Athlete: Billie Jean King is my favorite, by far. I’ve tried to mimic her tennis shot forever, with very little success.
Filippell holds a letter from Billie Jean King, who pushed IMG to hire her as the firm’s first female agent in the late 1970s.janet century photography
Movie: “The Sound of Music.” I love Julie Andrews and when I think about it, the story’s about a progressive, working woman. My wedding march was the same one they used in “The Sound of Music.”
Vacation spot: We have a place in Naples (Fla.), so…
Niche sport with the most potential: People are going to say esports, and we do have a few clients there, but I’m hopeful sports and fitness will always be important. I’d also say soccer, because it’s global.
Story about balancing parenting and running a business: We were always late for my son’s swim practice and the rule was if you were late, the kid had to do pushups. One day when we got there late, I got down on the pool deck and did the pushups because it was my fault. The other parents were furious.
Advice for those going on job interviews: I tell people they have to brag. When they do, their face lights up, and both sides get excited.
Earliest you met a job candidate and knew he or she was going places: Brett Yormark, early in his career, when he was selling TV for Katz. I was astonished at how organized and driven he was, even then. You just knew he was going to get there.
Most unusual candidate fit you placed: Ali Towle, now with the Patriots (as senior director of brand and fan experience at Kraft Sports & Entertainment). I placed her as vice president of marketing for the 49ers from IBM. She’s very talented, but one of her big ins for the 49ers job was that she was an expert in fantasy football.
