this issue

WHO WE ARE

WISE (Women in Sports and Events) is the leading voice and resource for professional women in the business of sports and events. Through ongoing meetings, special events and mentoring programs, WISE offers its members the opportunity to gain valuable insights and connections that can provide them a competitive advantage in their current position and as they advance in their careers.

OUR MISSION The WISE mission is to create and support programs that enhance the success and growth of women in the business of sports. The organization strives to be the definitive source for businesswomen seeking information about issues, challenges and opportunities impacting all stages of their career – from entry level to senior management and those in transition.

WISE Chicago JULY 2014

WISE Chicago Spotlights Welcome to WISE Chicago Spotlights, a unique and exclusive member benefit that provides an insider’s perspective on working in the business of sports. Each month, WISE Chicago will feature an inspiring woman whom will share her experience and viewpoint to provide you with a look at what it’s really like to work in this industry. Learn what a typical day may be in their job spotlight or gain a competitive edge with insights and advice from recruiters and hiring managers.

WISE recently spoke with Jenna Quinn, Account Executive of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Bulls, about her thoughts on women in the sports industry. Jenna manages and develops new business opportunities for the team through integrated marketing partnerships, as well as maintains relationships with existing clients. On June 4th, Jenna secured the naming rights for the Chicago Bulls’ new downtown practice facility with Advocate Health Care. Additionally, Jenna is a contributing writer for BasketBull Magazine, the Chicago Bulls’ in-house publication. Despite growing up in Wisconsin, Jenna dreamed of working for the Chicago Bulls throughout childhood after watching Michael Jordan play against the Milwaukee Bucks. After graduating from Texas State University with a degree in broadcast journalism, the Chicago Bulls hired Jenna as a ticket representative right out of college in 2007. During the eight-month internship, Jenna competed with thirteen other graduates for one full-time position – which she was eventually offered. She spent the following three years as a senior ticket representative, but transferred to the corporate sales department in 2010. The 2014-15 season will be her eighth with the organization. WISE Chicago: What advice would you suggest to someone attempting to make an impact within a large organization, even if they’re not in a leadership position? Jenna Quinn: Besides the obvious – working really hard and going the extra mile to distinguish yourself – it’s really important to get to know people within your organization. You should learn what others do and take interest in them. Just soak in as much as you can about the organization as a whole. Also, having a positive attitude is key. WC: What strategies have helped you develop productive client relationships throughout your career? JQ: In sales, a lot of people often make the mistake of being disingenuous. I’ve always loved meeting new people and talking to everyone and anyone. If you’re a good communicator, take interest in people, care about them, and you’re a good listener, I think that naturally makes you successful and helps you develop long-lasting relationships. I care about helping my clients grow their businesses, and I hope that shows in my work. It’s really Sales 101 – people want to buy from people they like.

CHICAGO CHAPTER

The WISE Chicago Chapter is one of the largest in the country with just over 110 members and growing. Founded in 2006, the Chicago Chapter includes a diverse group of members, of all career levels with a wide range of experience. Our members include leaders from every professional Chicago sports team to members of the most respected agencies, to consultants and students, creating a rich environment that provides a unique, empowering community.

SUPPORT

The true strength of WISE lies in the relationships that form between our members. The Chicago WISE Chapter is a community that provides programming, access to help and advice on nearly any topic, and networking opportunities in nearly any aspect of the industry.

MENTORING

WISE helps you establish professional relationships that can accelerate your careers. WISE Within – the national signature program of WISE – is an integrated, guided mentoring program that connects mid-level professionals to senior executives through facilitated group sessions, personal one-to-one mentoring, and a national online network. Founded in 2007, WISE Within boats more than 300 alumnae around the country.

