🏆 Career Insights: Leading Sponsorships at a FORTUNE 100 Company

A Career in Sports Leading to a Fortune 100 Company

Harrison’s passion for sports started early, growing up in New York City where he was immersed in a culture of sports. His father’s passion for his career as a lawyer also inspired him to find work that felt like a lifestyle, not just a job. For Harrison, the answer was clear: a career in sports and entertainment. This clarity guided Harrison to focus his college search on schools with strong sport management programs and he ultimately landed at Syracuse University. Throughout his undergraduate years, Harrison held various internships, from ticket sales with the Staten Island Yankees to consumer products at the NBA and basketball operations at Adidas, building a foundation of diverse experiences. After graduating, Harrison launched his career with the Brooklyn Nets, spending nearly five years immersed in a dynamic environment that emphasized innovation in marketing and global branding. He credits his time there for exposing him to a wide range of responsibilities and sharpening his skills in both team and organizational contexts.

Eager to return to the NBA, Harrison transitioned to the league office, where he combined his experience in consumer products and partnerships. This role allowed him to deepen his understanding of sponsorship servicing and strategic relationships. Harrison wasn’t actively seeking a new opportunity when Morgan Stanley came calling, but the chance to oversee its golf sponsorship portfolio intrigued him. It was his first foray into the brand side of the industry and a chance to expand his expertise beyond team sports. In 2023, Harrison’s journey led him to New York Life, where he now serves as Corporate Vice President of Sponsorship Strategy. This role not only allows him to lead a talented team at a FORTUNE 100 company, but also to shape the organization's sponsorship strategy and how those partnerships come to life in innovative, impactful ways.

The Value of Emotional Intelligence & Passing the Ball

Reflecting on his journey at renowned brands like BSE, NBA, Morgan Stanley, and New York Life, Harrison highlights the importance of balancing intellectual intelligence (IQ) with emotional intelligence (EQ). He believes that while functional skillsets are crucial, they’re often not enough on their own. Success, especially in sports and entertainment, relies heavily on collaboration, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. “It’s not about over-indexing on any one skill,” he explains. For Harrison, this balance is a unique requirement in an industry where individual excellence must integrate seamlessly into a larger, team-focused ecosystem.

When building teams, Harrison prioritizes coachability and a willingness to learn over technical expertise. “I’m looking for someone who’s a sponge – someone who absorbs everything, works hard, and is willing to embrace a growth mindset,” he shares. In roles that require marketing, sales, and sponsorship expertise, Harrison values candidates who possess the humility to be coached and the drive to contribute. He notes the importance of interpersonal skills and cultural fit over technical perfection, comparing the corporate world to sports teams. “You need teammates who’ll pass the ball, own whatever comes their way, and be reliable, especially in an industry where you’re spending long hours together, be it nights, weekends, and holidays too.”

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Looking back on his career, Harrison wishes he had embraced a broader perspective earlier. He advises young professionals to resist the pressure of immediate gratification and linear career trajectories. “Your career isn’t a straight path; it’s okay to take sideways steps or even step back,” he says. He encourages professionals to focus less on job titles or optics and more on the skills and experiences that a role offers. “Sometimes, being a big fish in a small pond can teach you more than chasing a big brand, where you are very far removed from the actual consumer or end product” Harrison notes. He stresses the importance of thinking about long-term goals and personal growth rather than conforming to external expectations. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Understanding your ‘why’ and focusing on your potential can reduce undue stress and open doors you didn’t anticipate.”

For those exploring careers in sports, Harrison offers a refreshing perspective: knowing what you don’t want to do can be just as valuable as knowing what you do. With the industry offering diverse opportunities – from leagues and teams to agencies and startups, he advises young professionals to embrace exploration. “Ask questions, shadow people, and gain as much perspective as possible,” he recommends. Harrison also notes the industry’s increasing accessibility, with immersion programs and shadowing opportunities providing a clearer view of what roles entail. He encourages early-career professionals to stay curious and flexible, acknowledging that not every opportunity will be a perfect fit. “It’s respectable to pivot when you realize something isn’t for you,” he says. “Careers are long, and finding the right fit often requires experimentation and adaptability.”

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