Pro Day: Lisa Murray, Octagon

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In a new weekly series called Pro Day Women Talk Sports contributor Kayla McCulley explores career topics and talks with female sports executives who share their thoughts on professional success.

This week Pro Day is joined by Lisa Murray, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Office at Octagon, a leading sports and entertainment marketing agency.

Q. What was an early leadership experience for you and what lessons did you draw from it?

A. Early in my career, I accepted an international assignment in London in order to keep and grow a key account. Even though I found myself working apart from my team in a foreign country. I was able to differentiate myself and play a team leadership role from afar. While it would be more than a decade later before assuming a global marketing role, the early opportunity to work abroad helped to shape my marketing perspective and sharpen the skills that I would rely on over my entire career.

Q. What's the best advice you've ever received?

A. Have a bias for curiosity and an appetite for knowledge. Stay informed - know your client's business insde and out. Above all, exceed their expectations every day without fail.

Q. Has your concept of a "dream job" evolved at all as you've advanced professionally?

A. I've always felt fortunate to work at every step along my 23-year career. Now, I truly feel I have my "dream job" as I can see the impact every day that I have applying my skills and experience in driving growth internationally for a leader in a dynamic global industry.

Q. What is the biggest issue facing women in sports today?

A. For women in sports marketing, great strides have been made in the past decade or so. I truly feel that if you are assertive, knowledgeable about your field, have a great work ethic and a sense of humor, you will be successful - be it male or female. You need to be great at what you do no matter your gender or what part of the business you're in.

Q. You've covered many of the premier international competitions during your career, including numerous Olympics and World Cups. What is one women's sporting event still on your bucket list?

A. I'd have to say the advent of golf (both male and female) during Rio 2016 will be exciting to watch.

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• Career
• Media/Marketing

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