SBJ I Factor

Today’s episode features Miheer Walavalkar, co-founder and CEO of LiveLike, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about growing up in India, his non-traditional path into the sports industry, building a company based on the communal sports experience, and his friendship with legendary NBA Commissioner David Stern. Walavalkar was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2018.

Today’s episode features John Brody, chief revenue officer for LEARFIELD, talking with SBJ’s Terry Lefton about being ready for career opportunities, what he learned from working at WWE, why he still gets asked about putting Spider-Man on the bases, and the important traits he looks for when hiring. Brody was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 classes of 2005-2007, and was inducted into the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame in 2007.

Quick hits:

On being ready for opportunities: “I believe strongly that timing is everything in life, both professionally and personally, and what I’ve tried to do is look at opportunities where I felt there was an opportunity or chance for me to have a real impact.”

On his six years at WWE: “I learned so much in those years beyond even what I had done at baseball or football, because Vince [McMahon] and that group of leadership were risk-takers, and not risk for risk’s sake, risk for good business. We did a lot of things there that I think set the table for what’s going on a lot in the marketplace now.”

On how he hires: “It starts with three things: integrity, loyalty, morality. That is the precursor before you even can make a decision about a hire or make a decision about a change.”

Today’s episode features Rob Tilliss, CEO of Inner Circle Sports, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about his career move from finance to sports, despite being “not really a sports guy”; how his leadership style sets high expectations but gives “a lot of latitude”; and why the NFL’s debut on Fox was a landmark deal for the sports industry. Tilliss was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 classes of 1999 and 2000.

Today’s episode features Brandon Schneider, president and COO of the Golden State Warriors, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about leadership lessons, how he manages, executives he’s learned from, and the advantages of staying with a company for the long term. Schneider was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2017

This episode of SBJ I Factor offers a look back at some of the best moments from the series to date. You will hear insight from leaders from across the sports industry and how they have navigated their careers, with highlights from KAGR CEO JESSICA GELMAN, PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer JEFF PRICE, WWE Chief Brand Officer STEPHANIE MCMAHON, 49ers Enterprises President PARAAG MARATHE and more.

Today’s episode features Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer of the WWE, talking with SBJ’s Abe Madkour about leadership lessons, hiring and career advice, approaching jobs with a fresh outlook every day, and what she learned about business from her parents. McMahon was a member of SBJ’s Game Changers class of 2017.

Today’s episode features Andrea Marini, deputy CEO and group chief commercial officer of Deltatre, talking with SBJ’s John Ourand about how he almost had a career in investment banking, his biggest risk and best failure, the leaders he admires and his best advice to young people. Marini was a member of SBJ’s Forty Under 40 class of 2020.

Akshay Khanna, Stubhub's general manager for North America, talks with SBJ's Abe Madkour about his career path, growing up all over the world, what he's learned about leadership, and the importance of passion in building a successful career.