Billie Weiss / Boston Red Sox
Samantha Barkowski
Strategy and Intelligence Director, Boston Red Sox/Fenway Sports Group
Age: 28
Born: Boston
Education: Harvard, A.B. in government with a citation in Spanish
About you
Could not go a day without: Black iced coffee.
Most common misperception of your generation: That millennials were raised on participation trophies and now want and expect rewards for everything we do.
Go-to person when you need help: My brother, Luke. He’s a great sounding board and I know I can count on him for anything.
In 10 years I hope to be … : Part of the Forty Under 40 Class of 2029!
Sports occupies a unique position in our society and can (and should) be a powerful platform and tool for positive social change.
In the industry
Biggest surprise at career’s start: That there’s really no such thing as an offseason. We’re just as busy (if not more so!) when the Red Sox aren’t in season.
Most exciting aspect of sports business: The accelerating pace of technological change and how that will continue to impact the evolution of fans’ consumption habits. I like the challenge of staying on top or ahead of where and how our fans want to engage.
Questions for networking: I don’t have a set list or any particular “go-to” questions, I just follow the conversation where it goes and try to genuinely get to know whoever I’m talking to. A network is only effective if your relationships are authentic!
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Diversifying and encouraging inclusivity in the workplace.