WC: How have you appropriately handled both success and failure in your career? JQ: I think it’s important to handle your successes and failures by keeping everything in perspective. I learn from my experiences – both good and bad. I think that separates people. What can you take from a situation that wasn’t successful? What did you learn from that? We’re all going to make mistakes, but it’s about how you come back and react to that mistake. WC: How do you successfully balance your work and social life? JQ: Working in sports is a grind, but it comes with the territory. You know what you’re getting into when you work for a team. In order to be successful in any job, you have to be fulfilled socially. It’s really easy to get caught up in your work, and I’m the first to admit that. It’s important to find a healthy balance because that’s going to make you more productive in the office. WC: What is the one characteristic that the best co-workers all have in common? What is the one characteristic that the best leaders all have in common? JQ: In terms of co-workers, it’s having a positive attitude and being a team player. As for leaders, it’s approachability. WC: What advice would you suggest to females attempting to enter a traditionally male-dominated sports industry? JQ: Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry forces you to grow thick skin. It can be difficult as a young female and it can be intimidating. Just carry yourself as a professional. You’ll be taken more seriously and you’ll stand out against those that don’t portray themselves in a professional light. WC: In your opinion, who are some of the most influential females in the sports industry? JQ: Linda Cohn on ESPN has really paved the way for women in broadcast journalism. Serena Williams has also really inspired me. I had the pleasure of attending Wimbledon two years ago, and I met Serena. I talked with her for a few minutes and she actually thought it was really cool what I did. I’m looking at her like, “You’re Serena Williams. You’re one of the best tennis players of all time.” She’s such a role model for all young professionals, not just athletes. WC: Where do you ultimately see yourself in fifteen years? JQ: I hope that I’ll still be working in the sports industry. I’d love to be running my own department or running my own team while mentoring and developing young salespeople. That’s hopefully where I’ll be in less than fifteen years. WC: What is your favorite place to visit in Chicago? JQ: This might be vague, but I love trying new restaurants. I’m a foodie. If there’s a new popular restaurant opening up, I’m there. I’ll probably blog about it afterwards. There are so many good restaurants depending on the type of food you want. We’re so spoiled here. WC: If you could be the CEO of any organization in the world, which would you choose? JQ: Nike. The brand is unbelievable in how they market themselves. Working for the Bulls is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but I think Nike would be incredible.

WISE EDUCATION

In addition to free and discounted admission to our exclusive events, members also have access to CareerWISE content that provides members the tools they need to stay a step ahead throughout their careers, including: •WISE Insider: a monthly blog on working in the business of sports and events •WISE Insights: a monthly Q&A with experts who answer your career-related questions •WISE Inspires: a podcast series with women leaders •WISE Reader: a monthly feature where members share what they’re reading •WISE Training: a webinar series to help you sharpen your skills

Member Notes…

WISE Chicago member, Ashley Beirne, represented WISE Chicago at the WISE/R Symposium in New York City and shares her experience.

As I approached the registration table I was experiencing many different emotions such as anxiety, butterflies along with a little fear of not knowing what to expect over the next two days. But as soon as I began checking in I was greeted with a welcoming smile, a warm hello and a, "Wow, you’re all the way from Chicago, we are so excited to have you!” It was at that point that I knew this was going to be an industry event like none other. The event started with the opportunity to mingle and have breakfast with other women and right away I met individuals who work for ESPN, the NBA and Madison Square Garden. All of which were excited to not only tell their "sports career" story, but also to hear mine and my affiliation with WISE. I felt as the conference went on, there were ample opportunities to meet others and exchange not only cards, but also wisdom drawn from real life experiences. Each session was well planned out and provided learning opportunities for everyone no matter what platform of sports they may work within, from NCAA to professional league to brands that market through sports. The panel discussions included inspirational women at the top of their individual industries who instilled me with hope that soon the sports world will be more neutrally positioned between males and females. WISE did an exceptional job providing sessions that presented me and the audience the opportunity to truly look within ourselves and pull out our very best business professional traits. They did so through coaching sessions that included understanding our confidence thresholds, advice on how to break the barriers that might prevent us from getting ahead, and how to work with various ethical leadership types successfully among others. I had a chance to recap the conference during my flight home, and I have to admit, the best advice I received from the coaching sessions was to never transform into something that you are not just for a career position because by doing so it will end up destroying the wonderful person you have become through your life path. The WISE Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon was an exhilarating event that provided me with a deeper passion and commitment to continue working hard to become the very best sports business professional that I can be. I was motivated beyond belief by not only watching each Distinction Award winners speak on their sports experience, but on this uplifting thought of, “going from success to significance” mentality. This mantra is one that I had never thought of in my young career, I have always mentally positioned my eye on the prize which is “success” by title and wealth, but the thought of creating lasting change and making an impact even if small is something honorably worthwhile. Sue Rodin, WISE founder, did just that by creating this woman’s organization for sports and entertainment professionals to have somewhere to feel supported and heard in a place to call, home, with fellow women, who we call friends. What will you do to leave your mark?

What we’ve been up to..

Chicago Chapter participants in WISE Within, the WISE mentoring program, recently met on Tuesday, June 10th to celebrate the half-way point of the six-month program cycle. During the first hour, all participants gathered at the corporate offices of Digitas where mentor and mentee breakout sessions were held, giving each group the opportunity to share the progress being made with their match and brainstorm ways to enhance their relationships for the remainder of the program. The second hour was devoted to casual networking nearby at Sidebar Grille. Special thanks to Digitas and Sidebar Grille for hosting and the WISE Within Committee for all their help in planning a great event!

