top of page
Mariah, Director of Business Development, Sport at Exos: Advize Career Interview
A career in sports business, as described by Exos's Director of Business Development, Sport, began unexpectedly but blossomed through diverse experiences, from collegiate internships to a recruiting role at Iowa State University.
This journey showcases a multifaceted career path, juggling project management of digital courses, market research, and business development initiatives, all while prioritizing a "hospitality mindset." The daily routine balances focused work with meetings, emphasizing efficiency and proactive problem-solving.
Success in this fast-paced field requires passion, competitiveness, confidence, and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.
Mentorship opportunities, specifically within large PMO teams, are highly recommended for entry-level candidates aiming for project management roles.
Building strong relationships and proving dedication are paramount, leading to a rewarding career where one witnesses athletes' growth and contributes to a more inclusive sports environment.
The interviewee's path exemplifies the importance of embracing opportunities, networking, and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Mariah Martin
Director of Business Development, Sport
Exos
University of Arizona, 2014
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin
Sports
Business Strategy
Greek Life Member
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path Of A Director Of Business Development Sport At Exos
Mariah's career path began unexpectedly after discovering "sports marketing" in college, leading to various roles including an internship with the University of Arizona football team and a position with the Phoenix Suns. This ultimately led to a recruiting role at Iowa State University, followed by Mariah's current position at Exos, where they've thrived for nearly eight years after a fast-paced, varied career journey that began with "stuffing envelopes and putting t-shirts on chairs" and concluded with a fulfilling career at Exos.
Main Responsibilities of a Director of Sports Business Development at Exos
Mariah's role as Director of Business Development, Sport at Exos involves "wear[ing] more than one hat," juggling project management of four to five yearly digital education courses—"from ideation to sales"—with business development responsibilities, including market research focusing on the NBA off-season and youth markets. This highlights the multifaceted nature of a sports industry career and Mariah's diverse skillset.
A Day In The Life Of A Director Of Business Development Sport At Exos
Mariah, a Director of Business Development at EXOS, works a four-day work week, prioritizing efficiency by tackling "the hardest tasks first" after reviewing emails and creating daily to-do lists. The remainder of their day involves meetings and dedicated "downtime," guarding two hours daily for focused work, a strategy deemed crucial for maximizing productivity and performance.
Most Important Skills For A Director Of Business Development Sport At Exos
Mariah, a Director of Business Development at Exos, emphasizes a "hospitality mindset" as crucial, prioritizing athlete needs above all else; furthermore, strong communication, problem-solving ("here's the problem, and then here's the solution I propose"), and proactive thinking ("one more," "now what") are essential for success in a fast-paced environment, skills honed through experience but also proactively developed.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of Business Development Sport At Exos
Mariah enjoys the unpredictable nature of the Director of Business Development role at Exos, finding fulfillment in the "puzzle" of project management and the creative challenge of business development; this allows Mariah to use both "project managing" and "business development" skill sets, constantly discovering and innovating.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Sport Business Development Director at Exos
Mariah's biggest challenge as Director of Business Development is stepping outside her comfort zone, transitioning from a career solely in operations to a role "completely outta [her] own comfort zone," a shift that initially sparked imposter syndrome. However, the rewarding nature of embracing this uncomfortable challenge, including accepting inevitable failures as learning opportunities, is driving growth.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Sports Industry as a Director of Business Development
Mariah, Director of Business Development at Exos, finds the most rewarding aspect of the sports industry to be "seeing athletes go through their life stages," from high school recruitment to NFL retirement, feeling privileged to play even a small role in their journeys. The opportunity to witness and support their growth, making a difference in their careers and lives, is what fuels Mariah's passion.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry, According To A Sport Business Development Director At Exos
Mariah, a Director of Business Development in sports, highlights a need for passion, competitiveness ("everyone…is so competitive"), and confidence to thrive in the industry, especially for women who must "know their worth" and confidently contribute their unique perspectives. The unconventional nature of sports business requires "outside of the box thinking" and adaptability to succeed.
What A Director Of Sports Business Development At Exos Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Sports Industry
Mariah, a Director of Business Development, emphasizes the crucial role of proving dedication and earning trust in the sports industry, stating that "it's not some...if you just follow the rules, it's, you're not gonna get far." Success requires "put[ting] in the work," embracing a long-term perspective, and accepting that respect and advancement are earned over time, not instantly granted upon entry.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Directors Of Business Development In Sport
Mariah, a Director of Business Development at Exos, suggests entry-level candidates explore "coordinator roles" within athletic departments for valuable, varied experience, noting that these roles differ greatly depending on the team. For those interested in project management, she emphasizes the importance of finding a company with a large PMO team for mentorship and learning, advising against solely responsible project manager roles early in a career because they "won't learn".
Significant Career Lesson From a Director of Business Development in Sport at Exos
Mariah, Director of Business Development at Exos, finds it challenging to pinpoint just one significant career lesson due to continuous learning from colleagues, stating that "every person you've worked with...all have different perspectives." However, a core lesson learned is the importance of being "kind, courteous, patient, direct, communicative," because such qualities foster respect and ultimately contribute to career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped a Business Development Director at Exos Succeed
Mariah's undergraduate success stemmed from saying "yes to everything" within the sports industry, strategically positioning herself to network and learn from those she admired. This proactive approach, combined with a genuine effort to build personal connections—"every single person I encounter, I try to get to know on a personal level"— proved invaluable, leading to a career trajectory significantly shaped by these early relationships.
How Identity Has Influenced A Director Of Business Development Sport At Exos's Career
Mariah's career in sports, a male-dominated field, was shaped by the realization that "men play football, men coach football, men also run the football departments," yet an all-girls high school instilled a leadership mindset, enabling her to confidently navigate challenges. This experience motivated a commitment to fostering inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for other women by actively hiring female interns and ensuring they felt supported, ultimately contributing to increased female representation in sports.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmariah/, @exossports
bottom of page