one's people.
Warde Manuel, Director of Athletics at Michigan, visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss his role in ensuring that all sports feel valued within the athletics department. Acknowledging that the majority of media coverage goes to football and basketball, Manuel dives in to developing an internal culture of celebrating all sports and their respective Student-Athletes.
Keith Hackett, Director of Athletics at Cornell College, visits with @TaiMBrown and the 1.Question Podcast. Hackett talks about leading while facing budget cuts and budgetary restrictions. He specifically discusses the difficulty of cutting sports. A key takeaway that Hackett identifies is that no matter the size of the budget, making responsible, tough financial decisions is one of the key responsibilities of anyone in the chair.
Craig McPhail, VP of Athletics at Lees-McRae College visits with @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast. McPhail discusses how the "Vice President" title has enhanced his leadership on campus. He also touches on preparations for the arrival of a new president in an environment where Student-Athletes represent 40% of the total student enrollment.
In part 2 of the conversation with Dr. China Jude, Sr. Association AD for Admin & SWA at Wyoming, discusses her approach to learning as much as possible in her new position and how her previous experience as a Director of Athletics will help lead to success in this new role.
Dan Schumacher, Director of Athletics at UW-Eau Claire, visits 1.Question Podcast co-host @TaiMBrown at the 2018 NCAA Convention. Schumacher, currently in his third AD job, discusses doing your best due diligence to understand the issues you may face when taking on a new leadership role. He points out that problems are usually deeper than the eye can see.
Dr. China Jude, Senior Associate AD for Administration & SWA at Wyoming, visits the 1.Question Podcast to discuss her career up to this point. In the first of two parts, Dr. Jude discusses her thought process during her very successful tenure as the Director of Athletics at Queens College. Conference championships, core values, and revenue generation highlight the discussion points in this interview.
Tim McMurray, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M Commerce, visits with 1.Question to talk about the Lions NCAA Division II football championship and the athletic department's "Best in Class" initiative which puts heavy emphasis on providing an excellent Student-Athlete experience. McMurray talks about culture, resources, opportunities, and people being the driver for success at TAMU-Commerce.
In the second part of his 1.Question interview, Coach Tim Teykl, Director of High School Relations at University of Houston, discusses the role he plays within the football program, and ultimately, the athletics department as a whole. Coach Teykl also discusses the emphasis on compliance, promoting other sports at Houston, and helping other programs in the state set up similar positions.
In the second part of his 1.Question interview, Coach Shaw addresses what he sees as a major deficiency in the development of young people today. He mentions the responsibility that coaches (and leaders in general) have in teaching humility, and emphasizing the importance of self-evaluation.
@TaiMBrown visits with Julie Soriero, Director of Athletics at MIT, during the 2018 NCAA Convention. Soriero, a former coach and longtime administrator, discusses the aspects of positioning oneself for career advancement. The 2018 NCAA President's Pat Summit Award winner also touches on the topic of women in leadership positions within athletics.
@TaiMBrown visits with David Shaw, Head Football Coach at Stanford University, at the 2018 AFCA Convention. Coach Shaw talks about his philosophy on communicating with recruits, "Start as you mean to go on." Essentially, he saying that coaches should be the adult in recruiting conversations. Shaw also discusses the differences in communicating the same message to today's youth.
1.Q Co-host Tai Brown visits with Tim Teykl, Director of High School Relations at University of Houston, during the 2018 AFCA Convention. The discussion centers around the concern people have about the growing number of staff members within college football programs. In the first of a two-part conversation, the long time coaching veteran contrasts the reasons why the High School Relations position is necessary with a look at how college football programs handled the responsibilities in the past.
Tai Brown visits with Valerie Cleary, Director of Athletics at Portland State University, during the 2018 NCAA convention. Cleary discusses the thought process needed, as a leader, to be able to make tough decisions. She mentions the difficulty ADs face when deciding to eliminate a sport. As we hear from many seasoned executives, core values play a major role in the process.
Tai Brown talks with Dr. Brian Hainline at the 2018 NCAA Convention. Dr. Hainline, Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA, addresses the medical concerns that are currently on the forefront of the minds of all who are involved with Student-Athletes. The biggest issue he identifies is mental health. Hainline discusses best practices provided by the NCAA, including a simple teaching module which touches on the ABCs of mental health, which can be found at www.ncaa.org/ssi
Tai Brown visits with David Cutcliffe, Head Football Coach at Duke University, during the 2018 AFCA Convention. Coach Cutcliffe, known for hiring and developing young coaches, discusses his philosophy on creating a culture for success; specifically with young professionals. He also talks about how the environment created by Kevin White, Duke Athletic Director, has allowed for success in leadership development.
Tai Brown sets up shop at the 2018 NCAA Convention and visits with Rob Carolla, Director of Communications at College Football's 150th Anniversary. Carolla discusses the organization designed to spearhead college football's sesquicentennial celebration. The NCAA and the College Football Playoff are among the parties involved.
Tai Brown caught up with Footballscoop.com owner, Scott Roussel, at the American Football Coaches Association's 2018 national coaches convention. The man behind the scoop discusses his role in gathering "intel" while keeping sources confidential for over 10 years. Roussel specifically addresses how he has been able to create and maintain an environment for trust and credibility. He also touches on the truth about Athletic Directors and their relationship with his website.
Tai Brown talks with Mike London at the 2018 American Football Coaches Association's national convention. London, Head Football Coach at Howard University, discusses the investment the school has made in athletics, and specifically football as it works to establish itself as a player at the D1-FCS level.
Tai Brown visits with Tim Cassidy, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Operations at Arizona State University. With 35 years of experience, Tim has been involved with numerous football coaching transitions. In this conversation, Cassidy talks about the ups and downs of being a constant in a very precarious profession.
Tai Brown catches up with Kyle Vasey, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Planning at University of Alabama. With data analytics playing an ever-increasing role in strategic decisions, Vasey's position enhances the department by offering input in the business side, as well as the competition side of Alabama athletics. This could be a possibly be a position replicated across the industry.
In the second of two parts, Tai Brown continues his conversation with Keri Becker, Athletic Director at Grand Valley State University, about her background as a long time head softball coach and how that helps in her current leadership role. Becker also touches on continuous learning as she strives to keep up the successful momentum.
Tai Brown visits with Keri Becker, Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State University. In the first of a two part conversation, Becker talks about sustaining success as she is a year and a half into leading a program that has won 12 of the last 14 Learfield NACDA Director's Cups. She also speaks on avoiding complacency and staying motivated no matter the outcome of a competition.
Football Bowl Association Executive Director and former Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters checks back in with 1.Q to discuss this year's bowl landscape, developments around student-athletes skipping post-season play, the impact of ESPN Events and more. Waters also offers an interesting perspective on how the saga around the Fiesta Bowl back in the late 2000s impacted bowl leadership.
Tai Brown visits with Mike Sinquefield, Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs at TCU. Sinquefield has made the trek from Equipment Manager, to Director of Football Operations, and now a senior leadership post in athletics administration. He discusses servant leadership and valuing people as traits providing tremendous benefit to the leaders he has served.
Tai Brown visits with Dr. Brandon Martin, Athletic Director at California State University, Northridge. Dr. Martin talks in great depth about how his focus on professional development has helped him in his current leadership role. He also discusses how focusing on career enhancement amongst his staff has helped create a healthy buy-in within his department.
