The Game Changers | Ellen Hill Zeringue, Molly Wurdack-Folt, Marcia Turner | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Three powerful women in sports discuss their experiences, challenges, and advice for women in the industry.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: All right. Well to my left, let's start with our wonderful Ellen Hill Zeringue from the Tigers. Ellen? ELLEN HILL ZERINGUE: Hi everybody. And thank you for pronouncing my name correctly. Nobody ever does that. It's like Zenger, Zengeroo. It's every-- anyway. So Ellen Hill Zeringue. I'm Vice President of Marketing for the ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤦‍♀️ Women in executive roles in the sports industry face unique challenges but also have the opportunity to make a significant impact.
• 🧔‍♀️ Networking and mentorship are crucial for women in advancing in their careers, and they should also reach out to others for support and advice.
• 👻 Technology has revolutionized the sports industry, allowing fans to watch games on various platforms and engaging with them through new digital experiences.
• 🫒 The balance between promoting digital engagement and driving attendance at live events is crucial for sports organizations.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is it like being a woman in sports at an executive level?

Marcia Turner points out that her organization has four women running the top five departments, emphasizing the progress made in promoting women to leadership positions. Molly Wurdack-Folt highlights the lack of female mentorship when she started in the industry and stresses the importance of women supporting each other. Ellen Hill Zeringue highlights the need for women to bring their unique perspectives to the table and spark new conversations.

Q: How has technology impacted the sports industry?

According to Marcia Turner, technology has enabled fans to watch games anytime and anywhere, but it also presents challenges in driving attendance at live games. Molly Wurdack-Folt explains how technology has changed sponsorship strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrating brands into the customer experience. Ellen Hill Zeringue discusses the need for sports organizations to create engaging content for their social media platforms.

Q: How do these women juggle their personal lives with their demanding careers?

Ellen Hill Zeringue recommends being prepared and maintaining a schedule to ensure that you feel organized and confident. Molly Wurdack-Folt emphasizes the importance of having a support system, both inside and outside of work, to help navigate the long hours and challenges of the industry. Marcia Turner encourages finding a hobby or outlet outside of work to provide balance and enjoyment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Marcia Turner, Vice President and General Sales Manager of Fox Sports Detroit, discusses the importance of women in leadership roles and the challenges faced by women in executive positions.

• Molly Wurdack, Director of Marketing Strategy at Olympia Entertainment, highlights the need for female mentorship in the sports and entertainment industry and the importance of giving back to the next generation of women.

• Ellen Hill Zeringue, Vice President of Marketing for the Detroit Tigers, emphasizes the role of connections and networking in her career and the significance of women bringing their unique perspectives to the table.