1 00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:02,800 Speaker 1: Welcome to another episode of her Playbook, brought to you 2 00:00:02,840 --> 00:00:06,600 Speaker 1: by Kendra Scott, her playbook of podcast highlighting inspiring stories 3 00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:09,920 Speaker 1: of women in sports and business. My name is Madeline Burke, 4 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:12,600 Speaker 1: and I'm thrilled to be joined by the chief of 5 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:15,760 Speaker 1: staff of the twenty twenty six FIFA World Cup hosted 6 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:19,040 Speaker 1: at MetLife Stadium, Carly Gruenberg. Carly, thank you so much 7 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:19,960 Speaker 1: for coming on the show. 8 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:22,799 Speaker 2: Thank you, thanks for having me. I'm super pumped to 9 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:23,120 Speaker 2: be here. 10 00:00:23,239 --> 00:00:26,479 Speaker 1: I am super pumped to have you, especially with the 11 00:00:26,480 --> 00:00:31,120 Speaker 1: World Cup coming in just over a year. Really, that's 12 00:00:31,160 --> 00:00:33,800 Speaker 1: a huge thing for MetLife Stadium, for the New York, 13 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:36,120 Speaker 1: New Jersey area, and for you being a chief of 14 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:40,400 Speaker 1: staff of the event, one that's hosted in the town 15 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:41,599 Speaker 1: essentially where you grew up. 16 00:00:41,640 --> 00:00:46,159 Speaker 2: How big is this moment? This is massive, kind of 17 00:00:46,159 --> 00:00:48,600 Speaker 2: beyond my own comprehension, I feel like half the time. 18 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:52,959 Speaker 2: Just for a little context, for those who don't know, 19 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:57,120 Speaker 2: the twenty twenty six World Cup is and will be 20 00:00:57,200 --> 00:00:59,040 Speaker 2: the biggest event that we have ever seen in this 21 00:00:59,120 --> 00:01:04,160 Speaker 2: region in North America as well. It is hosted by 22 00:01:04,280 --> 00:01:08,320 Speaker 2: sixteen cities across North America, eleven in the US, two 23 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:12,319 Speaker 2: in Canada and three in Mexico. So us as at 24 00:01:12,520 --> 00:01:14,880 Speaker 2: MetLife in the New York New Jersey region is one 25 00:01:14,920 --> 00:01:20,399 Speaker 2: of these sixteen host cities. It's also an expanded format 26 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:23,760 Speaker 2: for the World Cup this year or for next year, 27 00:01:24,560 --> 00:01:27,400 Speaker 2: so it's actually now it's a format of forty eight 28 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:31,200 Speaker 2: teams and one hundred and four matches, which is increased 29 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:34,360 Speaker 2: from previous World Cups of thirty two teams and sixty 30 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:39,000 Speaker 2: four matches. So it's bigger in every sense of the word. 31 00:01:39,880 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 2: And also just another tidbit I think as we're here 32 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:47,640 Speaker 2: talking about American football, viewership for the last World Cup 33 00:01:47,640 --> 00:01:52,760 Speaker 2: in Guitar was one point five billion for that final match, 34 00:01:54,160 --> 00:02:00,000 Speaker 2: which outdraws viewership from the last ten plus Super Bowls combined. 35 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:00,880 Speaker 1: Wow. 36 00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:06,440 Speaker 2: So it's just absolutely massive, and it is on a 37 00:02:06,440 --> 00:02:10,200 Speaker 2: global scale that I think we're not used to seeing here. 38 00:02:10,240 --> 00:02:13,360 Speaker 2: But it's so excited and we're ready to welcome the 39 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:18,240 Speaker 2: world and make this the best and most unforgettable World Cup. 40 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:21,720 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's in history, and I mean such a global game. 41 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:25,840 Speaker 1: Of course soccer is, and as reflected in the viewership 42 00:02:25,880 --> 00:02:27,959 Speaker 1: and the numbers, but also the passion behind the sport. 43 00:02:28,400 --> 00:02:31,360 Speaker 1: As a chief of staff for the World Cup here 44 00:02:31,639 --> 00:02:35,600 Speaker 1: in New York, New Jersey area. What is your job entail? 45 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:39,520 Speaker 1: What's the process been like building up to the main event. 46 00:02:39,639 --> 00:02:41,600 Speaker 1: I'm sure there's a lot of things that people might 47 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:44,520 Speaker 1: expect and some that people might not understand about what 48 00:02:44,560 --> 00:02:45,880 Speaker 1: goes into putting this together. 49 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:51,959 Speaker 2: Yeah, so the short answer is no, obviously no two 50 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:55,080 Speaker 2: days in the same It is craziness. But I think 51 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:58,560 Speaker 2: just a little background on my role and us as 52 00:02:58,600 --> 00:03:01,399 Speaker 2: the New York New Jersey Host Committee, you know, back 53 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:03,400 Speaker 2: to what I was talking about, how there's sixteen other 54 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:08,040 Speaker 2: host cities. Each city has their own local organizing body 55 00:03:08,160 --> 00:03:12,160 Speaker 2: called the you know, the host committee. And so for us, 56 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:16,800 Speaker 2: we are basically that on the ground body that liais 57 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:21,040 Speaker 2: is with FIFA, which is the international the international body 58 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:23,920 Speaker 2: that governs football around the world, and that it is 59 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:26,640 Speaker 2: they put on the actual tournament itself here. So with FIFA, 60 00:03:26,760 --> 00:03:30,320 Speaker 2: all of our governmental partners across New Jersey and New 61 00:03:30,400 --> 00:03:34,400 Speaker 2: York City as well as of course the stadium in Medlife. 62 00:03:34,960 --> 00:03:37,360 Speaker 2: So we are that lays on between all these different 63 00:03:37,480 --> 00:03:44,960 Speaker 2: entities and we are basically in charge of everything almost 64 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:48,560 Speaker 2: outside of the stadium. SOFIFA comes in and they put 65 00:03:48,560 --> 00:03:51,840 Speaker 2: on the matches. We in this region are hosting eight matches, 66 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:54,600 Speaker 2: including the final, which is huge. I should have mentioned 67 00:03:54,640 --> 00:03:59,760 Speaker 2: that upfront. But FIFA will come in and they really 68 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:02,880 Speaker 2: can control and put on the actual programming around the matches. 