Shows
Sponsor TalkMike Palisi | President, Van Wagner CollegeIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Mike Palisi, President of Van Wagner College. Mike outlines his 30-year career in sponsorships, including his involvement with the sale of Nelligan Sports, starting the Van Wagner College multi-media rights division, and how his team is taking the company to new heights. He discussed the secret behind creating record-setting growth and how relationships matter in creating true partnerships.2022-03-141h 05
Sponsor TalkJohn Rocco & Dhaval Bhatt | The Hockey for All CampaignIf you're in sponsorship marketing and think of the sport of hockey, it's likely you think of one of the league's largest advertisers, Scotiabank. In today's conversation, we dive in with John Rocco (Vice President of Marketing, Scotiabank) and Dhaval Bhatt (Partner, Rethink) to find out how they approach partnership strategy and to talk about how their new groundbreaking "Hockey For All" Campaign is helping inspire a conversation around how to make hockey more diverse and inclusive.2022-01-2743 min
Sponsor TalkPaula Beadle | CEO, Caravel Marketing & Founder, Sponsorship Mastery SummitIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Paula Beadle, CEO of Caravel Marketing and Founder of the Sponsorship Mastery Summit. Paula outlines her illustrious career in sponsorship marketing working for both the property and brand sides of the industry. She also provides many insightful data points around sponsorship trends going into 2022, and how to negotiate partnerships while showing value with integrity.2022-01-2442 min
Sponsor TalkYaron Talpaz | VP of Strategic Partnerships, PicoIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Yaron Talpaz, VP of Strategic Partnerships with Pico. Yaron outlines his career working for the largest sports media company in Israel, organizing an international basketball game in Madison Square Garden, and how Pico uses data to drive business for sponsors. His story includes the roller coaster emotions of growing a company, and how Pico is reaching new heights.2022-01-1739 min
Sponsor TalkVicki Higgins | Founder & CEO of the CXP AgencyIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Vicki Higgins, Founder and CEO of the CXP Agency to talk about her career starting in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, pivoting to the travel industry, and starting her sponsorship agency. Vicki spends time talking about the best way to negotiate through a sponsorship, and how sales is more about education than convincing.2021-12-2155 min
Sponsor TalkMark Giovino | Founder & CEO of Allionce GroupIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Mark Giovino, Founder and CEO of the Alliance Group to talk about sponsorships in the zoos and aquariums industry. Mark outlines his career path and how he started his own agency focused primarily on introducing brands to sponsorship marketing at zoos and aquariums. They cover a range of topics from creative marketing strategies to how brands should market to families.2021-12-1347 min
Sponsor TalkEmily Pachuta (CMO, Invesco) & JoAn Scott (Managing Director, NCAA) | Planning for March MadnessIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith connects with Emily Pachuta, Chief Marketing & Analytics Officer with Invesco and JoAn Scott, Managing Director of Basketball Championships with the NCAA to talk about a very strategic partnership around March Madness. They discuss how they had to pivot in 2020 with COVID, how they used technology to connect with fans, and how they developed a financial education program as a foundation to the partnership. Enjoy the episode!2021-11-0251 min
Sponsor TalkBilly Demong | Olympic Gold Medalist & Executive Director of USA Nordic SportIn this episode, co-host, Jason Smith sits down with Billy Demong, Olympic Gold Medalist and Executive Director of USA Nordic Sport to talk about training for the Olympics, living in a chicken coop, and what it feels like to stand on the podium winning gold. They discuss how USA Nordic creates integrated sponsorships to ensure the organization is driving value for their partners.2021-08-2742 min
Sponsor TalkEd Horne, Jessica Park, Shiv Singh & Xavier Gutierrez | Engaging A New Generation of FansWith only 53% of Gen Z identifying themselves as sports fans, guest host Brian Gainor (Vice President of Innovation, 4FRONT) dives deep with four leading executives to find out how their brands are engaging the next generation of consumers. Today's episode features Ed Horne (President, 160over90), Jessica Park (VP of Fan Marketing, NBA), Xavier Gutierrez (President, Arizona Coyotes) and Shiv Singh (SVP & GM of Brand Marketing, Expedia) as they discuss their approach to the evolving nature of consumer goods and sports marketing.2021-08-251h 02
