Tag: #askquestions

Career Transition, Personal Development, Professional Growth, Self-Reflection, Skill Development, Life Choices

Navigating a Career Pivot: A Guide to Deciding What’s Next

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes our career paths take us in directions we never anticipated. If you find yourself in a situation where your current job no longer brings you fulfillment or aligns with your passions, embarking on a career pivot can be a transformative step. In this article, we will explore a guide to help you navigate the process of deciding what’s next in your professional life. By evaluating your interests, skills, values, and opportunities, you can make informed decisions that lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

  1. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests:

Start by reflecting on your passions and interests outside of work. What activities bring you joy and fulfillment? Consider your hobbies, volunteer work, or any side projects that have sparked your enthusiasm. Identifying your passions can provide valuable insights into potential career paths that align with your personal interests.

  1. Assess Your Skills and Strengths:

Take stock of your skills, talents, and strengths. What are you naturally good at? Consider both technical skills and transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, or creativity. Recognizing your strengths can help you identify industries or roles where you can leverage these abilities to thrive in your new career.

  1. Evaluate Your Values and Priorities:

Clarify your core values and priorities. What matters most to you in a career? Is it work-life balance, making a positive impact, continuous learning and growth, or financial stability? Understanding your values can guide you when making decisions about the type of work environment, company culture, and mission that align with your personal principles.

  1. Explore Different Industries and Roles:

Research and explore various industries and roles that align with your passions, skills, and values. Look for emerging trends, growth opportunities, and areas where your expertise can be applied. Attend industry events, network with professionals, and engage in informational interviews to gain insights into different career paths.

  1. Seek Guidance and Mentorship:

Connect with mentors or career coaches who can provide guidance and support throughout your career transition. They can offer valuable advice, help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and provide insights into potential opportunities. Their expertise and experience can be instrumental in helping you make informed decisions about your future.

  1. Gain New Skills and Knowledge:

Consider acquiring additional skills or knowledge that will be valuable in your desired field. This can be through online courses, certifications, workshops, or even pursuing further education. Upskilling or reskilling can enhance your marketability and confidence as you transition into a new career.

  1. Test the Waters:

Before fully committing to a new career, consider testing the waters through part-time work, freelancing, internships, or volunteering. This allows you to gain firsthand experience and insights into the day-to-day realities of your desired field. It can also help you build a network and make valuable connections.

  1. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability:

Remember that a career pivot often involves embracing change, uncertainty, and a learning curve. Be open to new opportunities, even if they may differ from your initial expectations. Embrace flexibility and adaptability as you navigate your new path, as it may lead you to unexpected and rewarding experiences.

Deciding what’s next in your professional life can be a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. By reflecting on your passions, assessing your skills, evaluating your values, exploring different industries, seeking guidance, gaining new skills, and embracing flexibility, you can make informed decisions about your career pivot. Remember that the process takes time, patience, and self-reflection. Embrace the opportunity to create a career that aligns with your passions and brings fulfillment, as it can lead to a more purpose-driven and satisfying professional life.

Life Choices, Sports, Event Production, Fan Engagement, Technology, Storytelling, Collaboration, Golf, Soccer

Strategies for Producing Engaging Live Golf and Soccer Events

Live sports events, such as golf and soccer matches, have an inherent ability to captivate audiences worldwide. The thrill of watching a golfer sink a perfect putt or a soccer player score a winning goal creates unforgettable moments. To ensure these events are engaging and memorable, event organizers must employ specific strategies tailored to each sport. In this article, we will explore strategies for producing engaging live golf and soccer events, offering insights into how these sports can captivate fans and create a truly immersive experience.

