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July 28, 2010
Rookie Wisdom
In the next few blogs here on the Hub, in anticipation of our upcoming MLSE employee Town Hall on September 13th, I reached out to some of our "Rookies" (people hired at MLSE this past year) to hear about their experiences and impressions in coming to work at MLSE. We have a fantastic recognition component at our Town Hall whereby we award one of our Rookies a "Rookie of the Year" award (click here to hear about all our Town Hall recognition awards: MLSE Recognition).

I hope you get inspired by some of our Rookies’ Wisdom. Next year, you too may have something to say as one of our Rookies at MLSE!

Kevin Easson. Coordinator, Suite Sales and Service, Business Partnerships Department, ACC. Rookie. Talks about coming to work at MLSE…

Right from high school, I started a career in the low rise residential electrical field. I was wiring homes and making a decent wage, but I was lacking something and I didn’t know what it was. I started to realise that I had a strong passion for media and my job did not leave me satisfied at the end of each day so I picked up the Humber college course book, looked in the media and arts section and applied to the Advertising Media Sales program at Humber’s lakeshore campus.

I spent two years studying, and in my second year I was able to attend the Broadcast Executive Society’s annual Christmas luncheon where I was introduced to Kirk Cornelius from Media Sales here at MLSE. Kirk gave me his card, and I followed up with him so I could potentially use him for my "Day in the field" assignment where I shadow someone in my industry for the day. Kirk was kind enough to help me out, and from here recommended me for an internship. I was the first intern ever on the Media Sales team at MLSE and I proved myself by generating proposals and leads for the team. Once my internship was completed, I kept in touch with Anthony Attard – Director or Media Sales who introduced me to Lloyd, and Lloyd literally interviewed me on the spot.

My interview process consisted of a phone interview, Lloyd’s screening, and a 10 minute no PowerPoint presentation in front of my now senior director Kristy Fletcher, and our managers of suites Martin Mui & Lloyd Oliver. I had just over twenty four hours to create this presentation which was on the company’s Vision and Values and in my case... it needed to be flawless in order to land this job. I wrote it, rehearsed it, and here I am; Full time as a Sales coordinator in the suites department at MLSE. It was probably the most nerve racking day of my life, but also one to look back upon and reflect.

I think most people on the outside see us as a very formal business environment. The truth is we are far from that because the jobs people work here are not your average job. At MLSE we know how to have fun, and still achieve our goals. This doesn’t mean we don’t wear suits every day, but it means that we take a different approach to our work and throw some fun into it. The moment I had met Kirk at the BES, I got the vibe that this was a young, energetic and organized place to work. Now that I am living it, I can truly say that I was not let down. At MLSE you aren’t just at your job, you’re part of a unique culture. You hear the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side" and immediately most people think "maybe I’m good where I am currently". I tell anyone that wants to work here, "The grass is legitimately greener on this side and you’re missing out."


Ryan Singh. Manager, Accounting Finance. Finance & IT Department. Rookie. Lover of snowboarding. Talks about coming to work at MLSE…

Having previously worked at MLSE as part of the external audit team from 2003 to 2005, I was impressed at the knowledge of the business in the MLSE Finance department. There were also very helpful and friendly folks whom I relied on a lot to get the job done. I was even a victim of (Steve) Fruitman’s (Senior Director, Basketball Administration Toronto Raptor’s) fictitious "seat count" -- but it was all in good fun! After a few years in other industries, I saw the opportunity to join the MLSE team full-time, and I jumped at the chance. It was time for me to be part of an organization where that I truly believed in the cause, and I wanted to dedicate my efforts towards MLSE achieving its goals. When I met with Bobby (Karabatsos, Senior Director Finance), my boss-to-be, and saw his passion and energy, and was inspired to work for a leader who shared similar values. The business has gotten more complex over the years, especially with the addition of Toronto FC and Maple Leaf Square, it provides me with enough day-to-day challenges and opportunities to learn and grow… all with one clear vision – to WIN!