Sponsor TalkNorm O'Reilly, Sub Nijjar, Brian Graybill, Judy Lee & Zac Eller | The Future of Experiential MarketingIn this episode, guest host Norm O'Reilly sits down with Sub Nijjar (President, Mosaic), Judy Lee (Head of Experiential Marketing, Pinterest), Brian Graybill (President, Intersport) and Zac Eller (VP of Partnerships & Experiential, SiriusXM) to discuss how the pandemic has impacted the world of experiential marketing, what trends they are closely watching and how they anticipate the recovery of interactions looking once the pandemic starts to clear.2021-08-121h 00
Sponsor TalkBlake Lawrence & Zaileen Janmohamed | Simplifying the Brand & Athlete RelationshipsIn this episode, guest host Thomas Alomes sits down with Zaileen Janmohamed (Head of Partnership Development & Innovation, USOPC) and Blake Lawrence (Co-Founder, OpenDorse) to understand what sparked the idea of teaming up to create a ‘first-of-its-kind’ pilot program that will enable Team USA athletes to earn income from group and individual marketing and sponsorship opportunities.2021-08-0949 min
Sponsor TalkScott O'Neil | CEO, Philadelphia 76ers & New Jersey DevilsToday's guest is Scott O’Neil, who is well known as the Chief Executive Officer for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, who owns both the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.With more than 20 years of experience in the NBA, NHL and NFL, O’Neil has earned a reputation as one of the sports' industry's greatest leaders. In just six years as CEO, O’Neil led the Philadelphia 76ers to sign the first jersey patch sponsorship in “Big Four” sports history, the creation of their industry-leading Innovation Lab and led the team as they become the first sports franchise...2021-07-061h 02
Sponsor TalkMichael Armstrong, Ania Sponaski & Kris Cuaresma-Primm | Driving Community ImpactIn this episode, we talk with the leaders behind GMR Marketing, Homie and TD Bank as each of their brands navigate through how they play a role in their communities and how purpose plays a role in the partnerships they develop. The guests for this episode include Michael Armstrong (VP of Sponsorships, TD Bank), Ania Sponaski (VP of Global Sponsorship Consulting, GMR) and Kris Cuaresma-Primm (General Manager, Homie).2021-06-2547 min
Sponsor TalkSara Toussaint, Allie Ayres, Heidi Pellerano, Josh Keller, Kay Bradley & Mallika Pereira | The Growth of North America SoccerIn this episode, we chat with some of the leaders in the soccer world about how they are growing their sport as their properties and brands prepare for the upcoming World Cup and the momentum carried behind the EUROs. Our guests for this episode include Sara Touissant (VP of Brand Management, Wells Fargo), Allie Ayres (Director of Partnership Strategy & Marketing, NWSL), Heidi Pellerano (CCO, CONCACAF), Josh Keller (SVP of Partnerships, United Soccer League), Kay Bradley (VP of Marketing, US Soccer) and Mallika Pereira (VP of Partnership Marketing, Major League Soccer).2021-06-221h 01
Sponsor TalkTariq Hassan, Kristin Cavallo, Tiana Conley & Alexia Wharton | Building Brand PurposeIn today's episode, Avish Sood chats with the marketing leaders behind Kellogg's, Petco, Hershey's and The Martin Agency to learn more about how purpose and innovation is driving their brands forward as they look to engage consumers in a more meaningful way.2021-06-1553 min
Sponsor TalkDavid Bornoff & Jerry Hoak | Growing the DoorDash BrandOn today’s episode we dive into the marketing and partnerships strategy behind DoorDash thanks to a conversation with David Bornoff (Head of Consumer Brand Marketing, DoorDash) and Jerry Hoak (Executive Creative Director, Managing Director at The Martin Agency). From partnering with Sesame Street for the brand’s Super Bowl commercial to being one of the first brands to feature a WNBA star alone for a major ad spot in the last 15 years, Jerry and David breaks down why a clear purpose helps drive forward their partnerships and how empowering local communities is at the center of how the bran...2021-06-0337 min
Sponsor TalkBob Lynch | President & Founder, Sponsor UnitedBob Lynch, President and Founder of SponsorUnited, discusses his years in media sales and how he created a sponsorship data platform that provides insights into both properties and brands. There are lots of learning experiences he shares along the way that helped him get where he is today.2021-05-111h 04
