WTOP News’ Post

This luncheon was special. Quick recap below

Grateful for the opportunity to participate in the NFLPA HBCU Symposium! 🏈✨ It was an enriching experience filled with valuable insights and knowledge. From networking with industry professionals to learning about the latest trends, I'm excited to apply what I've gained to my career journey. Huge thanks to the NFLPA and all involved for this incredible opportunity! #NFLPA #HBCU #ProfessionalDevelopment"

Excited to share my latest piece on Sport, Leadership & Peace: The National Rugby League, highlighting the profound impact of sports in fostering peace. 🏉 At a recent workshop with the NRL facilitated by IEP, we delved into how sports empower youth leaders for peace. Through engaging activities, we emphasised concepts like Positive Peace and empathy, igniting a passion for advocacy in schools and communities. 📖 Dive into the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjt-Sut4

🌟 Five years ago, a serendipitous match at Whitehawk brought two exceptional Black officials, Joel Mannix and Aji Ajibola, together. ⚽️🤝 Not only did this game foster a deep friendship, but it also sparked a journey towards a higher purpose. A mission that will continue, influencing lives and shaping futures, long after their time as officials. 🚀 This purpose is not just about changing rules; it's about changing mindsets and creating new possibilities. 💡 It has galvanised many, including myself, to drive change and work towards a more inclusive future. 🌍💪 Each time we see increased representation, it's likely that the efforts of Aji and Joel are woven into that progress. 📈 Their dedication and hard work are helping the fabric of the communities see themselves reflected in roles they may not have previously considered. 🌐 The power of representation is immense - it inspires, motivates, and opens doors to new beginnings. 🚪🌟 Every success story reported, every barrier broken, is not just an individual achievement; it's a beacon of hope that lights the way for others. 💫 I am excited to watch Aji's journey and look forward to the day he officiates in the premier league. 🏆🎯 Here's to a future where everyone has the best seat in the stadium. 🏟️🥂 Aji Ajibola Joel Mannix Arran Williams The Football Association EFL (English Football League) The Premier League Kent FA Raj Randhawa Minesh Gupta Farai Hallam Jeff Davis Kevin Yusuf Coleman Lauren Emmerson, LMSW Lorraine Humm Martin Cassidy Tom Amber Tom Webb #ChangeMakers #RepresentationMatters #HigherPurpose #InclusionInSports https://lnkd.in/eBbgTZ9T

The Detroit Lions, Past Failures, and Never Giving Up I'll get back to habits with tomorrow's post, but something happened last night... That contains an important life lesson too important to pass up. A little backstory... On January 5, 1992, the Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys in their first playoff win in 35 years. Ever since then, they had failed to win another. Another three decades of futility. Until last night. A slew of various coaches, general managers, quarterbacks, other personnel, schemes and gameplans repeatedly tried and repeatedly failed to win again in the postseason. Until last night. When the Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in a nailbiter. Back when he was hired, head coach Dan Campbell told his players there would be ups and downs. And that things would be tough. But that he had a plan for them, and that if they simply trusted him, things would ultimately work out. And they did. Just because you might have repeatedly failed to shed those extra pounds, eat better, exercise more... And find the necessary why, who, and what to make it work. Does not mean you will always fail. Yes, there will be ups and downs on your health journey. And things will be tough. But I have a plan for you and if you trust me, things will ultimately work out. Pounds will come off. Clothes will fit better. And you'll start winning in the postseason playoffs of your life. #YourVictoryIsComing #AllGrit #OnePride #Lions #LoseWeight #GetInShape #Boomer #BoomPowerFitness #PuttingTheBoomBackIntoBoomer

Today, we turn back the pages of sports history to commemorate a landmark moment - the birth of professionalism in American sports, a revolutionary concept introduced by the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869. 🌟 This day marks not just a leap forward for baseball, but a pivotal shift in the landscape of all sports, signaling the dawn of the professional era. The Cincinnati Red Stockings were not merely a team; they were visionaries who embraced the notion of paid athletes, thereby laying the foundation for the modern professional sports industry. Their bold decision in 1869 has echoed through the ages, setting the stage for advancements in how sports are played, enjoyed, and evolved. As we celebrate this historic day, let's pay tribute to the Cincinnati Red Stockings for their pioneering role in professional sports. Their groundbreaking move in 1869 continues to inspire innovation and excellence in sports, from the fields and courts of play to the immersive experiences enjoyed by fans around the world. Let's honor the legacy of the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the transformative year of 1869, reminding us of the rich history of sports and the endless possibilities for the future. Here's to the past that shaped the present and the innovations that await. ⚾️💼 #CincinnatiRedStockings #ProfessionalismInSports #SportsHistory #1869 #Innovation #AthleteDevelopment #FanEngagement"

In sports, we are coached that better competition, hones better competitors. We seek to outdo each other and "win the game," so to speak. In the workforce, especially in a sales environment, we have a similar mentality. We compete for our client's business, one way or another. As salespeople, many of us focus on how to set ourselves apart and rise above our competition. But "how we play the game" is what matters most of all. Do we play fair? Do we play by the rules? Do we respect our opponent? Do we disrespect our opponent? How we play the game, is a reflection of who we are as individuals and as collectives. How we play the game, puts our ethics, our intentions, and our convictions on display. How we play the game is EVERYTHING.

Please meet one of the most genuine people I know. Be sure to check out her book, More Than Representation: The Cheat Codes to Own Your Seat at the Table. Congrats to Raven Jemison!!!! #womeninsports #womeninbusiness #eventmanagement #eventproduction #leadership

⚾🌟 As we embrace January and gear up for Black History Month and MLB Spring Training in February, an important conversation emerges. In the coming days, articles will surface discussing the decline of African-Americans in baseball. What do you think are the top three reasons behind this decline, spanning from youth leagues to the Major Leagues? Share your insights and let's engage in a thoughtful dialogue on the future of diversity in America's favorite pastime. 💬🤔 #BaseballDiscussion #MLBInsights

I love Erin Matson's story! Erin, A former star player for the University of North Carolina's field hockey team, boldly proposed herself as head coach at just 23 years old. She replaced the legendary coach Karen Shelton and became the youngest head coach in D1 Sports. It’s a fabulous story, and here are two unique points that stand out to me. First, I give a lot of credit to Bubba Cunningham, the AD at UNC. His bold decision to hire Erin over several candidates with much more experience was commendable. It's fantastic to see someone given an opportunity for their 'potential over experience.' Erin has certainly proven to exceed expectations! Secondly, superstar players (similar to high performers in the business world) like Erin don’t necessarily make great coaches, which is particularly noteworthy in this case, given her lack of previous coaching experience. The reason great players don’t always make great coaches is their exceptional skills and instincts. These are often unique to them and not easily transferable to others. Coaching requires a much different skill set, including effective communication, empathy, and the ability to adapt to varying abilities within a team. To be a great coach, it's not just about having knowledge of the game. It's also about having the skills to inspire, develop, and manage a diverse group of individuals. Such a cool story, check it out - https://lnkd.in/gyc9aAC6 #AthleteToCoach #TheLearnitAllLeader #coachingskills #emotionalintelligence #greatleaders #bolddecisions