June 2, 2010
MLSE New Hire Orientations
On May 31st we had our quarterly new hire orientation for full-time and full-time salaried employees at MLSE. 30 employees: 3 former interns at MLSE, 2 former part-time staff now full-time, and 25 folks from all facets of business and industry who have now chosen MLSE as the next step in their career, were in attendance.

The afternoon is kicked off with Richard Peddie, President and CEO, taking speaking for a half-hour about MLSE as a Vision and Values Company, and how we integrate our Vision and Values into all facets of our business. When Richard teaches his Elite Training program, he elaborates on this in a two six hour sessions (three of which are Vision and Values theory and three are spent in the community).

Tom Anselmi, EVP and COO, then speaks to the Business of Sport, followed by Dave DeFreitas, Manager Community Partnerships, and Jason Schwabe, Coordinator Community and Player Programming, who talk about our Team Up Foundation and our Community Partnerships. Shannon Hosford, Senior Director Marketing, discusses our 22 brands at MLSE, our teams’ histories, and where we are headed. Mardi Walker, Senior Vice President People discusses meritocracy, differentiation, people development and our Play To Win Vision.

At the end, we celebrate with cake made by our very own Pastry Chef, Walter Arruda. Richard, and other senior leaders, take some time to chat with our new hires further.

Yesterday, Mike Cosentino, recently promoted to Director Business Operations, was passing by and I asked him to join our group for a few moments. Mike has been with MLSE for over 10 years, having started part-time in Basketball Operations, has worked in Raptors Ticket Sales, Business Partnerships, Manager of Sales and Service with the Marlies. We have a number of people like Mike at MLSE; who, through living our Vision and Values, demonstrating incredible leadership, and a kick-ass work ethic, have had proven career, and personal, success. Any one of our new-hires, who have already beat out 19,970 (we receive 20 thousand plus resumes a year) other applicants, has the ability to achieve these same outcomes.

Congratulations to all our new hires, who have come to an incredible place to work, and have joined the ranks of some of the best sport and entertainment professionals in the world!

May 13, 2010
What It Takes To Work At MLSE
I met a fantastic young woman for coffee the other day who reads my blogs and peruses our MLSE.com site and has a love of sports. She asked me what it takes to work at MLSE?...

We hire for attitude, and train for skill.

We receive 20 thousand+ resumes a year…for very few open positions.

We admire folks who, no matter their background, are leaders in their community. Passion for what you do (whatever that is) and who you are, plus strong leadership abilities and personal values will set you apart! You see, that is who we’re all about, what all of us MLSE employees strive for everyday. So if you are about that too, well, then we might as well welcome you to our MLSE team!

I asked some folks I work with in our People Department for some "Do’s" and "Don’ts" in applying and interviewing with MLSE, to help you out! Some of these tips may also guide you in any job you are applying for, with any company (hopefully with us!).


DO:

  • - Wear a suit/and or professional business attire
     
  • - Bring an extra copy of your resume (with a cover letter addressed to the Company, and with what position you’re applying for)
     
  • - Come prepared with questions about the position & company
     
  • - Research on mlse.com to learn about the company, especially our Vision and Values
     
  • - Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of the role (we want to know that you’re not just interested in getting your foot in the door, but that you are genuinely interested in the role you applied for). It is a good idea to print off the job description when you apply because once the posting closes, it can no longer be viewed online.
     
  • - Send a thank you e-mail to thank the Hiring/ Department Manager and People department (a good way for candidates to stand out, especially if they express that the interview solidified their interest)
     
  • - Remember the name of people you have spoken with throughout the recruitment process (Hiring/Department Manager, Coordinator who phone screened you)
     
  • - Be yourself! We know it’s difficult when you’re nervous, but when candidates try to come across as someone they’re not, it is evident and they come across as disingenuous.
     
  • - Be a fan of our teams but not just of the Leafs and/or Raptors/ or TFC/ or Marlies etc. and say that it’s been a lifelong dream to work for one team… one of our core values is being Dedicated To Our Teams, however we are so much MORE than just one team, or the just the teams! We are a diverse organization; we are involved in: supporting all our teams, the community. We have a HUGE entertainment side, we manage facilities, we create and execute phenomenal food and beverage experiences, we sell cool merchandise, we interact with our fans via social media and the internet, we broadcast via television, and we build relationships with our partners…Think BIG!