69 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:06,520 Speaker 2: Us as the host Committee, are involved in basically everything 70 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 2: outside in terms of the fan engagement, the marketing, the 71 00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:15,720 Speaker 2: making sure transportation security goes off goes as well as 72 00:04:15,760 --> 00:04:22,919 Speaker 2: possible liaising with our tourism, our business communities, chambers of commerces, 73 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:26,239 Speaker 2: different communities to make sure our whole region, the state 74 00:04:26,279 --> 00:04:28,800 Speaker 2: of New Jersey and the five boroughs of New York 75 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:33,640 Speaker 2: all feel like they're a part of this experience. So 76 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:37,920 Speaker 2: it is a very very tall order and me as 77 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:42,440 Speaker 2: chief of staff, I'm basically that right hand to our 78 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:47,320 Speaker 2: principles of the organization, product managing, making sure everything is 79 00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:51,720 Speaker 2: in line, working across the organization, which is right now. 80 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:54,040 Speaker 2: We are small. We're not where this is a surprise 81 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:56,159 Speaker 2: as we are not a big organization. We're about twelve 82 00:04:56,160 --> 00:05:02,200 Speaker 2: people full time right now. So we and it's going 83 00:05:02,279 --> 00:05:05,200 Speaker 2: to be great, But I think it's people aren't realizing 84 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:08,080 Speaker 2: that we're not this giant entity coming in from FIFA. 85 00:05:08,160 --> 00:05:13,200 Speaker 2: We are a small almost startup responsible for just a 86 00:05:13,240 --> 00:05:15,599 Speaker 2: massive project. It's exciting and it's exciting to get up 87 00:05:15,640 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 2: to be a part of everything. It's also admittedly super overwhelming, 88 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:23,919 Speaker 2: but in the best way possible. 89 00:05:25,560 --> 00:05:28,479 Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah, I mean I feel like do there's so 90 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:31,839 Speaker 1: many similarities. I look at your trajectory and your career 91 00:05:31,839 --> 00:05:35,240 Speaker 1: and you started in politics working with Governor Phil Murphy, 92 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:36,839 Speaker 1: and I feel like it's as similar. The way you 93 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:40,839 Speaker 1: describe this role leading into the World Cup is similar 94 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:43,880 Speaker 1: to leading into an election or kind of building towards 95 00:05:43,920 --> 00:05:49,160 Speaker 1: that crescendo moment of something. Did that time in politics 96 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:53,880 Speaker 1: kind of help you with this role you've currently got totally? 97 00:05:54,560 --> 00:06:00,359 Speaker 2: I think in multiple ways. One it connects did me 98 00:06:01,360 --> 00:06:04,280 Speaker 2: to the person who ultimately helped me get this job? 99 00:06:05,320 --> 00:06:08,160 Speaker 2: So what a little unknown fact about the process for 100 00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 2: bidding for World Cup matches is it is a insanely 101 00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:18,320 Speaker 2: lengthy process. This was coming out of New York City 102 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:20,599 Speaker 2: Hall and the State of New Jersey, the Governor's office. 103 00:06:20,640 --> 00:06:23,800 Speaker 2: This has been a process since about twenty seventeen just 104 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:26,960 Speaker 2: to actually put the documents together and get that process 105 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:30,279 Speaker 2: to even bid to bring matches at all to a region. 106 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:33,880 Speaker 2: And then there's almost another bidding process to determine how 107 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:39,040 Speaker 2: many matches each whost city is getting, including the final obviously, 108 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:42,719 Speaker 2: which is landing here. So there's so much of these 109 00:06:42,720 --> 00:06:49,400 Speaker 2: like different campaign moments as part of this. And I 110 00:06:49,440 --> 00:06:53,440 Speaker 2: think secondly it's also a big part of campaigns and 111 00:06:53,839 --> 00:06:56,840 Speaker 2: mega events in general, is there is an end date, right. 112 00:06:56,880 --> 00:07:01,520 Speaker 2: It's what you said, this big crescendo moment and being 113 00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:05,520 Speaker 2: able to be really nimble and adapt and adapt to 114 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:10,600 Speaker 2: so many curve balls and hurdles that kind of get 115 00:07:10,600 --> 00:07:12,760 Speaker 2: thrown your way just to put on these massive whether 116 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:16,600 Speaker 2: it's winning an election or hosting or succeeding in a 117 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:20,480 Speaker 2: massive event. It's just being able to be in that 118 00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:25,960 Speaker 2: fast paced environment with you know, not so much structure 119 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:29,400 Speaker 2: that I think has prepared me well for this type 120 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:34,680 Speaker 2: of role this environment. Yeah, of course I would not 121 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:38,160 Speaker 2: have been here without previously working in government and politics 122 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:41,320 Speaker 2: because it really spins out of that lane. Yeah, and 123 00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:42,400 Speaker 2: it is so interesting. 124 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:44,880 Speaker 1: I think when we look in hindsight a our career 125 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:46,960 Speaker 1: paths or our life paths, it all kind of makes sense, 126 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,720 Speaker 1: but in the moment, it feels like what is happening 127 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:50,600 Speaker 1: here and where am I going? 