From High School Dreams to a Pivotal Shift

Ray's love for sports began in high school, where he excelled in baseball. Despite a promising start, an injury while pitching in junior college temporarily halted his athletic aspirations. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to the health and fitness industry, spending nearly a decade managing gyms in Southern California. However, his passion for sports, particularly baseball, remained strong. This passion drew him back to the field, landing an entry-level job with the LA Dodgers. Despite the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck and adjusting to a new, demanding role, Ray’s perseverance paid off. His proactive leadership and energy did not go unnoticed, and by the end of the season, he was promoted to Manager. This taught Ray the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone and leading by example, regardless of the position.

Embracing New Challenges and Building Relationships

Ray’s next career move took him to the Los Angeles Angels, where he faced the daunting task of stepping away from his hometown and proving himself in a new environment. Understanding what worked in one organization might not work in another, Ray took the time to build genuine relationships with his new team. He spent a month on a listening tour, getting to know his colleagues on a deeper level. This approach paid off, as his squad soon understood his vision and goals. His ability to connect with his team and adapt to new challenges paved the way for his next significant role with the Sacramento Kings.

Taking the Leap to the Midwest and Beyond

The move to the Sacramento Kings was a significant turning point in Ray's career. He took on the challenge of closing the historic Sleep Train Arena and opening the new Golden 1 Center. This experience helped him refine his skills in project management and event coordination. Despite being out of his comfort zone, Ray's leadership was crucial in earning the arena the 2017 Sports Business Journal's Facility of the Year award. His career continued with the LA Rams, where he played a pivotal role in opening SoFi Stadium without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic brought significant challenges, including being laid off. Ray used this time to further his education, earning an Executive Master of Leadership degree from the University of Southern California. This program was transformative, teaching him the importance of reflection, mindfulness, and leading through disruptive change. These skills proved invaluable as he transitioned to a vice president role with the Milwaukee Bucks.

When Ray was offered the role of vice president of the Bucks, he and his family were thrilled about the new opportunity and moved to the Midwest. They were fully committed to purchasing a home and making friends. However, they soon realized the challenges of living in Wisconsin, especially since they were expecting their fourth child. Ray's purpose in life is his family, and understanding their struggles, he knew he had to take action. He spoke to the Bucks' senior leadership, who were very supportive, for which he was thankful. This chapter highlights Ray's dedication to balancing professional success and personal well-being. It illustrates the significance of adaptability and empathy in leadership, qualities that Ray has implemented as a key figure for the San Diego Padres. 

Key Lessons from Ray’s Career Journey

1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Ray’s career is a prime example of the growth of embracing new challenges. From leaving a secure job in health and fitness to taking on demanding roles in different organizations, Ray’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone propelled his career forward. 

2. Lead by Example: In his entry-level role with the Dodgers, Ray demonstrated that leadership is not about the position but about the attitude and actions. Proactive leadership can significantly impact any role by creating standard operating procedures and building team cohesion.

3. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Ray’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability and continuously seeking knowledge. Whether learning new organizational systems or pursuing further education during a career setback, his commitment to growth kept him moving forward.

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