 |
Markley was promoted from Senior VP/Operations
to her current position effective Jan. 1 |
Name: Jodi Markley
Position: ESPN Exec VP/Content Operations & Creative Services
Age: 50
Where I'm from: Miami, Fla.
Where I call home: Connecticut
Focusing on right now: Monday morning we launched a live "SportsCenter" morning show and relaunched "Mike & Mike" from a brand new studio.
Best advice: I've been fortunate to have wonderful mentors throughout my life and have received much appreciated advice. Some of the standouts: If you want something, ask for it; Listen more, talk less; Be yourself -- not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be (HENRY DAVID THOREAU).
A must for a new hire: Smart, passionate, honest and has a tremendous work ethic. I also want a person who doesn't think exactly like I do and brings something special to the team.
Exec I admire most: Former ESPN President GEORGE BODENHEIMER. With his laser focus on the business and the people, he led ESPN through an unprecedented period of growth. George is incredibly smart, strategic, and a pillar of integrity and honor. He genuinely wants to hear everyone's input and is one of the best listeners I've ever met.
Best book I've read this year: "The Good Earth" by PEARL BUCK. Simple, beautiful.
First thing in the morning: I'm definitely a morning person and usually accomplish more between 6:00-9:00am than I do the rest of the day. Coffee definitely helps.
Talking tech: I rely heavily on technology both personally and professionally. At ESPN we are constantly looking for innovative ways to create the best content for all platforms and to operate more efficiently. Technology plays a big role in that mission.
Must-have music: Depending on my mood, either classic southern rock -- LYNYRD SKYNYRD, MOLLY HATCHET, SISTER HAZEL, ALLMAN BROTHERS, ALABAMA, or, if I feel like dancing, then it's BEYONCE all the way.
Food for thought: I've been vegan for the past year, so essentially I've stopped receiving any dinner invitations.
How I unwind: I love to entertain, practice yoga, read and garden.
Day in the life: ESPN is such a dynamic company and the sports calendar is perpetual. Much of my day is spent in planning meetings for upcoming events, shows or new technology. I also spend time meeting with both new and experienced staff members to learn more about them and get their input on what we can be doing better.
