Podcasts about kmm sports

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a panel session from the 2024 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference hosted by Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano that featured three experienced and renowned panelists from the sport industry including Sports Agent and Founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters; the Associate AD for Development and Chief Development Officer at Middle Tennessee State University, Hans Malebranche; and Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach, Ryan Saunders. Jason led the panelists through a discussion about the importance of spiritual disciplines in the lives of Christians working in sports.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Click here to listen to the Sports Spectrum podcast hosted by Jason Romano.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, sports agent and the founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters, discusses her journey to becoming a sports agent and how she knew that God's calling for her life was to serve in that role. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Get a copy of Kelli's book, High-Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't Lose

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will be able to hear another message from the 2023 CWS Conference given by renowned sports agent and founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters. In her talk, Kelli shares her journey to discovering God's mission for her life and equips listeners with tools that will help them live out God's mission in their lives while working in the sport industry.Click here to register or learn more about the 2024 CWS Conference, or click here to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group.

The way athletes conduct themselves has the potential to majorly impact them, their team, and their sport as a whole. With such high stakes and the added influence of social media, personal conduct policies are in place to help maintain the integrity of professional sports leagues. Rocky Dhir talks to Kelli Masters, Daniel Hare, and Brian Michael Cooper about how these policies are created and the discipline processes that provide accountability and continued quality within a sports league.  Kelli Masters is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City. Daniel Hare is the founder and president of Varsity Search, a legal recruiting company dedicated to building great teams by bringing together lawyers and law firms. Brian Michael Cooper is an accomplished sports executive, currently holding the positions of President & Chief Operating Officer at the American Flag Football League.

The way athletes conduct themselves has the potential to majorly impact them, their team, and their sport as a whole. With such high stakes and the added influence of social media, personal conduct policies are in place to help maintain the integrity of professional sports leagues. Rocky Dhir talks to Kelli Masters, Daniel Hare, and Brian Michael Cooper about how these policies are created and the discipline processes that provide accountability and continued quality within a sports league.  Kelli Masters is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City. Daniel Hare is the founder and president of Varsity Search, a legal recruiting company dedicated to building great teams by bringing together lawyers and law firms. Brian Michael Cooper is an accomplished sports executive, currently holding the positions of President & Chief Operating Officer at the American Flag Football League.

She is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports. She created her website to inspire you to pursue your calling with confidence and boldness. Kelli has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, having served as agent/contract advisor to players in every NFL draft since 2006 as well as numerous athletes in the MLB draft and the Olympics. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Her story of progress through pain was featured as part of Motrin's national "Women in Progress" campaign in 2017. Kelli created the Pushover to Pioneer email course to share with you the best lessons she's learned about pursuing your calling with confidence and boldness.  Kelli is a former National and World Champion baton twirler, and was also Miss Oklahoma 1997, winning awards for talent and community service at the Miss America pageant that year. Currently, Kelli serves as an Adjunct Professor at Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University, teaching Sports Law. She is a sought-after writer and speaker on topics of sports and nonprofit as well as leadership, diversity and discovering purpose in life. Her first book was released in 2021, High-Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't Lose. Recognized as one of the most influential women in sports business, Kelli Masters often hears, "You have a DREAM JOB." But she chooses to inspire others not with her successes, but with her vulnerability, sharing not only the victories but also the battles and failures along the way. Kelli is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City. www.kellimasters.com

Sometimes circumstances align our passion with our profession.  However,  it takes determination, strength and a fair amount of fight to build on our goals.  Cue in Kelli Masters, one of the most influential women in the sports industry and a groundbreaking sports agent.  This former Miss Oklahoma, attorney and avid football fan accomplished what no one believed possible-- she became a prolific agent and the first women to represent a first round NFL draft pick.  It wasn't an easy task.  Kelli's path to success was riddled with roadblocks, "no" answers, biases, no-shows and failed deals before she finally secured her place at a table previously reserved only for men.   Several years down the road, Kelli and her KMM Sports agency has closed over $200 million in deals, and continues to flourish.  Most impressively, she isn't just trying to keep her seat at the table.   Kelli is using her platform to inspire others to pursue improbable goals, recognize that it's never too late to follow one's dreams and find a true purpose to live for.  Author of High Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't Lose, Kelli is not only a pioneer, she is a game changer and advocate.  Her story is sincere, passionate and heartfelt.  Listeners will feel her emotions, and will walk away adoring the person that Kelli represents.