The Sports Business Life PodcastEpisode 35: Avish Sood, The Clorox CompanyTo build and sustain a stellar network in sports business after only being in the industry for a short period of time doesn't happen very often. So to walk us through how he achieved such a feat, we are joined by two-time 30 Under 30 winner, Avish Sood.This University of Toronto and George Brown College Alum shared his incredible background working for some major properties (including Toronto Blue Jays and 2015 Pan Am Games), as well as why he wanted to become a better marketer by leaving the industry for Consumer Packaged Goods at The Clorox Company. 2021-04-2953 min
Sponsor TalkDanita Johnson | President, Business Operations, D.C. UnitedToday's guest is Danita Johnson, D.C. United's new President of Business Operations. With her recent appointment into the role, Danita made history as the first black person and the 3rd woman to serve as the president of a Major League Soccer club in the league’s history. By leaving a long, illustrious career within basketball, most recently as the President and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, Danita took a leap to enter the world of soccer and she shares with us the thought process behind the team's approach to partnerships, how they are looking at Audi Field as...2021-04-2340 min
Sponsor TalkAllison Eddy Sollazzo | Director of Club Business Development, NHLAllison Eddy Sollazzo, Director of Club Business Development for the NHL, shares her story about getting into the sports industry, and outlines the creation process of the helmet sponsorship. She also discusses additional sponsorship assets the NHL created during the pandemic to help the teams secure sponsorship revenue.2021-04-1942 min
Sponsor TalkDionna Widder | Chief Revenue Officer, Houston Dynamo & DashToday’s guest is Dionna Widder, who is in her third season with the Houston Dynamo and Dash and serves as the club’s Chief Revenue Officer. Widder is responsible for the revenue-generation strategy and execution for the Club, including overseeing the ticket sales and service along with the corporate partnership sales and marketing teams for the Houston Dynamo, Dash, and BBVA Stadium. Dionna was recently honored by the Sports Business Journal as a member of the Game Changers Class of 2020 and has a passion point for DE&I and amplifying the voices of women in sports with her podc...2021-04-1249 min
Sponsor TalkKonstantin Dieterle | Head of Business Development, Beyond SportsKonstantin Dieterle, Head of Business Development for Beyond Sports, discusses his experience in the tech world with stops at Google and AppLift before landing at Beyond Sports. He outlines their partnership with the NFL and Nickelodeon to create the idea around making NFL football players into block characters and streaming the game (in blocky form) on Twitch. Konstantin gives examples of how the Beyond Sports technology can enhance sponsorship activation, and believes there are more innovative ways to use technology for branding.2021-03-2237 min
Sponsor TalkRoger Jones | Director, Corporate Partnerships, Cleveland BrownsIn today's episode, we have a conversation with Roger Jones (Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Cleveland Browns). After going to Ohio University to study sports management, Roger's career has come full circle when he started his new role at the hometown Browns. With a huge emotional attachment to the city of Cleveland and a passion for improving DE&I in the sports industry, Roger has been focused on working with partners and the brand team internally to create change within the community. He has supported the team's new Cleveland Huddle campaign that supports Black-owned restaurants and the battle...2021-03-0144 min
Sponsor TalkJohn Kimball, Mike Berry, Greg Tanner, & Casey Stauffer | Sports Business Summit - Sponsorship PanelJason Smith connects with a few industry experts during the BYU Sports Business Summit to talk about sponsorships with over 200 students in attendance. John Kimball (Real Salt Lake), Mike Berry (Arizona Coyotes), Greg Tanner (Utah Jazz), and Casey Stauffer (BYU Athletics) share insights and stories about how they conduct business, working with partners, and how they compete with each other for sponsorship dollars.2021-02-1629 min
