When I first started my career in sports reporting, I spent countless hours on the sidelines, in locker rooms, and at press conferences observing athletes, interviewing coaches, and translating fast-paced action into clear stories for viewers and readers. I started this journey as an intern at ESPNU in Charlotte, North Carolina. From that internship I was able to shadow and have Erin Andrews as a mentor in college.This not only helped me land a role at ESPN Magazine but also made me realize how extremely important it is to give back and to mentor. At the time, I saw it as a world entirely separate from corporate consulting, a career path I would later find myself navigating. Looking back, I realize that the skills I honed in media—storytelling, observation, relationship-building, and rapid problem-solving—have been instrumental in shaping my success in the consulting world.
Learning to Listen
Sports reporting taught me one of the most valuable lessons in consulting: how to listen. As a reporter, you quickly learn that the key to a compelling story is understanding the subject deeply. You have to listen actively, ask the right questions, and read between the lines to uncover insights that are not immediately obvious.
In consulting, listening is equally critical. Every client comes with unique challenges, priorities, and perspectives. By truly listening, you can understand the root of a problem rather than just responding to symptoms. The habit of careful observation I developed as a journalist allows me to ask questions that uncover the nuances of complex business situations and provide meaningful solutions.
Translating Complex Information
One of the core responsibilities in media is taking complex plays, statistics, or game strategies and making them accessible to a wide audience. You have to break down complicated ideas into clear, concise, and engaging narratives.
In consulting, this skill is invaluable. Whether preparing a board presentation, creating a client report, or walking a team through a strategic initiative, the ability to distill complexity into clarity is key. Clients appreciate advice that is easy to understand, actionable, and grounded in solid analysis. My media experience taught me to communicate effectively under pressure and to make every message count.
Building Relationships Quickly
Working in media requires establishing trust quickly. Athletes and coaches are busy, guarded, and under constant scrutiny. To get interviews and gain access to insights, you must be professional, approachable, and credible from the start.
In consulting, the same principles apply. Clients need to trust that you understand their business, can handle sensitive information, and are committed to helping them succeed. My experience developing relationships under tight deadlines prepared me to earn credibility quickly in boardrooms and client meetings. This trust-building skill has helped me navigate challenging consulting engagements and foster long-term partnerships.
Managing Pressure and Deadlines
Covering live sports is high-pressure. Games do not wait for you to catch up, and breaking news demands fast, accurate reporting. You learn to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and make decisions in real time.
Corporate consulting often involves high-stakes projects with tight timelines. The ability to perform under pressure, keep a level head, and deliver quality work consistently is essential. The rhythm of sports reporting trained me to stay focused, think clearly under stress, and deliver solutions that meet client needs even when stakes are high.
Embracing Curiosity
A journalist’s work thrives on curiosity. I had to constantly ask questions, seek out perspectives, and dig deeper to uncover the full story. That same curiosity drives success in consulting. To help a client solve a complex problem, you have to explore every angle, challenge assumptions, and identify opportunities that may not be immediately apparent. Curiosity keeps you engaged, encourages continuous learning, and allows you to provide innovative solutions.
Finding Common Ground
Sports reporting exposed me to a wide variety of people, personalities, and backgrounds. To get the story, I learned to find common ground, adapt my approach, and connect authentically. Consulting requires the same interpersonal skills. Every team, every client, and every stakeholder has different motivations and communication styles. Finding alignment and fostering collaboration is often just as important as technical expertise.
Seeing the Big Picture
As a reporter, I learned to capture the full narrative, not just isolated moments. The story on the field is only meaningful when it fits into a broader context, whether that is a season, a team’s strategy, or a league trend.
In consulting, it is easy to get lost in data points or individual metrics. The media background taught me to step back and see the bigger picture, to understand how individual decisions affect the organization as a whole. This perspective has allowed me to provide strategic guidance that is both actionable and aligned with long-term goals.
Skills Travel Across Fields
Transitioning from sports media to corporate consulting was not a straight path. At first, it felt like leaving one world for another that was completely unrelated. But the truth is that the skills I developed on the sidelines: listening, storytelling, relationship-building, working under pressure, and seeing the big picture are universal. They allowed me to enter consulting with a unique perspective and contribute in ways that might have taken years to develop otherwise.
For anyone considering a career pivot, I encourage you to look closely at your existing skills. You may be surprised at how transferable they are. Every experience, no matter how unrelated it may seem, can provide tools that help you excel in a new field. For me, moving from the sidelines to boardrooms was less about changing careers and more about translating and applying what I already knew in a new context.
Ultimately, success comes from leveraging your strengths, learning continuously, and finding ways to bring value wherever you are. Whether reporting from the field or advising a corporate client, the principles remain the same: stay curious, listen carefully, communicate clearly, and lead with integrity.