https://simplecast.com The Learning Lever The best in Sports Business join us to talk about their experiences in the industry - and how learning contributed to their success story. 2025 Rise Sports Collective en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:33:24 +0000 https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com The Learning Lever https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/acd971ca-9a78-4573-a22d-1e37a44754e7/3e0cb62d-bdc3-4f06-a6e3-631e1571a03a/3000x3000/pod-20thumbnail-2000x2000-20-1.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com episodic The best in Sports Business join us to talk about their experiences in the industry - and how learning contributed to their success story. Ryan Richardson, Rise Sports Collective false https://feeds.simplecast.com/El5gFVGJ Rise Sports Collective shelby@risesportscollective.com bd33d9aa-e29a-45d3-bf8a-cdfe7d45f21e Hospitality, Data & the Future of Fan Experience w/ Sandeep Satish: The Learning Lever | Ep 8 Episode highlights / what you'll learn:

  1. How Levy built E15 and turned food & beverage analytics into a competitive advantage.
  2. The embedded partner model: why the best hospitality is invisible to the fan.
  3. Multi-generational fan strategy: serving seven generations in one building.
  4. Balancing tradition vs. innovation in premium and concession experiences.
  5. The future of hospitality: AI-driven personalization at scale without losing the human touch.

About the Guest: Sandeep Satish
Sandeep is the Chief Commercial Officer at Levy, the leading hospitality company in sports and entertainment. Over an 11-year career at Levy — starting as an intern with the company's in-house analytics group E15 — he has risen to oversee the company's commercial strategy across every major professional sports league. A Northwestern University and Kellogg School of Management graduate, Sandeep began his career in investment banking before pivoting to sports through internships with Major League Baseball and the Chicago Bears. His approach blends financial rigor and data analytics with a deep passion for hospitality, driving fan experiences across hundreds of venues nationwide. He is an operating expert for Rise Sports Collective.

Timestamps & Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Sandeep's background, from investment banking to Levy CCO

3:41 – Levy's hospitality culture: hiring nice and passionate people

6:21 – The invisible partner: operating as a B2B2C in sports venues

8:52 – Handling mistakes: turning service failures into memorable recoveries

10:58 – Data evolution: how E15 brought Moneyball to food & beverage

13:47 – Biggest opportunity: scaling data across venues and business lines

14:43 – Career advice: why the partner/vendor ecosystem is a great entry point

17:19 – Multi-generational fan engagement: seven generations in one building

20:09 – Balancing tradition and innovation in premium experiences

21:49 – The future: AI personalization vs. the human touch in hospitality

25:13 – Final thoughts: take a step back and keep it fun

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Ryan Richardson, Sandeep Satish, Rise Sports Collective) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/hospitality-data-the-future-of-fan-experience-w-sandeep-satish-the-learning-lever-ep-8-6o9wfxV6 Episode highlights / what you'll learn:

  1. How Levy built E15 and turned food & beverage analytics into a competitive advantage.
  2. The embedded partner model: why the best hospitality is invisible to the fan.
  3. Multi-generational fan strategy: serving seven generations in one building.
  4. Balancing tradition vs. innovation in premium and concession experiences.
  5. The future of hospitality: AI-driven personalization at scale without losing the human touch.

About the Guest: Sandeep Satish
Sandeep is the Chief Commercial Officer at Levy, the leading hospitality company in sports and entertainment. Over an 11-year career at Levy — starting as an intern with the company's in-house analytics group E15 — he has risen to oversee the company's commercial strategy across every major professional sports league. A Northwestern University and Kellogg School of Management graduate, Sandeep began his career in investment banking before pivoting to sports through internships with Major League Baseball and the Chicago Bears. His approach blends financial rigor and data analytics with a deep passion for hospitality, driving fan experiences across hundreds of venues nationwide. He is an operating expert for Rise Sports Collective.

Timestamps & Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Sandeep's background, from investment banking to Levy CCO

