Meet the Rising 25 Class of 2018: Patrick Barkley

1. Tell Us About Yourself and Your Current Role

I have been with the Lakers for a little over 2 years in Corporate Partnerships.  My primary role requires me to oversee activation and strategy for a handful of Lakers partners including Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Anheuser-Busch, American Express and Gatorade. Activation ranges from in-arena (contests, signage, and hospitality) to the ideation of digital/social campaigns and community events.  It’s a great opportunity to work with a wide variety of Fortune 500 companies and their agencies with sophisticated strategies on a daily basis. I learn something new every day!

My favorite part about corporate partnerships is that it truly is ever-changing. There is always something new. Throughout the course of the season, you can be down at the arena working a game, in the office preparing a proposal for a prospective partner, brainstorming and planning out partner campaigns or out in the community making an impact – the fast-paced environment and challenges coupled with such a passionate fan base makes coming to work and putting in long hours more than worth it.

2. Where do you see yourself in 15 years/dream job?

In 15 years, I plan to still be in the sports industry doing what I am passionate about at the highest level: helping brands tell their story and connect with fans in genuine and engaging ways.

I also hope I’m fortunate enough to be in a position to give back, both to the community and the sports industry. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the advice, generosity, and willingness to help from numerous individuals and am more than happy to return the favor any chance I get.

3. Who is your mentor at this point?

Two of my mentors are Angela LaChica (President and CEO, LaChica Sports, Inc.) and Amy Girgis (Founder, Deyaa Marketing). Angela was my Grad School Professor – I regularly think back to her advice to “stay in your lane” in all aspects of life.

Amy showed me the ropes when I interned with the Clippers, allowing me to sit in on all the partner calls I wanted to understand the ins and outs of CP from both the activation and sales side.

Angela and Amy both very driven women who both run their own business – currently, they always encourage and remind me to keep thinking outside of the box in everything I do.

4. What’s one thing you’ve learned early in your career that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

Expect the unexpected and be prepared for every scenario. Being prepared allows me to effectively react with all the twists and turns of the sports industry without missing a beat.

Another thing worth mentioning is realizing how small the sports industry is – word travels fast and people are always watching/notice if you’re putting in 110 percent or not, even if they don’t acknowledge it at the time.

5. What does winning the Rising 25 Award mean to you?

I am tremendously honored and humbled to receive the Rising 25 Award. The 2018 class is a remarkable group with experience and accomplishments all across the industry.

Kudos to Front Office Sports for recognizing young professionals in the sports industry and allowing the award recipients to all meet in-person down in Miami. It’s a great opportunity for us to expand our networks with other successful peers across the world.