Path To The Pros

Meet Neda Tabatabaie, a trailblazer in the world of data within sports. As the first in her role at the San Jose Sharks, she pioneered CRM and business analytics, transforming how the organization leverages data to customize the fan experience and ensure top-quality service. 

Neda's innovative approach to integrating business intelligence has revolutionized the customer journey, making every fan interaction more personalized and engaging. With the Sharks being early adopters of these technologies, she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, leading the way into the future of business intelligence in sports. 

This is not one to miss.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

Welcome to another episode of the Path to the Pros podcast. This week, Samir Prince sat down with Ian Smith, Managing Director of International Business Development at Relevent Sports Group.

In this conversation, we explore Ian's journey from a small town in England to his career as a solicitor, becoming a key player at FIFA, and now to sitting as a Managing Director at one of the world's most influential sports and media rights organizations. We also delve into rightsholders' ongoing challenges in securing revenue, an area where Ian brings invaluable insight.

Join us as we learn from Ian's experiences and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of sports business development.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

This week, we dive deep into the story of David Burke, Executive Vice President of 
Sales and Business Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

We explore AI's transformative impact on the industry, emphasizing that it isn't something to fear but rather a powerful tool for creating efficiencies and streamlining processes. 

We learn how the Pittsburgh Pirates use AI to create a personalized experience for every type of fan, enhancing their connection to the team, stadium, and the game they love. 

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

In today's episode, we're exploring the remarkable career of Joe Cote, the Portland Timbers' Chief Revenue Officer.

With over 16 years of experience with the Portland Timbers and previously working for the Columbus Blue Jackets, this senior executive has a proven track record of exceeding objectives, building high-functioning teams, and driving substantial revenue growth.

Under his leadership, the team has been revamped to enhance brand awareness and revenue generation across multiple platforms, solidifying the Portland Timbers' position in the market.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

A global marketing leader with over a decade of experience in the sports, media, and entertainment industries, Karim's journey is a testament to his diverse expertise and ability to drive high-performing teams to deliver standout results globally.

Starting as a Social Media Manager at Zamalek Sporting Club in his hometown of Cairo, Egypt, working at SPORTFIVE in Paris, to now sitting as Vice President of Marketing for Hublot, Karim knows what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment marketing.

Join us as we delve into Karim's extensive expertise in creating and activating data-driven strategies, his experience developing award-winning campaigns, and the unique insights he brings to every business challenge. Karim's story is one of relentless innovation and strategic brilliance from Cairo to New York, Paris to Miami.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

We're kicking off Season 3 by diving into the remarkable career journey of Jason Oberlander, the Chief Commercial Officer at ASM Global. A seasoned professional in sales, marketing, and strategic roles across various media and sports organizations, Jason's path wasn't always clear-cut. 

Jason's professional trajectory is nothing short of impressive. From his initial days at CBS Radio and MTV Networks to securing a role at the NBA, his career has been a testament to versatility and resilience.

From his humble beginnings, we explore Jason's extensive experience, strategic insights, and pivotal moments that shaped his career in sports and entertainment.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

Mark Fine is a true titan in sports entertainment, working with some of the most iconic sports brands. He went from the Harlem Globetrotters to the New York Mets, Brooklyn Nets, and Las Vegas Desert Dogs before ultimately finding his calling at Professional Bull Riders (PBR). As the Chief Marketing Officer, Mark stands at the forefront of the sport's evolution, trailblazing and pushing boundaries to take the sport to unprecedented heights. 

In this conversation, Mark reflects on the diverse experiences that have shaped his journey and offers insight into the innovative strategies driving PBR's vision. The future of PBR is brighter than ever as he spearheads initiatives that promise to redefine the sport for generations to come.

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

For our first chat of 2024, we're joined by Jade Burroughs, the Chief of Staff at the NFL. 

Jade's journey in the sports business is a testament to her unwavering drive. Starting her career as a marketing intern at the Philadelphia Eagles, to recently being recognized as one of Diversity Woman's Magazine's ELITE 100, Jade's career is remarkable. 

She hasn't had your typical journey to get there, but what sets her apart is her fearlessness in embracing change and new career challenges. She believes that transitioning careers isn't daunting; it's invigorating. Each new role is a chance to grow, to learn, and to make a difference. 

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

Join Samir Prince as he chats with John Beaven, Chief Revenue Officer at the Golden State Warriors. John takes us through his unique career journey, starting as a Junior Sales Executive to becoming the Chief Revenue Officer for one of the world's biggest, most recognized teams.

With 20 years at the Golden State Warriors, John discusses how he got to the C-suite and continues to excel and level up within his industry.  

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.

Meet Humza Teherany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at renowned spots company Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership.

In this session, Humza discusses how technology is revolutionizing the world of sports, focusing on MLSE's leading role in this transformation. MLSE has become a global benchmark for technological innovation in the sports industry; with its cutting-edge technology, the fan experience has shifted from just focusing on stadium attendees to reaching viewers at home. Their vision for the future of sports technology emphasizes how integrating emerging technologies will further shape the sports landscape. 

It's a must-listen for those interested in data analytics, AI, virtual reality, and other advanced technologies and how they play a pivotal role in redefining how sports are experienced and managed. 

Start your season right with superior hires.
Ready to build a winning team? When you partner with Forsyth Barnes, you’ll tap into a global talent network built specifically for the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment. Visit www.forsythbarnes.com/sports for more information, or email [email protected] if you’re a hiring manager ready to build your winning team.