128 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:54,040 Speaker 2: And how do I find this direction. When you made 129 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:54,760 Speaker 2: the decision to. 130 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:56,960 Speaker 1: Kind of pivot your career a new direction, how did 131 00:07:57,000 --> 00:07:59,160 Speaker 1: you do that? How did that come to you? And 132 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:00,640 Speaker 1: how did you say, Okay, hey, you know what I 133 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 1: want to I want to take my talent a different way. 134 00:08:03,520 --> 00:08:06,920 Speaker 2: Yeah. So, I think, first of all, I've always been 135 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:11,760 Speaker 2: a lifelong sports fan athlete. I played basketball in college. 136 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:17,920 Speaker 2: It's always been super important to me that aspect. In 137 00:08:18,040 --> 00:08:22,200 Speaker 2: undergrad and college, I graduated and majored in art history 138 00:08:22,360 --> 00:08:25,320 Speaker 2: and international politics, which is just like a classic liberal 139 00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:29,800 Speaker 2: arts major. So, you know, after, as Madeline just said, 140 00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:32,920 Speaker 2: I worked in politics and government for right after college 141 00:08:32,960 --> 00:08:36,240 Speaker 2: for a little while, and I had a moment where, 142 00:08:36,240 --> 00:08:37,800 Speaker 2: you know what, I'm not sure this is exactly what 143 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:40,000 Speaker 2: I want to do, and I want to pivot. I 144 00:08:40,040 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 2: want to learn some more hard skills that I didn't 145 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:46,040 Speaker 2: get with that the majors I chose in undergrad and 146 00:08:46,080 --> 00:08:48,760 Speaker 2: I decided I wanted to go back to school and 147 00:08:48,840 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 2: went to business school. I got my MBA at NYU, 148 00:08:53,360 --> 00:08:56,559 Speaker 2: which really helped me kind of gather some of those 149 00:08:56,600 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 2: hard skills. I will say it was ultimately COVID, So 150 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:02,920 Speaker 2: that's another story in itself, right, But. 151 00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:06,199 Speaker 1: COVID, I think for a lot of us had to sing, 152 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:07,400 Speaker 1: all right, what am I going to do now? 153 00:09:08,559 --> 00:09:10,920 Speaker 2: Yes? Yeah. So I was in you know, business school 154 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:14,079 Speaker 2: during COVID and was applying to a bunch of things 155 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:17,800 Speaker 2: in sports and media and tech, trying to transition into 156 00:09:17,800 --> 00:09:19,560 Speaker 2: the private sector because I knew that was my goal. 157 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:23,000 Speaker 2: So got an MBA, which was awesome, went and worked 158 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:29,040 Speaker 2: at a startup in the micromobility e scooter space, which 159 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:33,280 Speaker 2: was a great job right after school. But ultimately tech 160 00:09:33,360 --> 00:09:37,439 Speaker 2: layoffs COVID et cetera. The company laid off like twenty 161 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:40,080 Speaker 2: five percent of their workforce. I was one of them. 162 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:44,880 Speaker 2: But it also gave me this moment where I was able, 163 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:47,440 Speaker 2: like you said, to reassess, like, Okay, what do I 164 00:09:47,480 --> 00:09:53,400 Speaker 2: really want to be doing. At the same time, I 165 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:56,560 Speaker 2: was living in New York and getting very involved in 166 00:09:56,840 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 2: some women's pickup basketball league in the city and some 167 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 2: other types of you know, grassroots leagues like that, hanging 168 00:10:04,480 --> 00:10:06,160 Speaker 2: out with people that were in soccer. I had some 169 00:10:06,240 --> 00:10:10,480 Speaker 2: closest friends who they have a league also in Brooklyn. 170 00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:13,680 Speaker 2: So getting to meet people in this space, and so 171 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:17,520 Speaker 2: many of them had these awesome jobs in media, in 172 00:10:17,600 --> 00:10:21,160 Speaker 2: sports and I was like, you know what, I really 173 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:24,640 Speaker 2: want to do that. So ultimately it was just like 174 00:10:24,640 --> 00:10:26,640 Speaker 2: by the people I was surrounded with, I was able 175 00:10:26,679 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 2: to decide, this is what I want, was able to 176 00:10:31,040 --> 00:10:33,680 Speaker 2: just really network with my personal friendships and then my 177 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:37,520 Speaker 2: friend groups, was able to reach back out see what 178 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:41,640 Speaker 2: people are up to, and through that landed another role 179 00:10:42,960 --> 00:10:45,720 Speaker 2: in breaking into sports more formally and in the women's 180 00:10:45,720 --> 00:10:48,719 Speaker 2: basketball space. So I worked at a startup that was 181 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:55,120 Speaker 2: making women's basketball sneakers and really really successful. They would 182 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:57,880 Speaker 2: be partnership but Dick with Dick's Stores. Again, it was 183 00:10:57,880 --> 00:11:03,319 Speaker 2: a small, small startup, but learned a lot clearly startups 184 00:11:03,360 --> 00:11:05,800 Speaker 2: and campaigns or the theme of my of my life, 185 00:11:05,840 --> 00:11:07,320 Speaker 2: which has been interesting. 186 00:11:07,480 --> 00:11:10,360 Speaker 1: But it's such a different path too because I think, 187 00:11:10,559 --> 00:11:12,880 Speaker 1: you know, a lot of people will go and look 188 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:15,680 Speaker 1: for the you know, the job they find on the 189 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:17,640 Speaker 1: job board that you know, you clock in at this hour, 190 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:21,040 Speaker 1: clock out of that hour, which is a fully respectable 191 00:11:21,040 --> 00:11:23,800 Speaker 1: path as well, But the startup path is kind of 192 00:11:23,800 --> 00:11:27,160 Speaker 1: a different, a little bit more volatility, yes, like a 193 00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:30,120 Speaker 1: high risk, high reward path. Is that something in you 194 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:34,480 Speaker 1: that's kind of always been, you know, something that that 195 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:36,120 Speaker 1: motivates you in a way. 196 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:40,960 Speaker 2: I think that's an interesting question because I keep falling 197 