    DON’T:

  • - Wear jeans (or bad shoes)…see the Dress For Success blog below and get it together!

    - Wear team jerseys to the interview

  • - Talk too much in your interview

  • - Act like you know nothing about the position (or too much, confident is great, cockiness, not so much). Be a Leader!

  • - E-mail & call a thousand times to follow up – we have your resume – we will get in touch when it’s convenient

  • - Apply for every single posting. If you have applied for numerous positions in the company, be prepared to justify your reasoning in the interview.

  • - Bash former employers (it makes you seem unprofessional and immature)

  • - Discuss all of the other jobs you have applied for with other employers

  • - Bring a friend or parent to the interview with you (this has happened!)

  • - Don’t fax or mail your resume in after you have submitted in online (or call in to make sure we received it)

  • - Don’t contact the hiring/department manager in the area you are applying directly after you have spoken with someone in the People Department

Hope this helps, good luck, hope to greet you as part of our MLSE Team soon! 

March 31, 2010
Dedication To Our Teams And Our Company
It’s been a while since I blogged here, oh boy! There are so many great things to write about; our employee Dodge Ball Tournament for Team Up Foundation. Tom A (our EVP and COO) going to Afghanistan to visit our troops, our employees and fans rooting on our Teams despite a tough go this season. But one thing that stands out to me as an employee (now going on three years) at MLSE, is our unwavering dedication to our Teams and our Company.



Richard Peddie and Mardi Walker and Tom Anselmi made no bones about it while I was going through the interview and hiring process at MLSE about our Company being a Vision and Values Company. At the time, it sounded a bit airy-fairy, I’m not going to lie. The concept I just did not grasp immediately. However, through these past three years, the 18 words in our Vision and Values statement have come to life for me. They’re not just words on a plaque in reception. Business is difficult no matter what company one works for; interpersonal dynamics, internal, external environment challenges, wins, losses, you name it. All par for the course. However, in all that we do at MLSE; how we plan ahead, how we recognize and promote our people, how we make difficult decisions, how we celebrate: our Vision and Values are central. That’s what makes a difference and what gets me up in the morning to come to work. I’ve also recognized how vision and values are so important for our personal brands too; for our success in business and life. It’s how we WIN.

Have I "drunk the Kool-Aid" as it were on all this? You betcha. I just want everyone who supports our us, our Teams, and those who wish to work for MLSE to know, our Vision and Values are the heartbeat of this Company.

Here they are: MLSE Vision and Values

March 5, 2010
Excite Every Fan+Inspire Our People+Dedicated To Our Teams+Leaders in Our Community= WIN!
March 3rd marked our 4th Annual Red Party at Muzik, with over 800 guests, including 38 VIP tables paying over 5k, all proceeds going toward the Team Up Foundation. Some of our VIP tables included folks from Rogers, Redtag.ca, BMO, Ernst and Young, KPMG and Thistle Golf, not to mention countless luminaries; all supporters of our Team Up Foundation.

As I tweeted prior to the event, we had over 42 MLSE volunteers, plus 15 kitchen staff from the ACC, 22 ACC Security Personnel and a whole troop from ACC Catering.



Our Raptors were our special guests, and Toronto homegrown hip-hop star Drake brought the house down on the stage! Our very own Matt Devlin, sporting a red blazer, and Sherman Hamilton, co-MC’d the event.



We met at 5pm at the venue to get things organized, and many employees and volunteers stayed past midnight to wrap up the event, but truly this event has been months in the making. Everyone is looking forward to the 5th annual Red Party next year!



As always, staff at MLSE, both part-time and full-time, and our interns proved that as a team and executing our Values, we can WIN, in this case, for Team Up Foundation!