3:41 – Levy's hospitality culture: hiring nice and passionate people

6:21 – The invisible partner: operating as a B2B2C in sports venues

8:52 – Handling mistakes: turning service failures into memorable recoveries

10:58 – Data evolution: how E15 brought Moneyball to food & beverage

13:47 – Biggest opportunity: scaling data across venues and business lines

14:43 – Career advice: why the partner/vendor ecosystem is a great entry point

17:19 – Multi-generational fan engagement: seven generations in one building

20:09 – Balancing tradition and innovation in premium experiences

21:49 – The future: AI personalization vs. the human touch in hospitality

25:13 – Final thoughts: take a step back and keep it fun

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Hospitality, Data & the Future of Fan Experience w/ Sandeep Satish: The Learning Lever | Ep 8 Ryan Richardson, Sandeep Satish, Rise Sports Collective 00:24:58 Sandeep from Levy joins Ryan Richardson on the podcast to break down what world-class hospitality actually looks like behind the scenes in sports and entertainment — and how data transformed it from a gut-feel business into a revenue driver. They explore how Levy built E15, its in-house analytics firm, to bring a Moneyball mentality to food and beverage, and how that data now connects across ticketing, sponsorship, and fan experience strategy. Sandeep also unpacks the unique challenge of operating as an embedded B2B2C partner — serving every major league while staying invisible to the fan — and why the biggest risk in hospitality's future isn't falling behind on AI, but losing the human touch that makes live events unforgettable. Plus, career advice for anyone looking to break into sports through the partner/vendor ecosystem. This episode is for hospitality operators, aspiring sports professionals, and anyone curious about how data and human connection collide at scale: you'll walk away with a sharper understanding of how hospitality drives revenue, why multi-generational fan strategy matters, and practical thinking on balancing innovation with tradition. Sandeep from Levy joins Ryan Richardson on the podcast to break down what world-class hospitality actually looks like behind the scenes in sports and entertainment — and how data transformed it from a gut-feel business into a revenue driver. They explore how Levy built E15, its in-house analytics firm, to bring a Moneyball mentality to food and beverage, and how that data now connects across ticketing, sponsorship, and fan experience strategy. Sandeep also unpacks the unique challenge of operating as an embedded B2B2C partner — serving every major league while staying invisible to the fan — and why the biggest risk in hospitality's future isn't falling behind on AI, but losing the human touch that makes live events unforgettable. Plus, career advice for anyone looking to break into sports through the partner/vendor ecosystem. This episode is for hospitality operators, aspiring sports professionals, and anyone curious about how data and human connection collide at scale: you'll walk away with a sharper understanding of how hospitality drives revenue, why multi-generational fan strategy matters, and practical thinking on balancing innovation with tradition. false full 8 1 25a034ee-92a3-43cf-a18b-e0bcb9de1279 Building a Sports Business Skill Set w/ Ryan Richardson and JD Abbott: The Learning Lever | Ep 7 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • JD’s career path: investment banking and hedge funds → New York Jets finance → VP of Finance at the Baltimore Orioles.​
  • How he reframed skills like modeling, business analysis, and executive communication so they made sense to team leaders hiring for sports roles.​
  • NFL vs. MLB: 10 games vs. 81 games, what that means for experimentation, in‑season changes, and reps for early‑career staff.​​
  • Why he thinks you don’t have to start in sports—if you’re building strong, flexible skills in finance, analytics, or operations, you can create real optionality later.​
  • JD’s approach to joining a new front office in Baltimore: communication, clarity on priorities, and building relationships quickly during organizational change.​​
  • Practical advice on networking with intention, preparing for informational calls, and treating every role as a “learning lab” for your next move.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Wed, 4 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Rise Sports Collective) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/building-a-sports-business-skill-set-w-ryan-richardson-and-jd-abbott-the-learning-lever-ep-7-Buws4oLl In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • JD’s career path: investment banking and hedge funds → New York Jets finance → VP of Finance at the Baltimore Orioles.​
  • How he reframed skills like modeling, business analysis, and executive communication so they made sense to team leaders hiring for sports roles.​
  • NFL vs. MLB: 10 games vs. 81 games, what that means for experimentation, in‑season changes, and reps for early‑career staff.​​
  • Why he thinks you don’t have to start in sports—if you’re building strong, flexible skills in finance, analytics, or operations, you can create real optionality later.​
  • JD’s approach to joining a new front office in Baltimore: communication, clarity on priorities, and building relationships quickly during organizational change.​​
  • Practical advice on networking with intention, preparing for informational calls, and treating every role as a “learning lab” for your next move.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Building a Sports Business Skill Set w/ Ryan Richardson and JD Abbott: The Learning Lever | Ep 7 Rise Sports Collective 00:27:55 In this episode of The Learning Lever, Ryan talks with JD Abbott, Vice President of Finance for the Baltimore Orioles and former Director of Finance for the New York Jets, about what it actually looks like to position yourself for a long-term career in sports business—whether you’re in the industry yet or not. JD traces his path from investment banking and hedge funds into NFL and MLB front offices, sharing why he quit a stable buy-side role to network full time, how he reframed his modeling and business analysis experience so teams could see the fit, and what surprised him when he moved from analyzing many companies to going all‑in on one club. ​ The conversation gets into the tradeoffs between the NFL and MLB from a learning and experimentation standpoint, why baseball’s 81 home dates can be a powerful lab for young professionals, and how JD has approached change, communication, and roadmap-building as part of a new leadership group in Baltimore. Ryan and JD also dig into self-directed learning (treating your role as a “treasure trove” of reps), building a broad skill stack instead of chasing titles, and being intentional with networking so that conversations are strategic—on both sides of the table. If you’re in finance, analytics, consulting, or any adjacent field and wondering how to make yourself “sports ready,” this episode is a clear, practical set of mental models for doing exactly that. In this episode of The Learning Lever, Ryan talks with JD Abbott, Vice President of Finance for the Baltimore Orioles and former Director of Finance for the New York Jets, about what it actually looks like to position yourself for a long-term career in sports business—whether you’re in the industry yet or not. JD traces his path from investment banking and hedge funds into NFL and MLB front offices, sharing why he quit a stable buy-side role to network full time, how he reframed his modeling and business analysis experience so teams could see the fit, and what surprised him when he moved from analyzing many companies to going all‑in on one club. ​ The conversation gets into the tradeoffs between the NFL and MLB from a learning and experimentation standpoint, why baseball’s 81 home dates can be a powerful lab for young professionals, and how JD has approached change, communication, and roadmap-building as part of a new leadership group in Baltimore. Ryan and JD also dig into self-directed learning (treating your role as a “treasure trove” of reps), building a broad skill stack instead of chasing titles, and being intentional with networking so that conversations are strategic—on both sides of the table. If you’re in finance, analytics, consulting, or any adjacent field and wondering how to make yourself “sports ready,” this episode is a clear, practical set of mental models for doing exactly that. false full 7 1 a727c876-5878-4e3e-8a09-f5eb47ee8a85 Future Proofing Your Venue w/ Ryan Richardson and Josh Barney: The Learning Lever | Ep 6 Tune in to hear

