Exclusive: Leonard Armato on Shaquille O’Neal’s Brand Strategy and Women’s Sports Equality. [Video]

Can we truly achieve gender pay equality in sports?

This episode promises insights and answers as we sit down with Leonard Armato, a visionary leader dedicated to leveling the playing field for women in beach volleyball. Leonard, with his illustrious career as CMO of Skechers, founder of AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, and board member of the Harlem Globetrotters, shares his philosophy of the four P’s: Play, Purpose, Potential, and Pay. His mission to uplift women’s sports and secure equal recognition and compensation is both inspiring and actionable, offering valuable lessons in personal branding and entrepreneurship.

You’ll also hear the transformative story of a former college basketball player who found his true calling in sports law, thanks to the impactful mentorship of his college coach and NFL legend Ronnie Lott. This journey highlights the indispensable role of relationships and mentorships in achieving career success. The narrative showcases the power of bold career decisions and the importance of guiding athletes as they transition from college to professional sports.

Lastly, the episode shifts gears to focus on empowering athletes through brand ownership. We highlight the innovative approaches to brand building and intellectual property with Shaquille O’Neal’s strategy serving as a compelling case study. From the creation of athlete-owned IP to supporting emerging female athletes, we explore the multi-faceted strategies that drive women’s sports forward. This enriching conversation underscores the need for cultural support, visibility, and mass viewership to bridge the gender pay gap and propel women’s sports into the mainstream.

0:00 Gender Pay Gap in Sports
6:32 Building Relationships for Career Success
12:06 Proving Dedication in Sports Representation
16:35 Empowering Athletes Through Brand Ownership
20:47 Unlocking Athlete Potential Through Branding
30:21 Driving Women’s Sports Forward