February 25, 2010
Community and Ethnic Spirit
Part of the reason I moved on from my last job (I was a Corporate Sales Trainer with a large consumer packaged goods company, travelling across Canada and the US) was that that I missed Toronto, my hometown…where I grew up with people from many cultures and backgrounds and who’s pride in Canada, and also in their own heritage, is the fabric which makes up the Toronto community. I went to a TFC game (the inaugural game)in 2007, and my heart swelled so much seeing this diversity; 19000 fans enjoying a freezing cold soccer game. When I saw the posting for "People Manager, BMO Field" posted by MLSE the following Monday on my professional association website, I immediately applied because I wanted to be part of THAT feeling again!!! I’ve now been here for two and a half years.

Have I had THAT feeling again at MLSE? You betcha! Here is a recent example of how we are all part of the community and ethnic spirit of Toronto.



Neda Tabatabaie, Manager CRM (you may recognize that name from my Dress For Success and Raptors Visit Sick Kids blogs) is of Iranian decent (she came to Canada in 1997). Neda, and many of the folks in the Toronto Iranian community, have been very active in helping all Canadians acknowledge and understand the controversial political events in their home country over this past year. Recognizing that helping build community through sports is what is behind one of our company’s Values, Neda recently took the opportunity to invite folks from the Iranian community to come down and enjoy a Raptors game together. 350 community members came down to watch Raps vs. Grizzlies on February 17th.

I was really excited to hear about the event, and although I couldn’t attend, I caught up with Neda about it. I told her that celebrating Toronto’s rich cultural fabric through sports really struck a cord for me and part of the reason why I wanted to join MLSE. Neda felt pride too not only as an employee, but also as part of this event as an Iranian-Canadian. "Our night was also picked up by BBC Persian (TV)" she told me.

Finally, thoughts from Neda " I think what resonated with me the most was that my goal was to engage the Iranian community, to maybe help in growing the game more amongst the kids. BUT what happened is that in this process, I met SO many great new people who stepped up and supported me without even knowing me. Not even going to talk about a lot of my friends and their amazing support. So this event sort of worked the other way around too and restored and strengthened my connection to my own community too! I was impressed by the community!"

Check out more from Raptors.com here.

February 11, 2010
Community Development At MLSE
I was honoured to be invited by our Community Development group to be a volunteer (no I did not feel as though I was volun-told, this stuff is amazing!) on a visit by our Toronto Raptors to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto this week.

Our Teams visit the hospital to see the kids, and, hopefully, brighten their day a little.


Kristina Flynn, a Coordinator with our Community Development group, led the charge. Our group (myself, Neda Tabatabaie from Marketing and Dave De Freitas, or Double D as we called him, the Manager for Community Development), got to the hospital to meet the rest of the group, just after lunch. The Raptor himself, and the team, arrived shortly thereafter. We met in a room across from Marnie's Lounge (a youth lounge on Sick Kids 4th floor; Marnie was a young woman from Toronto who perished in a terrorist attack on a beach in Tel Aviv in 1990; she had wanted to work with children, and so her family, in her memory, funded this lounge). Us volunteers were assigned bags of basketballs, touques and "foam fingers", and a group of four of the team, to follow a representative from the hospital in visiting many of its wards.

All I have to say, this experience for me was...profound! After a meet and greet with some patients and players in Marnie's Lounge, I joined my team: Mel Gerin-Lajoie, Coordinator, from Community, and from the Raps, Jay Triano, Reggie Evans, Jose Calderone, and Alvin Williams, in visiting the kids in general medicine. We spent 2 hours visiting the kids, giving them Raptors mementos, warm hellos, and support. The biggest gift wasn't what we gave them, but what they gave us I think. Parents, kids, nurses, doctors, smiles all around! Whether the families and kids are fans or not, just knowing that these (huge) guys care, is I'm sure great; they need, and deserve, as much support as anyone can give. My eldest son was very sick a few years back and we were in hospital for 6 weeks; the care the doctors and nurses, family and friends, gave meant so much. I wish we'd had a Rap two stop by during that time too!!!! But, I digress...

The Community Development and Team Up group at MLSE touch lives, and I was so honoured to have experienced even just a snippet of what they do on a day to day basis. I couldn't imagine anything more rewarding than seeing kids (and their parents) be inspired, even briefly, by sports, our players, and how much we care. I'm proud to be part of a company that supports this as part of our Vision and Values, not only for us as employees, but our sports teams as well. It's just what we do. Ok, better yet, it's who we are.