Tai Brown visits with Van Malone, Defensive Coordinator at Southern Methodist University, to discuss the aspects of preparing for the opportunity to interview for a head coaching position. Coach Malone, completing his third year as a DC, talks about his process of educating himself in the nuances of leadership from an assistant coach's perspective, as a coordinator, and possibly in the future, as a head coach.
Tai Brown visits with Dr. Linda Livingstone, President at Baylor University. In the first year of her presidency, Dr. Livingstone emphasizes how intercollegiate athletics can be transformative to an institution's culture. A former Student-Athlete herself, Livingstone addresses the aspects of being on a team that have provided guidance throughout her career.
Tai Brown visits with Dr. Robert B. Sloan, President at Houston Baptist University, to discuss the process of moving the athletics program from NAIA to NCAA Division I, and subsequently, starting a football program. Sloan touches on the variety of benefits of having visibility through athletics.
From Now On President & CEO Sue Thaden checks back in with 1.Q to discuss how her entrepreneurial background allows her to connect with leaders in college athletics. Sue also covers Patrick Lencioni's 'The Ideal Team Player' and how despite all the digital communication platforms available, she still relies upon a healthy dose of face-to-face conversations to effectively communicate with her team.
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Executive Director Johnny Williams discusses the prime-time slot his game has this year on the first day of bowl play, the community-wide effort in Montgomery & the uniqueness of Cramton Bowl. Williams, who has plenty of department-side experience on his resume as the former AD at Troy and as a senior-leader at Alabama, notes the history of the city and the value it brings for student-athletes who engage in pre-game activities. "Overall, at the end of the day, these kids are student-athletes & this is part of their learning experience as college students."
The Pac-12 Hotline's Jon Wilner visited with 1.Q again to discuss his recent football oversight framework recommendations for the Pac-12 as the league continues to battle brand challenges. The timing of the conversation worked out quite well with the Pac-12 releasing its 2018 FB slate yesterday morning, allowing Wilner to provide context on his suggestions, as well as analyze improvements he sees in the '18 slate.
Contributing host Tai Brown stepped into the compliance world to speak with David Batson, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Athletic Compliance at Texas A&M. Batson talks about the way to say no to head coaches and athletic directors without suppressing creativity. When developing a culture of compliance, Batson speaks to education and continuously wanting to help coaches to be successful.
Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, Athletic Director at North Carolina Central University, visits @TaiMBrown on the 1.Question Podcast to discuss her success at hiring assistants as head coaches. She identifies empathy as one of the most important skills she looks for when evaluating current assistants for future leadership positions. Dr. Wicker McCree also touches on the importance of professional development experiences for her and her staff.
DePaul AD Jean Lenti Ponsetto covers a bunch of interesting ground on 1.Q in connection to her personal pre- & in-game agenda, some back story on how the new Wintrust Arena came to be, the benefit of driving more students & alumni to games, and how the new building will change her lens of analyzing success for her Men's & Women's Basketball programs.
In this edition of the 1.Q, co-contributor Tai Brown visits with Long Beach State Athletics Director, Andy Fee. Only six months into the position, Fee talks about which aspect of the interview process was the most challenging to prepare for. He also talks about how his transition from working in facilities and events to development helped him prepare for his current position.
In this edition of the 1.Question Presidential Series, co-contributor Tai Brown visits with Youngstown State University President, Jim Tressel. Coach Tressel speaks on how his time as a national championship winning coach helped him when he assumed the presidency. He also addresses the challenges that coaching didn't prepare him for such as the sheer number of people, departments, students, etc. that fall under his leadership.
Turnkey Search Managing Director Gene DeFilippo touches on how the latest MBB-FBI developments could impact search firms and the search process for new Head Coaches in the near future. DeFilippo points to the "team" of leaders who together execute a search, also wonders if new tools will be introduced to the marketplace to more effectively look through the backgrounds of candidates.
Turnkey Search Managing Director, Gene DeFilippo, reviews how he assembled a team to help conduct an AD search when he sat in the chair, the hyper importance of confidentiality for search firms & all parties involved, the growth of firms talking to agents of HCs, the Nebraska hiring of Bill Moos, interacting with university presidents & chancellors, plus more.
Kansas State Athletic Director John Currie is the first ever 1.Q guest as he joins to review the reasons for fundraising and facility successes in Manhattan.
1.Q co-contributor Tai Brown visited with Jenn Strawley, No. 2 in command at University of Miami, to discuss her involvement in hiring new football coach, Mark Richt. Strawley touches on presenting candidates to the search committee, and helping Coach Richt with the on-boarding process.
Conference USA will move their basketball championships to the new Ford Center at the Star sports facilities owned in part by the Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas. 1.Q co-contributor @TaiMBrown caught up with Commissioner Judy MacLeod to discuss the decision to move the game from a Conference USA campus to a third party facility.
Tai Brown visited with Glenn Wong of ASU Sports Law to discuss the state of law in college sports. A leading expert on the topic, Wong covers a number of items including recent happenings and pending cases that could have a tremendous effect on intercollegiate athletics.
Visiting with the constant flow of high-level executives who attend the 2017 Women Leaders in College Sports national convention, 1.Q co-contributor Tai Brown catches up with Kathy DeBoer, Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Coach DeBoer gives an update on the state of the game on campus, the concerns of those who coach the game (early recruiting), and much more.
The Daily Press' David Teel provides context to the Athletic Director hire of Carla Williams at Virginia. Teel covers comparisons to recent AD selections around the ACC, the challenge of Football and revenue that Williams will soon tackle, how Williams' leadership style may be different compared to former Cavaliers AD Littlepage, and her thoughts on hiring a new #2.
In this teaser 1.Q, Matt Roberts sat down with Neil Mandt, Founder & CEO of MANDT VR. Mandt speaks to how athletic directors and advanced marketing leaders can look to utilize new technology to enhance the fan experience. More to come from this interview!
While visiting the 2017 Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention, contributing host Tai Brown sat down with Conference USA Senior Associate Commissioner/Chief Operating Officer, Keisha Dunlap. Dunlap focuses on her 14 year tenure, and how her longevity has allowed her to rise within Conference USA.
Coach to Cure MD has been the partner cause for the American Football Coaches Association since 2008, most visible via the large patches and other branding worn by coaches around the nation on the fourth weekend of every September. Coach to Cure MD founder Brad Todd joins 1.Q to recount how the alignment came to be, the involvement of some notable current and former FB Head Coaches, and why pushing for advances in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a total campus effort.
Visiting the 2017 Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention, contributing host Tai Brown sat down with Glenn Wong, Executive Director of the Sports Law and Business Program at Arizona State University. Wong discusses the new collaboration with Women Leaders that will provide data on the demographics and career trajectory of NCAA Division I and Division III directors of athletics.
Visiting the 2017 Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention, contributing host Tai Brown sat down with 2017 Women Leaders Division 1-FBS Administrator of the Year, Nona Richardson, current Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Utah. Richardson speaks about her career and how she made the transition from coaching to administration.
Visiting the 2017 Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention, contributing host Tai Brown sat down with 2017 Women Leaders Division 1 Administrator of the Year, Tamica Smith-Jones, current Director of Athletics at the University of California-Riverside. Jones speaks on creating an environment for success through setting expectations and telling the story of Riverside athletics. She also speaks on how she plans to maintain that success in the immediate and long-term future.
In this quick interview from the 2017 NACDA Convention, contributing host Tai Brown visits with Brittney Whiteside, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator at Appalachian State University. Whiteside speaks on the importance of being selective with who you work for and the importance of having personal champions during career progression.
