In this episode of Bright Ideas, Jessica Duemig sits down with Nancy Abrams, a veteran of over two decades with USTA Southern California, to talk about her career journey, the importance of growing tennis at all levels and her mission to increase opportunities for female coaches. Nancy shares her path from hospitality to tennis leadership, the story behind starting “Women and Girls Who Ace" and how coaching can transform athletes far beyond the court. This is a must-listen for sports business executives, aspiring coaches and anyone passionate about equity in sports.

Nancy Abrams’ career is a masterclass in evolving leadership within sports. Starting in hospitality and corporate partnerships, she transitioned into a 22-year tenure with USTA Southern California, where she championed grassroots programming and developed sponsorship models that elevated tennis’ reach. Her passion for growing the game led to the creation of “Women and Girls Who Ace,” an initiative dedicated to increasing the visibility and opportunities for female coaches.

In this episode, Nancy and Jessica explore the importance of equity in sports - especially in coaching. Nancy shares why it’s essential for coaches to master both technical expertise and “soft skills” like empathy, communication and leadership. She discusses the barriers women face entering and staying in coaching, from pay inequities to limited career pathways and offers actionable ways to make coaching a more appealing and accessible career for women at all levels.

The conversation also dives into the power of transferable skills, whether transitioning from business to sports or from on-court coaching to executive leadership. Nancy’s insights provide valuable takeaways for sports executives, aspiring coaches and advocates for diversity in athletics.

In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jessica Duemig sits down with Dr. Sarita Sharp, a sports chiropractor and entrepreneur who has worked with athletes across soccer, strongman competitions and beyond. Dr. Sharp shares her unconventional journey into chiropractic care, what it takes to support athletes at the highest levels and why resilience and work-life balance matter as much as physical health. From her experience with Indy Eleven to building her own practice during the pandemic, she offers valuable lessons for sports business executives, aspiring professionals and anyone interested in holistic athlete care.

Dr. Sarita Sharp’s journey into sports chiropractic wasn’t a straight line. Originally drawn to medicine, she realized early on that the traditional route wasn’t the right fit. Instead, she discovered chiropractic care and never looked back - building a career that has taken her from working with professional soccer teams to treating elite strongman competitors at the Arnold Classic. Her perspective highlights not only the physical but also the mental and environmental factors that impact athlete health.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sharp emphasizes the importance of resilience and balance. Whether reflecting on her time in Spartanburg, her experience treating athletes with unique and complex injuries, or her decision to open her own practice during COVID, she underscores how crucial it is to build systems that protect both body and mind. She also provides practical advice for everyday wellness, reminding us that simple steps like hydration, rest and walking can transform performance.

For those coming up in the industry, Dr. Sharp’s message is clear: shadow professionals, ask questions and explore different paths before committing to one. As one of the few Black female chiropractors in Indiana, she also discusses the importance of representation and networking, encouraging aspiring professionals to carve out their own lane while leaning on community support. Her insights are valuable not only for those interested in sports medicine, but for anyone navigating a career in the business of sports.

In this episode of Bright Ideas, Jessica Duemig sits down with Ariel Feigenbaum to explore her path into the sports industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Ariel shares her approach to building meaningful relationships, the role of mentorship in her career, and strategies for navigating challenges in a competitive field. Whether you’re a sports business executive or aspiring to break into the industry, this episode offers actionable insights and real stories from one of the field’s emerging leaders.

What's it All About?

Ariel Feigenbaum’s journey into the sports industry highlights the importance of persistence, passion, and building relationships. In this episode, she reflects on how her early experiences shaped her career, from internships to navigating the often-competitive hiring process. Listeners gain a real-world perspective on what it takes to stand out in sports business.

The conversation dives into mentorship and leadership, two themes Ariel credits for her growth. She emphasizes the value of finding mentors who challenge and support you, as well as the responsibility of paying that guidance forward to others. These insights resonate with both seasoned executives and those hoping to break into the industry.

Finally, Ariel shares practical advice on adapting to change, seizing opportunities, and keeping an open mind in a dynamic field. Her perspective offers a roadmap for sports professionals looking to expand their impact, while encouraging newcomers to focus on resilience and relationship-building.

About Ariel - In Her Own Words

Ariel Feigenbaum is a marketing leader with over 15 years of experience developing creative community-focused brand marketing and bold partnership initiatives. She is the VP of Client Services at Playbook For Health and has led partnership development at Laurel Springs School, Sutter Health, One Medical Group, and MRY for clients including Visa, Old Navy, and Neutrogena; bringing brands to life through innovative community programming and marketing activations. She is most recently the outgoing President of WISE SF Bay Area, and now serves as the chapter's Treasurer & Alumni Chair.