Visit leadergrowth.us/podcast to download the show notes for today's episode. Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn here.Connect with Kelli on Instagram @kellimasters.Learn more about KMM Sports here.Connect with David on LinkedIn here.Connect with David on Instagram @imdavidskidmore.

Cassie Calvert speaks with Kim Miale (NFL Agent and General Counsel at Roc Nation Sports), Kelli Masters (NFL Agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports), and Lauren Renschler (CEO of William Raymond Communications) about their jobs as Ravens player representatives and difference-makers in the NFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelli Masters is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and founder and President of KMM Sports. She is recognized as one of the most influential women in the sports business, and she shares her story in her book "High-Impact Life". In 2010 she made history when she was the first woman to represent an NFL 1st round draft pick. Moreover, Kelli is an adjunct professor at Oklahoma University.  _________________________________________________________ SPONSOR Insport Education Sign up for their courses HERE The code gives you 10% ANY course offered. Discount code: sportsmanagementpodcast10 ________________________________________________________ Follow us on social media Instagram Facebook Twitter www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com 

An attorney and sports agent, Kelli Masters is the Founder and President of KMM Sports. Kelli was the first woman to represent a top 5 NFL draft pick and has served as agent/contract advisor to players in every NFL draft since 2006. She's been named by Bleacher Report as one of the 25 most influential women in sports. On this episode, she joined Matthew Hall and Ben Dockery to share her story and discuss her new book, High Impact Life. Links from this episode:KelliMasters.comKMM Sportshttps://www.instagram.com/kellimasters/https://twitter.com/KMMsports"How an NFL Agent Went from Pushover to Pioneer" (TEDx talk)25 Most Influential Women in Sports (Bleacher Report)High Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't LoseReview Leading Forward in Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think of the show.Keep up with the show on social media: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

Kelli Masters is an attorney, a certified sports agent and the founder of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company based in Oklahoma City. She has represented more professional athletes than any other woman in the history of sports and was named one of the 25 most influential women in sports worldwide by Bleacher Report.  She is a former National Champion and Five-time World Champion Baton Twirler who graduated with honors from Law School at the University of Oklahoma. Masters was also voted Miss Oklahoma in 1997 and competed in the Miss America Pageant that same year. Kelli's new book "High Impact Life" released in August and is available for order here.  On today's episode of the podcast, Kelli shares what being an NFL agent was like in 2020 during the pandemic, living a life of purpose, writing a book to point to Jesus and standing on her "anchor" moment.  --- Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

This week, Andy hosts Kelli Masters—Founder and President of KMM Sports, NFL Sports Agent, Attorney, and Author.  Tune in to hear Kelli talk about finding her calling and fulfilling her purpose to serve others. She discusses how fear of failure was her original driving force, but HOW she made an intentional switch to being driven by purpose—and WHY she did so.  You'll also hear Kelli discuss her new book High-Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't Lose, and which of the 10 most important things she's learned about helping others is her favorite chapter.  Pre-Order Kelli's book today! Available August 3, 2021.Find more about Kelli at her website KelliMasters.com and be sure to connect with her on Instagram @kellimasters and Twitter @KMMsports

