The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

118 Artin Eskandari on Building TWLV: The Performance Fuel Brand for Combat Athletes

Artin Eskandari is the Co-Founder and CEO of TWLV, a clinically backed performance nutrition company built specifically for combat and hybrid athletes. Before launching TWLV, Artin built his career across startups, consumer brands, healthcare, and e-commerce, serving in leadership roles at companies including Pharmadrug International, MyTaag, DR. EMI ARPA SKIN, and 032c, while also investing in and advising high-growth businesses across Europe. In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Artin shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding and scaling startups to building TWLV alongside heavyweight boxing contender Agit Kabayel. He discusses the rapid growth of combat sports, the opportunity to create products designed specifically for fighters, and why authenticity, product quality, and strategic partnerships matter when building a consumer brand. Artin also offers valuable lessons for founders looking to break through crowded markets and create businesses that can stand the test of time.

117 NCAA Basketball Legend Coach Fran Dunphy on Lessons from 600+ Wins

Fran Dunphy is one of the most respected figures in college basketball and the winningest coach in Philadelphia Big 5 history. Across more than three decades as a head coach at Penn, Temple, and La Salle, he built a legacy defined not only by wins and NCAA Tournament appearances, but by leadership, humility, and service to others. In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Coach Dunphy shares lessons from his remarkable career, including overcoming insecurities as a first-time head coach, empowering assistant coaches and players through trust, and navigating the challenge of succeeding legendary coaches. He discusses the value of networking, mentorship, and giving back, while reflecting on the relationships that shaped his journey. Coach Dunphy also shares a powerful story involving Charles Barkley and a young leukemia patient, illustrating how small acts of generosity can leave a lasting impact. The conversation concludes with advice on work-life balance, mental health, and the importance of being fully present wherever your feet are planted.

116 John Davidson on How Sports Brands Can Win in Gaming and Esports

John Davidson is the founder of Davidson Learning Company (DLC), a sports, gaming, and esports strategist who has helped brands, leagues, teams, and organizations better understand and engage with one of the world's fastest-growing audiences. With a background that spans professional skateboarding, esports, media, and partnership development, John has advised major brands including GameStop and PRG on how to build authentic connections within gaming communities. In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, John shares his journey into esports and explains why so many brands struggle to connect with gamers. He discusses how sports organizations, brands, and cities can create meaningful engagement through gaming, the growing opportunities in youth and scholastic esports, and why authenticity is critical when entering the space. John also offers practical advice for executives looking to leverage gaming as a fan engagement and revenue growth strategy while highlighting the long-term potential of one of the largest entertainment markets in the world.

115 The Business of Moving Teams, Executives, and Fans with Park Avenue Worldwide

Briana Candeub and Chelsea Lazar are leaders at Park Avenue Worldwide, a luxury ground transportation and logistics company that has evolved from a regional limousine service into a trusted partner for major sports, entertainment, and corporate organizations. With a fleet of more than 350 vehicles and a global transportation network, Park Avenue Worldwide provides transportation solutions for teams, venues, executives, and large-scale events across the world. In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Brianna and Chelsea share their journey in the family business, lessons learned from working in every aspect of the company, and how Park Avenue Worldwide built partnerships with organizations such as Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, Philadelphia Phillies, and Comcast Spectacor. They also discuss the growing role of logistics in sports and entertainment, the importance of safety and vendor trust, emerging trends in sports tourism, and what it takes to deliver seamless transportation experiences for some of the industry's most demanding clients.

114 Building Better Partnerships in Sports and Business with Jack Dempsey

Jack Dempsey is the Strategic Partnerships and Development Manager at Laurel Springs School, the world's first accredited online private schools serving students across all 50 states and more than 70 countries. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jack spent more than a decade building and operating businesses before joining Laurel Springs, where he now works with student-athletes, performers, entrepreneurs, and families to create flexible educational pathways that support high-performance lifestyles. In this episode of the Sports Business Leaders Podcast, Jack shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of online education, and why more elite athletes, performers, and young entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. He also discusses the difference between sponsorships and true partnerships, introduces his concept of "Acceptance Resistance," and shares valuable lessons on relationship-building, trust, and creating long-term value in business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sports executive, parent, or athlete, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, partnerships, and adapting to a rapidly changing world.