From Verizon and Charlotte FC to Betting on Himself | Nick Kelly

From Verizon and Charlotte FC to Betting on Himself | Nick Kelly

On this episode of Lessons from Sports, Wayne Partello from CUENTO Marketing sits down with Nick Kelly, former sports marketing leader at Anheuser-Busch and Verizon. He was also the former President of Charlotte FC, and now the founder of his own consultancy. Nick shares stories from behind some of the biggest sports activations in the industry, including shifting iconic sponsorship strategies, launching an MLS expansion club during the pandemic, building alignment inside billion-dollar organizations, and why the best partnerships are built on trust. They also dive into what happens after reaching the top: leaving a dream job, starting over, learning to say no, and redefining success on your own terms. From stakeholder management to leadership lessons and the freedom that comes with building something of your own, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating growth, business, and the next chapter of their career.

Building Smarter Athletes in the NIL Era | Tyree Dillingham

On this episode of Lessons from Sports, Wayne Partello, CEO of CUENTO Marketing, sits down with Tyree Dillingham to discuss her incredible journey from California politics and working for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to partnering with Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and leading financial literacy education for athletes. The conversation dives into the realities of NIL, sudden wealth, mental health, and the financial challenges facing today’s student-athletes. Tyree shares how her work is helping athletes better understand money, avoid predatory situations, and build long-term success both on and off the field. Wayne and Tyree also discuss leadership, mentorship, discipline, and the small decisions that ultimately shape careers, finances, and life after sports.

Leadership, Identity, & Life After the NFL | Dr. Don Davis

In this episode of Lessons from Sports, Wayne Partello, CEO of CUENTO Marketing, sits down with Dr. Don Davis Jr. to discuss his incredible journey from NFL linebacker to NFLPA executive to leadership consultant. Together, they explore the lessons sports teach about leadership, accountability, preparation, and personal growth; and how those same principles apply in business and life. Don shares insights on championship culture, career transitions, identity beyond job titles, and why awareness, alignment, and accountability are the foundation of sustained success. From locker room stories to leadership philosophy, this conversation is packed with perspective on purpose, resilience, mentorship, and building the confidence to embrace your next chapter. FOLLOW US Instagram: @lessonsfromsportspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromsportspodcast/] & @cuentomarketing [https://www.instagram.com/cuentomarketing/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/ [http://www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing] LEARN MORE ABOUT CUENTO MARKETING: cuentomarketing.com [http://cuentomarketing.com]

From Cell Phones to AI: The Next Era of Game Day | Chris Saccoccia

In this episode of Lessons from Sports, we go fully on the go from the National Sports Forum in St. Louis for a spontaneous conversation. Wayne Partello, CEO of CUENTO Marketing, sits down with Chris from CUE Audio to unpack the company’s journey, from humble beginnings as a cell phone light show startup to a global, fan engagement platform working with over 350 teams across college and professional sports. This episode dives into how innovation is reshaping the way fans connect with the game. FOLLOW US Instagram: ⁠@lessonsfromsportspodcast⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromsportspodcast/] & ⁠@cuentomarketing⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/cuentomarketing/] Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing] LEARN MORE ABOUT CUENTO MARKETING: ⁠cuentomarketing.com⁠ [http://cuentomarketing.com]

From Broker to Building a Culture-First Company | Jamie Reid

In this episode of The Lessons from Sports Podcast, Wayne Partello, CEO of CUENTO Marketing, sits down with longtime friend and CEO and Co-founder of C3 Risk & Insurance, Jamie Reid. What started as a chance connection in San Diego eventually grew into a powerful partnership and a front-row seat to building one of the most culture-driven companies in the insurance industry. Jamie shares the unlikely path that led him from safety management and early struggles as an insurance broker to co-founding C3 and scaling it into a fast-growing firm with more than 150 team members. Along the way, he and Wayne discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and why culture is the real engine behind long-term growth. FOLLOW US Instagram: ⁠@lessonsfromsportspodcast⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lessonsfromsportspodcast/] & ⁠@cuentomarketing⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/cuentomarketing/] Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/⁠ [http://www.facebook.com/cuentomarketing/] LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuentomarketing] LEARN MORE ABOUT CUENTO MARKETING: ⁠cuentomarketing.com⁠ [http://cuentomarketing.com]