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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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How can AI and innovation transform not just the business side of sports, but create truly human-centered fan experiences?
In this episode, Christa Stout, the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for the Portland Trailblazers, talks with Kate O’Neill about building people-first strategies in professional sports, using AI to impact real human experiences, and lessons in innovation from around the world.
Topics covered:
- The evolving role of Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer in sports
- Balancing business value with fan, community, and employee impact
- Approaches to meaningful innovation and international development lessons
- Building and implementing AI strategy in a sports organization
- Change management and centering real people in organizational change
- How generative AI unlocks human potential and personalizes fan engagement
- Organizational metrics for innovation, inclusion, and impact
- Upskilling employees and culture change for AI adoption
- Creating frictionless, joyful fan experiences with technology
Connect with Christa Stout
Portland Trailblazers Website
LinkedIn
Episode Chapters
00:00:05 – Introduction to the Tech Humanist Show & Guest Overview
00:01:33 – The Scope of Strategic and Innovation Leadership in Pro Sports
00:02:58 – The Rise of Strategy Roles & Future-Focused Planning
00:05:42 – What Makes an Innovative Sports Team?
00:07:23 – Lessons in Innovation from International Experience
00:09:16 – Change Management: Combining Theory and Impact
00:14:54 – Embedding AI Strategy: From Curiosity to Company-Wide Change
00:19:15 – Real-World Results: AI’s Impact on Employee and Fan Experiences
00:22:38 – Humanizing AI: Where Tech Enables Personal Touch
00:26:18 – Redefining “Value” in Sports Organizations
00:29:38 – Evolving Metrics and Exponential Possibilities with AI
00:32:42 – Building Employee Buy-In and Upskilling for AI Adoption
00:35:01 – Tools & Anticipated Changes for the Future of Sports Innovation
00:37:25 – What True Innovation Could Mean for the Sports Experience
00:39:46 – Closing Thoughts, Where to Connect, and Outro
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