One of the areas where we learn the most is from listening to the storytellers and the trusted advisors, be they people involved with entertainment, sports, politics, media, brands, cause marketing etc.
We recently caught up with a longtime friend, Vernon Cheek, who is now VP of Media Relations at FOX Sports, to get his take on leadership, the changing role of media relations, the value of listening and consensus building, and the skills that translate from media, entertainment and sports to back again.
Vernon’s career has run the gamut of college and team sports, leagues, and media properties. He has worked with everyone from Terry Bradshaw and Peyton Manning to Tony Dungy and Ted Danson, and the lessons he has learned, and continues to learn, are timeless and important.
Vernon, a Grambling State grad where he worked with the legendary head coach Eddie Robinson, is also a cancer survivor, which takes on an even bigger role in business as he negotiates the personalities he works with during The Pandemic (he hasn’t been on the set at FOX since last March, and has travelled very little, but like many of us, has adapted to a virtual storytelling environment.
Some things to listen for:
-The value of volunteering and the unplanned path relationships can bring you.
–“It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” How reaching out and being proactive is essential to career success.
–Build trust and equity in relationships. The value of showing value and listening and explaining to those around you WHY things get done, not just because they need to.
–The difference between athletes and actors, and what best practices from working with one group leads to success with the other.
–“This is the way things get done.” How leadership and buy in at the top can permeate or hinder the growth of a business.
The conversation is a worthwhile listen not just for those in communications, but for those in leadership positions as well as those building a career. Two networks, four NFL teams, countless tight ties to athletes, elite coaches, influencers and media talent is how Vernon Cheek has built his career.