  • How Ryan first experienced SEAT as a uniquely community-driven conference, where the person running the event is as loved as the programming itself.
  • Josh’s career arc: early interest in sports marketing, a detour into tech and network engineering, a pivotal jump to the Utah Jazz as a network engineer, and eventually leading arena technology strategy.
  • Lessons from renovating the Delta Center: designing “venues of the future,” building infrastructure that can support rapidly shortening tech life cycles, and staying nimble as tools change every 6–9 months.
  • Why internal alignment across IT, marketing, partnerships, and operations is non‑negotiable when you’re choosing and deploying new technology.
  • The shrinking budgets versus growing expectations paradox: 99% of fan interactions in‑venue run through technology, yet tech is often the first line item cut.
  • How AI and modern tools can actually improve both fan experience and employee experience when organizations use them intentionally, not just because they’re “cool.”
  • Career advice: become a utilitarian “translator” who understands technology and can clearly connect it to business needs, decisions, and outcomes across multiple verticals.
  • Josh’s learning journey: moving from traditional university to more hands-on environments, leveraging vendor workshops, and then embracing always‑on learning via platforms like YouTube.
  • Why mentoring in sports is talked about more than it’s structurally supported, and how SEAT is building matchmaking and membership models (roundtables, webinars, year‑round community) to close that gap.
  • A personal story from SEAT Nashville

About Our Guest: Josh Barney, CEO, SEAT

Josh Barney is the CEO of SEAT – Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology, the leading peer community and annual forum for sports and entertainment technology, data, and operations leaders. Before acquiring and rebooting SEAT, he spent more than a decade with the Utah Jazz, where he rose from network manager to Director of Technology & Innovation, overseeing consumer-facing systems and guiding the 2017 Delta Center renovation, including Wi‑Fi, digital signage, and the team app. A former director of esports and technology who launched Jazz Gaming in the NBA 2K League, Josh blends deep infrastructure expertise with a passion for fan experience, community-building, and helping peers translate technology into real business value. Today he leads SEAT’s evolution from a once‑a‑year conference to a year‑round membership platform of roundtables, webinars, and curated connections, all grounded in his personal philosophy to “give more than I take.”

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2026 19:44:00 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Josh Barney, Ryan Richardson, Rise Sports Collective) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/future-proofing-your-venue-w-ryan-richardson-and-josh-barney-the-learning-lever-ep-6-3txixsq5-e0tY32xk Tune in to hear

  • How Ryan first experienced SEAT as a uniquely community-driven conference, where the person running the event is as loved as the programming itself.
  • Josh’s career arc: early interest in sports marketing, a detour into tech and network engineering, a pivotal jump to the Utah Jazz as a network engineer, and eventually leading arena technology strategy.
  • Lessons from renovating the Delta Center: designing “venues of the future,” building infrastructure that can support rapidly shortening tech life cycles, and staying nimble as tools change every 6–9 months.
  • Why internal alignment across IT, marketing, partnerships, and operations is non‑negotiable when you’re choosing and deploying new technology.
  • The shrinking budgets versus growing expectations paradox: 99% of fan interactions in‑venue run through technology, yet tech is often the first line item cut.
  • How AI and modern tools can actually improve both fan experience and employee experience when organizations use them intentionally, not just because they’re “cool.”
  • Career advice: become a utilitarian “translator” who understands technology and can clearly connect it to business needs, decisions, and outcomes across multiple verticals.
  • Josh’s learning journey: moving from traditional university to more hands-on environments, leveraging vendor workshops, and then embracing always‑on learning via platforms like YouTube.
  • Why mentoring in sports is talked about more than it’s structurally supported, and how SEAT is building matchmaking and membership models (roundtables, webinars, year‑round community) to close that gap.
  • A personal story from SEAT Nashville

About Our Guest: Josh Barney, CEO, SEAT

Josh Barney is the CEO of SEAT – Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology, the leading peer community and annual forum for sports and entertainment technology, data, and operations leaders. Before acquiring and rebooting SEAT, he spent more than a decade with the Utah Jazz, where he rose from network manager to Director of Technology & Innovation, overseeing consumer-facing systems and guiding the 2017 Delta Center renovation, including Wi‑Fi, digital signage, and the team app. A former director of esports and technology who launched Jazz Gaming in the NBA 2K League, Josh blends deep infrastructure expertise with a passion for fan experience, community-building, and helping peers translate technology into real business value. Today he leads SEAT’s evolution from a once‑a‑year conference to a year‑round membership platform of roundtables, webinars, and curated connections, all grounded in his personal philosophy to “give more than I take.”

