🏆 Navigating Sports Communications

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Navigating the Media and Communications Landscape

Leah grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where her love for sports began early. She attended the University of La Verne in Southern California, majoring in broadcast journalism. During college, Leah completed several internships in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, gaining valuable insights into sports broadcasting in both large and small markets.

Before settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, she worked as a journalist in various small markets, including Rapid City, South Dakota, and Bristol, Tennessee. Leah then transitioned into public relations, joining Edelman, a leading PR firm, and later moving to American Airlines, where she focused on corporate communications. After a decade of navigating diverse aspects of media and communications, Leah returned to her sports roots as the Director of Business Communications for the Texas Rangers. Reflecting on her transition to the Rangers, Leah says, “I really love baseball. I really love the game inside and out. And I feel incredibly lucky that my career has come full circle. Every step along the way seems to have happened for a reason, leading to this dream job.”

Commonalities of Successful People and Hiring Insights

Leah identifies several key traits in successful people she has worked with, “What really sets successful people apart is their genuine love for sports and a passion for telling great stories,” she says that in PR, it's all about building relationships and connecting with everyone, from interns to executives. You have to adapt, communicate well, and balance media and client relationships. “At the end of the day, in sports, it’s a love for the game; in PR, it’s about sharing those stories and building a brand that people connect with.”

When hiring, she looks for candidates eager to learn and understand the organization's mission and values. She values candidates motivated to grow and evolve within the organization, as she believes their personal development will benefit the team and the company in the long run. “I would like to see each individual continue to grow and contribute because what’s best for them is ultimately what’s best for us,” she adds. Leah’s diverse career experiences have shaped her understanding of the importance of finding individuals who are passionate about their roles and committed to continuous learning with a dedication to contributing to the organization's long-term success.

Overcoming Challenges

Leah reflects on her career challenges with a focus on growth and resilience. “Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow,” she says, noting how each experience has shaped her. One significant challenge was transitioning from journalism, where she reported facts and maintained objectivity, to public relations, which involved crafting messages and managing brand image. “Moving from journalism to PR was a substantial shift,” Leah explains. She embraced this change by continuously learning and adapting her skills to a new context. “This experience broadened my expertise and made me a more versatile professional.”

She advises her younger self and aspiring sports professionals: "Life has a way of working out, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. Every moment, good and bad, is part of the journey.” She notes, "The sports industry is competitive, but your enthusiasm and dedication will set you apart.” Embracing this perspective is crucial for overcoming challenges. “Keep learning, stay curious, and understand that every experience, even the tough ones, contributes to your growth and success.” This approach helps navigate career complexities and make the most of every opportunity.

Leah’s “Why”

Leah's "why" is rooted in her desire to make a real difference. She says, “What drives me is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.” For her, it’s about more than just daily tasks; it’s about “telling a compelling story, building strong relationships, and contributing to something larger than myself.” Leah’s core belief is that her work can “inspire, connect, and elevate others,” and this sense of purpose fuels her every day.

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