Career Summit Chronicles by CH
Name: Caila Hailey
School: Washington State University Alumna
Current Status: Undecided
Sport: Basketball
I first heard about The Winning Edge Leadership Academy through a mentor of mine, Dr. Julie Shaw. She presented me with an opportunity to attend the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit presented by Endeavor and without hesitation, I said yes. I did not know anything about the Winning Edge, let alone the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit and what it was going to entail. At the time, I was going through personal obstacles and wanted to attend and gain a bit of direction. Before the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit I just felt lost and very unsure of the career path I thought I wanted. Since attending I can definitely say my life has changed for the better.
On the first day we were invited to the NFL Network. There, I got a chance to pick the brains and listen to professionals that are in positions that I want to eventually explore. We got a tour the facility and saw the many moving parts that go into making a show successful. Steve Wyche, a reporter for the network, spoke to us briefly about his upbringing and how he got to where he is today. One thing I took away from his conversation is that there are not many people “our color” in this industry. Hearing that from a black man who has achieved success in the industry spoke volumes.
On the second day, we got to dive right into the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit. That day included different activities and opportunities to network, discuss career best practices as well as how to navigate the sports and entertainment industry. I gained a lot of useful information from my Resume Review with Nicholas Griggs-Drane, who works in Human Resources for Endeavor. Together, we broke down my resume and talked about the do’s and don’ts of getting a resume passed the screening process. At the end of our informative session, he gave me the opportunity to re-do my resume and send it to him for additional review. It meant a lot to have Nicholas take time to help me perfect my resume, with his help, of course. Friday night’s Dinner of Influence was one of my favorite parts about the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit. During dinner, I had the pleasure of sharing a good meal and better conversation with Julie Shaw and Nate Boyer. Listening to Julie share her many paths in the sports industry and how she got there gave me hope as I face my own challenges while pursuing my career aspirations. She taught me that there is no roadmap to getting where you want to be in life and that roadblocks make being successful that much more rewarding.
I did not know Nate Boyer prior to attending the career summit but knowing what I know now, I am honored to have met him. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to speak with Nate discussing current issues within sports and athlete platforms. Little did I know, Nate was the man behind Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling. I appreciated hearing how Nate and Colin met to discuss Colin’s approach to being a voice for social injustice while showing respect to military men and women. Nate, an army vet and former Longhorn provided his perspective and the rest is history.
On the last day of the summit we got to listen to a panel of strong female business women leading the way in their field. They spoke on their memorable journeys to success and the many obstacles they had to face. One woman whose story spoke to me the most was, Natalie White, the Senior Vice President of the Los Angeles Sparks.
All in all, I cannot thank Maria and Corinne enough for this once in a lifetime experience. I have gained so much from this opportunity that I know I could not have received anywhere else. Having been exposed to this, I cannot wait until God puts me in a situation to give back like they did for me.
#WEGAMECHANGE #4LIFE
