Sports Leadership – Program Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Sports Leadership (Ian Mendes)

History & evolution of sports leaderships
- Explore how leadership in professional sports has shifted from family-run operations to global enterprises, and the implications for modern leaders
Leadership styles and philosophies in sports
- Understand why servant leadership thrives in today’s sports environments, and why authoritarian approaches no longer work
Ethical decision-making and integrity
- Examine real-world scenarios to practice making value-based decisions that build trust and foster positive culture
Why communication matters
- Learn the impact of effective internal communication and how to strike the right balance to avoid meeting overload

Module 2: Team Building and Motivation (Rob Smart)

Principles of team dynamics
- Analyze how locker room dynamics translate into professional settings and how to foster collaboration across teams
Coaching strategies for peak performance
- Review evolving coaching styles, motivational strategies, and the importance of mentorship
Handling conflicts and fostering collaboration
- Learn strategies to address interpersonal conflicts and create inclusive, respectful team environments

Module 3: Strategic Management in Sports (Mark Goudie)

Building and implementing strategic visions
- Build strategic plans that align business goals with performance outcomes
Resource allocation and operational excellence
- Examine how organizations of all sizes manage staffing, budgets, and long-term success
Data-driven decision-making and analytics
- Explore how analytics and AI are shaping customer insights, operations, and decision-making in todays industry

Module 4: Sports Marketing and Branding (Patti Zebchuck)

Building a strong brand in sports organizations
- Learn to build meaningful slogans, visuals, and partnerships that reflect a team’s identity
Fan engagement and community outreach
- Understand community outreach, in-game experience, and demographic tracking to enhance fan loyalty
Leveraging digital platforms and social media
- Develop content strategies across digital platforms, monetize online presence, and engage athletes in storytelling

Module 5: Financial Acumen for Sports Leaders (Yolana Junco & Valerie Hughes)

Budgeting and financial planning for sports organizations
- Understanding forecasting, multi-year budgeting, salary management, and contract negotiations
Revenue generation: Sponsorships, broadcasting, and events
- Explore sponsorships, broadcast deals, ticket pricing, and secondary revenue streams like merchandise and events
Risk management and compliance
- Navigate tax implications, team valuations, challenges with the Canadian dollar, and collective bargaining agreements – if applicable

Module 6: Leadership in Crisis (Ian Mendes)

Crisis management and contingency planning
- Learn from past crises and prepare proactive response strategies
Navigating public relations challenges
- Manage communication effectively in the face of public scrutiny
Resilience and mental health in sports leadership
- Explore the evolution of the mental health landscape and why it’s important to promote mental well-being and resilience in high-pressure environments