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Future Proofing Your Venue w/ Ryan Richardson and Josh Barney: The Learning Lever | Ep 6 Josh Barney, Ryan Richardson, Rise Sports Collective 00:31:02 In this episode of The Learning Lever, Ryan sits down with Josh Barney, CEO of SEAT (Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology), to unpack how technology, careers, and community intersect behind the scenes of live sports and entertainment. Josh traces his unconventional path from network engineer and state government technologist to leading technology for the Utah Jazz and the 2017 Delta Center renovation, and ultimately rebooting SEAT into a peer-led home for stadium and venue professionals. He and Ryan dig into how to future-proof venues amid six‑to‑nine‑month tech cycles, why cross-functional alignment matters more than any single tool, and how becoming a “translator” between tech and the business unlocks real career progression in sport. They also explore intentional learning (from Cisco workshops to “YouTube University”), the realities of grueling venue schedules, and why mentoring, structured matchmaking, and doing “hard stuff”—like Josh singing on stage in Nashville after throat surgery—are essential to building a generous, sustainable industry community. If you work in sports technology, data, operations, or simply want to grow your sports business career, this conversation is a practical, human playbook on where the industry is headed and how to stay ready. In this episode of The Learning Lever, Ryan sits down with Josh Barney, CEO of SEAT (Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology), to unpack how technology, careers, and community intersect behind the scenes of live sports and entertainment. Josh traces his unconventional path from network engineer and state government technologist to leading technology for the Utah Jazz and the 2017 Delta Center renovation, and ultimately rebooting SEAT into a peer-led home for stadium and venue professionals. He and Ryan dig into how to future-proof venues amid six‑to‑nine‑month tech cycles, why cross-functional alignment matters more than any single tool, and how becoming a “translator” between tech and the business unlocks real career progression in sport. They also explore intentional learning (from Cisco workshops to “YouTube University”), the realities of grueling venue schedules, and why mentoring, structured matchmaking, and doing “hard stuff”—like Josh singing on stage in Nashville after throat surgery—are essential to building a generous, sustainable industry community. If you work in sports technology, data, operations, or simply want to grow your sports business career, this conversation is a practical, human playbook on where the industry is headed and how to stay ready. false full 6 1 a3d08dd8-7112-4d2b-93f1-22d7b615966d The Non-Linear Path to Sports Business w/ Ryan Richardson and Bryan Lodigiani: The Learning Lever | Ep 5 About RISE:
Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.

Resources & links:

RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership
Business Strategy & Analytics Technical Skills Certification: https://www.risesportscollective.com/bsa

About the Guest: Bryan Lodigiani
Bryan Lodigiani is a senior sports business executive who serves as Vice President of Business Strategy & Operations at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, helping lead the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC on the business side. His career blends high-level strategy, finance, and analytics across investment banking, consulting, global apparel, and now major-league sports.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:48:51 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Bryan Lodigiani, Rise Sports Collective, Ryan Richardson) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/the-non-linear-path-to-sports-business-w-ryan-richardson-and-bryan-lodigiani-the-learning-lever-ep-5-5tCjC0ih About RISE:
Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.

Resources & links:

RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership
Business Strategy & Analytics Technical Skills Certification: https://www.risesportscollective.com/bsa

About the Guest: Bryan Lodigiani
Bryan Lodigiani is a senior sports business executive who serves as Vice President of Business Strategy & Operations at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, helping lead the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC on the business side. His career blends high-level strategy, finance, and analytics across investment banking, consulting, global apparel, and now major-league sports.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> The Non-Linear Path to Sports Business w/ Ryan Richardson and Bryan Lodigiani: The Learning Lever | Ep 5 Bryan Lodigiani, Rise Sports Collective, Ryan Richardson 00:33:36 In this episode of The Learning Lever, host Ryan Richardson welcomes Bryan Lodigiani, Vice President of Business Strategy and Analytics at Tepper Sports and Entertainment. Bryan shares his unique journey into the sports industry, highlighting his transition from management consulting and healthcare banking to his current role overseeing analytics and strategic initiatives for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. He discusses the evolution of the sports business landscape, emphasizing the growing importance of data-driven decision-making and the integration of analytics into various aspects of sports management. Bryan also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that arise from the increasing complexity of sports organizations, particularly as they expand into multi-property operations. In this episode of The Learning Lever, host Ryan Richardson welcomes Bryan Lodigiani, Vice President of Business Strategy and Analytics at Tepper Sports and Entertainment. Bryan shares his unique journey into the sports industry, highlighting his transition from management consulting and healthcare banking to his current role overseeing analytics and strategic initiatives for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. He discusses the evolution of the sports business landscape, emphasizing the growing importance of data-driven decision-making and the integration of analytics into various aspects of sports management. Bryan also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that arise from the increasing complexity of sports organizations, particularly as they expand into multi-property operations. false full 5 1 e43b5742-8bdf-4a35-bb25-5c4d551fcb05 Building BSA from Zero w/ Ryan Richardson and Steve Chan: The Learning Lever | Ep 4 Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:04:14 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Steve Chan, Ryan Richardson, Rise Sports Collective) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/building-bsa-from-zero-w-ryan-richardson-and-steve-chan-the-learning-lever-ep-4-hLV8mV2O Building BSA from Zero w/ Ryan Richardson and Steve Chan: The Learning Lever | Ep 4 Steve Chan, Ryan Richardson, Rise Sports Collective 00:29:51 In this episode, Ryan sits down with Steve Chan — Rise Sports Collective co-founder and former 49ers Business Strategy & Analytics leader — to break down how modern teams use data (and storytelling) to level up revenue, operations, and the fan experience. Together, they cover: The advantage of coming into sports from “outside industries” — and how it brings fresh best practices into teams How the 49ers helped pioneer what’s now a standard BSA function across pro sports Why the real job isn’t just building models — it’s getting stakeholders to understand, trust, and adopt the insights The “Executive Huddle” at Levi’s Stadium: a real-time analytics room tracking entry scans, F&B/retail, and fan satisfaction to fix issues during the event What great on-the-job training looks like (and how RISE courses replicate the “playbook + context” effect) A fun learning takeaway from Breaking Bad: skills + context = real impact (and momentum) If you work on the business side of sports — analytics, ticketing, marketing, premium, or operations — this episode is a practical look at how teams actually turn data into action. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Steve Chan — Rise Sports Collective co-founder and former 49ers Business Strategy & Analytics leader — to break down how modern teams use data (and storytelling) to level up revenue, operations, and the fan experience. Together, they cover: The advantage of coming into sports from “outside industries” — and how it brings fresh best practices into teams How the 49ers helped pioneer what’s now a standard BSA function across pro sports Why the real job isn’t just building models — it’s getting stakeholders to understand, trust, and adopt the insights The “Executive Huddle” at Levi’s Stadium: a real-time analytics room tracking entry scans, F&B/retail, and fan satisfaction to fix issues during the event What great on-the-job training looks like (and how RISE courses replicate the “playbook + context” effect) A fun learning takeaway from Breaking Bad: skills + context = real impact (and momentum) If you work on the business side of sports — analytics, ticketing, marketing, premium, or operations — this episode is a practical look at how teams actually turn data into action. false full 4 1 01c9814d-2b7b-469c-85f9-938693e30003 The Future of Sports Partnerships w/ Ryan Richardson and Armaan Ahluwalia: The Learning Lever | Ep 3 About RISE:
Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.