January 29, 2010
Ready! It’s Game Day with Raptors’ Game Operations and Special Events Staff
Wednesday afternoon, pre-game, Raps against Heat.

I’m running around, literally, with Annie Cho and Tom Boutassis, Coordinators, Game Operations and Special Events with the Toronto Raptors.

It’s game day and preparations for in-game entertainment are in high gear.  A lot goes in to make our Raptors Game Presentation the best in the league.




Annie, Tom and I head up to scoreboard (control room) and Annie Chats with Anton Wright, their Manager.  Anton is busy reviewing the creative media elements for the game and making necessary adjustments.

We then head down to the court and the coordinators check in on the Dance Pak and the Raptor, who are rehearsing their routines for the Huskies Hardwood Classic game and grooving to some Jerry Lee Lewis.

Next up, we meet the 14 part-time Game Crew and Interactive staff in the staffroom.

Annie, who coordinates the scripting, prizing, and Tom, who coordinates the on court and Dance Pak promotions, go through, by the minute, details for each event in-game with the staff. Giveaways, contests, Dance Pak calendar signings before the game, recognition (Doug Christie was attending the game), skits, and even "Flyball Dogs" at half…wow!  Having attended Raps games, I didn’t realize that so much time, coordination and effort went into the amazing show I see as a fan!

At about 5:45pm, Tom and Annie go on head-set, that is, so that they can communicate with each other and Anton, who directs the game.  Each minute of the pre-game, anthems, game, time-outs, breaks, half  and postgame are precisely scripted. "When Anton calls what’s coming up, we say Ready" says Annie. "Sometimes the crowd is so loud we don’t hear a call on headset" explains Tom "so we’ve got to make sure we’re organized.  This is live, we don’t leave anything up to chance."

January 26, 2010
Leadership At MLSE
One of our values at MLSE are to be "Leaders In the Community". Check out Jason Schwabe’s blog here to learn more about how we strive to achieve that.

Our employees are passionate about our community endeavors. For instance, we didn’t even have to ask employees to get involved with the Haiti efforts…emails and messages were pouring in to our Senior Director, Group Marketing, Shannon Hosford (who heads up our Community Development and Team Up Foundation) almost immediately after the quake from employees, asking, what can I do? What can we do? In Saturday’s Marlies vs. Bulldogs, Sunday’s Raps vs. Lakers game, and Leafs vs. Kings game Tuesday, employees volunteered in droves to partner with folks from Unicef and canvass donations for relief before the game.

We also value leadership in our own midst. Someone doesn’t have to be in the "C-suite" to qualify as a Leader at MLSE. In fact, we hire and develop all our employees as Leaders. Leadership, to us, is all about authenticity: being true to our company values and our own, our own personal brand. It’s about edge; being candid and courageous and doing the right thing, over just doing things right. It’s about putting others before our own self-interests, whether it be the community, a colleague, a direct report or a boss. We truly feel these attributes ensure we WIN as a team. It’s a tall order, yes. Our senior leaders lead the charge, but we strive to build our careers on the basis of these attributes. Leadership; just one element of why we’re an exceptional place to work!

January 14, 2010
Dressing For Success At MLSE
At every workplace, style and dress code is an important part of conducting business, MLSE is no exception (and you thought we wore sports gear everyday?!) While current culture gives accolades to focusing on personal style and being unique, it goes without saying that first impressions with others, largely in regards to physical appearance, seem to suggest a lot about our personal values and creates an immediate perception in others’ minds. Our Senior Vice President People, Mardi Walker sends out an annual (and much anticipated) email about appropriate dress (everyone looks forward to this email from Mardi; she’s very humorous and provides pictures of fashion gone wrong…including her worst fear: socks and sandals in the summer!)



At MLSE, our company Vision and Values are very much about how we conduct business, and ourselves. In this spirit, they way we dress and present ourselves is central to translating our V+V.