Women of the Chicago Bears On June 25th, over forty members of WISE Chicago gathered at the Nike Central Territory Office for an evening of conversation and networking with leaders from the Chicago Bears organization. The panelists include Karen Murphy, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer; Becky Coffee, Director of Partnership Activation; Elaine Delos Reyes, Director of Fan Marketing & Research; Caroline Schrenker, Director of Community Relations; and Tanesha Wade, Director of Events & Entertainment. They provided an in-depth, behind-the-scenes peek at their experiences working for the Chicago Bears as well as invaluable advice for women attempting to break into the sports industry. According to the speakers, the Chicago Bears organization focuses on maintaining positive relationships with employees and the community. The ownership cultivates an internal environment conducive to both personal and collective success, and employees are expected to treat one another as an enormous family. This mindset begins at the top of the organization – Head Coach Marc Trestman even baked brown for Karen Murphy during his first few weeks of work. Also, the Chicago Bears attempt to schedule at least one community outreach event every week, as it’s an ongoing challenge to interact with millions upon millions of fans when there are only a limited amount of home games each season. The speakers emphasized that they all had one attribute in common at the beginning of their careers – a positive attitude. They willingly accepted every assignment that crossed their desks, and completed each one with intense preparation and effort. Additionally, they noted that passion and teamwork are prerequisites for longevity toward a single goal – a Super Bowl celebration in Grant Park. Thanks for both the guests and attendees for making this such an enjoyable and informative event.

WISE Chicago includes members from the

following companies:

Accenture, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs,

Chicago Fire, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Wolves, Comcast,

Edelman, Gatorade, Harris Bank, IEG, IMG

Worldwide, Intersport, MKTG, Mosaic, NCSA

Sports, Nike, Northwestern, Paragon

Marketing, PepsiCo, SDI, IEG, US Soccer, WOMMA,

WTT

JOIN TODAY!

For individual/corporate memberships, additional

membership questions and to register and get started

contact Monica Murphy Vargas

(312) 502.9419 murphymon@mac.com

facebook.com/WISEChicago twitter.com/WISEChicago /pub/wise-chicago/87/382/b75/ @wisechicago

WISE CHICAGO BOARD Nancy Atufunwa (IMG Worldwide),

Board President Rita Battocchio (Intersport),

Former Board President/ Director of Finance

Amy Potter (BMO Harris Bank), Board Vice President – Member Programming Jorie Sax (MillerCoors),

Board Vice President –WISE Within, WISE Within National Committee Co-Chair Monica Murphy Vargas (SportsDivas, Inc.)

Director of Membership Julie Haferkamp (Mosaic),

Director of Events Nancy Laroche (Gatorade), Director of External Affairs

Meredith Mead (rEvolution), Manager of Partnerships

Monica Gostkiewicz (Catalyst/VML), PR & Digital Manager

Olivia Blake (IMG Worldwide), Social Media Manager

Meet the Board Members! Each month, WISE Chicago will feature some of our Board Members. Introducing…

Name: Olivia Blake • WISE Board Position: Social Media Manager • Current Position/Employer: Executive Assistant, IMG Worldwide • Favorite Job as a Child: Driving my mother crazy Years of Work Experience: 9 years • Hometown: Roselle, Illinois • College: DeVry University

• Favorite Sports/Events Memory: Experiencing the hype of the 2006 World Cup

while living in Sao Paolo, Brasil and racing on the original Olympic field in Olympia, Greece - I won!

• Advice for someone starting in the industry: Stay positive, be willing to ask for help but take charge and cultivate good relationships.

• Random fact about yourself: I drink milk with my pizza. I know. • Favorite Chicago hangout: 694 Wine Bar • Best part of WISE: My first WISE event turned my life around in a huge way –

decided to go back to school and earn my degree! You’ll feel much empowered after attending our events!

WISE is now accepting applications for its Executive Leadership Institute 2014 inaugural class, a prestigious curriculum tailored specifically for the advancement and retention of female executives in the sports industry. A first for the sports industry, this highly competitive program was created for women at the vice president level or above, who aspire to senior-level positions – with the ultimate goal of establishing a deep bench of female leaders who are prepared to ascend to the C-suites. Members can inquire at WISEWorks.org. Program date: November 9-14, 2014 Application deadline: August 8, 2014

WISE Executive Leadership Institute Launches Fall 2014 Now Accepting Applications