We're continuing our Smart Girl Summer Series this week with another fantastic guest that will inspire you (and maybe even help you out at the next sports trivia night!). Now, as a reminder, Smart Girl Summer is an eight-week series featuring some of my most brilliant friends sharing behind-the-scenes stories that you won't hear anywhere else.  And today, we have the brilliant and business-savvy Kelli Masters on the show today! Kelli is an attorney, a certified sports agent, and the founder of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company based in Oklahoma City. AND, fun fact: she was one of the first women to represent a Top 5 pick in the NFL draft!  She has represented more professional athletes than any other woman in the sports business history and was named one of the 25 most influential women in sports worldwide by Bleacher Report. Needless to say, Kelli knows a thing or two about business, sports, and remaining true to yourself against all odds. We sit down to chat about Kelli's experience working in a male-dominated field, what her faith in God means to her, and some of the lessons she has learned along the way. Plus, she shares some good advice for the next generation of trailblazing women.  Listen in to learn more about -  How Kelli got to be where she is and how she found her calling to be a sports agent.  How to be fierce without being aggressive or unkind.  The inside scoop of being a sports agent and what Kelli has on her radar next. Favorite quotes: 1. It's funny how those of us who try to map out what we think our life is going to look like and we fly and make all these plans. But truly, when you trust God with that and put it in his hands, it doesn't look linear at all. 2. Being fierce doesn't come from me being egotistical or cocky or overly confident. It comes from knowing God has called me to do this. He has given me the skills to do this. And he's given me the passion and the ability to fight for my clients, to fight for the people that I've been given to fight for and there's nothing more powerful. 3. Isn't it so easy to beat yourself up for where you're not?  4. What we've created is so different and so special. And it's 100% because I just said, “God, I want to do it your way and I don't want to do it my way.” I don't want to just look successful. I want to make an impact and create successful opportunities and lives for the players that I get the chance to work with. 5. It's interesting how you can spend so much time working on the details of something when God's like- no trust me over here. Just keep being good to people. Keep listening to me. Keep being kind to people. And I'll come through for you. Great things we discussed:  1. Kelli Masters 2. KMM Sports  3. High Impact Life 4. Rose Toronto Skincare 5. Quiet Place 2 6. 96,000 7. Bare Republic Sunscreen 8. Standing Strong Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli  www.alliworthington.com/kellimasters/

This Episode we are joined by a special guest who is one of the most influential women in sports business, Kelli Masters. Kelli discusses her journey of overcoming fear and finding purpose. She shares insight into how she found her calling and tips for pursuing your purpose. About Our Guest:Kelli is an attorney, an NFL sports agent, and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and her hometown of Oklahoma City. Kelli has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, having served as agent/contract advisor to players in every NFL draft since 2006 as well as numerous athletes in the MLB draft and the Olympics. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Kelli is a former National and World Champion baton twirler, and was also Miss Oklahoma 1997, winning awards for talent and community service at the Miss America pageant that year. She is a sought-after writer and speaker on topics of sports and nonprofit as well as leadership, diversity, and discovering purpose in life. Her first book will be released in 2021. Out now for pre-order: High-Impact Life: A Sports Agent’s Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can’t Lose. 

One of the most influential women in sports business, Kelli Masters is an attorney, sports agent, and Founder and President of KMM Sports. In 2010, she became the first woman to represent a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Kelli shares what powers her incredible drive and work ethic – and the little things she does each day to "pull the tarp" for her clients and community.

This week J.D. Runnels talks with is agent Kelli Masters about her career as an attorney, an NFL sports agent, and Founder and President of KMM Sports. Kelli tells J.D. about her negotions with the NFL, her time at OU as a baton twirler, and how she represents her players honestly and fairly. We then welcome in DeMarcus Granger and PJ Mills to talk Sooners Football, the current OU team, the best defensive players DeMarcus and PJ played with from the state of Oklahoma, the lessons DeMarcus learned when he first began his college career, the best current rappers, and much more! Plus, we talk with Corey Harris, Chef and Owner of Off The Hook Seafood & More in Oklahoma City about the restaurants journey from food truck to two locations, his favorite food on the menu's, what's next for Off the Hook, and more! This episode of Fullback U is brought to you by 420bomb.us

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Addi speaks with Kelli Masters, President at KMM Sports about her experiences as one of the pioneering women in professional sports management.