"Dressing appropriately is very important to your overall Personal Brand. The way you dress is a representation of you, your department and MLSE. As I always say…Dress for Success" says Anton Wright, Manager Game Operations, Toronto Raptors. Jeff Carter, Account Executive Marketing Promotions maintains the same "I deal with a lot of clients and fans in my role. I want to represent myself and the Company well."

Alex Richardson, Account Executive with Business Partnerships, Suites, loves fashion. She chooses to show her fashion savvy at work through "professionalism". Shannon Cole, Manager with Business Partnerships, likes to look polished. To express her personal brand, she brings in her own personal flair, but maintains the widely-accepted business look, even on casual Fridays.

Neda Tabatabaie, Manager, CRM says dressing professionally puts her in a professional mindset in coming to work. She says what you wear doesn’t have to be designer label, but you can maintain professionalism through basics; classic and not too trendy.

Our part-time staff wear uniforms, but there is no exception to professional image here.

"Uniform presentation is very important" says Kevin Kempke, Manager Event Personnel "Uniforms help identify staff to our fans but it also creates a level of professionalism, consistency and adds value to the ticket purchased. One could say that a uniform is a symbol of service. Dressing for success is such a huge part of our culture that it is a key component to our Secret Shop and of course our yearly review. Looking the part is a key expectation for delivering exceptional fan service."

January 11, 2010
"This Ain't Hells Kitchen..."
Game night. Mid week. Me. A man in a white jacket. And he’s taking me on rounds to check on things.

No, not a Doctor. A Chef. Actually, Chris Zielinski, Executive Chef at the Air Canada Centre. Chris has been with MLSE a few months now. He used to work for Ultra Supper Club, one of the finest restaurants and night scene venues in Toronto. Chris tells me about a night in his former role, his team was preparing fare for the famous crew from our rivals, the Boston Celtics; Garnett, Pierce included. Even then he was a Raptors fan…and although tempted otherwise, he still made sure they had a nice night, though.


Now at the ACC, Chris oversees many different kitchens and food operations. First stop, the Main Kitchen at the ACC. Here, we butcher our own meat and bake our own pastries. Our fine steaks at our ACC restaurants are not off a truck! No way! The Main Kitchen largely serves our Platinum Club restaurant on our Event Level. We walk through the kitchen and into the dining area. Chris stops to ask fans how their meals are. "We need to have things in order by 6:40pm for a 7pm game start" Chris explains. He is so not like Gordon Ramsey, micro managing the kitchen " Jason (Bailey), Chef, is taking care of the line. He’s got it under control" says Zielinski.

We zip over to the Players Family Lounge. This is where our Leafs or Raptors families have a bite to eat before or during the game. Chris says hello and checks the food. Next in, the Media Lounge. We provide a meal option to our media partners for before and during the game, which includes a sumptuous buffet meal. Chris says hello to a few folks and asks if everything is going well. They are.

Next up, we visit the Gondolas on the 6th floor. These are for larger groups of fans, and the catered food is brought up (they don’t have a kitchen up there…yet). Chris and I head into a gondola and he lifts a chafing lid to make sure the hotdogs in there look good. They do. All set.

Next up we go into the Hot Stove restaurant. This cozy restaurant on the 2nd floor has an open kitchen. Chef Tandy is calling orders to the line and everyone is working to plate the delicious food and ensure the fans can eat up before the game starts. Timing. Communication. Small space. Yummy looking rack of lamb. And tower of onion rings. WOW. (I’m salivating now).

We then head into the kitchen at the Air Canada Club, also on the 2nd floor. This kitchen, comparative to the 400 seats in the Club, is tiny! I used to work in the food biz, and we always talked about "mise en place" (everything in its place), and this kitchen truly must and does operate on that principle! Once again, all homemade and quality food too!!! The order chits are coming up fast and furious, and Chef Gingrich is calling the orders to the line. There are so many chefs and cooks in this kitchen, making it all happen. The line cooks have memories like elephants no doubt; this is the equivalent to Brain Game….hundreds of orders to remember in an hour? Amazing!

Finally, we stop to see how some of our Quick Service kiosks are doing. I’m very interested in Burkie’s Dogs (still haven’t had one yet!). A huge line-up! I ask Chris which dog is the most popular (Bacon Wrapped).