In part two of his interview, New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia dives into strategies of how to deal with negative media members. Notes Moccia, "I never understood why there'd be animosity with anyone in the media. [...] I always thought, 'I'm going to be friendly with these folks,' and if I screw something up, it deserves to be in the newspaper." Moccia also notes which current and former ADs he thinks do the best job working with their local media.
New Mexico State Athletic Director Mario Moccia starts his two-part 1.Q with thoughts on how an athletic director at his/her alma mater has the ability to offer a different perspective to constituent groups than a leader from the outside. Moccia also touches on the 'change agent' nature of being an Athletic Director and how an inherent understanding of where an institution has been can be a major advantage. More from the Aggies' boss tomorrow.
Tai Brown revisits his old stomping grounds to speak with Todd Berry, Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association. In this 1.Q, Coach Berry speaks on the involvement of the FBS head coaches in the NCAA legislative process through input from coaches at the AFCA National Coaches Convention and representation on the NCAA Division I Oversight Committee.
Contributing host Tai Brown visited with Coaches Andrew Althoff and Josh Nelson from Baylor University to discuss science and technology within the Strength and Conditioning/Athletic Performance industry. During the conversation, these two expert practitioners touch on some simple tools that have helped to improve everything from efficiency in communication, to the health and well-being of student-athletes.
We're up to 19 Athletic Director openings nationally - 18 if there's not technically a vacancy at Louisville yet - and some of the chairs may end up being filled by an existing leader from within the organization. That's the path Illinois State Athletic Director Larry Lyons took with the Redbirds and in today's 1.Q, Lyons starts with the biggest challenges for a new AD from within. Additional items covered include the importance of a new AD quickly wrapping their arms around the budgetary situation and what questions should be asked in order to do so.
In today's interview, Tai Brown talks leadership development with Jeff Hathaway, AD at Hofstra, including the mantra that "the role of a leader is to create and maintain and environment that people want to be a part of." Hathaway discusses developing this type of environment with limited resources, and finding happiness when former staffers and student-athletics go on to successful careers in athletics.
NMFishbowl.com's Daniel Libit is back for Part II of his 1.Q and finishes with advice on how New Mexico Athletic Director Eddie Nunez should approach his new role in Albuquerque. Prior to perspective for Nunez, Libit opines on who really profits from his website, if and when he'll conclude his coverage of the Lobos and if there's a national business model he's exploring.
NMFishbowl.com Editor Daniel Libit has raised eyebrows over the past 11 months in his role as "the independent watchdog of UNM Lobos Athletics". Libit joins 1.Q to provide background and context on NMFishbowl.com, where it may be going next, if there's a business to be built using his model, and more.
On the heels of yesterday's blockbuster announcement from Learfield and IMG College, SBJ/SBD's Michael Smith checks in to discuss the details of the partnership, what questions remain, how the industry may be impacted, and what effect the "deal of decade" will have on other companies in a variety of verticals.
San Diego State Athletic Director John David Wicker reviews football's major success over the past few seasons, including a big win over Stanford last Saturday that set an all-time high in gross gate revenue for the Aztecs. Wicker notes the opportunity ahead for his department to capture the complete attention of the marketplace with the exit of the NFL's Chargers, plus how much time he spends on a weekly basis working through football's facility future.
Ed Stewart, Big 12 Senior Associate Commissioner for Football, speaks with 1.Question Host Tai Brown on his role as Senior Associate Commissioner for Football, and the task of bringing back the Big 12 Conference Football Championship Game.
Matt Doyle, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Director of Football Operations and Player Programs at Stanford University, visits with 1.Q contributing host Tai Brown to discuss working for multiple head coaches and athletics directors at one institution. Doyle also addresses the progression of the "Director of Football Operations" position and gives his thoughts on why the position could lead to the Athletic Director chair.
With both the University of California and the University of Virginia looking for a new Athletic Director, 1.Q checks back in with former Boston College/Villanova Athletic Director and current Turnkey Search Managing Director Gene DeFilippo. DeFilippo provides insight on how candidates who may have a profile that's attractive for two concurrent openings should proceed transparently. DeFilippo also notes a search firms role in make sure they're putting candidates forward who will take the job.
Contributing host Tai Brown caught up with Ken Kavanagh, Athletic Director at Florida Gulf Coast University, at the 2017 NACDA Convention. Kavanagh discusses the advice he gives his sons who want to work in sports business and also insight given to those who currently work for him as they consider career progression.
In Part II of Monmouth Athletic Director Marilyn McNeil's 1.Q, the Hawks' boss dives into if athletic directors can be too involved off their own campuses with added leadership roles. McNeil reflects on a number of high-profile opportunities she took on (NCAA, NACWAA, FCS) with the ancillary benefit of raising the profile of the university. However, she knew when it was time to pull back & spend more time back on campus. In closing, McNeil compares and contrasts FCS leadership with those from the 'Power 5.'
Monmouth Athletic Director Marilyn McNeil talks head coach communication and if her style changes with coaches who are having significant competitive success versus others who may not be winning as regularly. McNeil also expounds on the organic and supportive nature of all her head coaches with each other, including day-to-day examples of how Hawks coaches interact and how such a culture can be built.
Sean Frazier, Athletic Director at Northern Illinois University, sits down with 1.Q contributing host Tai Brown at the 2017 NACDA Convention. Frazier discusses his early beginnings as a football coach and how/why he made the transition to administration. Frazier also touches on his time working for Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez.
Scott Corley, Director of Athletics at Belmont University, reflects on his first year at Belmont and how his corporate lending background and overall involvement with the institution helped land him the job.
Contributing 1.Q host Tai Brown visited with Dan Satter, Deputy Director of Athletics at Boston University, during the 2017 NACDA Convention. Satter discusses the transition of working for a multimedia rights holder as an Assistant GM, to working with them as an employee of an athletics department. He also compares working at a hockey powerhouse that doesn't have football with his previous role at an FBS institution.
We hear more from the San Jose Mercury News' Jon Wilner in this episode, specifically regarding his personal shift from the College Hotline to the Pac-12 Hotline, and his thoughts on changes in the media marketplace. Wilner notes the depth of coverage he intends to push for the entire league, what mediums he'll leverage, possible storylines,and why/how the Hotline may be the first effort of its kind.
Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News was scheduled to discuss his new effort, the Pac-12 Hotline, with D1.ticker. Then, news broke that Cal AD Michael Williams would not seek a new contract in Berkeley. So, the conversation shifted to the leadership dynamics surrounding the Golden Bears. Wilner noted the institution's history of taking its time on administrative hires, discussed the continued financial challenges for athletics, and speculated on how the search process may wait until new Chancellor Carol Christ decides how to approach the Bears' fiscal hurdles.
Contributing host Tai Brown visits with Michael Alford, Central Michigan's new AD. Alford discusses the similarities of different areas in revenue generation including sponsorship and development. He also touches on how his time working for "sports heavyweights" led to his current role.
Contributing host Tai Brown visits with Samford University AD Martin Newton about improving on the success of his predecessor, shuffling offices to identify team players, and using his marketing background to tell the Bulldogs' story. Says Newton, "Things that get measured get done!"
Contributing host Tai Brown visits with Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson on his unique professional experiences prior to leading the Sun Devils. The pair also discuss the value of Anderson's NFL background for current football student-athletes in Tempe, hires Anderson made from outside college athletics, why adding sports to his overall portfolio is a priority, and more.