Resources & links:

RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership
Business Strategy & Analytics Technical Skills Certification: https://www.risesportscollective.com/bsa

About the Guest: Armaan Ahluwalia
Armaan Ahluwalia is the Head of Strategy at Super-Sub and former Head of Strategic Commercial Solutions at the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, recognized as an innovator in sports partnerships and data-driven strategy.  With 10+ years across professional sports spanning the NFL, NBA, and F1, Armaan rose from unpaid intern to Manager of Business Analytics at the Kansas City Chiefs in just three years and was a Super Bowl LIV champion.  Known for authentic relationship building, strategic networking, and ROI-driven partnership development, he brings analytical rigor and forward-thinking vision to sports business innovation.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:57:16 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Armaan Ahluwalia, Ryan Richardson) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-sports-partnerships-w-ryan-richardson-and-armaan-ahluwalia-the-learning-lever-ep-3-2SVHJ9Qv About RISE:
Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.

Resources & links:

RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership
Business Strategy & Analytics Technical Skills Certification: https://www.risesportscollective.com/bsa

About the Guest: Armaan Ahluwalia
Armaan Ahluwalia is the Head of Strategy at Super-Sub and former Head of Strategic Commercial Solutions at the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, recognized as an innovator in sports partnerships and data-driven strategy.  With 10+ years across professional sports spanning the NFL, NBA, and F1, Armaan rose from unpaid intern to Manager of Business Analytics at the Kansas City Chiefs in just three years and was a Super Bowl LIV champion.  Known for authentic relationship building, strategic networking, and ROI-driven partnership development, he brings analytical rigor and forward-thinking vision to sports business innovation.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> The Future of Sports Partnerships w/ Ryan Richardson and Armaan Ahluwalia: The Learning Lever | Ep 3 Armaan Ahluwalia, Ryan Richardson 00:33:39 In this episode, Ryan and Armaan Ahluwalia, partnerships pro (Kansas City → Nets/Liberty → Alpine F1), break down how authentic, data-driven sponsorships are replacing the old “logo slap.” Together, they cover: - Why moving between teams and leagues accelerates learning - How partnerships should deliver one-to-one ROI and true fan storytelling - The common gaps teams still have on the business side - Practical learning habits Armaan uses (books, podcasts, informational interviews). If you work in partnerships, sponsorships, or any part of the business side of sport, this episode is a compact playbook on where the industry is headed and how to get ready. Watch the full episode now, and subscribe for more episodes of The Learning Lever podcast. In this episode, Ryan and Armaan Ahluwalia, partnerships pro (Kansas City → Nets/Liberty → Alpine F1), break down how authentic, data-driven sponsorships are replacing the old “logo slap.” Together, they cover: - Why moving between teams and leagues accelerates learning - How partnerships should deliver one-to-one ROI and true fan storytelling - The common gaps teams still have on the business side - Practical learning habits Armaan uses (books, podcasts, informational interviews). If you work in partnerships, sponsorships, or any part of the business side of sport, this episode is a compact playbook on where the industry is headed and how to get ready. Watch the full episode now, and subscribe for more episodes of The Learning Lever podcast. good to great, kansas city, sports careers, armaan ahluwalia, sports industry insights, budweiser, partnership analytics, the learning lever, bsa, customer experience in sports, partnership strategy, partnership roi, sports sponsorship examples, sports marketing, books for leaders, fan engagement, sports business, sponsorship activation, liberty, operating expert, alpine f1, how to win friends and influence people, networking in sports, stadium activations, authentic sponsorships, move out to move up, learning in sports, winnipeg jets, sports partnerships, nets false full 3 1 45b13b33-a0ad-4c3a-80d0-265af9b3b02a Blueprinting Fan Journey w/ Ryan Richardson and Stacy McGranor: The Learning Lever | Ep 2 About the Guest: Stacy McGranor
Stacy McGranor is the founder and Chief Experience Officer of Blueprints & Playbooks, a customer experience consulting agency, with over 15 seasons driving fan engagement and revenue growth across MLB, NBA, MLS, and NHL organizations. During her decade with the San Jose Sharks, she created the first-ever formal Customer Experience function in professional sports and pioneered strategies that sparked joy for nearly 10 million fans. 