Sponsor TalkBrett Wallerstedt | General Manager, Sun Devil Athletics Corporate PartnershipsBrett Wallerstedt, General Manager of Sun Devil Athletics Corporate Partnerships, dives into his career path from the NFL to making three separate stops with the Arizona State Athletics Department. He shares his thoughts on multi-media rights companies, and how the Pac-12 has dipped its toes into that business. He outlines how he dealt with partners receiving limited exposure with one home football game in the fall due to the pandemic, and how he separates their sponsorship program with all the other sports teams in the market.2021-02-081h 07
Sponsor TalkTom Barbitta | CMO, Sauer Brands & Duke's MayonnaiseOn today's episode, we chat with Tom Barbitta (CMO, Sauer Brands) to find out how his team is positioning Duke's Mayo as a staple in the South, thanks to a bit of help from college football. Tom gives some incredible insight on why their mayonnaise brand sponsored a college football bowl game, how the condiment made waves on international media thanks to a broken trophy and how they launched their biggest partnership in the middle of a pandemic with help from former Carolina Panthers' linebacker Luke Kuechly.2021-02-0229 min
Sponsor TalkRyan Holloway | Founder & President, Peak Sports ManagementRyan Holloway, President & Founder of Peak Sports Management shares his amazing story of taking a leap of faith to start his company assisting athletic departments across the country managing their sponsorship programs. He makes some bold moves in his career that you’ll want to hear. He also talks about how COVID has affected his business in many ways, but has maintained a positive attitude.2021-01-281h 00
Sponsor TalkNicki Ewell & Tony Diaz | Planning for the Super BowlFor today’s episode, we’re taking a look at what goes behind the scenes of putting together one of the largest sporting events in the world – the Super Bowl. Nicki Ewell, Director of events at the NFL, and Tony Diaz, Vice President of Operations at the Tampa Super Bowl Host Committee, join us to share details on what it’s like to plan for an event of this size during a pandemic, how they are getting the City of Tampa excited and what goes on behind the scenes on the lead-up to the big game.2021-01-2529 min
Sponsor TalkCasey Hurbis & Nana-Yaw Asamoah | An Inside Look at the NFL & Rocket Mortgage DealFor today’s episode, we’re going behind the scenes with two of the leaders behind the National Football League’s partnership with Rocket Mortgage: Casey Hurbis and Nana-Yaw Asamoah. The deal was the first mortgage sponsorship for the NFL in over a decade and its centerpiece is their squares promotion, which is the largest official game of Super Bowl squares in history. Casey is the Chief Marketing Officer of Quicken Loans and Rocket Mortgage, one of the nation’s most trusted mortgage lenders. In his role, he leads a marketing group of more than 300 employees and has been a major...2021-01-1932 min
Sponsor TalkAhron Cohen | Former President & CEO, Arizona CoyotesToday’s episode is with Ahron Cohen (Former President & CEO of the Arizona Coyotes). Ahron received a law degree from Arizona State University and worked for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, and Snell & Wilmer, before working his way up the ranks of the Arizona Coyotes. Ahron discusses the legal challenges COVID has put on sponsorships, and how brands and properties should legally work together through the pandemic. He also gives his thoughts on pandemic insurance, and if properties should utilize this resource for the future.2021-01-041h 04
Sponsor TalkNatalie Bowman | Managing Director, Marketing & Advertising, Alaska AirlinesToday’s episode is with Natalie Bowman (Managing Director, Marketing & Advertising for Alaska Airlines). Natalie has worked in marketing across a whole range of industries on brands like Land Rover, Nissan, Neiman Marcus, Microsoft, and now Alaska Airlines. Natalie talked to us about the changing landscape of the airline industry due to the pandemic, how her team approaches regional sponsorship deals, their newest marketing campaign built around safety and what she has learned working on multiple categories throughout her career including airline, fashion, automotive and technology.2020-12-2146 min
The Sponsor PodAvish Sood & Jason Smith | Special AnnouncementAvish and Jason break down a special announcement about the The Sponsor Pod & Sponsor Talk podcasts.2020-12-1805 min
Sponsor TalkAvish Sood & Jason Smith | Special AnnouncementAvish and Jason break down a special announcement about the Sponsor Talk podcast.2020-12-1805 min