The future is female.✨ . . Have you heard this phrase before? In 2019, you’ve likely heard it A LOT. Women are standing their ground, taking their place, leaning into their callings, and believing that their contribution to society and the kingdom is absolutely necessary. And although we support women taking their place with with confidence and conviction, we believe that the future isn’t JUST female; the future is male AND female. Kelli Masters talks about this same idea and why it’s important to work together with our brother’s in Christ. She eloquently told us that she believes the future involves men and women working together to achieve a goal. We couldn’t agree more. Kelli is poised, articulate, and grounded in the work she’s doing. We are humbled that she’d share her story and insight with us. Our HQ team expounds on what Kelli’s story meant to them and why her message is valuable to all women serving anywhere in any capacity.  Recognized as one of the most influential women in sports business, Kelli Masters often hears, "You have a DREAM JOB." But she chooses to inspire others not with her successes, but with her vulnerability, sharing not only the victories but also the battles and failures along the way. Kelli is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company based in Oklahoma City. Kelli has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, having served as agent/contract advisor to players in every NFL draft since 2006 as well as numerous athletes in the MLB draft and the Olympics. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a Top 5 pick in the NFL Draft (#3 overall). Her story of progress through pain was featured as part of Motrin's national "Women in Progress" campaign in 2017. Kelli is a former National and World Champion baton twirler, and was also Miss Oklahoma 1997, winning awards for talent and community service at the Miss America pageant that year. Currently, Kelli serves as an Adjunct Professor at Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University, teaching Sports Law. She is a sought-after writer and speaker on topics of sports and nonprofit as well as leadership, diversity and discovering purpose in life. Today's episode is sponsored by Mom's Best Friend. MBF has been serving the Dallas/Ft.Worth metroplex in the Nanny/Household & staffing industry for 20 years. They place highly vetted and trained Nannies and Household staff in homes. Call the Mom's Best Friend office today and mention that you heard about them on the Polished Podcast to receive 10% off your placement fee. You can call them at: 972-446-0500 or email Lindsay Rose at lindsay.rose@momsbestfriend.com Connect With Kelli Instagram: @kellimasters  Verses: 1 Peter 4:10-11 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." Micah 6:8 "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Links From The Show  Carolyn Custis James  Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area 

Kelli is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City. Kelli has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, representing athletes from the NFL , MLB and the Olympics. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a first round pick in the NFL Draft.

Bestselling author Jon Gordon talks with sports agent Kelli Masters. Kelli shares her journey of going from fear driven to purpose driven (and how you can do the same). A few quoteables from this interview: Don’t ever let someone tell you that you are not enough. Focus on what makes you different because that's what makes you great. People ask me how I've grown my business, the answer is one relationship at a time. Under promise and over deliver. Be honest. Tell people the truth, especially when you don't know the answer. Social networking isn't just about LinkedIn or Facebook... it's about developing real relationships with others. You must have a picture of where you are going to help keep you stay anchored during tough times. Your team doesn't have to all think alike but they must have a shared vision and purpose. Fear is best overcome through action. You usually have to step out before the courage comes. Speak life. Encourage others every chance you can. ---- Kelli Masters is widely recognized as one of the most influential women in sports business. She has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, having served as agent/contract adviser to players in every NFL draft since 2006 as well as numerous players in the MLB draft. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a first round pick in the NFL Draft. As her reputation for outstanding work continues to grow and inspire countless others, she has further expanded the reach of KMM Sports to other athletes and celebrities. Learn more about Jon Gordon at http://www.jongordon.com Learn more about Kelli Masters at http://kmmsports.com/

