James Douglas
Claire Kaido
Director, Business Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company, Westchester Knicks and Knicks Gaming
Age: 30 (turned 30 on Jan. 1)
Born: Zanesville, Ohio
Education: Ohio State University, B.A., strategic communication
About You
In 10 years I hope to be … : In a position where I can help the next group of young women and men in sports push the industry forward. I want to help shape innovation, disruption and create a positive environment for generations to come.
Could not go a day without: Music.
Most common misperception of your generation: “They’re lazy. They don’t want to work that hard.”
Go-to person when you need help: My go-to people when I need help are my mom, dad and brother.
Being a part of an industry built on making lifelong memories for fans, attendees and families is always the most exciting thing. It never gets old.
In the industry
Biggest surprise at career’s start: In the sports industry, no day is the same. Each day is a new challenge with a new goal in providing people with unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime.
Questions for networking: I love asking the question “What is the best advice you’ve received that has helped guide your career?” The amount of knowledge shared when the answers are given is priceless.
How should sports address social issues? Sports have an incredible responsibility to use their influence and strength to push different generations of people to elevate in the world and lead by example. The sports industry is looking more closely at the messages they are portraying to continue to move social issues forward and I believe it will continue to grow and be even more impactful.
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Incorporating women in esports and gaming. More and more each day we see a growing interest from women involved in esports organizations. However, we are far from where we want to be. The strength of an organization can always be found in how diverse and inclusive it is.
