Here is the latest trio of Columbia University Sports Podcast (the CUSP Show) that we have had in the past few months. I and my cohost Tom Richardson just passed our two year anniversary hosting the show from various and sundry places in and around Manhattan, and have tried to come up with a solid mix of leaders, disruptors, innovators, provocateurs and most importantly smart storytellers from projects big and small. Here is the summary and sampling compiled by colleague Jesse Leeds Grant for another three, with more to come.
You can see a list and log on to all of the 130 episodes (three more already in the can for 2019), by clicking here. Take a listen, almost all are 45 minutes or even less.
Seth Rabinowitz, CEO Rabinowitz Ventures
We sat down with Seth Rabinowitz, who recently left his position as SVP of Marketing and Fan Engagement with the New York Jets to start his own consulting company in the space. We talk about the changing media landscape in sports the role social media has played in changing the fan, where the mobile business is going and what effect sports gambling may have on the business of the NFL and elsewhere in the coming years.
Some key things to listen to:
“I always had a good understand of two things, what we were trying to accomplish and I could channel the fan and understand the customer”.
“I was able to properly position a professional football team relative to the wants and needs of the target audience”.
“The notion you want people not on their phone, and watching what you are putting on your court or field is unrealistic. You have to find a way to leverage the communal experience.”
Listen to the full episode here.
Marcellus Wiley, entrepreneur, author, broadcaster FOX Sports
Marcellus’ unique experience of having survived the hardships of growing up in one of America’s toughest cities to becoming an Ivy League football star, NFL All-Pro Athlete and a staple in the sports entertainment industry, gives him a unique outlook on life. He is both relatable and adept at delving into topics ranging from sports to social issues with a breadth and depth of understanding. His charismatic personality appeals to a broad fan base making him one of the most well-respected sports analysts in the industry. When not on the air, Wiley is hard at work overseeing his portfolio of business interests, touring as a motivational speaker and using his talents to make a difference in his community. “Project Transition,” Wiley’s charitable organization, provides leadership training to at-risk youth with the goal of creating tomorrow’s thought leaders. We touched on many things during the conversation, including his journey from the streets of LA to the Upper West Side of Manhattan and on to the NFL.
Some key things to listen for.
“It’s crazy because our Columbia family is so tight knit compared to other universities, that’s what I love about the Columbia community.”
“I got caught up in the perception of TV just like everyone, then I realized he was just a human being, and that was doing wonders for my confidence. I returned with a drive and a purpose and a mission to make it to the NFL”.
“Football is like no other sport, it’s this ultimate team game, so many different lanes and elements that have to get on one accord.”
Listen to the full episode here.
Tony Ponturo, Business Hall of Famer, Consultant, Faculty member
Tony Ponturo is a respected voice in sports media and marketing. Ponturo is CEO of Ponturo Management Group, LLC, consulting in marketing for business and new sports ventures. He is a regular guest on Lou Dobbs Tonight, Fox Business, Bloomberg News, CNBC, and other media outlets discussing the sports business of the day.
Additionally, Ponturo is a Managing Partner in the Kirmser Ponturo Group, LLC, a company that produces and promotes projects at the crossroads of sports and entertainment. Kirmser Ponturo Group brought three major sports leagues, the NFL, NBA, and MLB and their trademarks to Broadway for the first time in history. These productions include LOMBARDI, MAGIC BIRD, AND BRONX BOMBERS.
He spent 26 years at Anheuser-Busch serving as Vice-President of Global Media Sports and Entertainment Marketing for 17 of those years. He also served on the Anheuser-Busch Strategy Committee representing the top 15 executives of the company. Tony was annually ranked in the top 20 most powerful people in sports and ranked #14 among Businessweek’s list of most prominent executives.
Ponturo was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2010 and that same year was awarded the Lifetime Innovator Award from PROMAXBDA Sports and Marketing.
Some key things to listen for.
“At Anheuser Busch our goal was we are going to be your partner and your friend, and we want all ties to come to Anheuser Busch.”
“The one thing that was very unique about Anheuser Busch is that we were allowed to take chances.”
“When I’m doing executive coaching for executives, I tell them to not act like they know it all. You are constantly learning if your mind is open, you should be listening and observing”.
Here the full podcast here.
Enjoy…more to come!
