Name: Roger Warren

Title: CBDO

Oranisation: Sports Thread

Roger Warren is a seasoned professional in the realm of business development, renowned for his

dedication to sports, youth, and pioneering initiatives in various industries. Currently serving as the Chief

Business Development Officer for Sports Thread, Roger's journey with the company began in April 2020

when he assumed the role of Licensee, overseeing territories in FL, Houston, AL, SC, VA, and Western

NC.

Prior to his integral role at Sports Thread, Roger distinguished himself as a dynamic entrepreneur with a

knack for territory development. His illustrious career showcases his entrepreneurial spirit, notably

establishing businesses, including a pioneering venture that introduced credit card machines into taxi

cabs—an innovation that marked a significant advancement in payment technologies.

Over the last decade, Roger has consistently demonstrated his expertise in building and developing sales

organizations. His commitment to sales growth has spanned across diverse sectors, from sports and

esports to sports radio shows. Notably, Roger has also ventured into sports ownership, where he

proudly held the reins of a professional basketball team, adding a unique dimension to his multifaceted

career.

Roger's journey reflects not only a commitment to professional excellence but also a deep passion for

sports and youth development. His involvement in various facets of the sports industry, coupled with his

dedication to youth-related initiatives, underscores his belief in the transformative power of sports and

its impact on shaping future leaders.

As Chief Business Development Officer at Sports Thread, Roger Warren continues to bring his wealth of

experience, strategic vision, and passion for sports to drive the company's growth. His leadership

exemplifies a fusion of business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and a genuine commitment to making a

positive impact on the world of sports and beyond.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Roger's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Staying consistent is very challenging. I believe to lead by example and I tend to adjust when I need to and this sometimes can send the unintended message that I am not consistent. It is about remembering that the people we lead are different and we work with that.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I love to develop others I have lived by the words of Zig Ziglar :You will get what you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want". I had terrible leaders in the start of my career. I learned that to be a leader was not about being the boss it was truly the person who went to battle with you everyday and guided you to the win. If the team fails its because the leader failed.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake up at 5am. I walk my dog and in my mind start going over my day. I then go to my office and read something positive. maybe its a short movivational piece of a chaper in a book I;m reading. I enjoy some coffee and then start my day. My day is full of either listening to sales calls or doing some myself. I also spend time finding out of the box solutions to improve our business. My day many times ends at 9pm. I never watch a clock I just work until I have accomplished what I intended to for the day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Decision making. A great leader has no problem when it comes to decision making. I was reminded of this recently when I would not make a decision on hiring a group to work with. I just kept putting it off. I listened to a podcast and a topic came up about decision making for leaders and wow it hit me that I knew this but had now not implemented it. I quickly made a decision and it was a great move.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Leaders Eat Last. When I read the Summary of this book I was hooked. Imagine a world where almost everyone wakes up inspired to go to work and everyone trust each other as to do whatever is in the best interest of each other. This book is full of great stories and most embody the leader in me.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Trust yourself. Visualize where you want your team to be and don't be afraid to make decisions. Fear destroys a leader. and most of all ... You are today where your thoughs have brought you and you are building your future by the quality of thinking you are doing today. DO NOT let negative thoughts about you or your team enter your mind. You can only think one thought at a time, make it always positive.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I was leading a team a few years ago and I was spending a lot of my time in the field selling as well as developing my team. To me it was show that it can be done and be like the General on the battle field. It was not until years later that one of my team members called me and thanked me for what she learned by being a part of my team and how what I had taught her made her a better leader. To me that was all I wanted was to have even a small impact but to Help others get in life what they want.