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Episode Summary: Connect.Vegas Podcast Featuring Jay Vickers

This episode of the Connect.Vegas Podcast, hosted by Ben Laifsky, features a conversation with Jay Vickers, Chief Operating Officer of the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of the Institute in Las Vegas’ growth as a global sports and entertainment capital.

Key Highlights:

  1. Overview of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute:
    • Serves as a hub for research, collaboration, and education in the sports industry.
    • Facilitates internships and partnerships with major sports organizations like the Raiders, UFC, and Golden Knights.
    • Hosts events like SEIcon to foster innovation, collaboration, and deal-making in sports.
    • Initiatives like the SPEED Lab (Sports Performance Education Economic Development) bring mobile education and resources to underserved communities.
  2. Notable Achievements:
    • Collaboration with Syracuse University and other entities for impactful research.
    • Hosting a groundbreaking fully paid internship program for the Super Bowl Host Committee, enabling students to gain invaluable hands-on experience.
    • Catalyst Grant Program, reinvesting nearly $1M in research and innovation at UNLV.
  3. Las Vegas as a Philanthropic and Sports Hub:
    • Celebrates Las Vegas’ transformation into the sports and entertainment capital of the world.
    • Emphasizes the city’s small-town values and strong philanthropic community.
  4. Jay’s Personal Journey:
    • From growing up in Thomasville, GA, and Tallahassee, FL, to earning a scholarship at Notre Dame.
    • Transitioned from corporate roles to higher education and sports innovation.
    • Advocates for broadening awareness of diverse career opportunities in sports beyond playing and coaching.
  5. Leadership Insights:
    • Stresses the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy.
    • Incorporates core values—Heart: Hardworking, Excellence with Integrity, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—into his leadership style.
  6. Future Goals:
    • Plans to impact healthcare through athletic care initiatives.
    • Committed to furthering student and community opportunities in sports and innovation.

Key Quotes from Jay Vickers

  1. On Leadership:
    “Never stop learning. Be a mentor, but always embrace being a mentee. Learning from others is invaluable.”
  2. On Collaboration and Innovation:
    “Our mantra is education plus collaboration equals deal-making.”
  3. On Careers in Sports:
    “Sports careers aren’t just about being on the field—there are countless opportunities in management, marketing, technology, and beyond.”
  4. On Las Vegas’ Unique Spirit:
    “Las Vegas may feel like a big city, but we’re small-town folks at heart. That’s what makes our community so giving and special.”
  5. On Impacting Students:
    “I wanted students to make a real business decision for their future, not a financial decision for today.”
  6. On Philanthropy in Las Vegas:
    “This might be the most philanthropic city I’ve ever been in.”
  7. Personal Motto:
    “Do what’s right, do your best, and show others you care.” — Lou Holtz
  8. On SEIcon’s Success:
    “We focused on quality over quantity, creating an intimate environment for real conversations and meaningful connections.”
  9. On the Importance of Curiosity:
    “Curiosity opens doors to opportunities you never knew existed.”