00:11:41,040 --> 00:11:43,959 Speaker 2: back into it, right, even each time I'm like, okay, 198 00:11:43,960 --> 00:11:46,840 Speaker 2: no more, Yeah, but I keep falling back into it. 199 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:49,240 Speaker 2: And I think because, like you said, it is this 200 00:11:49,360 --> 00:11:51,840 Speaker 2: non traditional path a bit, and I think that's what 201 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:57,040 Speaker 2: kind of draws me in, not the super structured corporate 202 00:11:57,160 --> 00:12:01,480 Speaker 2: nine to five experience, which candidly are also a bit 203 00:12:01,559 --> 00:12:04,320 Speaker 2: harder to break into. A lot of these startups, these 204 00:12:04,360 --> 00:12:09,520 Speaker 2: types of environments are a lot through your connections making 205 00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:12,200 Speaker 2: really you know, establishing those connections early on in your career, 206 00:12:13,080 --> 00:12:17,439 Speaker 2: reaching back out, reaching out to current friends, acquaintances, people 207 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:21,000 Speaker 2: from school, et cetera, and tapping into the you know, 208 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 2: tapping into those networks. And I feel like that's how 209 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:26,200 Speaker 2: I was able to break into these types of more 210 00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:29,120 Speaker 2: non traditional roles and startup girls. It's just a little 211 00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:32,400 Speaker 2: less rigid and there's less struck, a little less structure 212 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:34,760 Speaker 2: around the recruitment process and all of that. So I 213 00:12:34,760 --> 00:12:39,400 Speaker 2: feel like that's that's how it's happened. More or less, 214 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:44,520 Speaker 2: I'm not sure. Again, this is like each time I 215 00:12:44,559 --> 00:12:47,280 Speaker 2: each time I go through a startup or campaign or something, 216 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:49,600 Speaker 2: I'm like, that is it I want a stable nine 217 00:12:49,640 --> 00:12:52,960 Speaker 2: to five job, and I'm still saying that now, like 218 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:57,800 Speaker 2: after World Cup, just go, you know, it'll be fine. Fine, Yeah, 219 00:12:58,440 --> 00:12:59,760 Speaker 2: but I keep getting drawn to it and I don't 220 00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:00,920 Speaker 2: know why. So that's a great question. 221 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:03,840 Speaker 1: You like a moss to the flame, Charley's just like, 222 00:13:03,920 --> 00:13:07,480 Speaker 1: this is my type of role, exactly can they keep 223 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:07,920 Speaker 1: finding me? 224 00:13:08,200 --> 00:13:10,680 Speaker 2: Now? It's not your fault, it's I can't blame you 225 00:13:10,760 --> 00:13:11,880 Speaker 2: for it. Yeah. 226 00:13:12,200 --> 00:13:14,160 Speaker 1: It is kind of fascinating too, though, when you look 227 00:13:14,200 --> 00:13:16,440 Speaker 1: at the way, like we talk about building towards this 228 00:13:16,480 --> 00:13:19,959 Speaker 1: World Cup, it feels like, you know, for a sports 229 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:22,240 Speaker 1: fan who might be excited to watch it, Okay, that's 230 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:25,360 Speaker 1: so far out, that's twenty twenty six, that's you know, 231 00:13:25,400 --> 00:13:27,120 Speaker 1: we got so many things that are going to happen 232 00:13:27,160 --> 00:13:30,240 Speaker 1: between now and then. But for yous in the mix, 233 00:13:30,320 --> 00:13:33,120 Speaker 1: in the weeds and building towards this, this is kind 234 00:13:33,160 --> 00:13:35,120 Speaker 1: of really coming down to it and the details are 235 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:38,880 Speaker 1: getting put into place. What are some of the biggest 236 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:41,760 Speaker 1: challenges in your role and in this job and in 237 00:13:41,800 --> 00:13:44,560 Speaker 1: this kind of path building towards a huge event like 238 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:47,400 Speaker 1: this that's not only big for a local region but 239 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:48,800 Speaker 1: also on a global scale. 240 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:52,080 Speaker 2: All eyes are going to be on this. Yeah, that 241 00:13:52,200 --> 00:13:55,959 Speaker 2: is the question we ask ourselves every day. But right 242 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:58,400 Speaker 2: it's we can officially say now it's next year, which 243 00:13:58,440 --> 00:14:00,560 Speaker 2: is crazy because we've been I've been working on this 244 00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:04,480 Speaker 2: for two years now since the host Committee formally formed 245 00:14:04,520 --> 00:14:07,880 Speaker 2: as a separate organization outside of government, and a lot 246 00:14:07,920 --> 00:14:11,360 Speaker 2: of it was we were in this planning mode working 247 00:14:11,400 --> 00:14:16,840 Speaker 2: through our all you know, across all verticals, marketing, transportation, security, events, 248 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:18,760 Speaker 2: fan engagement. You know, we were in this planning mode 249 00:14:18,760 --> 00:14:21,760 Speaker 2: and now this switch has to happen where Okay, now 250 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:25,960 Speaker 2: we need to deliver. So we're in this next phase. 251 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:27,880 Speaker 2: We're beginning to be in this next phase, which is 252 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:31,480 Speaker 2: really interesting and also challenging because we are a small team, 253 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:37,520 Speaker 2: limited resources, which we're working through. But for us, it's 254 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:40,000 Speaker 2: exciting because we have some cool milestones coming up. I 255 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:43,920 Speaker 2: think for us, we're really targeting that one year out mark, 256 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:47,000 Speaker 2: which is June eleventh, which is the one year out 257 00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:49,160 Speaker 2: till the first match is played in the Most Cup, 258 00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:52,640 Speaker 2: and that's kind of where we want to be out 259 00:14:52,640 --> 00:14:56,320 Speaker 2: in our communities letting people know, hey, this is coming 260 00:14:56,360 --> 00:14:59,120 Speaker 2: in a year. This is a huge deal. We want 261 00:14:59,120 --> 00:15:06,280 Speaker 2: everyone to fill in, which is an exciting opportunity and 262 00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:08,800 Speaker 2: also has its challenges because everyone does want to be 263 00:15:08,840 --> 00:15:10,760 Speaker 2: involved in a part of it. Yeah, and as much 264 00:15:10,800 --> 00:15:14,160 Speaker 2: as you know, we want, we want to be everything 265 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:18,080 Speaker 2: to everyone, it's it's really challenging and yeah, that's that's 266 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 2: probably one of the bigger challenges, and we want to 267 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:24,200 Speaker 2: make sure we are pulling off that mission of igniting 268 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:25,480 Speaker 2: the entire region. 