In 124th episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview Founder and President of Kelli Masters Management (KMM Sports) and former University of Oklahoma Sooner baton twirler, Kelli Masters.   “It’s OK to fall flat on your face and look like an idiot, just don’t stay there.” When you fail you have two choices: either let that failure defeat you and keep you down, lying flat on your face, or decide in that moment that the failure you thought would be the end of you will not define your future. When the going gets tough, what will you do? Well, Kelli Masters decides that nothing will keep her down, no matter how daunting the obstacle might seem. It’s easy to look at her story and be distracted by the wonderful success that she’s achieved, but what is easy to miss is the years of hard work, determination, late nights, sleepless nights, and moments along the way where she wondered if she would ever really be good enough...if she would ever accomplish the goals she set out to. But those setbacks are part of the story that ultimately brought her all her wins.   Her story is one of the most inspiring I’ve had the privilege to help share, and I hope you all enjoy my interview with Kelli Masters.   To learn more about Kelli, visit http://kmmsports.com/ and follow Kelli on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.   If you guys enjoy Keep Moving Forward and want to tell me so, I would love for you to leave me a review on iTunes. And if you really like my show and would like for me to give you a shout out at the beginning of my next episode, you can donate as little as $1 to my podcast and become a loyal patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward.   Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.

On this episode, our host Mike Hearne joins Kelly Masters of Midwest City, one of the leading sports agents in Oklahoma. She has represented a player in every NFL draft since 2006. Kelly has fought hard in a male dominated industry and is continuing to pave the way for women in sports agencies.

Patricia Traina (Inside Football/The Athletic) provides an overview of the 2018 NFL combine as far as media interview activities. She is also joined by certified NFLPA contract adviser Kelli Masters of KMM Sports, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at how agents help their clients prepare for the combine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patricia Traina (Inside Football/The Athletic) provides an overview of the 2018 NFL combine as far as media interview activities. She is also joined by certified NFLPA contract adviser Kelli Masters of KMM Sports, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at how agents help their clients prepare for the combine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

014 | Kelli Masters Tells Us How Taking BIG Action Can Bring About Confidence Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Kelli Masters the founder of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company based in Oklahoma City. Kelli is an attorney and certified NFL sports agent. She continues to practice law as an Of Counsel member of Fellers Snider Law Firm, while also representing athletes in football, baseball and Olympic sports.  In 2010, Kelli became the first woman to represent a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, and continues to fight for opportunities for women in a very male-dominated industry. In high school, Kelli was known as introverted and shy, so when it came to the business world she had to quickly learn how to overcome that and let her blind confidence show. In the beginning of Kelli’s career, she had experienced quite a few NO’s. She knew that when she became an entrepreneur she had signed-up for a full time sales job, so she quickly learned that in order to succeed in business she needed to have a really clear understanding of what she was getting into, and plenty of knowledge about the industry. Having blind confidence combined with a thorough knowledge of your industry will give you all of the strength that you need to put yourself out there. If you’re ready to allow your confidence to truly blossom, this episode is a MUST LISTEN! Enjoy and Thank you for listening and tuning into Success Unfiltered! To share your thoughts: Leave a comment in the section below. Ask a question over at www.ThePitchQueen.com Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn To help the show out: Please leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes. Special thanks goes out to Kelli Masters for taking the time to chat with Michelle. Be sure to join us tomorrow for our next new episode! If you want some extra support on this topic, grab a copy of my self-confidence manifesto: "Believing In Yourself For REAL This Time: A Practical Guide" right HERE. Here are a few things we talked about in this episode: Michelle introduces Kelli Masters. Kelli discusses how important having blind confidence was to her overcoming being shy and introverted. Kelli’s story of almost signing her first client, is truly inspirational (even though it didn’t go through). Time is valuable and you have to count that when you're counting the cost of what you're building. Kelli shares her lessons learned from this experience. Kelli discusses how she picks herself up after a heartbreaking failure. The opposite of fear isn't courage, the opposite of fear is action and taking action in the face of fear brings the courage. Kelli does not allow herself to focus on what could happen if she failed, instead she focuses on taking action. Persistence pays off. Kelli shares the story of how she signed Gerald McCoy and the unique plan she had created to get it done. There’s no such thing as a hopeless situation. Live and learn from the mistakes you make. Kelli shares that trusting your gut about a deal is the most important thing in business. Kelli tells us what she’d love to tell her younger self. Connect with Kelli: LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Kelli’s Website Get my guide that will save YOU millions of dollars and countless mistakes! I made this for you with 10 things I wish I’d learned when I first started my businesses. Music produced by Deejay-O: www.iamdeejayo.com

