A dream came true for Mike Sharpe just a few weeks ago- his hometown team won the Super Bowl! Not only that, he had a hand in planning the celebration parade for the Kansas City Chiefs. And while celebrating this momentous occasion, the Sharpe family found one of the biggest Kansas City fans around- actor Paul Rudd.

This dream didn’t happen overnight for Sports ETA mentor Mike Sharpe. He’s been in the sports industry for almost 30 years. Now he works at the Director of Business Development for the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation.

Some of Mike’s responsibilities include overseeing all facets of national event procurement for the organization. As well as handling governmental affairs at the city, county, and state levels.

If there is one thing that has remained constant through Mike’s career has been leadership. He has spent the last three decades working his way up from student manager, to head coach, to Athletic Director, to an Assistant Commissioner of a Division I Conference, to his current position.

“I can honestly say that I have learned leadership traits and skills at each stop in my career,” Sharpe reminisces. “I have been exposed to several leaders over my career and have had the chance to learn something from each of them.”

Working as Director of Business Development for the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation definitely hits home for a die hard Kansas City fan like Mike. His favorite sports memory was watching the Kansas City Royals in person during their 1985 World Series run with his parents. And then being able to watch the Royals win it all again in the 2015 World Series with his children this time.

“The saying of ‘like what you do, do what you like’ certainly fits well with my life,” says Sharpe.

Learn more about Mike Sharpe and the rest of Sports ETA’s mentors here.