Detroit Lions
Ashton Mullinix
Executive Director, Business Strategy and Analytics, Detroit Lions
Age: 29
Born: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Education: University of Michigan, BBA, dual degree business and sports management; MBA, finance and entrepreneurship
About you
Could not go a day without: My laptop. I am usually on it for work, school, or when I am just relaxing. There are not many times that you will see me in the office or at home without it.
Most common misperception of your generation: That we are impatient. However, I believe that this generation just wants to make an immediate impact. We are looking for ways to be efficient and want to know that we are spending our efforts on driving change because we want to make a difference.
Go-to person when you need help: I typically tend to rely on a collection of individuals for support rather than just one person. I have a small inner circle of family, friends, and mentors that I can go to for advice and listen to their various perspectives. They have been a major part of my success early on in my career.
In 10 years, I hope to be …: Continuing to drive change through innovation and making an even bigger impact in the sports industry.
Walking around the stadium on the day of the game and seeing the work of each department come together is worth all the time and energy we placed into the season.
In the Industry
Biggest surprise at career’s start: The level of sophistication and talent that is working in the sports industry. During my time at the NFL and the Detroit Lions, I quickly realized that I was constantly surrounded by talented individuals that could be doing a number of things but are working in sports because it is their passion. Since then, I have tried to learn from each of these individuals and use it in my own career moving forward.
How should sports address social issues? The sports industry is a powerful platform that can directly impact change and influence society. Therefore, it is up to every organization individually to determine their engagement in social issues and determine what initiatives align best with their own mission, values and beliefs.
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Adapting to the next generation of fans and capturing their attention because they are the future of the sports industry.
