Talent Chasing

In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing debate surrounding remote and hybrid work, particularly in the context of Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's mandate for employees to return to the office. They explore the implications of this decision on workplace culture, productivity, and employee well-being. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to adapt to changing workforce dynamics, the importance of training for remote productivity, and the evolving nature of work in a post-pandemic world. The hosts emphasize the significance of understanding employee needs and fostering a culture of trust and flexibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Discussion 03:08 The Debate on Remote Work 05:51 Cultural Implications of Office Work 08:58 Productivity Perspectives 11:55 Diversity and Inclusion in the Workforce 15:00 Leadership Challenges in Hybrid Work 17:58 Training for Remote Productivity 21:07 The Evolution of Work 24:06 The Future of Work Environments 26:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Athletes, Burnout, and Plumbing Emergencies Grab your popcorn and buckle up for this episode of the Talent Chasing Podcast! Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with the legendary sports agent Debbie Spander in this latest Film Room session—a mix of insightful commentary, hilariously sharp quips, and, naturally, a side tangent on Europe's plumbing crisis. Ever wonder why elite athletes (or overachieving CEOs) burnout faster than you can say “toxic hustle culture”? Or how Gen Z brilliantly dodged the workaholic traps Gen X proudly fell into? This episode's got it all—philosophical musings on work-life balance, tales of burnout from Jim Courier to weekend warriors, and a surprise cameo by the four-day workweek. Spoiler: Friday is officially cancelled. But it’s not all heavy stuff. From Chad’s obsession with Annie Agar’s TikToks to Jasper being dunked on for calling soccer “fuchebol,” the guys keep it lively. Brian even drops some wisdom on how to find your post-career mojo—whether you’re a retired MLB star or just trying to survive your mid-level management gig. The takeaway? Practice makes perfect, empathy matters, and yes, AI is your new co-worker. Oh, and good luck finding a plumber in Europe. (Seriously, call now. They’re booked out for months.) Tune in for the laughs, stay for the life lessons, and let’s get real—if Jasper can embrace AI, so can you. Subscribe to Talent Chasing wherever you get your podcasts, and maybe rethink your work-life balance while you’re at it.

Get ready to dive into the wild world of sports biz with Debbie Spander, the CEO of Insight Sports Advisors—a boutique sports media agency where deals happen, dreams are made, and retired athletes try not to be the “Remember that guy?” stories! Debbie’s gone from slinging legal briefs as a sports lawyer to negotiating contracts as a sports agent, and she’s spilling all the tea. She tackles the big stuff, like what athletes should do when hanging up the cleats (because “Can I still wear these?” is sadly not a retirement plan). Debbie also dishes on the rise of social media influencers in sports—because these days, athletes don’t just train for game day; they train to drop fire selfies. This convo isn’t just business; Debbie gets personal! She opens up about her family's sports journalism legacy, the thrill (and chaos) of navigating NIL (name, image, likeness) for college athletes, and the crucial balance between on-field glory and off-field hustle. Plus, she shares advice for aspiring female sports lawyers because, let’s face it, this industry could use more women throwing down on and off the field. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe a few “Wait, what?” moments as Debbie dives into what it’s like being a true sports insider in a constantly changing game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Debbie Spander and Insight Sports Advisors 03:14 Debbie's Journey: From Sports Lawyer to Agent 05:52 The Landscape of Sports Representation 09:06 Transitioning Athletes: Preparing for Second Careers 11:59 Identifying and Nurturing Talent in Sports Media 15:01 Challenges Faced by Retired Athletes 17:46 The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Sports 20:58 Advice for Aspiring Female Sports Lawyers 24:10 The Future of Women in Sports Representation 25:27 The Importance of Role Models in Sports 27:06 Balancing Ambitions: Athletes and Off-Field Pursuits 28:14 Content Creation: New Models in Sports Media 30:59 Evaluating Podcast Potential in Athletes 32:21 Lessons from a Sports Writing Legacy 35:30 The Role of Family in Shaping Careers 37:54 Boutique vs. Large Sports Agencies 39:46 Motivation and Client Relationships in Sports Management 41:45 Navigating the NIL Landscape 46:50 The Future of College Athletics and NIL