  1. Enhancing Production Value:
    Both golf and soccer events benefit from high-quality production values. Utilizing multiple camera angles, aerial shots, and innovative graphics can provide viewers with a comprehensive perspective of the action. For golf events, offering in-depth analysis of player techniques and course challenges can enhance viewers’ understanding and engagement. In soccer, slow-motion replays and close-ups of key moments can heighten the excitement and allow fans to appreciate the skill and precision involved in the game.
  2. Interactive Fan Experiences:
    Engaging fans is crucial for live sports events. For golf, offering interactive experiences such as online leaderboards, live scoring updates, and virtual simulations of famous holes can involve fans in the action, even if they are not physically present. In soccer, incorporating social media integration, real-time fan polls, and interactive halftime shows can create a sense of community and active participation. Encouraging fans to share their experiences using event-specific hashtags can also foster a sense of camaraderie among fellow supporters.
  3. Storytelling and Narrative:
    Both golf and soccer have rich histories and compelling narratives that can enhance fan engagement. Highlighting the stories of golfers’ journeys to success, their personal challenges, and memorable moments in their careers can create emotional connections between the players and viewers. Similarly, soccer events can tap into the rivalries between teams, historical clashes, or players’ personal stories to create a captivating narrative that keeps fans invested in the game.
  4. Embracing Technology:
    Technology plays a significant role in enhancing the live sports experience. For golf, utilizing advanced tracking systems to display real-time ball trajectories, club swing analysis, and player statistics can provide viewers with deeper insights into the game. In soccer, implementing goal-line technology, interactive virtual overlays, and incorporating augmented reality (AR) for player statistics and replays can add a new level of excitement and analysis for fans.
  5. Creating Memorable Fan Moments:
    Both golf and soccer events offer opportunities to create enduring fan moments. In golf, organizing interactive fan competitions, celebrity pro-am events, or allowing fans to walk alongside players during practice rounds can create unforgettable memories. In soccer, halftime shows, fan competitions on the field, or surprise appearances by legendary players can generate excitement and leave a lasting impression on fans.
  6. Collaboration and Partnerships:
    Collaborating with sponsors, broadcasters, and technology providers is vital for producing engaging golf and soccer events. Partnering with golf equipment brands for interactive experiences, incorporating sponsor activations that enhance the fan experience, and working closely with broadcasters to deliver engaging content can amplify the event’s impact and reach.

Producing engaging live golf and soccer events requires a combination of enhanced production values, interactive fan experiences, compelling storytelling, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations. By leveraging these strategies, event organizers can create immersive experiences that captivate fans and leave a lasting impression. Golf and soccer events have the power to unite fans and create memorable moments that transcend the game itself, making these sports a thrilling spectacle for audiences around the world.

Life Choices, Simulated Golf Competitions, Online Streaming, Technological Advancements in Golf, Professional Golf Evolution, Fan Engagement, Sports, Technology

The Rise of Simulated Golf Competitions in Online Streaming

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional golf, a new era is dawning with the introduction of simulated golf competitions. The PGA Tour recently made waves by announcing a series of changes for the upcoming year, which includes the launch of the TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League). This innovative partnership with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and their company TMRW Sports aims to revolutionize the sport by blending golf with technology and team dynamics. As we delve into the details, let’s explore the rise of simulated golf competitions and their impact on online streaming platforms.

  1. The Birth of the TGL:
    The TGL, hailed as the “next evolution within professional golf,” represents a bold step towards embracing technology and creating a unique environment for the sport. With the support of top players committing to at least a 20-tournament schedule, including 12 “elevated events,” this tech-infused league is set to captivate golf enthusiasts and sports fans alike. The visionary partnership between the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and TMRW Sports signifies a commitment to propel golf into the future by integrating cutting-edge technology and team-oriented elements into the fabric of the game.
  2. Format and Season Structure:
    The TGL season is designed to provide an immersive and engaging experience for both players and fans. Six teams, each consisting of three PGA Tour players, will compete in a series of 15 regular season Monday night matches. These matches will be followed by semifinals and finals matches, commencing in January 2024. The venue for these exhilarating battles will be a virtual course equipped with a tech-infused, short-game complex. This fusion of virtual reality and golfing prowess promises to create a visually captivating and thrilling spectacle.
  3. Primetime Streaming and Fan Experience:
    One of the most exciting aspects of the TGL is the fan experience it offers through online streaming. Each match will be televised during primetime, with a duration of two hours. Viewers will have the opportunity to witness every shot in real-time, immersing themselves in the action while enjoying the convenience of online streaming platforms. This 2-hour format ensures an intensified experience, capturing the attention of fans and introducing golf to new audiences who crave fast-paced and dynamic sporting events.
  4. The Impact on Online Streaming:
    Simulated golf competitions, like the TGL, are transforming the online streaming landscape. By blending technology, team dynamics, and the sport of golf, these events appeal to a wider range of sports enthusiasts. The integration of virtual courses and tech-infused elements creates a visually stimulating experience that translates seamlessly to online streaming platforms. As more simulated golf competitions emerge, online streaming services have the opportunity to attract a growing audience of tech-savvy sports fans, expanding the reach and popularity of the sport.