Athlete Michael Vick made a comment about Colin Kaepernick which he has since walked back on. Vick said that Kaepernick should “lose his hair”. Is losing the hair the thing that will get Kaepernick employed? Or what exactly is going on? Guest: Kelli Masters, Founder of KMM Sports, certified NFL agent, and attorney. Photo: (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Rick believes that the Ontario government should institute mandatory driver retesting every 10 years (when you get your updated driver's licence). Is it a good idea? Guest: Dr. Louisa Gembora, independent clinical psychologist specializing in rehab, also appeared as a judge on Canada's Worst Driver Season 4, 5 & 6, Psychological Health and Rehabilitation Services, Today, an ER Doctor with Hamilton Health Sciences will demonstrate how rising temperatures in hot cars can be dangerous as part of the “hot car challenge”. Guest: Dr. Anthony Crocco, ER Doctor, Hamilton Health Sciences. Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and is Head and Medical Director for the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Mcmaster. Athlete Michael Vick made a comment about Colin Kaepernick which he has since walked back on. Vick said that Kaepernick should “lose his hair”. Is losing the hair the thing that will get Kaepernick employed? Or what exactly is going on? Guest: Kelli Masters, Founder of KMM Sports, certified NFL agent, and attorney.

From world class baton twirling to Miss Oklahoma and law school to sports agent, Kelli Masters has found her purpose.   Introduction: Hey everyone and welcome to the All-Star Leader Podcast, where together we learn about leadership from the best and brightest, and keep it fun by connecting it to our passion for sports! I'm your host Daniel Hare, and today we are joined by one of the top sports agents in the country, Kelli Masters. Kelli is an attorney, and the owner of KMM Sports, an agency representing athletes in the NFL, Major League Baseball, the Olympics and even the MMA. Kelli is also a five-time world champion baton twirler, and many Oklahoma football fans will remember her and twin sister Kim, who in the 90s graced the lawn of then-Owen Field as the OU baton twirlers. As if all this isn't enough, she is a former Miss Oklahoma. This is Kelli Masters. Hey Kelli thanks for coming on the show! Interview Questions: So let's start the way most leadership/sports podcast interviews do: with baton twirling. How did you get into it and when did you realize it was something you were gifted at? April 10th is World Baton Twirling Day At 4/5, went to OU games and watched the baton twirler on the field; wanted to do that. Mom was a majorette in high school but didn't want her to do it. Soon though they were twirling and by age eight competing all over the country, world championships at 14, retired at 22. Very tough training regimen; 3-4 hours/day 6/7 days per week. Lots of injuries and challenges. No scholarship. Given her great perspective as an agent. Are there skills or traits you learned as a twirler that you feel made you who are today? What are they? Before we get to the sports agent questions, let's talk first about the time you spent as a full-time practicing lawyer. You handled some high level cases and even had one which went all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Reflect a bit on those years and what stands out to you as important steps to get where you are today. Practicing law gave her great perspective to look at problems and issues in a productive, critical way. Learned to be thorough and an effective advocate. Didn't start off wanting to litigate and wasn't in her comfort zone. She didn't like conflict. But it has been great for her. Sports agency was not a part of her practice the first five years; it was her non-profit practice which first exposed her to the sports world, setting up non-profits for athletes. Practicing law teaches you diligence and how to work hard when no one is paying attention. Argued and won a case at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in front of Neil Gorsuch, now a Supreme Court justice. As an associate and then partner at your law firm, you undoubtedly witnessed and implemented a variety of leadership styles and effectiveness. Can you talk a bit about what you learned from your time there? Answer is different than it would have been five years ago Culture is key. People who work together to accomplish great things must be in a culture where they feel valued, appreciated and listened to. There is value in pouring time into people that is not work related. Building others up, improving morale, are very important. Must prioritize time for this. You have to have both trust and communication in order to develop this type of culture. When things are left undiscussed, issues arise. Leaders may default to acting strong and unphased, but better to be vulnerable and transparent. And as you transitioned into more and more of your work involving athletes and sports agency, how