2023 WISE Women of Year honoree Hillary Mandel knows negotiation. In her more than 25 years in the business, she's managed the sports rights and distribution deals for more than 200 premier content owners, including professional sports leagues, teams, college conferences and international federations. Here, IMG's executive vice president and head of the Americas practice talks about finding opportunity in every interaction, asking for your next big role, and fighting complacency each day to stay nimble and engaged.
Describe a moment in your career that you would say was pivotal to your professional journey.
I had a boss who left the company and the president was going to look for someone else to take their place. I told him I thought I could do the job and asked him to give me a chance, and he did.
Was there a moment you considered leaving the sports industry and what made you stay?
I had the opposite experience. There was a moment when I was in a hybrid entertainment and sports industry role and had to decide which way to go — and I chose sports. I'd been spending lots of time working in the unscripted space, and realized that sport is the best unscripted programming because it always brings the drama!
What does success look like for you, and what do you do to work toward that vision?
For me, work success is when you and your team are working in harmony, rowing in the same direction, and feeling energized by the work you're doing in a way that allows you to deliver the best possible results for clients and partners. I think to do that, you have to fight against complacency every day — consider your team's and clients' needs, stay nimble, keep learning and evolving, and be excited by change.
How do you keep your ideas and contributions fresh and relevant? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I look at every interaction with clients, partners and colleagues as a learning opportunity. I do a lot of reading and observation, and there isn't a 'how to' book I don't want to scan. I believe that if you open yourself up, don't take a defensive stance, and watch and listen to people and businesses around you, you can pick up, borrow, adapt and improve the way you do almost everything.
In your career, what has been a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” moment?
In 1999, I worked on the 20th Century Sports Awards at Madison Square Garden. Being part of the production team that brought together the 100 most important living athletes in sports history — Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Billie Jean King — all in the same room, on the same stage, at one time, was an incredible moment.
How have you helped break down barriers and create opportunities for women in the industry?
I make myself available to any woman for support, particularly younger women in my company, or those outside who are looking to break in. I also think as you grow in your career and get promoted, you start to see fewer women in the VP ranks and above, which makes it even more important to connect with other women in the industry and establish a strong network. These allyships with women who already are or are aspiring to be in senior positions opens up a world of opportunity — for networking, sharing job openings, putting each other forward for roles, championing one another's great work – and is our key to changing the industry. So, my advice to others would be: Do your best to be available, listen and always offer support and advice where you can.
What leadership skill is critical to your success today?
Striking the right balance between recognizing we're in the people business and having empathy, with being able to keep your team focused and motivated on growing the business.
What are you most excited about right now?
I am really excited about what's happening in women's sports, seeing super-platforms like Apple, Google and Amazon leaning into sports, and the success that all our partners are having right now as they continue to grow viewership across the layered landscape.
Lightning Round …
- When I got started in this business, I wish I had known … that everything was going to work out and I'd be successful.
- Growing up, I wanted to be … an actress.
- When I have downtime, you can find me … on a Peloton or spending time with my family and friends.
- My greatest fear is … losing someone I love.
- I can't live without … my 13 Pro Max iPhone.
- I can’t wait to read … Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
- My favorite listen is … Beyonce.
- The first thing I do in the morning is … sadly, 'check my email' (one of the downsides of working in a global business!).
- The thing I still want to learn is … to speak fluent Spanish.
- The one thing I will always make time for is … This must be a trick question — my peeps, of course!
Mandel will receive her WISE Women of the Year Award at the 27th Annual Awards Luncheon on March 15, 2023, in New York City.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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