How many sitting ADs can you name who have served as an Interim AD three different times before sitting in the chair permanently? Jacksonville State University's athletic director Greg Seitz fits the bill and joins 1.Q to discuss how his interim experiences helped him realize he could head an entire department. Seitz also notes the numerous senior staffers who have helped lead the Gamecocks for the past 20+ years, and how they cumulatively provide a deep knowledge base of "internal memory" to help navigate the current state of the industry.
In this 1.Q, University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Heather Lyke covers the importance of young administrators being intentional about who they work for, what can be learned in the process, and how the decision can impact career trajectory. Lyke reflects back to her time at Michigan when current Denver Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes was a senior leader for the Wolverines and a champion of Lyke's push to get into college athletics.
TCU AD Chris Del Conte chats with 1.Q contributing host Tai Brown on fitting the mold of an executive, dressing for the job you want, but at the same time being true to yourself. Del Conte admits there was a point in his career he tried to operate according to a stereotype & as a byproduct negatively impacted his performance. Further, Del Conte notes a number of peers he's learned from - like Northwestern's Phillips to Alabama's Byrne & others - and how he translates their strengths to his style. Bottom line: Del Conte says ADs have so many responsibilities, feeling comfortable in their own skin is paramount.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, Learfield Licensing Partners Vice President of Omnichannel Commerce Chad Phillips shares the trends he will be looking for during the upcoming NCAA football season, and reveals the key to online/digital merchandise and apparel sales. He also touches on the growing presence of Fanatics and Amazon, traditional retailers' efforts to keep pace, and macro trends to watch (see: athleisure).
Chad Phillips, Vice President of Omnichannel Commerce at Learfield Licensing Partners, talks with D1.ticker about Nike and the NBA's decision to create four uniform "editions" per team, and considers whether or not the trend will filter down to college hoops. Phillips also offers perspective on NBA jersey sales versus metrics for the collegiate space, how throwback jerseys are currently a big buy for male college students, and potential upcoming plans of Under Armour and Adidas.
Continuing the conversation with @SportsTVRatings creator Robert Seidman, today's topics include predictions of which pro sports properties ESPN will ante up for next rights cycle, the increased year-round presence of the NBA, the potential of ESPNU transitioning to the ACC Network linear play, and more.
Enjoy a good long listen today with @SportsTVRatings creator Robert Seidman, who has a long history of tracking trends in the sports and greater TV marketplace. Seidman shares his thoughts on the specific metric college athletics administrators should be focused on as it relates to the ever-evolving story of ESPN, key TV advertising insights, and the current value of live sports.
New USC Upstate AD Julio Freire offers insight on how he builds relationships with his head coaches during the early days of a tenure, a process that includes being present at as many practices and games as possible. Freire also shares his thoughts on whether there's such a thing as over-communication between an AD/sport administrator and a head coach, and the importance of making sure head coaches are on the same page.
Contributing 1.Q host Tai Brown connected with North Texas AD Wren Baker at NACDA 2017 and spoke with him about his philosophy on the future of fundraising. Baker is bullish on aspiring administrators who have experience managing an annual fund, and an understanding of how to utilize a database to target fundraising strategies to different donor segments. Said Baker, "In my mind, a time will come when your annual fund guy may be the highest-paid guy on your staff."
Contributing 1.Q host Tai Brown starts his conversation with Northern Iowa AD David Harris with an interesting question: "How much did you stick to your original first 90-day plan once you actually began as a new AD?" Listen as Harris shares his thoughts on the need for flexibility, meeting as many key donors as possible, and doing a lot of listening. Harris also shares his "non-negotiables", which he suggests new ADs execute quickly when beginning a new tenure. Key advice includes focusing on faces: "The one thing you can't delay is the people part, the relationships."
In today's episode, we head to Eastern Michigan, where AD Scott Wetherbee shares insights on how the search in Ypsilanti wrapped up - he was in church when he received the news. Wetherbee also touches on how he'll keep in touch with the Eagles senior team during his transition period, what his initial to-do list looks like, and what he learned from Mississippi State AD John Cohen on how to effectively navigate the early days of being an AD. He also shares his go-to list of peers around the nation whom he counts on for advice.
In this episode, Contributing 1.Question Host Tai Brown chats with Delaware AD Chrissi Rawak, who shares her thoughts on the value of experiential learning, and looking outside the industry for examples of how execute in a more effective manner. Rawak also talks about re-reading 'Playing to Win', co-authored by former Proctor & Gamble CEO AJ Lafley, as she enters her second year with the Blue Hens.
Contributing 1.Question Host @TaiMBrown caught up with St. John's University Athletics Director Anton Goff at the 2017 NACDA Convention. The two discuss Goff's rise from working in Student-Athlete Development to sitting in the AD chair. Goff touches on his process of connecting with the development office to tell the Student-Athlete experience story to donors. That move along with others helped lead him to where he is now.
One more time with the Daily Press' David Teel, this segment on how he structures his own content schedule in & out of competition seasons, as well as how well articles on the business of college athletics get engaged with versus game-related efforts. Teel also provides perspective on layoffs around the industry that again recently included some major names.
David Teel of the Daily Press is back on 1.Question, this time to discuss improvements the ACC has implemented on the MBB officiating front. Of note, the league started issuing separate grades to referees for the final four minutes of each game, which is somewhat akin to the NBA's approach & analysis of the last two minutes of close contests. More from Teel tomorrow, including how he builds his own content schedule & some reaction to the current state of online & traditional medias.
Lots of TV news above & now you can add this conversation to the list. Last week, sports TV scheduling expert, Matt Sarzyniak, penned on the potential future of 'Group of 5' TV rights. I caught up with Sarzniak to discuss what trends he's seeing in the marketplace, which networks may need the freight, dynamics around midweek games & lots more. Oh, you'll want to hear his prediction to the final question of the conversation: "In what exact year will 'Power 5' streaming rights revenues surpass those of traditional TV rights revenues?"
New 1.Q contributing host Tai Brown caught up with Baylor Director of Athletic Development Nick Florence during last week's NACDA Convention in Orlando. Florence, who had a sterling career on the FB field for the Bears, covers his transition to athletic administration, including challenges along the way, who he's learning from, how he's constantly crafting his skills, and how to mentor former student-athletes who transition to the administrative side of the business. Key quote from Florence: "Production matters."
The Albuquerque Journal's Geoff Grammer joins to discuss the AD search at New Mexico. Grammar provides context on how engaged & interested the Lobos fanbase is in the process, what skill set is necessary & ideal right now for UNM, if local ties will play a big role & if there's anything that would be surprising on where the search ends up.
SBD/SBJ's Michael Smith continues a conversation from the end of last week with perspective on what he'll be keeping an eye on over the next six months. "I'm really fascinated with the expense side of it. For years and years we've written about the revenue generation side and the way it has grown through media rights deals & other ways. But, there's so much money in the system." Smith also touches on the facilities arms race and how some ADs are expressing concern over how much money is being spent these days, plus a bit more.
SportsBusiness Daily/Journal's Michael Smith joins to analyze this week's huge news: Learfield acquiring Spectra & shifting back to the Paciolan brand. Smith runs through the synergies & where Learfield's existing partnership portfolio could help win more ticket business for Paciolan. Smith also touches on the competing paths for Learfield & IMG College over the last handful of years. More from Smith on Monday.
The San Jose Mercury News' Jon Wilner has been doing some heavy lifting on the financial situation at Cal over the past couple of days & provides more context in this 1.Q. Of note, Wilner details how the university's faculty views the challenges for athletics, how the state budget belt-tightening is impacting the overall institution & the athletic department, and a potential timeline of developments moving forward.
