Working in sports has a global impact on communities, especially in Olympic years! Michelle Gong, Senior Manager of Global Partnerships for Visa spent time in Paris this summer where she managed the Visa Hospitality program at the 2024 Olympic Games. Michelle offers valuable insights into project management, strategic planning, career development and leveraging a diverse background.
One of the biggest lessons Michelle recounts from managing complex projects, like the Olympics, is the importance of delegation. For someone who identifies as a natural “doer,” Michelle learned to share work responsibilities. The scale and scope of Olympic Games are far larger than most other projects, requiring a high degree of teamwork. “It has taken time for me to be able to delegate to others, which has enabled our team to be more effective and efficient,” Michelle shared. The experience reinforced the need to prioritize tasks, assess current bandwidth, and strategically delegate to ensure the project’s progress.
Effective delegation, however, isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s about understanding team members’ strengths and workloads. Identifying what is a priority and who can take on additional responsibilities is a skill set critical to keeping complex projects moving forward. “Don’t think you can do it all because you can’t!” Michelle advised—a reminder that success in large-scale projects comes from teamwork and shared effort.
Overcoming Challenges in Long-Term Planning
Planning for the Olympics poses unique challenges, particularly due to the long lead times involved. The Visa Hospitality program, for example, required meticulous planning years before the actual events. “Putting together strategy, budgets, and staffing plans years out from the actual events has us reliant on forecasting and constantly monitoring the state of external variables that can significantly impact the planning process,” Michelle explained.
Because of the extended timeline, adaptability is key. Outside factors—whether economic shifts, geopolitical changes, or even logistical considerations—can alter plans dramatically. By being adaptable and resilient allowed for Michelle and her team to pivot quickly when needed.
Preparing for Success Through Diverse Experiences
Michelle’s journey in the sports industry includes roles with the Giants, A’s, and GMR Marketing – all of which helped her hone skills which proved to be indispensable in navigating the complexities of the Olympics. “Having worked at several companies prior has given me experience in being able to put myself in the position of other stakeholders’ points of view, their priorities and how to best navigate conversations to find a solution that benefits everyone,” Michelle noted. Each of these positions contributed distinct skills: agency roles honed client services, budget management, and communication skills, while working with sports teams sharpened their focus on venue management, logistics, and negotiations. Michelle’s cumulative experiences prepared her to work effectively in a role at Visa that interacts with agencies, sports teams, and sports committees alike.
Reflecting on her time at USF, Michelle recalls that her goal was always to blend sports with an international business degree, but the path to working for a global company like Visa was not straightforward. “I thought it was going to be on the property side (i.e., IOC, FIFA). Being at Visa has provided me the opportunity to work across the most coveted sporting events in the industry that was a pipedream,” she shared. This experience has reinforced the importance of thinking big and being open to unexpected career opportunities.
Advice for Current Students: Be Proactive and Network
For students aspiring to break into the sports industry, the advice is clear: be proactive, network continuously, and take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience. The USF Sport Management program’s structure was pivotal, as it encouraged gaining hands-on experience through internships and volunteering. Networking, in particular, is critical. “Job postings get hundreds of applicants, but if you are connected to someone at the company… your chances of being in the pool of applicants to interview will be higher.”
Overall, Michelle’s journey illustrates the value of embracing diverse experiences, prioritizing teamwork, and maintaining flexibility in navigating large-scale projects. For aspiring sports managers, her insights provide a roadmap to building a successful career in the sports industry.