This "Talent Chasing" podcast episode provides a look at Shohei Ohtani, his historic baseball journey, and the broader impact on the business of baseball. Hosted by former MLB player and scout Brian Johnson, journalist Jasper Spanjaart, and recruitment industry veteran Chad Sowash, the conversation explores Ohtani’s unique dual-role as both a top-tier pitcher and hitter—a feat that has transformed perceptions of player versatility in MLB. Ohtani’s path from Japanese baseball to MLB success is analyzed, with Brian detailing his scouting days and the rarity of Japanese players making it to MLB. They discuss Ohtani's decision to take a smaller initial contract to prove himself and build his reputation, a strategic move that contrasts with typical American contract norms and highlights his commitment to growth over immediate reward. The hosts also delve into the racial dynamics surrounding Ohtani's reception in the U.S., connecting it to broader societal issues and how MLB's demographic makeup influences fandom and player appreciation. They debate whether a team can thrive without a singular superstar and ponder the evolving role of scouts who must now consider both analytics and player personalities in their evaluations. Chapter Titles 01:04 - Shohei Ohtani’s Impact on MLB   03:47 - The Rarity of Dual Roles in Baseball 07:07 - Ohtani’s Strategic Contract Choices   16:04 - MLB's Demographics and Ohtani's Reception   18:45 - Comparing Ohtani to Other Legends   24:40 - The Role of a Superstar in a Winning Team   27:22 - Scouting Beyond Stats: The Importance of Personality   33:27 - Closing

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sawash discuss the impact of mental health in sports, focusing on Simone Biles' journey and her advocacy for mental health awareness. They explore the concept of burnout in both sports and corporate settings, drawing parallels between athletes and professionals facing mental blocks, such as the yips. The conversation also addresses double standards in sports and corporate America, emphasizing the importance of diversity and empathy in leadership.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash dissect their interview with John Harris, owner of AthLife, and explore the complexities of athlete transitions into the real world, the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, and the importance of unions in both sports and corporate environments. They discuss the challenges faced by collegiate athletes, the need for employee development in businesses, and the often-overlooked human element in analytics and corporate decision-making. Takeaways The transition from sports to real life is challenging for athletes. NIL has created new dilemmas for collegiate athletes. Unions play a crucial role in protecting athlete rights. Employee development is often neglected in corporate settings. Happy employees lead to better productivity and retention. The focus on numbers can overlook the human aspect of work. Collective bargaining can ensure fair compensation for all athletes. Athletes often feel unprepared for life after sports. The importance of branding for athletes has increased with NIL. There is a need for a VP of employee development in every company. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Challenge Chasing 04:54 Navigating the NIL Landscape 07:00 The Fantasy of Professional Sports 09:59 The Importance of Unions in Sports and Beyond 12:46 Employee Development in Corporate America 15:46 The Human Element in Business Analytics

John Harris, the owner of AthLife, shares his journey of helping former professional athletes transition back into the real world. He explains how AthLife has assisted over a thousand athletes in pursuing education and finding new careers. The conversation also touches on the shift in college athletics with the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The conversation covers various topics related to college athletes transitioning to professional careers and the challenges they face. The main themes include Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, academic advising for transfer students, the financial implications of transferring, the importance of education and career planning, the benefits of hiring former athletes, and success stories of athletes transitioning to post-sports careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Harris 02:28 The Genesis of AthLife and Supporting NFL Players 05:48 The Importance of Supporting Athletes' Education and Transition 08:29 Collective Bargaining and Transition Support in Different Leagues 12:57 Success Stories of AthLife's Program 15:29 Career Placement and Networking for Former Athletes 19:00 Challenges and Fears in Athlete Transition 20:00 Supporting Women Athletes in Transition 24:23 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Rights in College Athletics 26:16 The Reality of NIL Opportunities for Student-Athletes 27:22 Navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Landscape 28:13 The Challenges of the Transfer Portal 29:11 Academic Advising for Transfer Students 30:39 The Financial Implications of Transferring 35:10 The Importance of Education and Career Planning 38:25 The Benefits of Hiring Former Athletes 42:19 Success Stories of Athletes Transitioning to Post-Sports Careers