Sponsor TalkAlex Tunbridge | CEO, Stevenage F.C.This week, we caught up with Alex Tunbridge (CEO, Stevenage F.C.). You might recognize the soccer team from their recent viral sponsorship campaign with Burger King. The blue-chip brand had chosen the club for a local jersey sponsorship, but with a major catch – that they would be leaning in heavily on FIFA and the world of e-sports. Fans were encouraged to bring their favorite soccer stars to play with the team through the “Stevenage F.C. Challenge” and the results were phenomenal as the club became the most used team in FIFA career mode, had over 25,000 goals shared online...2020-12-0724 min
Sponsor TalkBrette Sadler | Head of Corporate Partnerships, MGM ResortsToday’s episode is with Brette Sadler, a graduate of the University of Miami who entered professional sports with the then expansion team Florida Panthers. After spending 12 years with the Panthers, Brette moved to work in account management with Octagon and then soon after moved to the UFC, where she spent six years as the league's Vice President of Global Partnerships.Fast forward to now, Brette is leading global partnerships for MGM Resorts International overlooking revenues for one of the largest entertainment brands in the world. Outside of the role, she played an instrumental role in creating a ne...2020-11-2043 min
Life in the Front Office Podcast Presented By Sports Business VenturesThe Sponsorship Space with Avish Sood, Brand Manager at CloroxThe Sponsorship Space with Avish Sood, Brand Manager at Clorox, dives into what the Sponsorship Space is, why he created it, and what his experiences have been like during a pandemic from a brands perspective!2020-11-1300 min
Sponsor TalkMatt Kobach | Director of Content Marketing, FastToday’s conversation is with Matt Kobach, the director of Content Marketing at Fast, the world’s first one click online checkout. If you think that his name sounds familiar, it’s probably cause you follow him on Twitter, as he’s one of the leading minds in driving forward humorous but also thought-provoking insight on social media & marketing. He was also recently named by Adweek as one of the “Top 100 Most Inspiring Minds in Marketing, Media, and Culture”. Prior to his role with Fast, he was running digital and social for the New York Stock Exchange2020-11-1057 min
Sponsor TalkAri Mark | Head of Partnership Development, The Drone Racing LeagueWe sat down with Ari Mark. who is the Senior Vice President and Head of Partnership Development at The Drone Racing League (DRL), the global, professional drone racing property. He joined DRL recently from the NFL, where he led corporate partnerships for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, home of Super Bowl LIV. Before that, Ari spent eight years in global business development for the NBA, securing sponsorships across the NBA, WNBA, G League, USA Basketball, and NBA 2K League.2020-09-0938 min
Sponsor TalkHeidi Dettmer (VP, Marketing) and Jeff Webster (VP, Partnerships) at Seattle KrakenIn this episode, we sit down with some of the minds behind one of the biggest team and brand launches in recent sports history - the Seattle Kraken. Heidi Dettmer (Vice President, Marketing) shares insights into how the marketing plans came to life, the various aspects of the newly developed brand (including the logo, brand storyline and social persona), how fans were involved since inception and the challenge of keeping it all a secret. On the other hand, Jeff Webster (VP, Partnerships) shares details on how his team worked with and sold in partners on a brand t...2020-08-2544 min
Sponsor TalkLeah MacNab | Managing Director, NBA CanadaAs we get ready for the NBA Playoffs to begin, our latest episode of Sponsor Talk is from a conversation with Leah MacNab (Managing Director, NBA Canada).Leah breaks down how the NBA is testing innovation through the new playoff format, her 15-year career working for one of the largest sports leagues in the world and her advice for future young professionals exploring a career in sports marketing. 2020-08-1826 min
The Sponsor PodAvish Sood: The Clorox Company & The Sponsorship SpaceAvish Sood, Brand Manager with The Clorox Company and Founder of The Sponsorship Space, shares with us some amazing insights about how properties should approach brands when pitching sponsorship opportunities, how he cold called the CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, and outlines why it may not always be in your best interest to work for a big sports organization at the start of your career. If you’re an aspiring marketer, this is a must listen. He has also been recognized by Marketing Magazine and Sports Launch Magazine’s 30-under-30 lists. Enjoy the Show!2020-08-031h 17