After all this, we head back to Chris’ office just of the main kitchen, and grab a bottle of water. I ask Chris about our kitchen staff…what is so great about our Food and Beverage program here? First up, we have a wonderful apprentice program in the kitchen. "It’s a goldmine for apprentices, in 2 years, they’ll get it all done" says Chris. Also, "We shuffle the deck to give people the people in the kitchen the opportunity to try new areas and develop their skills". Not a lot of kitchens do that.

What brought you to MLSE Chris? D-Dubb asks. "The learning. The challenge. And…I love sports!" he says.

January 8, 2010
Askin' Askin
We have literally thousands of employees who work behind the scenes to bring you the best sport and entertainment experiences. I’m going to write an intermittent series of blogs about MLSE employees, our employees, in the hours leading up to and at the game or event.



…So I head into the "truck" (from where we broadcast our televised games) outside our loading dock at the ACC at around 1pm. I’m wearing heels and have to take the metal steps up into the "truck"…treacherous. Once inside, it’s a whole new world I’ve never seen before! These are the 30 folks who will be broadcasting our Molson Canadian Leafs Hockey-Rogers Sportsnet Leafs vs Panthers tonight at 7pm. Dozens of tv’s in this truck, producers, directors, video people, stats people…

Mark Askin, Senior Producer, has been at this for 33 years . With MLSE for a few years of this illustrious career. Mark tells me his advice for all the young folks "Your goal in life should be, you should never have to put out a resume. Your work should be your resume". He says that whatever job you have, even if it is the lowest on the totem pole, you should do it well. Really well. And get noticed. Wishing and expecting the top spot won’t get you there. Mark also believes in grooming dedicated, interested individuals, to larger roles with more responsibility and has done so throughout the crews he has led over the years. The ones who work hard at what they do are the ones who get his attention.

Mark takes 3 days to prep for the game. Home games and games on the road! 55 in all. How do they broadcast some of the best game content in the biz? Mark believes in giving everyone the information…no matter what their role, for instance they all get a copy of the game script. He respects each individual in the truck and in-arena working with them (his team), and their knowledge of their jobs, and stays out of their way.

Ok, and can you say Passion? Probably not if you don’t have this man’s picture in front of you. Even after 33 years, watching Mark in action during the game was inspiring. He told me afterward he didn’t know if I was behind him or not (I was), he was so absorbed in producing the broadcast! For a non-tv person like me, pardon my lack of technical terms, but he was on headset and calling out to the camera crews and commentators every second of that game…what a pro!

What’s more, Mark had given me a copy of his script earlier in the day and I took it upstairs to my desk…so I virtually stole his script (basically, its his bible for producing the game). First time he worked without a script in 33 years. But, he did it. And did it well. Wow!

December 30, 2009
Demos And Diversity
Don’t make the false assumption that the "sports" biz is mostly men…that certainly isn’t the case here at MLSE.  Closely approaching half of all employees, from our part-time staff, to senior management and executive roles, are women.  We have a large group of "Gen Y’s" here; over 40% of our full-time employees are members of that generation; we do have employee representation from all adult generations however! 

In terms of educational backgrounds, we have grads from Colleges, Universities all across North America, and the world, from various programs; Radio and Television Arts, Broadcast, Commerce, Communications, Psychology, Engineering, Marketing to name a few.  Examples of previous work experience includes, but is not limited to, the consumer package goods, finance, hotel and restaurant, retail, and telecommunications industries. Our part-time employee group is no exception; their backgrounds are equally diverse!

We value diversity in employees coming to work for MLSE, but certainly as employees of MLSE as well.  For example, monthly, small groups of full-time employees participate in "Discussion Groups". The groups are led by volunteer employee facilitators, and an article about the topic is discussed. Participants share their views and discuss their personal experiences.  A member of our Management Committee participates in the discussion also.  It is a chance to learn more about our unique backgrounds, but also build respect and value each other as team members at MLSE.  Topics so far have included Cultures In Leadership, Women In Leadership, Family Obligations In Leadership, Men In Leadership, and The Next Generation In Leadership.  

