CEO of OpenSponsorship: Ishveen Anand
- TNE Magazine
- Jul 1, 2016
- 2 min read
Sikh British native of Indian descent Ishveen Anand shares her perspective as women working behind the screens in sports Graduating from Oxford; she felt that she should go into a certain type of job.
Fortunate not to face pressure from her parents, but you personally have these ideals - you will wear a suit every day and earn lots of money, etc. Realizing when something isn't you and doing something about it is hard but important.
Also, being a girl in the sports world makes it easier to get noticed and remembered, but it’s harder to be taken seriously at the senior level.
Ishveen was a sports agent when she saw the gap in the relationship between athletes and sponsors and wanted to create a company that could help fill it. After moving In New York, Ishveen notices what useful purpose every website served to the New Yorker. From lunch to doctor
appointments everything was made simple. But when it came to her day job, she realized how archaic her industry still was. Cold calling and little black books were how they started sales. Thus, OpenSponsorship was born. The first of its kind online marketplace for sports sponsors to search connect and sponsor various types of rights holders. Rights holders can range from teams, athletes, federation, leagues, agents or stadiums.
Ishveen admits that she would never have become the CEO of her company if she didn’t have the experience in the industry to see what was missing. She recommends that if you are looking to get into sports try to find an internship exposing you to get in the door and network with the right people. Don't be an entrepreneur too early. Join a company, learn how it's done, get contacts, build your confidence and use what you have learned to start something if you feel there is a space for your idea. One should be an entrepreneur because no company is doing what you truly want to do and believe in. If there is, then go work for them – it’s easier and more effective. She also said to other women, who want to work in sports, to be professional, be knowledgeable, work hard, be confident, add value and improve business skills. Women have to work harder to be taken seriously. People always thought I was my client's daughter! That is something I combat every day, but essentially, what you say and how you present your thoughts and ideas is the most important thing. She feels that the harder you work to understand what you are good at and use that passion in a positive light. Let that positivity exuberate with good intentions when you speak, and you will go far.
Not only is Ishveen a true sports person, but she is a true Indian by heart. She is very committed to her religion Shikh and makes her way to the Shirkara Temple frequently to worship. She also always makes time to meet with her husband and friends to engage in Indian food, events, and activities.
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