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Executive Director Carol Bruggeman joins 1.Q & provides perspective on the state of college softball with the WCWS Final underway. Bruggeman notes how TV ratings continue to grow, along with the trending levels of participation. Bruggeman also details thoughts on parity around the DI landscape as all 16 Regional hosts advanced to Super Regional play this year, developments on the topic of coaching contracts & the pressure to win, plus more.
D1Baseball's Aaron Fitt continues analyzing this year's NCAA Baseball Tournament selections, starting with why some non-'Power 5' came up short & why the last four in were all 'P5' programs. Fitt considers what could be done with annual scheduling to better balance the importance of the RPI, plus he explores the Clemson-Virginia debate for the last national seed. Finally, will we ever see a Baseball NIT?
D1Baseball's Aaron Fitt dives in on the NCAA Baseball Tournament selection process, including what he believes the committee got right & what it missed. Out-of-conference strength of schedule is debated, as is the difficulty of northern-based teams playing solid mid-week & early-season games. Fitt also defends why D1Baseball picked Gonzaga over Texas A&M as one of the last teams in its mock bracket, as well as how committee chairs should think about addressing the media.
New Football Bowl Association chairman Kevin McDonald shares his perspective on whether or not Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey's NFL Draft outcomes might influence future football student-athletes. He discusses the FBA's views on the issue, and talks media narratives, the student-athlete experience, and the FBA's strategic plan.
Notable venture capitalist Peter Thiel's go-to interview question is, "Tell me something that's true, that almost nobody agrees with you on." In this 1.Q, Northern Colorado AD Darren Dunn says it's not one, two or three exact questions that he's interested in, but the overall body of responses from a candidate. Dunn also notes the list of 100+ questions Baylor AD Mack Rhoades created from which to pick & choose depending on the role being hired & further, on the importance of trusting your gut.
Northern Colorado AD Darren Dunn reflects on being mentored by former Missouri AD Mike Alden & how what he learned from Alden's approach helped prepare him for the next step. Dunn also runs through a number of other leaders he's worked with, including Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLead at Tulsa, San Diego AD Bill McGillis at New Mexico, and current Baylor AD Mack Rhoades at Houston. Dunn notes the approach to leadership he's taken from each and goes into detail on Rhoades' system of hiring for fit, "The Way of the Shepherd," and digging deeper to identify the best candidate.
More on the Home Team Sports/FOX College Sports Properties' acquisition of Impression Sports & Entertainment, which comes on the heels of the pair working together on the LA Coliseum-United naming rights deal. Kyle Sherman, President of HTS/FOX, provides perspective on why Impression fits his existing portfolio, how the two plan to provide premium value to the marketplace & the model of "connecting brands with fans." Impression President Foy: "We think there's a major opportunity for more naming rights deal in college sports." Points to both new deals & expiring contracts for some facility names.
Missouri State AD Kyle Moats continues with leadership insights, this time on how he aids his staffers once they have their own team to oversee within the department. Moats is also one of the only, if not the only, athletic administrators around the nation who has worked at both Louisville & Kentucky. For the second half of this pod, Kyle relates the lessons he learned during his tenures under Louisville AD Tom Jurich & former Kentucky boss CM Newton.
Missouri State AD Kyle Moats provides perspective on how he identifies, mentors & encourages young administrators who excel within his department. Moats also compares the experience for entry-level professionals in a mid-major department versus starting in a 'Power 5' conference. More from Moats to come tomorrow.
Belmont AD Scott Corley continues his 1.Q with a review on how he & former Bruins AD Mike Strickland coordinated three weeks of information sharing in the office before Strickland officially retired last summer. Corley also provides perspective on which of his duties have taken the longest to wrap his head around & the importance of the leadership consistency of longtime MBB HC Rick Byrd.
Providence AD Bob Driscoll continues on the value of his mentoring relationship with former NBA HC Rolland Todd, as well as another with former Big East Commissioner Tranghese. Notable: "If you surround yourself with all these great people & collectively you share the success...If you make it not about you, you can create something very, very special. That takes a different kind of view in separating your ego from having to be the guy that gets all the praise."
Providence AD Bob Driscoll has led the Friars for the past 15-plus years. Given the average tenure of an AD these days is around a third of that length, I asked Driscoll how he stays fresh on the leadership front. You'll enjoy his explanation of "a conversation of possibilities" via his life coach, Rolland Todd, as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with people from whom you can always learn something, "success leaves clues." This, understanding risk, honesty with HC hires that aren't working out & more.
Washington State AD Bill Moos continued in Part II of his 1.Q. Topics: The increase of premium seating areas in new construction & his message to all types of Cougar fans, the operation of regional fundraising offices, as well as a discussion around the success ratio of fundraisers who have spent time in a regional office & Moos' advice to those generating dollars in cities away from their home campus.
Belmont Director of Athletics Scott Corley shares how the time he spent in the banking industry is benefiting him today, almost one year into the job at Belmont. Corley also discusses his outreach plan for gaining more athletic support during the early stages of his tenure. More to come tomorrow, including the challenges of coming from a different industry into college athletics.
Washington State AD Bill Moos has successfully raised money in college athletics for nearly 30 years. In Part I of this 1.Q, Moos provides perspective on how driving donations has changed over the years. Sub-topics within the conversation include college athletics' facilities arms race, the impact of premium seating additions, and Moos' recollections of the first major gift he secured.
Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear digs in on how aspiring administrators should approach the challenge of adding sport oversight to their list of responsibilities. Spear also talks through which programs may be best for first-time facilitators, plus more.
In today's 1.Q, University of Idaho AD Rob Spear shares insights on how he manages the Vandals football program in Moscow.
Part II of Western Kentucky AD Todd Stewart's 1.Q focuses on how he interacts with current Head Coaches when there are opportunities on the table.
Western Kentucky Athletic Director Todd Stewart debuts on 1.Q with perspective on how to handle feedback with head coaches involved in a search, plus more.
Oregon State Deputy AD for External Operations Zack Lassiter continues in part two of his 1.Q by discussing the path to the AD chair and increasing diversity in leadership roles.
In today's 1.Q, Oregon State Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations Zack Lassiter details his recent visit to the NACMA Veterans Summit.
In today's 1.Q, the Wichita Eagle's Paul Suellentrop provides perspective on Wichita State's move to the AAC including the impact on WSU athletics and the community.
More from Southeast Missouri State Athletic Director Brady Barke on the interpersonal approach he took when transitioning from Chief of Staff for the President to Interim, and then full-time, AD with the Redhawks.
In today's 1.Q, Southeast Missouri State AD Brady Barke reflects on his career path and the importance of the relationship between the Athletic Director and the Chancellor at a university.
In Part II of his 1.Q, Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione shares perspective on how his job has changed given budget increases in college athletics over the years.
In this 1.Q, Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione reflects on his five-year run as a member of the NCAA Selection Committee. The conversation includes context on how he felt once his tenure was complete, the group approach to preparing for the CBS interview once the bracket was released, the challenge of other responsibilities leading the grou, and more.
More from Little Rock AD Chasse Conque on structuring staff meetings and hitting all angles of pressing topics.
In today's 1.Q, Little Rock AD Chasse Conque details his path to the Trojans AD role and shares his communication strategy to build trust with department staff.
More from Cal State Bakersfield AD Ziggy Siegfried on preparing for the Roadrunners AD role and landing the job.