An Ohio State University graduate with an MBA and Master of Science in Business Psychology, McGranor is a recognized industry thought leader, educator for Rise Sports Collective, and advisory board member for Ohio State's Sports & Society Initiative. Her approach combines analytical rigor with creative empathy to build experiences that transform customers into loyal advocates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timestamps & Chapters:
0:00 - Intro: Stacy’s background across NBA, MLS, MLB, NHL
6:55 - The North Star: personalization and turning CX into revenue
9:46 - Personalization quicksand: common pitfalls and how to avoid them
13:00 - Foundational learning moments: first-job training that mattered
17:50 - Career advice: read job descriptions; don’t say “foot in the door”
22:24 - The future: venues, partnerships, and jobs-to-be-done thinking
25:23 - Course reflection: teaching, structure, and learner takeaways
28:09 - Wrap: A nod to Ted Lasso, belief, and closing thoughts

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Thu, 4 Dec 2025 20:57:16 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Stacy McGranor, Ryan Richardson) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/blueprinting-fan-journey-w-ryan-richardson-and-stacy-mcgranor-the-learning-lever-ep-2-IQEpxcBv About the Guest: Stacy McGranor
Stacy McGranor is the founder and Chief Experience Officer of Blueprints & Playbooks, a customer experience consulting agency, with over 15 seasons driving fan engagement and revenue growth across MLB, NBA, MLS, and NHL organizations. During her decade with the San Jose Sharks, she created the first-ever formal Customer Experience function in professional sports and pioneered strategies that sparked joy for nearly 10 million fans. 

An Ohio State University graduate with an MBA and Master of Science in Business Psychology, McGranor is a recognized industry thought leader, educator for Rise Sports Collective, and advisory board member for Ohio State's Sports & Society Initiative. Her approach combines analytical rigor with creative empathy to build experiences that transform customers into loyal advocates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timestamps & Chapters:
0:00 - Intro: Stacy’s background across NBA, MLS, MLB, NHL
6:55 - The North Star: personalization and turning CX into revenue
9:46 - Personalization quicksand: common pitfalls and how to avoid them
13:00 - Foundational learning moments: first-job training that mattered
17:50 - Career advice: read job descriptions; don’t say “foot in the door”
22:24 - The future: venues, partnerships, and jobs-to-be-done thinking
25:23 - Course reflection: teaching, structure, and learner takeaways
28:09 - Wrap: A nod to Ted Lasso, belief, and closing thoughts

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Blueprinting Fan Journey w/ Ryan Richardson and Stacy McGranor: The Learning Lever | Ep 2 Stacy McGranor, Ryan Richardson 00:30:07 Stacy McGranor joins Ryan Richardson on podcast to do something most CX conversations skip: explain how personalization actually becomes a revenue driver, not just a buzzword. They break down when personalization helps (and when it derails), how to define what personalization means for your fans, and practical ways to link experience investments back to business outcomes. Stacy also shares career advice for anyone breaking into sports; read job descriptions, chase the roles that give you goosebumps, and stop saying “I just need a foot in the door.” This episode is for operators, CX leads, and anyone who wants learning that’s useful on the job: you’ll walk away with frameworks to make personalization measurable, ideas for future-proofing venues and partnerships, and practical reminders about lifelong learning in the industry. Episode highlights / what you’ll learn: 1. Why personalization must be defined, not just promised. 2. Concrete ways to convert experience investment from cost center → revenue driver. 3. The “jobs-to-be-done” approach for venues and partnerships. 4. Career playbook: how to find the right role and actually progress. 5. Quick wins: small learning moves that make big operational differences. Stacy McGranor joins Ryan Richardson on podcast to do something most CX conversations skip: explain how personalization actually becomes a revenue driver, not just a buzzword. They break down when personalization helps (and when it derails), how to define what personalization means for your fans, and practical ways to link experience investments back to business outcomes. Stacy also shares career advice for anyone breaking into sports; read job descriptions, chase the roles that give you goosebumps, and stop saying “I just need a foot in the door.” This episode is for operators, CX leads, and anyone who wants learning that’s useful on the job: you’ll walk away with frameworks to make personalization measurable, ideas for future-proofing venues and partnerships, and practical reminders about lifelong learning in the industry. Episode highlights / what you’ll learn: 1. Why personalization must be defined, not just promised. 2. Concrete ways to convert experience investment from cost center → revenue driver. 3. The “jobs-to-be-done” approach for venues and partnerships. 4. Career playbook: how to find the right role and actually progress. 5. Quick wins: small learning moves that make big operational differences. fan experience, customer experience, stadium strategy, sports jobs, jobs-to-be-done, sports analytics, sports marketing, personalization, sports business, careers in sports, venue design, cx strategy, sports partnerships false full 2 1 98562666-814b-4650-b535-6cfa711746c9 Rise Sports Origins w/ Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid: The Learning Lever | Ep 1 Part 2 About RISE: Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports. 