Sponsor TalkMatt Bruhn (President & GM) and Luke Atkinson (CMO) of Pabst Brewing Co.In our latest episode, our host Avish Sood chats with Matt Bruhn (President & GM) and Luke Atkinson (Chief Marketing Officer) of Pabst Brewing Co. to learn about the impact of the pandemic on the beverage alcohol industry, how consumer consumption habits are changing and how innovation is driving their brand portfolio forward. 2020-07-1435 minSponsor TalkDan Migala | Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, 4FRONTPrior to co-founding 4FRONT, Dan Migala was the Vice President of Creative Partnerships for the San Diego Padres, a Columnist for Sports Business Journal, and Director of Internet Services for the Chicago Bears. He is one of the sports industry's most well-known leaders in non-conventional revenue models, innovative strategies and breakthrough engagement concepts for sports and entertainment. On this episode, we watch up with Dan to understand how his team is supporting sports organizations in battling revenue losses from COVID-19, where he gets inspiration from and why their team's motto revolves around "Be Like Midge". 2020-07-0756 minSponsor TalkTyrrell Schmidt | Global Brand & Customer Experience Officer, TD BankAs part of our #SponsorshipConnect event series, we hosted Tyrrell Schmidt (Global Brand & Customer Experience Officer, TD Bank) to learn about how the global banking giant is bringing their brand purpose of 'Enriching the lives of customers, communities and colleagues' to life during the pandemic, their approach to sponsorship marketing and to find out how digital is playing a role as the bank transitions to a new era of financial services.2020-07-0328 minSponsor TalkMichael Rossi | President, adidas CanadaAs part of our #SponsorshipConnect series, we sat down with Michael Rossi (President, adidas Canada) to discuss philanthropy's role for the company, how adidas is bringing purpose to life during the pandemic and a special announcement around the apparel company's plans to activate around the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. 2020-06-0931 minSponsor TalkZach Leonsis | Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Monumental Sports & EntertainmentAs part of our #SponsorshipConnect event series, our team had a chance to sit down and chat with Zach Leonsis of Monumental Sports & Entertainment to discuss his company's approach to OTT, e-sports and the world of sports gambling. 2020-06-0932 minSponsor TalkJacquie Ryan | Chief Brand & Commercial Officer, Canadian Olympic CommitteeAs part of our #SponsorshipConnect event series, we sat down with Jacquie Ryan (Chief Brand and Commercial Officer at the Canadian Olympic Committee). 2020-06-0831 min
Strange on PurposeAvish Sood of The Sponsorship Space
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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support2020-03-3149 minSponsor TalkJennifer Frees | Vice President, Partnerships at Toronto International Film FestivalFor those who don't know, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is the largest public film festival in the world. Known universally as the unofficial kickoff to the ‘prestige film season’, TIFF has a rich history of predicting Oscar success and has premiered award winning favorites such as JoJo Rabbit, Parasite and Marriage Story. Time Magazine even called the 11-day event ‘the most influential film festival. Period.” Despite the exclusive red carpets and high-profile celebrities, it's really the festival's inclusiveness and focus on diversion that stand out in an era where the industry has grappled with #MeToo and #Time...2020-03-1039 min
Sponsor TalkJustine Fedak | (Former) Head of Social & Sponsorships, BMOAfter negotiating sponsorship deals with the National Basketball Association, Toronto FC and Chicago Blackhawks, Justine shared with us the importance of building "Heart Power" into any sponsorship and social marketing strategy. As the former Head of Social & Sponsorships for BMO North America, Justine's whole world had stopped when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly 20 years ago, just three months after getting married. Showing great resilience, Justine shared how she overcame the diagnosis in 2001 to push her career in the banking industry forward and why she feels its important for others to share their stories when battling challenges within...2020-02-251h 01