would you say your experience as a practicing lawyer contributed to the success you're now having in the sports agent world? She sees it both when working with the teams directly, and then through her players' experiences once they are in the team. The top organizations have a winning culture. Spend time valuing people. Patriots and Seahawks are great examples; they reward and value employees. We talk a lot on this show about the importance of organizational culture. You get to see every NFL team in a way most of us don't. What have you observed about the way successful franchises are run? We also talk a lot about the importance of leading yourself. What have you found to be helpful with your athletes who struggle in this area? How are you able to help them lead themselves (which of course then helps them lead others)? Used to think players would listen to her and respond Has learned that developing trust is first. Be vulnerable and authentic. Create high level of expectations, but don't expect perfection. Help them understand and reach their purpose. This is an ongoing conversation. Examples? Cody Hodges at Texas Tech – undrafted but signed as a free agent with the Titans; got to final cuts but didn't wind up sticking in the NFL; played in Europe/Canada/Arena before retiring Along the way Kelli encouraged him to speak to groups; he joined up with Rachel's Challenge based on the Columbine tragedy and grew into a fantastic speaker It was a tough journey for him, but he battled through Talk about “who” they want to be not “what” they want to be. How did you get the first client / break into the sports agent world? Was told at the beginning if she was not willing to break the rules she wouldn't succeed as an agent, but she took that as a challenge Has not wavered from that, though it has been even harder than she thought It is both what you know and who you know; you need to know more than the person on the other side of the table, as well as developing relationships Began working with an Olympic athlete on some endorsement contracts; when that athlete found out Kelli was looking for her first NFL player, he connected her with Cody Hodges, who he had been friends with and shared a youth pastor with. Opportunities always come through people!! You mention your faith quite a bit in your public statements and on your website. Talk about the role your faith plays in your professional life. Growing up in Oklahoma, everyone says they are a Christian, though for many it is just a social thing It never became personal for her until later, after she spent years trying to fill the void inside with accomplishments…but it was never enough At 23, put it all together and was relieved that it wasn't too late to connect with God. Then she thought she was supposed to be a missionary and go take care of orphans in the jungle; but in seeking God's will for her life she discovered the path of law and sports. Faith is just expecting God is going to do what he says he's going to do. This led her to a place she never would have predicted. Even on the tough days, she knows she is where she is supposed to be. This isn't just about chasing happiness, but rather fulfilling a purpose. She's not preachy, though she will encourage them/pray for them/etc. But she does not limit her practice to Christian athletes. Could you share a bit about the mission trips to Haiti. Who goes? Why you do it? Teamed up with Mission of Hope Haiti, and brings her athletes to serve during their offseason Fulfillment of all her dreams to serve as a missionary and to expose her athletes to a life changing experience Her athletes were all going through some tough times, but when they arrived they realized how blessed they are and were grateful. What is a significant professional mistake you have made and what did you learn from it? Grew up terrified of failure When she switched from being fear driven to purpose driven, that changed everything for her Now failure/mistakes are for learning Realized that by doing more than she should for her clients, she is doing them a disservice as well as herself and other clients. Five rapid fire questions Name one trait or characteristic you look for when you hire someone. Go-getter What habit has been key to your success? Making her bed each morning – discipline each day in the little things… Most important app or productivity tool? Outlook calendar Book/podcast recommendation? Anything by Andy Andrews – The Little Things: Why You Really Should Sweat The Small Stuff One sentence of advice for the leaders in our audience? Be willing to be broken and vulnerable; be real and authentic Draft Day David Moore / WR / East Central (OK) – (update: drafted in the seventh round / pick no. 226 by the Seattle Seahawks) Blake Jarwin / TE / Oklahoma State – (update: signed free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys) Thank Yous/Acknowledgements: Antioch Live/Clear Day Media Group – music More here. Jonathan Davis – production Clint Musslewhite – voice over