The rise of simulated golf competitions, exemplified by the introduction of the TGL, marks an exciting new chapter in the world of professional golf. This innovative approach, blending technology with the traditional game, has the potential to captivate fans and revolutionize the way golf is experienced and consumed. As online streaming platforms embrace these tech-infused events, the sport of golf enters a new era of accessibility and excitement. Keep an eye on the horizon as simulated golf competitions continue to evolve, captivating audiences and shaping the future of online sports streaming.

Cameras, Career, Giving Back, Golf, Tournament Preparation, Mental Toughness, Physical Fitness, Skill Development, Strategy, Nutrition, Hydration, Pre-Tournament Routine, Life Choices, Sports, Golf, LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), Portland Classic

Embodiment of Strength at the LPGA’s Portland Classic – Current Front-Runner, Perrine Delacour

The 2023 Portland Classic is currently in full swing, captivating audiences at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Oregon. The players are showcasing their best skills, aiming to claim the top spot on the leaderboard and secure the coveted $1.5 million prize. At the forefront of the competition is Perrine Delacour, a talented French player. However, beneath her remarkable performance lies a lesser-known story of struggle and fortitude.

Perrine’s journey in the LPGA Tour has spanned over a decade, yet she has only managed to secure five top-10 finishes throughout her career. As she leads the pack in the Portland Classic, a potential victory would mark her first-ever win. Nevertheless, achieving this feat may prove to be an uphill battle, given her recent revelation about her mental state and the challenges she is currently facing.

Despite the adverse weather conditions in Oregon, the 29-year-old golfer displayed exceptional skill by carding an impressive 9-under 63 on the first day of the event. She continued her stellar performance on the second day, delivering a bogey-free round and carding a commendable 5-under 67. Delacour’s ability to adapt to the rain-softened course allowed her to maintain a one-shot lead.

However, during a post-round interview, the inquisitive reporter broached the subject of Perrine’s mental health and the break she took last year. Delacour had hoped to avoid this line of questioning, but when faced with it, she chose to respond with honesty, revealing her ongoing struggles. “I had hoped they wouldn’t ask that question because I’m not in the right mental space,” she admitted. “It’s difficult to articulate. I may be a leader on the LPGA, but golf is just golf.”

Perrine emphasized that she refuses to let golf define her as a person and expressed her desire to explore other aspects of her life. “I’m striving to find fulfillment beyond golf,” she shared. “No matter how well or poorly I play, I believe that I am still a good person. That’s my primary goal.” Delacour’s introspection and refusal to let her sport solely define her demonstrate her strength and resilience.

While she acknowledged her ongoing struggles, Perrine has admirably managed to keep her personal challenges from affecting her game. This resilience is evident in her recent Instagram post, where she announced her participation in the Portland Classic with confidence, showcasing her immense talent and making her presence known to the golfing community.

As the weekend approaches, Delacour intends to continue employing the same approach she has used throughout the tournament. She will give her all and see where her efforts take her. The French golfer admitted that she has never led an event for two consecutive days, leaving the outcome of her performance over the weekend uncertain.

Perrine’s openness about her mental health struggles serves as a testament to her strength. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to alleviate her fears and inspire others to do the same. This highlights the importance of athletes finding healthy outlets to release the pressures that build up within them. Recently, another LPGA star echoed this sentiment, describing the routines she follows to manage stress and maintain her well-being.

