Scott Woodward - Athletics Director at LSU - always seems to make the right coaching hire. He breaks down how finds the best candidates and shares other tips for succeeding as a high-level athletic department.

A man of many interests, he also discusses food, wine, literature, and advice for young people.

Timestamps:

2:15 - A lifelong LSU fan becoming AD

9:05 - Hiring the best coaches

19:20 - Livvy Dunne and building athlete brands

22:25 - Athletic departments creating commercial arms

26:15 - Crystal ball predictions

27:50 - Scott’s interests outside of athletics

35:20 - Rapid Fire Questions

Shownotes:

• The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
• War of Shadows
• Gino’s Restaurant

For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Jahm Najafi – Chairman and Partner at MSP Sports Capital and Head of the Najafi Companies – shares his excitement for the new X Games League that will be to action sports what Formula 1 is to motorsports.

Najafi is an investor in X Games as well as McLaren Racing and other sports properties.

Listen to the full episode here: https://nvgt.com/podcast?ppplayer=1e977ebc536a4f7840f232ca6e253547&ppepisode=28d3e011473bfd6caad5a7be5a48e682

For more insights, visit our LinkedIn page or learn more about Navigate at https://nvgt.com/.

Vince Kozar - President of the Phoenix Mercury - joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of the WNBA, his career journey with the franchise, and what’s next for the team following Diana Taurasi’s retirement. From front office shifts to player acquisitions, Vince shares insights into how the Mercury are navigating a transformative era.

Timestamps:

• 1:55 – Inside the Mercury’s active offseason moves
• 5:00 – Reflecting on Diana Taurasi’s retirement
• 15:00 – Vince Kozar’s path to team president
• 20:00 – Impact of new Suns/Mercury ownership
• 26:50 – Hosting the 2026 Women’s Final Four
• 29:20 - Differentiators for the Mercury
• 33:50 – Rapid Fire Questions

🎧 Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the WNBA’s most iconic franchises.

🔗 For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn or visit nvgt.com.