269 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:29,440 Speaker 1: How does a host committee get formed? I mean, I 270 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:31,720 Speaker 1: think you know, oftentimes when we hear these big events, 271 00:15:31,720 --> 00:15:33,600 Speaker 1: whether it's an Olympics, a World Cup, but what have 272 00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:36,600 Speaker 1: you we hear about the host committee and their role 273 00:15:36,640 --> 00:15:39,440 Speaker 1: in putting it on. But how does that come together? 274 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:43,680 Speaker 1: And then how does that dissolve as the as the event? 275 00:15:43,840 --> 00:15:46,840 Speaker 1: You know, is it similar to a political campaign or 276 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:48,760 Speaker 1: how would you describe to people who are unfamiliar with 277 00:15:48,800 --> 00:15:49,880 Speaker 1: that A little bit? 278 00:15:50,440 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 2: A little bit similar to a political campaign in terms 279 00:15:53,240 --> 00:15:55,360 Speaker 2: of headquarters are set up and they're taken down after 280 00:15:55,400 --> 00:15:59,240 Speaker 2: the campaign, but it's a bit different in terms of 281 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:01,880 Speaker 2: the host committee is really formed out of a contractual 282 00:16:01,920 --> 00:16:06,160 Speaker 2: agreement between in this case it was the State of 283 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:08,480 Speaker 2: New Jersey and New York City Hall as a joint 284 00:16:08,480 --> 00:16:13,840 Speaker 2: agreement with FIFA and MetLife Stadium to put to host 285 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:18,640 Speaker 2: matches in our region, so contractually obligated to fulfill a 286 00:16:18,640 --> 00:16:23,760 Speaker 2: lot of different requests and items from these bodies. So 287 00:16:23,800 --> 00:16:26,000 Speaker 2: that is our that is our goal, and so that's 288 00:16:26,040 --> 00:16:28,840 Speaker 2: how we were formed. It was originally formed we had 289 00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:31,560 Speaker 2: two representatives from one from the State of New Jersey, 290 00:16:31,600 --> 00:16:33,960 Speaker 2: one from New York City Tourism, so from the tourism 291 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:38,800 Speaker 2: angle orm they were basically working on this as part 292 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:41,240 Speaker 2: of their They were in their side jobs in their 293 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:46,560 Speaker 2: respective offices working through this more legal process. In twenty 294 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:49,360 Speaker 2: twenty three were well. We were announced as a host 295 00:16:49,400 --> 00:16:53,720 Speaker 2: city officially in twenty twenty two. In twenty twenty three, 296 00:16:55,520 --> 00:16:57,760 Speaker 2: it was when the Host Committee formed as a separate organization. 297 00:16:57,800 --> 00:17:01,800 Speaker 2: It was incorporated as we are an independent nonprofit organization 298 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:06,880 Speaker 2: if I have a one C six and we were 299 00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:11,240 Speaker 2: stood up in twenty three when my two bosses left 300 00:17:11,240 --> 00:17:15,480 Speaker 2: their roles and I was the third hire. So it 301 00:17:15,640 --> 00:17:21,240 Speaker 2: was really building something completely from scratch. Luckily, we have 302 00:17:21,280 --> 00:17:24,880 Speaker 2: awesome partners in FIFA, in our in our governmental agencies, 303 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:28,200 Speaker 2: in our tourism agencies, at the stadium, at our professional 304 00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:32,320 Speaker 2: teams and clubs like this. That's bade it you know, 305 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:35,800 Speaker 2: we're not alone in this process. But that's more or 306 00:17:35,880 --> 00:17:39,440 Speaker 2: less how it's stood up from that more governmental legal side. 307 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 1: So it's more like for people out there who are 308 00:17:41,760 --> 00:17:43,360 Speaker 1: going to watch or listen to this, who think, wow, 309 00:17:43,359 --> 00:17:45,520 Speaker 1: that's a cool job. That's something I would want to 310 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:48,040 Speaker 1: do at some point. You know, a lot of it is, 311 00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:51,040 Speaker 1: you know, the connections that you've built through life and 312 00:17:51,080 --> 00:17:52,840 Speaker 1: through your past vocations. 313 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:53,840 Speaker 2: But also. 314 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:57,879 Speaker 1: It feels like it's like the people that you know 315 00:17:57,920 --> 00:17:59,879 Speaker 1: in the connections that you've made, have said, Hey, do 316 00:17:59,920 --> 00:18:01,720 Speaker 1: you want to come be a part of this. Let's 317 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:03,439 Speaker 1: let's pull this off, Let's pull this together. 318 00:18:04,680 --> 00:18:07,560 Speaker 2: I will also add a part of it is being 319 00:18:07,600 --> 00:18:10,199 Speaker 2: persistent absolutely, because they did not just come to me 320 00:18:10,240 --> 00:18:12,640 Speaker 2: and say, yeah, he here's a job. Yeah. 321 00:18:12,960 --> 00:18:14,880 Speaker 1: It's not like in the TV shows, Hey you want 322 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:15,080 Speaker 1: to be here? 323 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:17,399 Speaker 2: Yeah? Yeah, I wish because then I would not have 324 00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:19,479 Speaker 2: to have to do any work there. But you know, 325 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:23,199 Speaker 2: my what I had probably been reaching out to my 326 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:24,960 Speaker 2: boss for about it, knowing she was working on this 327 00:18:25,040 --> 00:18:28,200 Speaker 2: in the New Jersey Governor's office. I'd probably been reaching 328 00:18:28,200 --> 00:18:30,560 Speaker 2: out to her for about a year prior, being like, hey, 329 00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:33,240 Speaker 2: let me know if you need help. This sounds really awesome. 330 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:35,320 Speaker 2: I would love to be a part of it, and 331 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:38,040 Speaker 2: kind of kept checking in and manitating that relationship until 332 00:18:38,040 --> 00:18:41,480 Speaker 2: finally she was like, Okay, we're ready. The host committee's forming, 333 00:18:41,480 --> 00:18:45,199 Speaker 2: we're leaving our jobs in government, we need help. We're ready. 