In this episode, Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash discuss the inspiring story of James Mims, the creator of Mims Bands, a unique product that combines baseball cards with wristbands. They explore the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the role of founders in startups, emphasizing the significance of character and vision in achieving success. The conversation highlights Mims' journey, his relationship with mentor Dusty Baker, and his legacy as the only black vendor in Major League Baseball. Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Mims Bands 04:46 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Relentlessness 10:23 The Importance of Founders in Startups 12:01 A Legacy of Perseverance and Recognition

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosted by Brian Johnson and Chad Sowash, the focus is on entrepreneur James Mims and his journey in founding Mims Bands, a wristband company that has become an iconic part of Major League Baseball (MLB) history. James shares how, as a senior at the University of Southern California, he came up with the idea for personalized wristbands for athletes, starting with a prototype for baseball player Dusty Baker. Over time, Mims Bands became widely recognized, worn by many notable MLB players like Eric Davis and Tim Raines. Despite facing numerous challenges, including resistance from MLB and the Players Association, Mims persevered and got his product used by over 130 players. Mims reflects on the obstacles he faced as a Black entrepreneur, from difficulties gaining access to stadiums to dealing with legal battles. The conversation also highlights how Mims promoted individualism in a highly structured sport like baseball. Brian and Chad emphasize the lessons from his experience, particularly around persistence, relationships, and the critical role of talent in both sports and business. The episode ends with a discussion of Mims' major accomplishments, including his partnership with Topps and the induction of his product into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Taking a Risk: Going for Your Unique Idea 08:11 Empowering Athletes through Individualism 14:54 The Lack of Player Marketing in Baseball 19:55 Breaking Barriers: The First Black Vendor in Baseball 23:57 Navigating Challenges and Building a Successful Business 37:50 The Journey of Mims Bands: Perseverance and Success 47:34 Overcoming Challenges with the Major League Baseball Players Association 59:42 The Power of Individualism in the Sports Industry 01:05:07 From Tops Project 70 to the Hall of Fame: A Pinnacle Achievement

*Film Room* is a podcast series under the *Talent Chasing* show, hosted by Brian Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player, and Chad Sowash, a recruitment industry veteran. In this episode, the hosts break down key moments from their interview with Angela Taylor, a former WNBA executive and two-time national champion at Stanford University. The discussion revolves around Angela’s experience helping to establish the WNBA and navigating the early challenges of building a new professional sports league. She reflects on the differences between the NBA and WNBA, emphasizing how the women’s league had to carve out its unique identity rather than mimic the NBA. The conversation also touches on leadership, with Angela sharing insights about the unrelenting leadership of NBA Commissioner David Stern, who was instrumental in the early development of the WNBA. The hosts highlight how Stern’s approach of holding people accountable while fostering long-term vision contributed to the league's success. In addition to sports, the episode draws parallels with business, exploring themes such as the importance of long-term planning, mentorship, and the role of companies in supporting local communities and developing talent. The hosts emphasize that both sports teams and businesses must balance analytics and human capital, ensuring that leaders cultivate and retain talent from within their communities while adapting to broader market demands. Overall, the episode showcases the intersections of leadership, team dynamics, and strategic foresight, drawing valuable lessons from Angela Taylor's experiences in the WNBA and beyond. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing 01:02 Angela Taylor's Journey in Sports 06:09 Lessons from David Stern's Leadership 12:16 Community Engagement and Talent Development 17:10 The Balance of Analytics and Human Capital