In conclusion, while Perrine Delacour faces her own internal battles, she continues to exhibit remarkable strength and determination on the golf course. Her journey serves as a reminder that athletes are multifaceted individuals with complex lives beyond their respective sports. By embracing vulnerability and sharing her struggles, Delacour not only exemplifies resilience but also paves the way for a more empathetic and understanding approach to the challenges faced by athletes worldwide.

AI, Best Practices, Career, Career Development, Gender Equality, Media Industry, Professional Growth,Workplace Challenges, Diversity and Inclusion,Broadcasting, Innovation, Personal Development, Breaking Barriers, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward

The Only Girl in the Room Gets a Chance

I’m so amazed, transformed that this has changed. At least I truly hope it has.

I was working “on the road”, a 63 person crew, mostly men and me. That lasted for 85% of the events I traveled and worked on. Every so often there where other women there.

As the sole woman, I had to be better, quicker, more knowledgeable than the men, work harder and longer, and way back in 1989 I took the off-color jokes with a “grain of salt”, and a bit of harassment too. It was the “norm”, certainly not from everyone, but it existed, I never complained. I brushed it off, and learned to have – “selective hearing”.

After coming off the road, I worked for the Technical Managers for Studio and Field (I had worked with many in the field and they gave me great training). Now, I was in NYC working at a major network with them, and all levels of studio and field personnel for Sports and News. Wow what a change! It was thrilling.

I was able to goto technical meetings and take notes for Myself, or choose to stay at my desk and answer the phones. No competition there, I grabbed my pen and paper, and took as many notes as I could, and then asked questions later. Another great training ground. Again, I was the only woman in the room though (the sole female technical manager was on leave).

Luckily there were other women in the huge street long broadcasting facility, that had many different control rooms that were used for very different capacities.

One was older, used for presets, and figuring out layouts, but at that time was also a back-up studio. There was the main News “fishbowl” studio, where I could stand a couple flights above and watch the nightly newscast live.

There were break studios that did timings and aired commercials to every time zone for all network programming. There were Edit Control rooms (EC) that aired live and pre-recorded sporting events.

Next there were tape and digital recording and playback rooms. EVS was one of the first truly forward inventions for playback. With 6 servers, we could stop up to 3 of them to playback for the different time zones, doing away with the tape playbacks of short (first 20 minutes of an hour show) and longs (full hour of the show record to sync to the short), and syncing timecode in-time for pb.

It was a new world. I always wanted to learn more, and it was the perfect training ground. So, I would spend my off time learning from the operators.

There were job shifts, promotions, I left the company, and came back to a great job in commercial operations. I helped build the billboard library for shows, kept and aided advertisers with the changing tech specs when new technology evolved. Then, I was given Monday Night Football. It had a book (literally) of rules to follow.

The manager working on the season suddenly went out sick. My manager handed me the rule book (luckily I had worked MNF in-person on and off-site for years early in my career), so I knew the rules of the game. But, the scheduling rules were a different story. I was handed the book on Friday afternoon, and the season started on that coming Monday. Ok! Dig In! And, I did it, all season long, and proud to say without a mistake. I also give great credit to my co-managers and commercial integration managers for all their help and guidance to pull off a flawless season.

Were there “fires” absolutely. Was there doubt, absolutely. Where there commercials, billboards, vignettes coming in late, absolutely. Did I complain, Absolutely Not once! I loved the challenge, I loved making the departments a team, and I even loved being nervous about air – every single game. I wanted it to be clean and perfect, and we did it. Team effort.

So remember there’s always something to learn. Intricacies, broad strokes, complete pivots.

I now work in the digital streaming world in many capacities, cloud workflows, integrating AI. Writing about technology, streaming, engineering in-studio and fully remotely. On prem, cloud production, live and hybrid events from car shows, theatrical shows, music events, and enterprise. It a whole new huge world that has cracked open.

Go Get It for yourself too – it’s a big world out there!