• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 29, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Reaching the Stars: Character, Self-Awareness and Work Ethic Will Get You There

By: Mike Mackin, @Mmackin17

Chad Biagini, Managing Director and Co-Leader of Global Sports, Leisure, and Entertainment with Harvard Group International

Front Office Sports is thrilled to have had the opportunity to sit down with Chad Biagini, Managing Director and Co-Leader of Global Sports, Leisure, and Entertainment with Harvard Group International. Harvard Group International is a global mid-size retained executive search firm that represents Fortune 500 and startup-to-mid-sized companies across more than forty industries. Specific to sports, Harvard Group International has completed numerous sports placements across the NHL, NBA, NFL, motorsports, and UFC, just to name a few.

A native of Atlanta, Chad began his career in the search industry over a decade ago within the financial services industry. Throughout his career, he’s placed more than 200 senior executives globally across more than 15 industries including CPG, Automotive, Retail, Hospitality, Media/Entertainment, and Nonprofit. Chad joined Harvard Group International in 2012 to broaden their search radius and help build the sports and entertainment practice that focused on identifying the best executive-level talent from around the globe.

Many of his clients seek candidates with prior sports experience; however, a large portion of the individuals for whom Chad searches are employed outside the sports industry. “The sports industry has a tremendous talent pool, but other industries are more acclaimed for their preeminence in areas such as marketing, branding, digital, business intelligence, analytics, and human resources. These skill sets are transferable across industrial lines.” Harvard Group International is known for its ability to attract and evaluate talent from multiple industries to help their clients find the best fit for their strategic objectives. But that’s not to say that there isn’t a cultural shift to be made to assimilate into the sports industry. One of the biggest transitions, which has been mentioned before by many in the industry, is that the time commitment is huge. “Outside of sports, you’re going to see a lot of 9-to-5 jobs. Granted, at the executive level you’ll work more than that, but overall, you can expect more working hours [in sports] that will require your consistent focus.”

One of the main differences he notices among teams is the variance in culture across the whole organization and into the front office compared to a similar office in the corporate world. Most, if not all of the individuals working there have dreamed their whole lives about getting to that point of working with a professional team, and with that comes a heightened passion and devotion to the business. “Kids growing up likely didn’t look up at the stars and dream about working in the insurance industry, for example, so the culture [of sport] is very different; it’s one that is typically more emotionally engaged.”

For someone looking to enter from the outside, they must be prepared to be immersed within that culture to avoid falling behind. “Sports teams, for a long time, hadn’t thought about their brand narrative, their story telling. So for a marketer who’s transitioning from consumer products where it’s very much about brand building and engagement, it can be a big adjustment going to a sports team which is likely thinking more about promotions and sales for Saturday’s matinee.” He also added that in this example, a lot of marketing roles aren’t necessarily marketing roles, in the pure sense. “Blue-chip brands rarely roll marketing into sales, but yet sports teams often do.” Because of this, potential employees, especially those from outside of sports, must go into an interview knowing exactly what the team is looking to achieve through its executive vacancies.

Just like any team on the field, the ones off the field are also looking for the best talent. Going in, the hiring staff should know exactly what they’re looking for, and they are tasked with finding the individual who best matches the role. Many times, Chad has seen the A+ candidate get turned down simply because they wouldn’t have meshed with the original team when they arrived. “Cultural fit is equally important as technical fit.”

That brings up the question, how does someone fit that mold of what the team wants? The overall network of people is a fairly small, tightly knit group of individuals. Younger professionals will be much better off stepping out and interacting with executives as much as they can. Attend conferences and seminars to network with people there to make your face known to the individuals in charge. Most importantly, they must show a hunger and passion for wanting to be in the industry and develop the skills necessary that tailor to the desired job function. “The sports industry seeks entrepreneurial people who can think holistically and multitask. Develop those traits by getting experience in every area of the professional spectrum. Diversify your skillset; don’t be contained to one or two functions. Immerse yourself in other projects search for new challenges, and if one comes up, accept it!” But he did have one thing to add, “Be prepared to start in sales. A lot of teams place a strong emphasis on sales; it’s a great place to learn the lifeblood of the organization.”

Avoid having a toxic attitude; toxic employees are more detrimental to an organization, regardless of their talent level. Be somebody who people want to be around on a daily basis. And through rejection, as every person trying to break into this industry has experienced, maintain integrity and respect. You’ll never know where paths may cross later on.

“Character and attitude are vital throughout the recruiting and interviewing process. Good or bad, it will leave a lasting impression with all parties involved. Poor character and burnt bridges will always knock an applicant out of contention, especially in organizations where cultural fit and character are important. Be humble about your strengths, and be open to criticism.”

Advancement is highly dependable on the person and the organization, but it’s important for professionals to know their weaknesses and their flaws. “Athletes know their strengths and weaknesses, and they will work tirelessly to improve upon those skills. Similarly, professionals and executives need to be equally cognizant of theirs. Be aware of weaknesses because they are recognizable to everyone. Identify what they are, and work to improve them. Those who’ve advanced the furthest in their careers discovered their flaws early and fixed them. Realize you can always get better and fervently pursue ways to improve yourself.”

To further connect with Chad, follow him on Twitter @ChadBiagini and click here to view his Linkedin profile!

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dallas Wings

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
Candace Parker

Candace Parker Not a WNBA Owner Yet, But Her Business is Booming

Her WNBA peers say she made the blueprint for earning off the court.

Cowboys’ Parsons Approach Shows High Cost of Delayed Contracts

Parsons will sign a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Aug 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) flies out to left field in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.

The Biggest Deferred Sports Contracts in Each Major Sports League

Shohei Ohtani will make $680 million after his contract ends.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Schedule Leans on LeBron, Steph While Betting on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 10, 2025

Bears CEO: Arlington Heights Only Local Location for New Stadium

The Bears currently play in Soldier Field in downtown Chicago.
August 8, 2025

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
Courtesy: Harlem Globetrotters
July 25, 2025

The Harlem Globetrotters Have Changed Hands Repeatedly, but Keep Making Money

The team is gearing up for its 100th season.
July 16, 2025

Judge Rules for NFL, Fanatics Against Small Apparel Seller

The lawsuit argued the NFL “aids and abets” Fanatics with its strategy.