Angela Taylor, former VP and GM of the Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream, discusses her journey from being a walk-on at Stanford to her successful career in the WNBA and women's sports. She highlights the importance of sports in her life and the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. Taylor also discusses the growth of women's sports, the progress made in the WNBA, and the need for continued support and push for equality. Angela Taylor, former WNBA executive, discusses her role in player personnel and the growth of the league. Taylor shares insights on leadership, creating a winning culture, and managing talent in the WNBA. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Angela Taylor 03:01 From Walk-On to Stanford and the Importance of Sports 08:37 Growing Up in Mountain Home, Idaho 11:31 Military Life and the Impact on Angela's Family 16:17 The Early Days of the WNBA and the Current State of Women's Sports 24:43 The Push for Equality and Recognition in Women's Sports 30:25 Building the WNBA: From Single Entity to Team Ownership 35:24 Shifting Focus: From Wins to Community Engagement 43:35 Transitioning from Single Entity to Team Ownership 48:38 NBA Players' Support of the WNBA 51:34 Creating an Environment of Retention 54:49 Culture, Puzzle Pieces, and Jersey Sales 57:30 Leadership and Creating a Winning Culture 01:00:12 Managing Talent in the WNBA: Vision, Culture, and Roster Construction Keywords Angela Taylor, WNBA, women's sports, Stanford, walk-on, basketball, sports industry, equity, growth, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, WNBA, player personnel, single entity, team ownership, recruiting, relationships, community engagement, sports culture, corporate America, leadership, winning culture, talent management

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, our intrepid hosts Jasper, Brian, and Chad sit down with none other than Dusty Baker—legendary baseball manager and expert in the fine art of not losing his cool while leading teams. They dig into Baker’s leadership style, the eternal struggle: analytics vs. gut instinct. making the right hiring decisions, plus, how communication is key—because if you can’t get the team to listen, good luck getting them to follow.  Leadership is about consistency, balance, and maybe a dash of wisdom from the past. Who knew that baseball and business had so much in common—aside from the uniforms and overpriced snacks? Enjoy!

In this episode, Chad, Brian, and Jasper are joined by probably one of the most interesting people you will ever meet, Dusty Baker. Dusty is a former MLB outfielder and manager. Dusty played 19 seasons earning two All-Star selections, numerous awards, and the first NLCS MVP. As a manager, he led the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and Astros, winning the 2022 World Series with Houston and that's the shortened version.  Dusty discusses talent management as a player and manager, his mentors and the lessons he learned from them, the changes in the game of baseball over the years, and the challenges of talent identification management, scouting talent, managing egos, and his approach to business. He emphasizes the importance of combining analytics with the human element in decision-making and the value of trust and forgiveness. Dusty shares his experiences and lessons learned from his baseball career and how they apply to other aspects of life. Tune in for great stories, experiences, and advice from Dusty Baker. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:17 Lessons Learned from Coaching and Managing 05:24 The Importance of Mentorship 08:43 The Challenges of Being a Player 09:12 The Evolution of Baseball 21:22 Changes in Talent Identification and Management 25:19 The Importance of Learning from Mistakes 30:04 The Role of Coaches and Managers in Talent Management 34:21 Scouting Talent in a Globalized Baseball Landscape 35:31 Combining Analytics with the Human Element in Decision-Making 38:32 Managing Egos and Building Trust in a Team 41:34 Lessons from Baseball Applied to the Business World

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, Jasper, Brian, and Chad dissect their interview with former pro footballer Nicki Paterson to tackle the surprising overlaps between sports and business. Turns out, building relationships is just as crucial in scouting as it is in recruitment—whether you’re searching for the next Messi or someone who knows how to work a Zoom call. They guys break down how soft skills are the real MVPs in the corporate world, where every year feels like starting over. Leadership? It’s all about balancing tough love with empathy—yelling like a coach doesn’t fly in the office (HR might have something to say).  Enjoy!

In this episode, Scottish footballer Nicki Paterson shares his journey from playing professional football in Scotland to receiving a scholarship to play in the US. He discusses the differences between scouting systems in Europe and the US. Nicki also talks about the importance of his father's support and the impact of playing sports on his own children. Today, Nicki Paterson is Chief Growth Officer at Solutions Driven and shares his journey from playing soccer to transitioning into the corporate world. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced in his soccer career. Paterson also talks about the evolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the impact of players like David Beckham. In the corporate world, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, authenticity, and data-driven decision-making. Paterson also highlights the need for continuous learning and being a student of the game in both sports and business.