You’ll notice a theme above with the word "Leadership".  A very important ideology, and a value, at MLSE…for ALL employees. More about that to come!

December 22, 2009
Working With The Fans
Here is a fact about employees at MLSE; while we ALL support our sports teams, fewer than 5% of full time roles and even less PT roles work directly with our Sports teams. Many more of our people work directly with our FANS!

We have over a hundred full time employees who work in our Sales and Service, and Business Partnerships areas. Across our sports teams and venues, account executives work closely with groups, season seat holders, suite holders, corporate and media partners and fans attending a single game to ensure they provide all our fans the best sport and entertainment experiences.

Our largest operations department is Food And Beverage. With well over 800 staff in quick service, vending, in-seat dining, catering and of course restaurants, at BMO field and the ACC (and growing with our sports bar at Maple Leaf Square, opening this spring), we recognize our fans are definitely all about great food and beverage!

Marketing (which includes folks who work in Promotions, Game Operations, Graphic and Digital Design, Customer Relationship Management, Community Development and Team Up!) is another huge area in our business.

Fan Loyalty, Event Personnel and Security are both in front of our fans and behind the scenes to ensure our fans have a great game or concert.

We have a growing Broadcast and Content group who bring the action of the game to our fans whether it be on Twitter, in-game, on our television sports channels or through content on our internet sites; our Live! Entertainment folks who bring in some pretty awesome acts to our venues and make sure the show goes on; Finance and IT-the glue who hold it all together; People, Building Operations, Legal, Retail and Merchandise Operations…the list goes on wow! Check out some profiles of folks who work in some of these Career Areas

Do I get to chat with the guys on the teams? Hob nob with my favourite hip-hop artist when he does a show at the ACC? No way…and most of us don’t as you can see. You bet were all working to support them through what we do, and to bring great experiences to all our FANS.


December 21, 2009
The Inside Scoop On MLSE Career Forums
A lot of people wonder what it's like to work in sports and entertainment? Follow my blog I'll help you find out!

Otherwise, we do have some great ways to get in on the action. We offer several internship opportunities, please go here: MLSE Internships, to learn more.

We also organize Career Forums... You could attend one of our Career Forums with your school and participate in discussions with professionals with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment which includes key note addresses from senior MLSE managers and executives. The Toronto Marlies have dates fast approaching. Watch a Marlies Career Forum video to see what it's about! King City Secondary School, Mississauga Secondary School and Newmarket High School will be attending the next forum.

If Basketball is more your speed, we're having some Career Forums coming up in the new year too. Feb 17th is our Raptors Career Forum for high schools and there is one on March 31st for college and university students. Contact Clayton Smith for more details!


December 19, 2009
Holiday Hoopla!

Hi folks, as promised, I'm here I am to tell you more about Career, Culture and Communication inside MLSE...

Check this out:
Yes, there is D-Dubb on the far right, contemplating a stack of pancakes.  Joined alongside by some great colleagues, Lynn Marie, Rena and Kim.  Behind us, supportive employees (and hecklers). What does pancake eating have to do with sports and entertainment?  Well, let me tell you.  Annually, in December, we have a "Holiday Hoopla" for employees, in our ACC concourse, whereby we sell items and solicit bids toward some wonderful silent auction packages, to raise money for our Team Up! Foundation.  The main feature of the event (which is a frenzy of people: picture Black Friday in the US or Boxing Day in Canada), is the Pancake Eating Competition.  We had one for each of the men and ladies this year to level the playing field....employees either join or are nominated to participate.  I was nominated...and no way did I win.  I got to keep the bib, though...fun times!  All for a great cause, and a few laughs!



December 1, 2009
Bringing You The Word on Career, Culture and Communication at MLSE

Hello fans and future employees of MLSE!

As the Manager, People Engagement at MLSE, I look forward to blogging about updates and giving you access into life as an employee, and possibly as a future employee, at the best Sport and Entertainment company in the world!

I'll tell you about hot new jobs, upcoming Career Forums (high school, college and university folks, you don't want to miss these!!!), Job Fairs and other special events.

I will share tips and tricks too about what it takes to WIN with us!