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.