In this episode of "Stay Sporty," Adeja Spain, Manager of Partnership Management at SoFi Stadium, shares her unconventional career journey in sports and entertainment. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, her roles with the Charlotte Hornets and Wasserman, and her current work managing brand partnerships at SoFi Stadium. Adeja explains the difference between sponsorships and partnerships, highlights memorable projects like launching the Gallagher Club, and offers leadership insights. She also previews her forthcoming memoir and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and relationship-building for career success in the industry.
Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:00) Sporty introduces the podcast, Adeja Spain, and sets up the episode’s focus on her career journey.
Early Interests and Education (00:00:56) Spain discusses her early interests, college experience, and how she chose her major in marketing.
First Internship at Live Nation (00:02:06) Details her first internship at Live Nation, working summer concerts, and lessons learned.
Applying for Internships in Charlotte (00:03:26) Describes applying for multiple internships in Charlotte, facing rejections, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Charlotte Hornets Internship Experience (00:06:28) Shares her experience as a digital marketing intern with the Charlotte Hornets in summer 2017.
Transition to Full-Time at Hornets (00:07:33) Explains how she was offered a full-time position at the Hornets after graduation.
Move to Arena Marketing (00:08:20) Talks about shifting from digital marketing to arena marketing, managing concerts and special events.
Impact of COVID-19 and Career Reflection (00:10:40) Discusses how COVID-19 changed the industry and her decision to seek new challenges.
Joining Wasserman Agency (00:11:36) Describes applying to Wasserman, moving to LA, and managing Microsoft’s NBA partnership.
Agency Life and Working with A’ja Wilson (00:13:48) Shares experiences working with WNBA and A’ja Wilson, and the challenges of agency work.
Career Break and Joining SoFi Stadium (00:14:49) Explains taking a career break, networking, and joining SoFi Stadium in 2023.
Role at SoFi Stadium: Partnerships (00:15:55) Describes her current role managing brand partnerships and her first day during a Taylor Swift concert.
Lessons from Arena Marketing and Mentorship (00:17:36) Reflects on lessons learned from mentor Erica, emphasizing preparation and expertise.
Preparation and Behind-the-Scenes Work (00:19:44) Discusses the importance of preparation and the unseen work behind major events.
Sponsorships vs. Partnerships Explained (00:20:35) Clarifies the difference between sponsorships and partnerships in the stadium context.
Managing Multiple Partners and Daily Operations (00:24:36) Explains her day-to-day responsibilities managing 12 partners and sponsors, and internal collaboration.
Event Attendance and Work-Life Balance (00:27:27) Talks about attending events, the demands of the job, and adjusting to a new lifestyle.
Leadership Lessons and Management Philosophy (00:29:53) Shares thoughts on leadership, managing interns, and her people-first approach.
Forthcoming Book: "It Had to Happen" (00:33:44) Introduces her memoir, its themes, and the motivation behind writing it.
Advice for College Freshmen (00:38:47) Offers advice on self-awareness, relationship building, and finding your path in the industry.
Favorite Events and Overcoming Challenges (00:42:52) Describes her favorite projects, including Taylor Swift’s concert and the Gallagher Garden installation.
Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up (00:46:30) Sporty thanks Adeja Spain and closes the episode.