In today's 1.Q Cal State Bakersfield AD Ziggy Siegfried discusses his interesting experience being an internal candidate during the Roadrunners AD search before landing the job.
Clemson Athletic Director Dan Radakovich shares his view on if an AD hiring a new Head Coach should reach-out directly to the AD of the Head Coach candidate for notification of interest and professional courtesy.
More with Denver Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes on the advantages of having previous head coach experience and being an AD.
Denver Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes joins 1.Q to discuss key Denver head coach hires and translating high-level success to growing sports.
UAB Athletic Director Mark Ingram continues in today's 1.Q with who he leaned on for advice heading into his first AD post with the Blazers Football rebuild and why he and others in Birmingham have the unique experience to navigate the overall situation.
In today's 1.Q, Blazers Athletic Director Mark Ingram talks through how he balances fundraising for the re-launch of UAB football and his normal AD responsibilities.
Arizona Associate AD for Communications Services Jeremy Sharpe continues on insights around the recent hire of outgoing Central Michigan AD, David Heeke. Listen is as he talks through the planning of Heeke's introductory press conference and tight meeting schedule during his time in Tucson.
In today's 1.Q, Associate AD Jeremy Sharpe runs through the structure of how to prepare for the announcement of hiring a new Athletic Director.
Davidson Athletic Director, Jim Murphy, dives in on how he and his staff constructively assist with professional development for his head & assistant coaches. The approach includes helping to connect Wildcats coaches with peers around the nation in their respective sports, as well as inviting outside speakers to address the department.
For today's 1.Q, we are reprising the first-ever 1.Q interview, which features newly named Tennessee Director of Athletics John Currie. Listen in as Currie talks about his approach to fundraising at K-State.
Part II with NACDA Executive Director Bob Vecchione focuses on NACDA's expertise in the event space and his perspective on partnerships vs. competition.
NACDA Executive Director, Bob Vecchione, chats today on 1.Q about the new Athletic Director-only Spring Symposium.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, UMBC AD Tim Hall covers the growth of the Retrievers Lacrosse program and brand in their diverse market.
In today's 1.Q, UMBC Athletic Director Tim Hall analyzes the alignment he & President Hrabowski share on the approach to leadership, how they stay in constant communication given their combined travel schedules, plus more.
In today's 1.Q, Tailgate Guys President and CEO, Parker Duffey shares the founding story of Tailgate Guys, the growth of the company since then, and the recent acquisition of Gameday Tents.
CEO Patti Phillips shares details on the switch from NACWAA to Women Leaders in College Sports in today's 1.Q.
Part II with The Citadel Athletic Director Jim Senter centers on the hiring of Head Coaches who fit the unique dynamics of an institution.
Citadel Athletic Director Jim Senter provides feedback on the challenges and opportunities associated with fundraising at a public institution vs. a private institution in today's 1.Q.
Today, South Alabama AD Joel Erdmann switches diamond sports to talk Jaguars Softball. Erdmann discusses their high-level of success, culture, the Women's College World Series, plus more.
In today's 1.Q, South Alabama AD Joel Erdmann discusses jaguars baseball and provides perspective on the quality of product the fans and student-athletes experience.
Part II with Georgia AD Greg McGarity covers the importance of ADs being at games to take-in team dynamics, being head-on with coaches to address issues, and managing donors' expectations.
In today's 1.Q, University of Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity shares details on how he connects with Georgia head coaches and stresses the importance of constant communication to remove road blocks.
With the season only a week away, Campbell AD Bob Roller talks Camels' baseball including the skill of identifying and hiring head coaches at the mid-major level.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, Turnkey Search Managing Director Gene DeFilippo discusses the recent hires of Greg Byrne at Alabamaand Scott Stricklin at Florida. He also emphasizes the need for ADs to master telling their brand's story and discusses the quick growth of Turnkey Search.
Turnkey Search Managing Director Gene DeFilippo begins this 1.Q by reflecting on the recent hire of Greg Byrne as the new AD at Alabama. Further, DeFilippo notes the challenge of keeping an AD search as quiet and confidential as possible and to what extent he checks on what's going on in the media during a search process.
In today's 1.Q, Portland Business Journal's Matthew Kish reviews the $6M deal between Rutgers and Adidas including his prospective on the largest apparel deals in the industry including Nike & Under Armour.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, Miami (OH) AD Sayler discusses Redhawks football, a major facility project on the horizon, and his strategic approach to meet the $80M goal for the "Graduating Champions" campaign.
In today's 1.Q, Miami University AD David Sayler discusses his $80M fundraising campaign for the Redhawks and dives into the benefits and challenges of taking on an athletics-only campaign.
Part II with Villanova Athletic Director Mark Jackson covers his time as Senior Associate AD & Chief Innovation Officer at USC, the changing media landscape, and shares his perspective on the coming renovation to VU's Pavilion, plus more.
Today's 1.Q starts with Villanova AD Mark Jackson. Topics covered include the residual effects of last year's championship win on the Villanova brand including recruitment; and how he structures his staff's annual retreat.
More from the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Mark Anderson on the AD search at UNLV. Topics covered include President Jessup's preference to have head coaches be the front for fundraising, the financial and influential impact of the Feritta family, and the importance of the incoming football operations complex.
Today's 1.Q features Las Vegas Review-Journal's Mark Anderson. Listen in as he discusses the UNLV Athletic Director Search and the skill set the new AD should possess. Anderson also touches on how the Oakland Raiders move might play a role in the process.
In today's 1.Q, The Daily Advertiser's Tim Buckley updates us on the University of Louisiana AD search including former Missouri AD Mike Alden's high-level involvement in the process.
Towson AD Tim Leonard continues the conversation in part two of his 1.Q interview discussing maintaining momentum in the marketplace while competing with other sports brands.
In today's 1.Q, Towson AD Tim Leonard dives in on his approach to sport oversight; specifically discussing the nuances of managing relationships with head coaches.
In today's 1.Q, Louisiana Tech AD Tommy McClelland sheds light on how he handled the search for the Bulldogs new Head Baseball Coach. McClleland also reflects on the first-time he became an AD at the young age of 25.
Greg Hansen of the Arizona Daily Star joins 1.Q to discuss the departure of Arizona's AD Greg Byrne as he leaves to take the AD post at the University of Alabama and what's next for Arizona.
The conversation continues with Learfield COO Marc Jenkins in Part 2 of his 1.Q interview. Listen in as he dives deep into the recent Mogo Interactive acquisition and discusses how Mogo Interactive, SIDEARM, & KLEARintel can play off each other, his expected property adoption rate, plus more.
Learfield Sports COO, Marc Jenkins, joins 1.Q to discuss Learfield's latest addition, Mogo Interactive, and provides context on how Learfield views acquisitions as a whole and details the Mogo deal.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, Ole Miss Athletic Director, Ross Bjork recounts making his first AD decision on a key matter and continues the conversation of fundraising and student-athlete welfare.
Ole Miss Athletic Director Ross Bjork starts today's 1.Q with the story of the first time he asked for $1,000,000, which included the involvement of current New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia and current Kansas State Deputy AD Laird Vetch, back when the trio was together at Missouri. Listen in for the full story and discussion on high-level fundraising.
In today's 1.Q, the Daily Press' David Teel updates us on the William & Mary Athletic AD search and shares his perspective on the search timeline, the impact of James Madison's recent FCS National Championship could have, department staffing, plus more.
