This week’s featured young sports business professional is Jessica Lichtenberg from Shade Global Inc.

Name: Jessica Lichtenberg
Email: Email Jessica Here
Age: 24
Name of Company: Shade Global Inc.
Web Site: www.shadeglobal.com
Favorite sport to play: Tennis, soccer
Favorite sport to watch: Basketball, baseball, soccer
Favorite professional team(s): Knicks, Yankees
Favorite college team(s): University of Michigan, Syracuse University

Please briefly describe your background in sports business:
My passion for sports and ingenuity led me to a position in athlete representation and sports marketing in New York, where I am responsible for the development of sponsorships, organic marketing ideas and creating commercial opportunities for client projects.

If you could change one thing in sports business what would it be?
A greater push towards using the power of sports and entertainment to positively change the world.

What’s your most prized possession that you display at your desk and why?
A picture of my family because it makes me smile and reminds me of who I am. My family has always been behind me and they are my biggest supporters. They taught me to follow my dreams, to keep trying until I succeed, to have passion for what I do and to never settle for mediocrity. From an early age they instilled that hard work, dedication and integrity are important values that will carry me through life.

Do you think you have encountered any unique challenges or advantages because of your age?
Yes, it has definitely presented me with both unique challenges and advantages.
As a young female in this industry I think I had to perform to a higher standard to earn the same respect and confidence from colleagues. I felt like I had more to prove for people to take me seriously because of my age. However, this has also had its advantages. Coming in at a young age I have the opportunity to make my own mark in the industry. Making a great effort to constantly soak up everything I can by watching others and by testing the waters, I have learned more and gained more exposure than I ever imagined I would have by this point.

What campaign do you think is working right now?
NBC’s “Countdown to Vancouver.” The Olympics is truly a spectacular affair that captivates the world. Athletes of all trades train their entire lives for a chance to compete in the world’s greatest sporting event.
The “Countdown to Vancouver” coverage is doing an excellent job piquing interest by sharing the stories behind these incredible athletes- who they are and how they got there- and previewing highlights of the upcoming Winter Games.
The series engages viewers to become a part of the excitement. You connect to these individuals; you feel the genuine passion, the trials and triumph of these athletes, their commitment to excellence and the sacrifices they have made. Olympians not only represent themselves, but they represent their entire country on the world’s stage. Only a handful of people in the world ever earn the chance to do that.

What’s one issue in sports that needs to be addressed immediately for the betterment of the sport?
Athletes’ awareness of the responsibility they hold as role models in society. These individuals have a great ability to influence others through their actions.

What’s the toughest part of your job and what’s the easiest part of your job?
The toughest part of my job is the intense, high-pressured, 24/7 nature of this industry. The easiest part of my job is stirring up creative concepts to pursue.

If you could give one piece of advice to young sports business professionals coming up the ranks behind you, what would it be?
It’s going to be a wild ride so hold on tight! Take every opportunity to learn everything you can and ask a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid to initiate a new idea or try a new avenue because you think no one will listen- stand out and make yourself known.