WRK & WIN Corinne Milien

Sandeep Rajan is the Founder and CEO of Grandstand, a pioneering platform akin to Patreon for athletes, designed to forge direct connections with fans. With a history that spans from aspirations of being the next Tiger Woods to making his mark in the tech world, he led product teams at notable companies such as Patreon and Dropbox. Before founding Grandstand, Sandeep was at the helm of Wiser, a startup at the crossroads of machine learning and news aggregation. His passion for both sports and technological innovation has positioned him as a key influencer shaping the future of athlete-fan engagement.
In this episode… The relationship between athletes and their fans has evolved dramatically in the digital age. How can athletes foster deeper connections and create meaningful engagement beyond the field?
According to Sandeep Rajan, a visionary in sports tech, the key to enhancing athlete-fan engagement lies in leveraging technology to create authentic and interactive experiences. He highlights the limitations of traditional media and social platforms, which often fail to capture the full spectrum of an athlete's journey. By offering exclusive content and creating community spaces, athletes can share their stories more intimately, providing fans with unprecedented access and involvement. This approach not only strengthens fan loyalty, but also opens new revenue streams for athletes.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien sits down with Sandeep Rajan, Founder and CEO of Grandstand, to discuss the future of athlete-fan engagement. They explore how Grandstand is transforming the way athletes connect with their audiences, the importance of building a strong team, and the role of innovative features like interactive live events. Tune in to discover how technology is driving athletic engagement beyond the field and reshaping the sports industry.

David Wagner is the Associate Vice President of Player Operations for the NBA G League. He transitioned early in his career from legal operations to leadership roles within professional sports leagues. David's unique perspective shapes the NBA G League through strategic player contract management and compliance. Based in Tampa, Florida, he previously spent six years with the United Soccer League and now dedicates his expertise to nurturing talent and driving success within the NBA's development sphere. With a strong belief in innovative team management and proactive talent retention, David continues to push the boundaries of sports administration.
In this episode… The sports industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the strategies for developing top talent. How can innovative leadership strategies drive success and cultivate high-performing teams?
According to David Wagner, a seasoned expert in player operations and development, embracing innovation and inclusivity is key. He highlights the importance of creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and contributing across various areas. This approach not only fosters creativity, but also empowers team members, leading to a more dynamic and collaborative workplace. By encouraging open communication and valuing diverse perspectives, organizations can drive growth and cultivate high-performing talent.
In this episode of the WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien sits down with David Wagner, Associate Vice President of Player Operations for the NBA G League, to discuss cultivating high-performing sports talent. They explore different ways to innovate in talent development, the significance of providing constructive feedback, and strategies for retaining top talent in the competitive sports industry.

Dr. Tasmin Plater is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources at FIFTH SEASON, a prominent studio in the entertainment industry. With over 15 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies like The Walt Disney Company and Quest Diagnostic, Dr. Plater provides a fusion of operational and HR expertise. He holds a Master's in Human Resources from Strayer University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Capella University. A proponent of inclusive workplace cultures, he is recognized for his work with the inclusion rider initiative and his approach to human-centered HR management.
In this episode… Have you ever considered the human element in human resources? How does one foster a work environment that not only meets bottom lines, but genuinely cares for the well-being of every individual? Can HR truly become less about compliance and more about connection?
According to Dr. Tasmin Plater, a seasoned expert in human resources and business administration, shifting HR’s focus from rigid compliance to fostering genuine connections is essential for modern organizations. He emphasizes the power of data-driven insights to not only track progress, but to identify and address gaps in employee satisfaction and diversity. Dr. Plater also underscores the importance of creating inclusive workplace cultures by implementing initiatives like the inclusion rider, which sets diversity standards across all levels of production. These strategies collectively contribute to a dynamic and supportive work environment, positioning HR as a catalyst for meaningful change.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien sits down with Dr. Tasmin Plater, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources at FIFTH SEASON, to discuss transforming workplace culture. They explore how data-driven insights enhance HR decision-making, the role of AI in the future of HR, and strategies for sustaining employee engagement amid industry changes.

