In this episode of Bright Ideas, Jessica Duemig sits down with Jessica Poole - founder of Jessica Poole Communications Collective, GM of the Chicago Tempest and former athletic director - to explore the transformation of college athletics. From her early days as a Sports Information Director to leading NIL strategy, athlete branding, and department innovation, Poole shares her unique insights on navigating red tape, building trust with athletic directors and preparing the next generation of athletes for success on and off the field.Jessica Poole’s career in sports has spanned nearly every corner of college athletics - from Sports Information Director to athletic administrator to entrepreneur. In this Bright Ideas episode, she talks with Jessica Duemig about founding the Jessica Poole Communications Collective and why her unique blend of communications expertise and administrative leadership is helping athletic departments and athletes navigate the new NIL era.

The conversation explores how NIL, revenue sharing and athlete branding are transforming college sports, and why trust and lived experience matter when partnering with athletic directors. Poole emphasizes the importance of preparing athletes - even at the high school level - to control their narratives, understand the business of sports and navigate both opportunities and mistakes with the right tools.

With an eye toward innovation, Poole discusses reimagining athletic department structures, bridging campus and athletics communications and building systems that support athletes as both players and brands. This episode offers valuable lessons for sports executives and aspiring professionals seeking to thrive in a fast-changing sports landscape.

In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jessica Duemig interviews John Franzone, the mind behind the Tampa Bay Lightning’s elite in-game presentation. Learn how his journey from NYU film school to MLB to the NHL shaped one of the most powerful entertainment teams in pro sports. From managing 60+ game-night staff to executing a brand vision fans feel with every goal, Franzone shares how to lead with intention, foster team growth, and create unforgettable moments at every event. A must-listen for anyone in sports biz, live events or content creation.

Jess and John, VP of Game Presentation for the Tampa Bay Lightning, explore the high-octane world of NHL entertainment. John unpacks how his team owns everything that happens between the whistles - from plaza activations and video board shows to lighting, music, military tributes, and that iconic Tesla coil. He shares the department’s mission: to "make a memory" and to emotionally connect fans with the team beyond just the on-ice product.

Franzone also dives into his journey from NYU film school to baseball's Mets and Yankees, to launching game presentation at the Rays and finally finding his home in hockey. He discusses how building a high-performing, creative team required trust, mentorship, and letting go of micromanagement. His leadership style is focused on empowering his “lieutenants,” fostering passion, and instilling a purpose-driven approach to every element of the fan experience.

For anyone building a career in sports or seeking lessons on creative leadership, this episode is packed with value. Franzone’s mindset on branding, fan loyalty, and storytelling offers timeless insights on how live sports can connect hearts, not just sell tickets. Whether you're in marketing, content, operations, or strategy, you'll walk away inspired to elevate your game.

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Kate McKinnon went from aspiring criminal profiler to leading HR for one of the fastest-growing companies in sports - Playfly Sports. In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jess Duemig dives into Kate’s dynamic career path, from behavioral health to sales, to building HR teams in healthcare and sports. Learn how curiosity, people-first leadership, and the ability to adapt fueled Kate’s journey - and how she now empowers others through her own consulting practice.

Kate’s journey into sports wasn't planned - but it was perfectly aligned. Starting in behavioral health, transitioning into corporate sales, and then pivoting into HR, Kate built a toolkit rooted in relationship-building, adaptability, and servant leadership. When the opportunity to work at Playfly Sports arose, she jumped at the chance to merge her professional skillset with her personal passion for sports. What followed was a meteoric rise, helping grow the company from under 200 to over 1,000 employees.

Kate and Jess dig into what it really takes to build successful teams in sports. From promoting curiosity and enthusiasm over rigid credentials, to dealing with burnout and post-COVID workplace expectations, they explore how hiring the right humans - not just résumés - creates thriving companies. Kate also speaks candidly about how HR professionals have been stretched in new ways since 2020, navigating everything from vaccine mandates to diversity training, often without formal preparation.

Now running her own firm, Kate McKinnon HR Solutions, she helps companies and individuals align people strategy with business strategy. From leadership coaching to DEI programs, she’s creating lasting impact across industries. Whether you're early in your career or leading teams in sports, this episode offers fresh, grounded wisdom on how to succeed and stay human while doing it.

#SportsBusiness #HRLeadership #PlayflySports #KateMcKinnon #SportsCareers #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInSports #BrightIdeasPodcast