In part II of his 1.Q interview, Colorado Athletic Director, Rick George, touches on several interesting topics including escalating pay for college football coaches, the Illinois AD search, business initiatives for college vs. pro sports, plus more.
University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George chats in today's 1.Q on the timing and impact of Football's success in relation to his "Drive for $105M" fundraising campaign. George notes the longterm effect Colorado's 10-4 football season had in "building the base," along with planning and strategy topics for the Buffaloes.
Furman Athletic Director Mike Buddie continues his conversation with the closing of Furman's recent Football Head Coach search and includes some general analysis on other FCS hires, plus more.
In today's 1.Q, Furman Athletic Director Mike Buddie dives into the background details of his recently completed Football Head Coach search that saw Air Force Assistant Clay Hendrix take the reigns of the Paladins.
Northern Illinois AD Sean Frazier goes in on the need for a serious look at a 'Group of 5' National Championship. Frazier's position stems from financial challenges for G5 institutions & the potential for TV & corporate sponsorship revenue to buoy bottom lines. Additional points of discussion center around brand exposure, fan base engagement, the reality of a 'Power 6' push, if 'Power 5' institutions would be in favor of such a move, timing from a TV programming standpoint, scheduling considerations & more.
Part II of Virginia Commonwealth AD Ed McLaughlin's 1.Q covers revenue growth opportunities, self-reviews, and how to effectively connect with student-athletes prior to them leaving an institution.
Virginia Commonwealth AD, Ed McLaughlin, details the dynamics around his Men's Basketball scheduling philosophies including the selection process of annual exempt events, building in return games for head coaches who have been "hired away", plus the possibility of a saturation point for too many exempt events.
The News & Observer's Luke DeCock joins 1.Q again and provides a deeper insight into the HB2 Bill scenario in North Carolina. DeCock discusses yesterday's repeal by the City of Charlotte and the potential effects on the NCAA & ACC.
Part II with Eastern Illinois AD, Tom Michael, covers a number of Men's Basketball angles including; the aspects of coaching strategy he monitors during the action, the usefulness of technical fouls assessed to head coaches, how he balances his own high-level playing career when interacting with Panthers' coach, Jay Spoonhour, plus more.
In today's 1.Q, Eastern Illinois AD Tom Michael discusses navigating funding challenges and MBB scheduling dynamics including balancing the number of home vs. away games.
In Part II of his 1.Q interview, Southern Illinois AD Tommy Bell analyzes the Missouri Valley's MBB & FB landscapes, the Salukis facility portfolio, and discusses his plan to restore glory to the Salukis athletic department.
In today's 1.Q, Southern Illinois AD Tommy Bell discusses the overall climate of collaboration between the Head Coaches in the Salukis Athletic Department.
FootballScoop.com's Zack Barnett joins 1.Q to talk mainstream media reporting, trends in the marketplace, salary gaps between assistant coaches at Power 5 schools vs. head coaches at smaller schools, and more.
In today's 1.Q, Western Illinois AD Matt Tanney covers the balance of decision-making, the structure of head coach reviews, and the importance of student-athlete feedback.
In today's 1.Q, Northern Iowa AD David Harris shares his perspective on student-athlete welfare, student-athlete time demands at UNI compared to Power 5 schools, and what it's like coming into to a school with a departing President.
In today's 1.Q, Army West Point AD Boo Corrigan provides a look inside the West Point athletic department including his day to day roles and responsibilities. Corrigan also shares his thoughts on creating points of differentiation in terms of recruitment for both prospective student-athletes and staff members.
In part two of his 1.Q interview, Arkansas State AD Terry Mohajir comments on Michael Smith's SportsBusiness Journal article regarding the realignment scenario between Conference USA and the Sun Belt Conference and why he thinks it should become regional.
In this 1.Q, Red Wolves Athletic Director, Terry Mohajir, discusses how he & his team handled communication with fans after high pre-season expectations, the learning points for strategy next year, as well as how ASU is optimizing revenue given its run of success.
Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle continues on 1.Q with thoughts on the critical topic of how college athletics can better position its story and the stories of student-athletes who represent institutions on and off the field.
Alamaba AD and Collegiate Licensing Company Founder Bill Battle takes us down memory lane and tells the story of how CLC was built and also reviews business verticals in college athletics today.
In today's 1.Q, Loyola University Chicago AD Watson discusses the Ramblers growing MBB program, peer benchmarking, communication between outgoing and incoming ADs, plus more.
Brad Wolverton continues on scoops, sources & communication advice for athletic administrators. Today's segment starts with his personal disposition when one of his stories breaks, then later ends with thoughts on why leaders in our industry should be more open about sharing information with the media & telling their story.
In today's 1.Q, The Chronicle of Higher Education's Brad Wolverton discusses what motivates someone to become an unnamed source, unique facets of relationships between sources & journalists, as well as the natural tension & unease of the first conversation between the pair.
Georgia State AD Charlie Cobb will soon hire a new football head coach and in his 1.Qheprovides some good perspective on what processes he undertook before taking over the Panthers athletic department back in the Fall of 2014.
Today we revisit a 1.Q interview with University of Hawaii AD David Matlin. In his 1.Q, David covers multiple topics including managing student-athlete homesickness, geographical challenges, high profile status, and the characteristics of Hawaii's head coaches exhibit.
In Part II of 1.Q with From Now On Presiedent & CEO, Sue Thaden touches on the future of the fan experience on mobile, why Uber is so sticky, Snapchat's surge, and how she expanded her company's brand in college athletics & more.
In the first of two 1.Q segments, From Now On President & CEO Sue Thaden discusses her experience building businesses prior to launching From Now On's division in college athletics, what tipped her off to the industry, and where she sees opportunity.
In today's 1.Q, Florida State Athletic Director Stan Wilcox shares his perspective on how an AD can effectively interface with a new university chancellor or president.
Today's 1.Q features USA Today's Dan Wolken. Listen in as he discusses compensation for Head Coaches including his thoughts on the marketplace, and commentary on ESPN's report that Oregon would pay $10M annually for a new Head Coach.
Part II of the 1.Q with Hyundai Sun Bowl Executive Director & Football Bowl Association Chair, Bernie Olivas includes his thoughts on which schools will be in the mix for the Sun Bowl, as well as the steps the FBA has taken to increase the spotlight on all bowl games.
Hyundai Sun Bowl Executive Director & Football Bowl Association Chair, Bernie Olivas joins 1.Q to discuss the overall Football Bowl Association landscape, the nuances in his new role as Chair, and the ideal attributes of schools participating in the Sun Bowl.
AD Roberts continues the conversation in Part two of his 1.Q with how he leveraged his resources to land the College of Charleston AD role. He also gives interview process advice to other aspiring college ADs.
New College of Charleston Athletic Director Matt Roberts joins 1.Q today. In part one of his D1.Ticker interview, Roberts discusses playing double duty as he finishes out the year with SMU while also planning for his new role in Charleston. He also covers his game plan for the new year and what he plans to focus on as AD.
With the start of the college basketball season just days away, we revisit last's years 1.Q with UNC Asheville Athletic Director, Janet Cone. In her interview, Cone reviews the camaraderie of the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Committee, modern technology in college sports, plus more.
Today's 1.Q features NJIT AD Lenny Kaplan. Listen in as he discusses the importance of the Highlander's incoming Wellness Center plus the challenges the school faces moving from Division II to Division I.
In part two of their 1.Q interview, Atlantic 10 Commissioner, Bernadette McGlade, & Associate Commissioner, Mike Vest continue the conversation on the recent A-10 deal with Facebook Live. Topics include infrastructure impact, benchmarking, viewership, and more.
