Innovision Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 | 19 What are some of your daily responsibilities? In my position at Little League, I am responsible for the management and oversight of the marketing and communication of the world’s largest youth sports organization. In the marketing function, I oversee the organization’s brand identity and the development of marketing campaigns to drive interest in participation among parents. In addition, I work with a team to manage partnerships with corporate sponsors, broadcast partners like ESPN, licensing relationships, strategic and professional agreements and themerchandise/e-commerce sales program, including the Little League gift shops during the Little League World Series. In the communication role, Imanage the development of original content, including written articles and video, social and digital media initiatives, newsletters and email marketing campaigns. What qualities do you think are most important to succeed at your position? Generally, I am a people person, so business relationship building is important to me. Moving beyond the business transaction, learning about people and finding what drives decision making is important in my current position. I also strive to be genuine in everything I do and care about the “work product.” What have you learned on the job that you necessarily didn’t in the classroom? I think your education is your foundation. It gives you the baseline to kickstart your career. Outside the classroom, I’ve learned so much about people and decisionmaking.What motivates people differs. I’ve also learned so much about business relationships. I’ve had so many professional friendships develop inmy career that have continued from job to job. I consider my network to be one of my most valuable assets. I’ve also learned that career decision making is incredibly hard. People are often at a crossroads with determining “what’s next.” I believe you must take the time to evaluate yourself, your strengths and weaknesses and what drives you in order to find your unique path. The job you are currently in may not be it. You have to focus on what brings you energy and fulfillment. What do you look forward to the most when going to work each day? Every day is different. I particularly enjoy the time I spend with my teammates, especially when we have the opportunity to be creative and collaborative. I also enjoy the opportunity to cultivate relationships with businesses, organizations or other partners of Little League. Many of these relationships have grown and developed over time into great friendships for the organization and for me personally. Lastly, I enjoy the opportunity to see how the Little League program impacts individuals around the world whether it’s players in local leagues or parents and volunteers. What advice would you offer an undergraduate getting ready to enter the workforce? One of my favorite quotes is “work hard, stay humble.” As you develop in your career, it’s important to work hard, learn from others and be a team player.When you are just starting out, you don’t have to know all the answers. Listen to others, learn from others. Gather your thoughts and ask questions. People around you will help you and want to learn from you. Be open minded to new experiences and learn something from the “hard” work as much as the “easy” work. LIZ DIULLO BROWN ‘97 Liz Diullo Brown graduated from KU in 1997 with a degree in Business Administration. She is currently the Senor Vice President and Chief Marketing Office r of ttl e Leag Internationa located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “As you develop in your career, it’s important to work hard, learn from others and be a team player.”