Resources & Links: RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership 

About the Guest: Moon Javaid Moon Javaid is the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of the Baltimore Ravens, recognized as a visionary leader in professional sports for over 12 years. He is a two-time Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree and a Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 recipient, reflecting his broad industry influence. As Chief Strategy Officer of the San Francisco 49ers, Javaid engineered innovative initiatives like the SAP Executive Huddle and Member Inclusive Menu, driving record-setting revenues and transforming fan experience. He also co-founded Elevate Sports Ventures, where he expanded strategic business leadership globally. Javaid’s groundbreaking work in analytics, business intelligence, and growth operations has set new standards for innovation across the sports industry.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:12:58 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Moon Javaid, Ryan Richardson) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/rise-sports-origins-w-ryan-richardson-and-moon-javaid-the-learning-lever-ep-1-part-2-6Wy0B_uC About RISE: Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports. 

Resources & Links: RISE Sports Collective membership & courses: risesportscollective.com/membership 

About the Guest: Moon Javaid Moon Javaid is the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of the Baltimore Ravens, recognized as a visionary leader in professional sports for over 12 years. He is a two-time Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree and a Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 recipient, reflecting his broad industry influence. As Chief Strategy Officer of the San Francisco 49ers, Javaid engineered innovative initiatives like the SAP Executive Huddle and Member Inclusive Menu, driving record-setting revenues and transforming fan experience. He also co-founded Elevate Sports Ventures, where he expanded strategic business leadership globally. Javaid’s groundbreaking work in analytics, business intelligence, and growth operations has set new standards for innovation across the sports industry.

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Rise Sports Origins w/ Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid: The Learning Lever | Ep 1 Part 2 Moon Javaid, Ryan Richardson 00:27:56 In Part 2, Ryan and Moon move from origin story to operating model. This episode digs into the one thing that makes learning actually work in sports: the right people teaching the right context. Moon explains how RISE intentionally built a curriculum of operating experts (not career academics), rehearsed lessons, and a curriculum committee to vet instructors, all so learners get practical, role-specific skills they can use immediately. Listen for clear, usable thinking on: - Why learning from people who do the job matters more than generic theory. - How Horizon Summit taught Moon the value of deep, single-speaker sessions and meticulous rehearsal. - The curriculum committee model: how peers surface the next operating experts and keep quality high. - The apprenticeship impulse: bringing master practitioners back into the teaching loop. - A pragmatic take on AI: it amplifies skills but doesn’t replace the human context that makes them usable. Ryan’s learning origin story and one simple metric he loves: saving people time at work. Who this is for: team leaders, L&D owners, operators in sports (teams, leagues, venues, vendors) who need learning that’s actionable and scalable. If you found this useful, subscribe for more operating-expert interviews and practical playbooks, and check out RISE for courses and membership built for sports operators. In Part 2, Ryan and Moon move from origin story to operating model. This episode digs into the one thing that makes learning actually work in sports: the right people teaching the right context. Moon explains how RISE intentionally built a curriculum of operating experts (not career academics), rehearsed lessons, and a curriculum committee to vet instructors, all so learners get practical, role-specific skills they can use immediately. Listen for clear, usable thinking on: - Why learning from people who do the job matters more than generic theory. - How Horizon Summit taught Moon the value of deep, single-speaker sessions and meticulous rehearsal. - The curriculum committee model: how peers surface the next operating experts and keep quality high. - The apprenticeship impulse: bringing master practitioners back into the teaching loop. - A pragmatic take on AI: it amplifies skills but doesn’t replace the human context that makes them usable. Ryan’s learning origin story and one simple metric he loves: saving people time at work. Who this is for: team leaders, L&D owners, operators in sports (teams, leagues, venues, vendors) who need learning that’s actionable and scalable. If you found this useful, subscribe for more operating-expert interviews and practical playbooks, and check out RISE for courses and membership built for sports operators. rise sports collective, ryan richardson, sports operations, professional development, learning and development, the learning lever, knowledge retention, training scalability, employee development, role-specific training, onboarding training, sports industry education, case studies sports, learning design, instructional design, coach training, curriculum committee, apprenticeship model, sports business, ai in learning, horizon summit, learning as a lever, training that sticks, practical training, training roi, sports l&d, moon javaid, hospitality in sports, operator-focused learning, operating experts, sports learning false full 2 1 6107b236-2fa5-4dc7-8103-2044716db15c Rise Sports Origins with Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid: The Learning Lever | Ep 1 Part 1 About our Guest: Moon Javaid

Moon Javaid is the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of the Baltimore Ravens, recognized as a visionary leader in professional sports for over 12 years. 

He is a two-time Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree and a Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 recipient, reflecting his broad industry influence. As Chief Strategy Officer of the San Francisco 49ers, Moon engineered innovative initiatives like the SAP Executive Huddle and Member Inclusive Menu, driving record-setting revenues and transforming fan experience. He also co-founded Elevate Sports Ventures, where he expanded strategic business leadership globally. 

Moon's groundbreaking work in analytics, business intelligence, and growth operations has set new standards for innovation across the sports industry.

Connect with Moon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moon-javaid-5143b111/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Video Contents & Chapters:

00:01 Intro: welcome to The Learning Lever

00:31 Why this episode: origin story & what to expect

01:37 Moon’s background: Cleveland, Northwestern, consulting, 49ers

04:27 When learning became more than a job interest

06:46 Late-night ideas: rising costs of education & focused programs

08:24 What makes training stick: practical, applied learning

11:54 The moment the Rise idea crystallized (writing it down & sharing)

12:51 Pitching the idea internally: conversations with Al (49ers)

15:01 How Ryan & Moon met: the Levi Stadium tailgate & early rapport

18:00 Why the partnership worked: complementary skills and trust

20:24 The sports learning problem: small teams, diverse roles, motivated people

23:59 First steps for Rise: finding the right people, knowledge, and context
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:25:16 +0000 shelby@risesportscollective.com (Moon Javaid, Ryan Richardson) https://the-learning-lever.simplecast.com/episodes/the-origins-w-ryan-richardson-and-moon-javaid-the-learning-lever-ep-1-part-1-QUAMJrPV About our Guest: Moon Javaid

Moon Javaid is the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer of the Baltimore Ravens, recognized as a visionary leader in professional sports for over 12 years. 

He is a two-time Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree and a Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 recipient, reflecting his broad industry influence. As Chief Strategy Officer of the San Francisco 49ers, Moon engineered innovative initiatives like the SAP Executive Huddle and Member Inclusive Menu, driving record-setting revenues and transforming fan experience. He also co-founded Elevate Sports Ventures, where he expanded strategic business leadership globally. 

Moon's groundbreaking work in analytics, business intelligence, and growth operations has set new standards for innovation across the sports industry.

Connect with Moon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moon-javaid-5143b111/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Video Contents & Chapters:

00:01 Intro: welcome to The Learning Lever

00:31 Why this episode: origin story & what to expect

01:37 Moon’s background: Cleveland, Northwestern, consulting, 49ers

04:27 When learning became more than a job interest

06:46 Late-night ideas: rising costs of education & focused programs

08:24 What makes training stick: practical, applied learning

11:54 The moment the Rise idea crystallized (writing it down & sharing)

12:51 Pitching the idea internally: conversations with Al (49ers)

15:01 How Ryan & Moon met: the Levi Stadium tailgate & early rapport

18:00 Why the partnership worked: complementary skills and trust

20:24 The sports learning problem: small teams, diverse roles, motivated people

23:59 First steps for Rise: finding the right people, knowledge, and context
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About RISE:

Rise Sports Collective is an innovative EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing the Business of Sports. We empower professionals with our cutting edge curriculum, built by operating experts, designed to impart the essential skills, knowledge, and context needed to excel in the dynamic world of the Business of Sports.
 

Resources & Helpful Links:

Check Out Our Curriculum: https://www.risesportscollective.com/professionals 

 

]]> Rise Sports Origins with Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid: The Learning Lever | Ep 1 Part 1 Moon Javaid, Ryan Richardson 00:24:31 In Part 1 of this episode, our co-founders Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid tell the origin story of RISE and explain the problem that started it all: the lack of usable learning and development inside sports organizations. Moon shares how he turned a simple idea into a purpose-driven approach. This conversation is practical and honest. Expect: - Why early-career learning in sports is often missing compared with other industries - How a small idea became a program through iteration and listening the design choices that let useful learning scale without becoming generic - What operator-first learning looks like when it’s tied to organizational outcomes If you lead learning, run operations, or work inside a team that needs practical skills (not checklists), this episode is for you. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when part 2 drops! In Part 1 of this episode, our co-founders Ryan Richardson and Moon Javaid tell the origin story of RISE and explain the problem that started it all: the lack of usable learning and development inside sports organizations. Moon shares how he turned a simple idea into a purpose-driven approach. This conversation is practical and honest. Expect: - Why early-career learning in sports is often missing compared with other industries - How a small idea became a program through iteration and listening the design choices that let useful learning scale without becoming generic - What operator-first learning looks like when it’s tied to organizational outcomes If you lead learning, run operations, or work inside a team that needs practical skills (not checklists), this episode is for you. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when part 2 drops! rise sports collective, ryan richardson, training vendors sports, custom learning at scale, sports management, sports operations, employee development sports, sports career development, learning and development, learning that moves kpis, skills accelerator, the learning lever, next-gen learning, learning strategy sports, learning kpis, sports operations podcast, sports learning membership, sports industry careers, learning lever podcast, experimentation in learning, university sports learning, sports business podcast, learning as a service, sprint-based learning, sports business, onboarding for sports teams, league learning programs, sports team training, l&d for sports, training for sports teams, organizational learning, measure learning impact, learning playbooks for sports, performance development sports, training that drives revenue, scalable learning, practical l&d for teams, sports industry learning, talent development sports, design learning for impact, rise sports, build skills for sports jobs, corporate learning, practical learning, the learning lever podcast, sports l&d, moon javaid, operator-focused learning, agile sprints learning, how to scale learning, vendor enablement sports false full 1 1