John-Paul Parmigiani is the CEO and Co-founder of Impact Hub NYC, a social innovation center that operates within the vibrant ecosystem of startups, non-profits, and creative sectors in the New York metropolitan area. His career has spanned various international locales, culminating in a focus on social impact initiatives in West Africa before returning to New York. Under his leadership, Impact Hub NYC facilitates growth in local and global communities through programs such as incubators, accelerators, and educational workshops. These initiatives aim to integrate emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, supporting entrepreneurs and changemakers in achieving sustainable development goals.
In this episode… Have you ever wondered what drives the success of a social entrepreneur in the bustling ecosystem of New York City? How do they navigate the complexities of creating meaningful impact in a city that never sleeps?
According to John-Paul Parmigiani, the key lies in maintaining focus amid the city's chaos and strategically leveraging the unique resources that New York offers. He emphasizes the importance of establishing strong networks and engaging deeply with community resources to amplify social impact. These strategies, John-Paul explains, are critical in managing the overwhelming array of opportunities and challenges that define the metropolitan social innovation landscape.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien converses with John-Paul Parmigiani, CEO & Co-founder of Impact Hub NYC, about transforming challenges into opportunities within the social innovation landscape. They explore John-Paul's unique approach to leadership, the critical role of community in fostering innovation, and strategies for maintaining personal well-being while ambitiously pursuing entrepreneurial success.

Emily Stutzman is the CEO and Co-owner of Happylucky, a full-service creative agency that is female-founded, female-led, and queer-owned. With locations in Portland, New York City, and Los Angeles, Happylucky focuses on creating impactful emotional connections through their work in brand strategy, content creation, and production. Under Emily's leadership, the agency champions projects that not only reach a broad audience across multiple platforms, but also fosters community engagement through both digital and real-life experiences.
In this episode… In today's fast-paced world, where digital interactions sometimes threaten to overshadow personal connections, how can leaders maintain a vibrant, value-driven company culture?
According to Emily Stutzman, a visionary leader of a creative agency, fostering genuine relationships and prioritizing human connections are paramount. She highlights the importance of integrating core values into every aspect of business operations, ensuring that every stakeholder feels the impact of their work. Additionally, Emily emphasizes the significance of empathy in leadership, driving both employee satisfaction and client engagement. Together, these insights underscore the transformative power of human-centric approaches in shaping a resilient and thriving organizational culture.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien sits down with Emily Stutzman, Co-owner and CEO of Happylucky, to talk about the crucial role of human connections in leadership and business success. They discuss the integration of core values in company culture, the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization, and effective strategies for maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Laura Dixon is the President of Pro Sports Assembly, an association uniting professional sports business leaders to foster a fair and progressive future for the industry. She is also the Founder of Long Game Ventures, a firm that guides sports business leaders to achieve their goals for impact. With a strong background in sports business and management, Laura has held significant roles in shaping the careers and social impact of sports figures, including NBA All-Stars and Olympic gold medalists. As a former head of external relations for Spurs Sports & Entertainment and executive director of the Spurs Foundation, she has demonstrated a profound ability to build relationships and implement sustainable financial strategies.
In this episode… In the world of sports management, merging innovation with inclusivity is a key challenge for leaders. What strategies are effective in balancing these critical aspects?
Laura Dixon, a distinguished leader in sports business, reveals that the secret to navigating this challenge lies in embracing open dialogue and actively seeking diverse perspectives. By prioritizing these elements, leaders can foster a culture that naturally integrates innovative ideas with inclusive practices. Laura emphasizes the crucial role of technology in enhancing these efforts, noting that when used thoughtfully, it can empower and include rather than marginalize. This targeted approach solidifies the foundation of equity and inclusion within an organization, driving substantial and sustainable impacts in the sports industry.
In this episode of WRK & Win, Corinne Milien speaks with Laura Dixon about her leadership role in merging innovation and inclusivity in sports. They discuss the transformative power of inclusive leadership, the impact of technological advancements like AI, and the challenges and successes of implementing human rights initiatives in sports settings.