334 00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:48,359 Speaker 2: So that's basically how it happened. Is just it's so 335 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:55,520 Speaker 2: much about being persistent and timing is so huge, and 336 00:18:55,560 --> 00:18:57,680 Speaker 2: I always wish I could give people a better answer, 337 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:00,240 Speaker 2: and it's just like, it's so much about time being 338 00:19:00,280 --> 00:19:04,879 Speaker 2: in luck, which is not fair, but it's I just 339 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 2: feel like that's when things happen. 340 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:10,320 Speaker 1: But I think that is actually really great advice because 341 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:12,800 Speaker 1: it's not just timing in luck, but also the persistence. Right, 342 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:14,840 Speaker 1: A lot of people will say, oh, I sent an 343 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:19,080 Speaker 1: email and I'm waiting for reply and instead of and 344 00:19:19,119 --> 00:19:23,360 Speaker 1: there's persistence, and there's pleasant persistence versus you know, and 345 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:26,479 Speaker 1: the skill of timing it out and following up and 346 00:19:26,520 --> 00:19:29,920 Speaker 1: staying in touch and touching base. That takes a lot 347 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:32,680 Speaker 1: of effort and that does set someone apart. And I think, 348 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:36,080 Speaker 1: especially as women, sometimes we try too hard to be like, Okay. 349 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:36,720 Speaker 2: I don't want to bother you. 350 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:38,679 Speaker 1: I don't want to this or that, and there's that 351 00:19:38,840 --> 00:19:43,160 Speaker 1: perfect balance of staying on someone's radar and being persistent 352 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 1: in a way that's authentic to you. Was that something 353 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:48,240 Speaker 1: that comes naturally to you or is that something that 354 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:49,760 Speaker 1: you've ever struggled with. 355 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:53,199 Speaker 2: I've absolutely struggled with that. I think I overthink and rethink, 356 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:56,679 Speaker 2: especially as a woman, just being totally that exact mindset. 357 00:19:56,680 --> 00:19:58,320 Speaker 2: I don't want to be annoying. I feel like I'm 358 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:03,840 Speaker 2: being annoying by reaching out or saying XYZ. But I 359 00:20:03,840 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 2: think striking that balance of right where it is pleasant, 360 00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:10,639 Speaker 2: like as you said, in terms of you're checking and 361 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:13,320 Speaker 2: you're doing your homework, you're not just blindly reaching out 362 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:17,760 Speaker 2: to people without much context or anything like that, but 363 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:23,560 Speaker 2: also knowing people are really busy. I'm sure if people 364 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:27,399 Speaker 2: watch this, they will know that I need, like especially 365 00:20:27,480 --> 00:20:29,439 Speaker 2: now in my current role, just with the amount of 366 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:31,679 Speaker 2: emails and texts at all of this I need. I 367 00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:36,639 Speaker 2: need like multiple reminders texts, And. 368 00:20:35,920 --> 00:20:38,240 Speaker 1: How many of us are like I responded in my head, 369 00:20:38,720 --> 00:20:39,920 Speaker 1: so it's a lot of people. 370 00:20:39,920 --> 00:20:43,879 Speaker 2: They're so busy. It's it's not actually a it's not 371 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:47,600 Speaker 2: being annoying, it's actually being helpful because I need so many. 372 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:51,880 Speaker 2: I need so many things, and so I think that's 373 00:20:51,880 --> 00:20:54,800 Speaker 2: the biggest thing. It's just being a being. You might 374 00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:58,439 Speaker 2: think you're being annoying, et cetera, but a lot of 375 00:20:58,440 --> 00:21:00,560 Speaker 2: times people need need those nudgets and it helps you 376 00:21:00,600 --> 00:21:02,359 Speaker 2: stay on top of mind of other people. 377 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:05,480 Speaker 1: Absolutely, yeah, absolutely, it's a very helpful advice in any 378 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:09,680 Speaker 1: field and any vocation. And it's kind of fascinating. It 379 00:21:09,680 --> 00:21:12,280 Speaker 1: helps you get a dream job right here. I mean this, 380 00:21:12,400 --> 00:21:15,400 Speaker 1: I know this is this is fantastic and so exciting. 381 00:21:15,480 --> 00:21:19,240 Speaker 1: And I know that from my perspective. Knowing that the 382 00:21:19,320 --> 00:21:22,800 Speaker 1: Giants play at MetLife, the venue that is hosting the 383 00:21:22,800 --> 00:21:24,359 Speaker 1: World Cup, I've had people come. 384 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:24,920 Speaker 2: Out of the woodworks. 385 00:21:24,920 --> 00:21:26,639 Speaker 1: Ass. I can imagine how many people ask you for 386 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:28,640 Speaker 1: tickets on a daily basis. 387 00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:31,480 Speaker 2: It's I don't control tickets. The host commade has a 388 00:21:31,480 --> 00:21:32,760 Speaker 2: control ticket. Yeah that's all. 389 00:21:33,640 --> 00:21:36,359 Speaker 1: But yeah, all right, you mentioned too working with some 390 00:21:36,400 --> 00:21:40,240 Speaker 1: of the local teams and the venue of course, MetLife Stadium, 391 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:42,520 Speaker 1: the home of the Giants and the Jets. What's it 392 00:21:42,560 --> 00:21:46,399 Speaker 1: been like coordinating or how much collaboration is there with 393 00:21:46,520 --> 00:21:49,600 Speaker 1: the Giants, with the Jets, with the local affiliates here. 394 00:21:50,600 --> 00:21:55,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, No, they've been great partners. We work really closely, 395 00:21:55,359 --> 00:21:58,000 Speaker 2: you know, primarily with the stadium, with the staff at 396 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:02,240 Speaker 2: MetLife Stadium. Through that they've helped facilitate a lot of 397 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:06,200 Speaker 2: relationships with the Jets and the Giants, and I think 398 00:22:06,760 --> 00:22:10,240 