More than ever, today's business climate is transitioning from being male-dominated to embracing equality. Even as a woman, and a mom at that, embracing this is not easy – mom guilt is real. I cannot count how many times I have been asked why I work or have been told I am missing out on my toddler’s childhood. These people could not be more wrong and out of date. Just look at the sports world in today’s society! The thing is, even science can back me up. Research shows mothers who work have long-lasting, positive effects on their kids that go all the way into adulthood. Maybe this shows them that being a parent and working embrace having responsibilities by providing for the ones they love!
Being a woman in the sports industry – I can be up against some stigmas sometimes. I adore my job and I know I am good at what I do. But, it doesn’t help that sometimes it can be harder for me to be taken seriously or move up. I have definitely heard jokes on “how is a woman running the sports commission?” However, I have data and facts on my side. Research shows that over 50% of the fan base of the NFL are women, but only 35% of jobs within the league are held by women. And it drops to 29% when it comes to senior executives. Think women only love football because their husband love it, too? Well, for professional sports, female fans make up for 47.2% of major league soccer, 46.5% of MLB, 40.8% of NHL, and 37% of NBA fans. It sure sounds like we know which ones make the touchdowns and home runs!?
And according to Market Watch in the 12 month period from 2016 to 2017 Americans spent a total of $108 billion on sports ($56 billion on sporting events, $33 billion on sports equipment, and $19 billion on gym memberships). Yes, billions of dollars. Guess who controlled how that $108 billion was spent? Women.
The bottom line is – when it comes to running the sports world, women are impacting the bottom line in major ways by being both consumer and running the show.
It is more or less getting over the stigma, the tiredness, and diving into new territory. What I have learned over the years is knowing when it is okay to delegate a tradeshow to your counterpart, or when emailing a rights holder that their tradeshow just wasn’t in the cards this year (this doesn’t mean you don’t want their business, and can still do a good job at running it.) Or maybe it's a week away to a quiet hotel room for the Symposium, and you take some time for you. Yes, making relationships is SO the name of the game in this industry, but calling it quits early one night, will not lose you that tournament!
I read all too many women’s journals/blogs about leaning out, being too busy, how women are held to a different standard, women are women’s biggest enemies, salary gaps, women equality. Listen, I get it. I swear, but being a working mom is still FUN! Make it that way! Showing my son how cool my job is makes this career that much better and I believe it is a key component to the success of my career (and possibly the success of his own!) I mean who doesn’t love a color run, cotton candy at a ballpark, or sitting with the EMT in the ambulance at a rugby match? At the end of the day, it is more than possible to be a successful mother and a successful leader in this business. My job title may be Executive Director, but I always remember to have fun with it – because I know a handsome little dude with his daddy’s eyes is watching me.
Moms, soon to be moms, rainbow mom, dog moms, cat moms – whatever kind of mom you are, we are all in this together. If we don’t love and lift each other up, we will fail! So, remember when you see that woman on the tradeshow floor – give her a smile because we are all trying our hardest to just make it to our next appointment.
My advice to the busy and working mom. Take it or leave it!
- Know your limits and set them.
- Your health is your biggest asset. Don’t neglect what your body is telling you.
- Know your weaknesses and strengths…Hire on your weakness -- team work
- Ask and she shall receive... Ask for what you want!
- Be present for what is in front of you…whether your boss, your kids, a tournament director, or partner!
Gray W. Williams, CSEE
Executive Director
Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission