The Financial Tactics of LAFC's CFO & COO: Stacy Johns | Ep. 5

Imagine starting your finance career at a top firm like Ernst & Young and then 20 years later having worked all the way up to being at the financial helm of MLS' most valuable club. Well meet Stacy Johns, LAFC's CFO & COO, who has a tale of ascension that's as instructive as it is inspiring. Starting her sports journey with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 and now playing a pivotal dual-role at LAFC, Stacy's journey is one of strategic mastery and groundbreaking deals.

In this episode, Stacy covers her approach to high-value deals, details her perspectives on leadership and financial stewardship in sports, chats to us about her new additional role as President of Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zürich, and much more.

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Timestamps:

00:00:20: Stacey Johns' Career Journey and Current Role at LAFC

00:01:03: Stacey's Career Snapshot - From College to Current Position

00:04:03: Stacey's Expanded Role at the Colts and Growing Interest in Sports Business

00:05:00: Stacey's Personal Connection to Sports

00:06:00: Transitioning to LAFC and Reasons for the Career Move

00:06:46: Challenges of Entering the Sports Industry

00:09:06: The Specific Differences between Stacey's Role at the Colts and LAFC

00:10:19: LAFC's Unique Approach & Emphasis on Diversity

00:11:29: Role as an Active Advocate for Women in Sports

00:13:18: Involvement in Pro Sports Assembly

00:14:54: Push for Greater Support for Women in Sports

00:19:22: Embracing Boldness

00:24:11: Moving Away from Hometown - Family Adjustments

00:27:00: Adapting to a More Progressive Culture

00:29:13: Transition from CFO to COO Role

00:30:06: Dealing with Challenges in new COO Role

00:32:10: Stating Ambitions and Proving Capability

00:33:19: BMO's Partnership in Naming Rights Sale

00:34:16: Balancing Finance Brain and Other Perspectives

00:37:19: The Process to Secure Partnerships and Sponsorships

00:41:18: The Importance of Shared Values in Partnerships

00:42:29: The Role of ROI in Partnerships

00:45:06: Acquiring Majority Stake in Grasshopper Club Zurich

00:48:47: Connecting with Fans & Making a Difference for Women in Sports

00:52:11: Data Analytics Strategy and Onboarding Zurich

00:53:02: Rebuilding Identity and Community Connection

00:55:19: The Impact of Time Difference and International Collaboration

00:55:40: Future Plans and the Importance of a New Stadium

00:56:47: Internal Team Education and Opportunities

00:57:52: Personal Questions and Reflections
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