Speaker 2: that is only increasing, especially now. It's actually funny, I 399 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:11,920 Speaker 2: think I have a meeting with some of the staff 400 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:17,960 Speaker 2: next week on the marketing side. So it's only increasing 401 00:22:17,960 --> 00:22:22,760 Speaker 2: now that it's officially officially about a year out. So 402 00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:25,639 Speaker 2: these conversations are picking up, which is super exciting, and 403 00:22:25,680 --> 00:22:27,760 Speaker 2: we want to collaborate and have these kind of crossover 404 00:22:27,840 --> 00:22:32,240 Speaker 2: moments between different sports, bring soccer to new audiences and 405 00:22:32,520 --> 00:22:37,120 Speaker 2: ignite you know, every different fan in our region. And 406 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:41,760 Speaker 2: you know, the Giants Jets are just such giant icons 407 00:22:42,280 --> 00:22:44,919 Speaker 2: in New York and New Jersey, so for us to 408 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:47,760 Speaker 2: do any type of partnership is huge and I think 409 00:22:48,040 --> 00:22:51,640 Speaker 2: more to come on that soon. But we also work 410 00:22:51,680 --> 00:22:56,160 Speaker 2: super closely with our professional soccer clubs like Gotham who 411 00:22:56,160 --> 00:23:00,720 Speaker 2: play just over the river and or I'm not sure 412 00:23:00,720 --> 00:23:04,840 Speaker 2: what river that is, but there's a river. There's a river, 413 00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:08,040 Speaker 2: but over in Harrison, New Jersey, not far Red Bull 414 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:12,000 Speaker 2: Stadium are now Sports Illustrated stadium, So the Gotham team 415 00:23:12,080 --> 00:23:15,080 Speaker 2: is awesome. Red bull the New York Red Bulls who 416 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:18,439 Speaker 2: play over there as well, been awesome partners. And then 417 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 2: actually over the Hudson River is NYCFC New York City 418 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:27,399 Speaker 2: Football Club, who we also work with a lot. So 419 00:23:27,440 --> 00:23:34,000 Speaker 2: those three entities as the professional soccer clubs here are 420 00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:39,680 Speaker 2: crucial to all of our marketing operations, legacy programming, all 421 00:23:39,680 --> 00:23:41,640 Speaker 2: of that, and that again is only going to continue 422 00:23:41,640 --> 00:23:45,399 Speaker 2: throughout and hopefully we're making some headway and some to 423 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:50,680 Speaker 2: the other sports too, like you know Nick's Nets, Devils, Rangers, 424 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:54,200 Speaker 2: all of those. Liberty, liberty. I'm a giant liberty fan, 425 00:23:54,359 --> 00:23:58,280 Speaker 2: so it's ideally liberty soon. So we are. We're the 426 00:23:58,280 --> 00:24:00,760 Speaker 2: sports capital of the world too, so it's it's there's 427 00:24:00,840 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 2: no better place it is to be. 428 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:05,960 Speaker 1: It's fascinating to think that a World Cup, an event 429 00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:08,919 Speaker 1: that is like a crescendo in the world of soccer, 430 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:11,440 Speaker 1: in the world of FIFA, would need any marketing, right, 431 00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:13,639 Speaker 1: It's like people know that it exists. People know, but 432 00:24:14,640 --> 00:24:16,720 Speaker 1: you also want to drive some sort of a fanfare 433 00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:20,240 Speaker 1: around that. How do you kind of what kind of 434 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:21,680 Speaker 1: initiative or how do you build that. 435 00:24:23,400 --> 00:24:26,600 Speaker 2: So I think for us, a main mission of the 436 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:33,119 Speaker 2: host committee is to how are we engaging everyday residents here, 437 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:35,560 Speaker 2: you know, in New York and New Jersey. And also 438 00:24:35,720 --> 00:24:40,000 Speaker 2: we're expecting over a million visitors from all over to 439 00:24:40,040 --> 00:24:41,720 Speaker 2: come in during twenty twenty six. It's going to be 440 00:24:41,760 --> 00:24:44,080 Speaker 2: a really busy time and only a small percentage of 441 00:24:44,119 --> 00:24:47,280 Speaker 2: that of those visitors will actually have tickets to a match. 442 00:24:48,040 --> 00:24:51,159 Speaker 2: So for us, it's really important to bring that experience 443 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:55,080 Speaker 2: outside the stadium. So for US, we are developing a 444 00:24:55,119 --> 00:24:58,640 Speaker 2: whole regional fan engagement plan that we want to bring 445 00:24:58,680 --> 00:25:01,480 Speaker 2: to life, and there will be of massive what's called 446 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:06,679 Speaker 2: a FIFA Fan Festival, which is basically a giant watch party, 447 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:10,879 Speaker 2: entertainment center, food center that is ideally open throughout the 448 00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:14,600 Speaker 2: duration of the tournament, which is thirty nine days. So 449 00:25:14,640 --> 00:25:18,840 Speaker 2: we're nailing that process down. But that's something that serves 450 00:25:18,840 --> 00:25:22,320 Speaker 2: the region, serves international visitors, people who are just following 451 00:25:22,359 --> 00:25:26,080 Speaker 2: their teams around as well, and bringing that World Cup 452 00:25:26,080 --> 00:25:30,760 Speaker 2: experience outside of the stadium. So that is one key moment. 453 00:25:30,800 --> 00:25:32,399 Speaker 2: And then we want to also make sure we're reaching 454 00:25:32,400 --> 00:25:36,919 Speaker 2: out into north south Central Jersey, the five Borough you know, 455 00:25:36,960 --> 00:25:40,240 Speaker 2: the other four boroughs outside Manhattan in New York City 456 00:25:40,320 --> 00:25:44,679 Speaker 2: and getting out and being able to bring bring the 457 00:25:44,680 --> 00:25:46,480 Speaker 2: World Cup to them in a little bit. Yeah, and 458 00:25:46,520 --> 00:25:48,520 Speaker 2: make it as accessible as possible. That's one of our 459 00:25:48,560 --> 00:25:51,320 Speaker 2: goals is to make it as accessible and inclusive as possible. 