In this episode of Talent Chasing, the hosts discuss the evolution of pit crews in NASCAR with Andy Papathanassiou, emphasizing the importance of process, practice, and finding one's true calling. They explore leadership simplicity, the significance of diversity of thought, and the challenges of building a dynasty in a world focused on instant gratification. The conversation also touches on the myth of overnight success and the mindset required for startup founders, concluding with the dangers of hiring like-minded individuals instead of embracing diverse perspectives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:10 The Evolution of Pit Crews in NASCAR 03:49 The Importance of Process and Practice 05:15 Finding Your True Calling 07:00 Simplicity in Leadership and Management 12:31 Diversity of Thought in Teams 14:20 Building a Dynasty vs. Instant Gratification 16:54 The Myth of Overnight Success 20:01 Following Your Passion 21:56 The Mindset of a Startup Founder 22:37 The Danger of Hiring Copies of Yourself

In this compelling episode of Talent Chasing, hosts Brian Johnson and Jasper Spanjaart interview Andy Papathanassiou, whose extraordinary journey takes him from a Stanford football star to NASCAR's first-ever pit crew coach. Andy shares how a severe back injury ended his sports career but led him to revolutionize NASCAR pit crews. Listeners will hear about Andy’s innovative approach, bringing athletic discipline and consistency to the pits, and transforming pit stops into a well-coordinated team effort. His work with Hendrick Motorsports and driver Jeff Gordon resulted in groundbreaking success and numerous championships. Andy also discusses the parallels between sports and business, highlighting lessons in teamwork, practice, and perseverance. Now a keynote speaker, Andy uses pit crew simulations to teach high-performing team dynamics to business leaders. Chapters: Introduction and Guest Overview - 0:00:14 Andy Papathanassiou's Journey Begins - 0:01:04 First Ever Pit Crew Coach - 0:01:39 Discovering NASCAR and Breaking In - 0:03:10 Moving to Charlotte - 0:07:26 The Importance of Consistency - 0:24:16 Innovations in Pit Crew Dynamics - 0:28:42 Impact and Adoption of New Methods in NASCAR - 0:29:41 Pit Crew Training and Development Programs - 0:30:33 Keynote Speaking and Team Building - 0:31:03 Applying NASCAR Lessons to Business - 0:34:15

In this episode of Talent Chasing, it's a rundown of former New York Jets GM, Terry Bradway's intersection of sports and business, which focuses on the importance of talent acquisition and retention. They explore the balance between analytics and human intuition in scouting and recruitment, the significance of fostering a positive company culture, and the need for internal mobility to retain talent. The conversation emphasizes that while data is valuable, it should not overshadow the human elements that drive success in both sports and business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Talent Chasing 00:53 The Role of Analytics vs. Scouting 07:49 Building a Positive Company Culture 14:58 The Importance of Internal Mobility 20:01 The Limitations of Analytics in Talent Management

Join hosts Brian Johnson and Jasper Spanjaart for an engaging episode of Talent Chasing Podcast as they sit down with NFL legend Terry Bradway. With a career spanning over four decades in the NFL, Bradway shares his journey from playing football at Trenton State College to becoming a General Manager for the New York Jets and a scout and advisor for the Carolina Panthers. In this episode, Bradway discusses his early coaching days, his significant contributions in the USFL, and his long-standing tenure in the NFL. The conversation delves into memorable moments, such as scouting Tony Gonzalez at Cal and discovering Darrelle Revis at Pitt, providing listeners with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the scouting and evaluation processes in professional football. Bradway also reflects on the evolution of the game, the importance of character in players, and the balance between traditional scouting and modern analytics. His insights into building and managing successful teams, the challenges of the NFL, and the importance of treating people right offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in sports management and leadership. Don’t miss this episode filled with anecdotes, lessons, and expert analysis from one of the NFL’s most respected figures. Tune in to hear Terry Bradway’s take on the NFL’s past, present, and future, and why passion and dedication are crucial in the world of professional sports.

In this episode of *Talent Chasing*, hosts Brian Johnson, Jasper Spanjaart, and Chad Sowash break down key insights from their interview with Fred Claire, the former General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This episode is part of their "Film Room" series, where they dissect impactful moments from past interviews, just like analyzing game footage. Fred Claire is highlighted for his leadership and transformative role in the Dodgers’ success during the 1980s and 1990s, taking them from mediocrity to a World Series victory. We discuss Claire’s leadership style, particularly his ability to make tough decisions without a background as a professional player, emphasizing the importance of identifying talent and building a strong team. We hope you enjoy this Film Room session!