Today's 1.Q is with A-10 Commissioner, Bernadette McGlade, & Associate Commissioner, Mike Vest. Listen in as they discuss their new Facebook Live deal including the marketplace comparisons, scheduling dynamics, infrastructure challenges, corporate dollars & more.
Part two of 1.Q with Butler Athletic Director Barry Collier starts with more discussion on basketball officiating. Collier also provides context on the facilities arms race for the Bulldogs, plus more.
,
Prior to becoming the Athletic Director at Butler University, Barry Collier spent 30 years coaching basketball. In part one of his 1.Q interview, Collier describes how preparing for basketball differs between the Head Coach chair and AD chair. He also touches on how he interacts with Head Coaches when dealing with rule changes in the sport.
Michael Bonner of the Clarion-Ledger discusses the Mississippi State Athletic Director search. Bonner dives in to what he's still hearing around the search, how his relationship with the university may be impacted in light of recent events, if he expected such a strong response by MSU & more.
Tulsa AD Derrick Gragg continues his D1.ticker conversation with strategies around effectively engaging with student-athletes, how he interfaces with Head Coaches before and after games, and the need for deep written communication skills by all administrators and student-athletes in the face of today's social media environment.
In the first part of his 1.Q interview,Tulsa Athletic Director Derrick Gragg discusses his first book "40 Days of Direction: Life Lessons from the Talented Ten". Listen is as he talks about how he made time to write it, the key takeaways from the read, and whether he thinks ADs who are former college athletes have a competitive advantage over ADs who were not.
In his 1.Q interview, Hartford Athletic Director Anton Goff discusses his career journey, the responsibilities that come with being an Athletic Director, how he structures his own team meetings, plus more.
Today's 1.Q features Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack. Listen in as he discusses the NFL ratings slip and if a continued trend could potentially impact college football down the road. Wildhack also provides perspective on what constitutes a "big rating" in the NFL compared to a "big rating" in college football.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt discusses his additional role as Chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, the impact of spiked oil prices on fundraising efforts for the Red Raiders, and where he takes in Texas Tech football on gamedays.
Southern Utah AD Jason Butikofer continues the conversation in part two of his D1. ticker interview with strategies for return on luck, the unique aspects of working at a military academy, and the progress he's seen thus far with SUU Athletics.
In part one of hisD1.ticker interview, Southern Utah AD Butikofer reflects on his career path leading up to Southern Utah, what he learned along the way, notable leaders who had a major impact on his growth, and shares examples of hands-on leadership.
Radford Athletic Director Robert Lineberg joins1.Q to discuss his path to become an Athletic Director by highlighting his experience as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach and the mentor-mentee relationships he has had throughout his professional career.
Matt Roan was named as the new Athletic Director at Nicholls State yesterday. In today's 1.Q, Roan discusses why he chose Nicholls, how he prepped for the interview process, his approach to Thursday's press conference, and key traits to look for in an essential President-AD relationship.
The Clarion-Ledger's Michael Bonner has been tracking the Mississippi State AD search & joined 1.Q to provide more context on the quickly moving process. Bonner believes substantial momentum is behind Baseball HC Cohen given his smarts & understanding of the SEC. Bonner also says the interview process starts & ends with President Keenum & expects a new boss to be named by the end of the month. More discussion centers around fiscal & facility challenges for the Bulldogs, as well as a potential need for a new contract for FB HC Mullen. Listen by clicking the link. (link) (length - 10:09)
Today's D1.ticker interview features GAME, Inc. President Jason Belzer. Listen in as he discusses representation for athletic directors, possible conflict of interest for agents handling ADs & Head Coaches, and when an advancing administrator should start thinking about the right agent fit as they continue to climb the ladder in college athletics.
In today's 1.Q, the San Jose Mercury News' Jon Wilner discusses the financial challenges at UC Berkeley and specifically touches on the big fiscal picture, who in campus leadership will execute the Task Force's decisions, and how the situation could impact their high-profile head coaches.
Turnkey SearchSenior Executive Director Gene DeFilippo joins1.Q and discusses the unique role the chair of a search committee plays during the hiring process, how tech savvy administrators have a clear advantage in the industry, and trends he has seen in recent AD searches.
In her 1.Q chat, The Oregonian's Gina Mizell recounts her interview with OSU President Ed Ray as she discusses the current search for the next Oregon State AD.
In today's 1.Q, Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs discusses the importance of building new facilities to enhance the gameday experience and to gain new recruits.
In today's 1.Q, Wichita Sports Reporter Paul Sullentrop discusses Wichita State Athletics including it's new AD Darron Boatright, the potential football conference move, and the Wichita fan base.
USA Today National College Football Writer, Dan Wolken provides an in depth analysis on the Athletic Director search at the University of Florida and explores the possibilities of the next Florida AD coming from within the Power 5 family.
Part two of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment General Manager & Advocare V100 Texas Bowl Executive Director, David Fletcher's D1.ticker interview focuses on Fletcher's unique role and other high profile events Lone Star plays a hand in.
Today's 1.Q features Lone Start Sports & Entertainment General Manager & Advocare V100 Texas Bowl Executive Director, David Fletcher. Listen in as he describes the early season process his team executes to start planning for the bowl and what nuances go into selling title sponsorship for the event .
In today's 1.Q, Mountaineers Athletic Director Doug Gillin talks though operational details of the Mountaineers football, how he'll spend time pre-game & where he'll watch the action from, along with thoughts on getting more donors in the funnel & other FB venues around the nation that could match the uniqueness of Kidd Brewer Stadium.
how handson preparing for game against miami
planning pep rally, putting together weekend of entertainment
brand on social media, how hes going to spend pre-game, likes to by himself on the field,
Sports ColumnistLuke DeCock joins 1.Q to touch on the ACC's decision to move championships out of North Carolina for the 2016-17 seasons due to the HB2 bill and covers how the UNC, Duke, NC State & Wake Forest fan bases may be impacted, the political landscape in the state.
In part two of his D1.ticker interview, Turnkey Sports President & CEO Len Perna discusses the rise of Turnkey Search in the college space, how Gene DeFilippo's plays a central role on the team, and Turnkey's positioning in the marketplace.
In Part 1 of his 1.Q interview, Turnkey Sports President & CEO, Len Perna, tells the founding story of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment and how it all began back in 1996.
Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Operations & Strategic Communications Chris Freet, talks through the mechanics, benefits & potential challenges of the new Razorbacks Ticketing Change including the adoption by fans, leveraging new customer data captured, revenue & resell potential, plus more.
Athletic Director, Drew Marrochello, continues the conversation in his D1.ticker interview by covering some of the challenges BU faces moving from the America East to the Patriot League. Drew also reflects on his top professional accomplishments and setbacks.
In today's 1.Q, Athletic Director Drew Marrochello details Boston University's new "Who We Are" campaign and discusses the motivation behind the reaffirmation of the brand.
University of North Texas Athletic Director, Wren Baker, recounts how he prepared for his interview with the Mean Green, while also leading the Missouri department as the Interim AD. Baker walks through some of his research process and what practices advancing administrators can implement to be ready for their first AD interview session.
More from Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard on the "secret sauce" department culture cooking at Iowa State and how to handle misinformation in the marketplace.
Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard starts today's 1.Q by reflecting on how he perceived AD leadership when he first arrived at Iowa State and how the job as a whole has changed in the last decade. He also touches on the importance of building the right culture within the work environment.