460 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:57,040 Speaker 2: And we have what makes our agent special is we 461 00:25:57,119 --> 00:26:00,800 Speaker 2: have almost every country represented here. I'm sure you could 462 00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:06,560 Speaker 2: go out and find any bar or restaurant that represents 463 00:26:06,600 --> 00:26:09,760 Speaker 2: some club or some you know, national team that's playing 464 00:26:09,800 --> 00:26:12,119 Speaker 2: in the World Cup. So that is so unique to 465 00:26:12,200 --> 00:26:15,600 Speaker 2: our region and that's you know, we want to we 466 00:26:15,680 --> 00:26:20,600 Speaker 2: want to bring those stories and bring those you know, 467 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:23,040 Speaker 2: bring those ideas to life. Yeah. 468 00:26:23,520 --> 00:26:26,879 Speaker 1: Now, when you look back at not just your career trajectory, 469 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:30,480 Speaker 1: but your life trajectory from you know, the college basketball 470 00:26:30,520 --> 00:26:33,800 Speaker 1: player to the young professional uh to where you are now, 471 00:26:33,880 --> 00:26:37,760 Speaker 1: is there something that you think that I wish I 472 00:26:37,840 --> 00:26:40,600 Speaker 1: knew this? Then? What is something that a piece of 473 00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:43,640 Speaker 1: advice or a piece of wisdom that you've accrued over 474 00:26:43,680 --> 00:26:46,520 Speaker 1: time that you wish you could tell your younger self 475 00:26:48,040 --> 00:26:50,520 Speaker 1: or perhaps some people listening out there that might say, oh, 476 00:26:50,560 --> 00:26:52,600 Speaker 1: that's you know what had I known that when I 477 00:26:52,640 --> 00:26:53,119 Speaker 1: was younger? 478 00:26:54,240 --> 00:27:02,160 Speaker 2: I think it's things work out, and I am one 479 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:04,760 Speaker 2: to get very oh you know, I can get very 480 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:08,639 Speaker 2: overwhelmed or you know, overthink something that goes wrong or 481 00:27:08,640 --> 00:27:12,439 Speaker 2: something doesn't happen. I've been I've been unemployed for a 482 00:27:12,440 --> 00:27:15,199 Speaker 2: long stince. I've been you know, being in jobs that 483 00:27:15,240 --> 00:27:20,119 Speaker 2: I was not happy with. It's challenging, and things feel 484 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:22,760 Speaker 2: like they're you know, things at times feel pretty hopeless. 485 00:27:22,800 --> 00:27:27,920 Speaker 2: But my advice is things do do tend to work 486 00:27:27,920 --> 00:27:31,199 Speaker 2: out when you stick through it. It's also taking that 487 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:34,760 Speaker 2: nonlinear path. I have a few as we're talking sports, 488 00:27:35,400 --> 00:27:39,760 Speaker 2: I have a very untraditional line to sports. So it's 489 00:27:39,840 --> 00:27:45,600 Speaker 2: kind of saying yes to those, to those opportunities that 490 00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:49,320 Speaker 2: maybe don't align exactly with maybe the ultimate goal, but 491 00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:55,200 Speaker 2: just trying to work them to your advantage exactly exist. 492 00:27:55,200 --> 00:27:57,639 Speaker 2: So I think that's my advice is just taking a 493 00:27:57,680 --> 00:27:59,880 Speaker 2: step back, being like, Okay, things will work out, You'll 494 00:27:59,920 --> 00:28:03,040 Speaker 2: be where you're meant to be, which is obviously always 495 00:28:03,119 --> 00:28:06,679 Speaker 2: easier said than done. Sure, but yeah, that is my 496 00:28:07,200 --> 00:28:09,760 Speaker 2: that is my I mean, little me could not imagine 497 00:28:09,800 --> 00:28:12,560 Speaker 2: I would be here right now sitting in a Giants 498 00:28:12,560 --> 00:28:16,480 Speaker 2: podcast room as a lifelong Giants fan. So you know 499 00:28:16,600 --> 00:28:17,480 Speaker 2: that's pretty amazing. 500 00:28:17,640 --> 00:28:20,560 Speaker 1: That is incredible, and I mean the fact that you've 501 00:28:20,560 --> 00:28:23,800 Speaker 1: gone through so many incredible accomplishments so far in your career, 502 00:28:23,840 --> 00:28:25,639 Speaker 1: and I'm sure there are so many more to come to. 503 00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:29,640 Speaker 1: I'm thrilled to have you here talking about your journey 504 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:33,439 Speaker 1: and your Giants fandom. I got to say, you know, 505 00:28:33,600 --> 00:28:36,399 Speaker 1: from living in New York, from New York New Jersey area, 506 00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:38,800 Speaker 1: is there a Giants moment that sticks out to you 507 00:28:38,840 --> 00:28:42,920 Speaker 1: that kind of quantifies this is one of the moments 508 00:28:42,960 --> 00:28:44,600 Speaker 1: that said I love this team. 509 00:28:45,120 --> 00:28:47,800 Speaker 2: Oh god, I know, right, it's on the spots. I mean, 510 00:28:49,720 --> 00:28:54,520 Speaker 2: I will say that there's there's so many, but I 511 00:28:54,520 --> 00:28:58,479 Speaker 2: can just like vividly remember finding out that Tiki Barber 512 00:28:58,520 --> 00:29:01,920 Speaker 2: had retired. I remember what I was, I think I was. 513 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:04,960 Speaker 2: I was down in Florida visiting my grandma with my family. 514 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:09,040 Speaker 2: I remember there was actual tiers that were shed when 515 00:29:09,040 --> 00:29:15,520 Speaker 2: Tiki barb I retired. But that's probably that's the main one. 516 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:17,480 Speaker 2: But it keeps going from there, you know. Then I 517 00:29:17,480 --> 00:29:19,600 Speaker 2: had to replace my running back. I got a mod 518 00:29:19,680 --> 00:29:22,440 Speaker 2: Bradshaw jersey which was kind of a deep cup. But 519 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:25,520 Speaker 2: that was you know, so and obviously the Super Bowl 520 00:29:25,560 --> 00:29:28,000 Speaker 2: wins and we're coming back. Yeah, oh absolutely. 521 00:29:28,120 --> 00:29:30,120 Speaker 1: And I think too that the highs and lows of 522 00:29:30,240 --> 00:29:35,320 Speaker 1: sports fandom especially translates in so many different ways, and 523 00:29:35,480 --> 00:29:38,000 Speaker 1: you know, building towards a World Cup, building towards anything 524 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:41,200 Speaker 1: working in sport in general, there's so many highs and lows, 525 00:29:41,200 --> 00:29:43,280 Speaker 1: and being along for the ride is what kind of makes. 526 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:47,480 Speaker 2: It special, right, totally. I love that analogy because that is, yeah, 527 00:29:48,200 --> 00:29:50,680 Speaker 2: so true, especially in career life, those ups and downs 528 00:29:50,680 --> 00:29:51,360 Speaker 2: are very real. 529 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:54,680 Speaker 1: So absolutely well, Carly Gruenberg, thank you so much for 530 00:29:54,760 --> 00:29:57,320 Speaker 1: taking the time to chat with us about the upcoming 531 00:29:57,320 --> 00:30:01,040 Speaker 1: World Cup and all of the wonderful career trajectories that 532 00:30:01,080 --> 00:30:03,880 Speaker 1: have brought you to where you are right now. This 533 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:06,560 Speaker 1: has been an episode of her Playbook, brought to you 534 00:30:06,680 --> 00:30:09,240 Speaker 1: by Kendra Scott, the jewelry company that's shining bright and 535 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:12,440 Speaker 1: doing good. Shop jewelry styles designed for every day and 536 00:30:12,560 --> 00:30:16,520 Speaker 1: every occasion at your local Kendrascott store or at Kendrascott 537 00:30:16,600 --> 00:30:17,320 Speaker 1: dot com.