Three Questions With... Andrew Brandt, Patty McIlreavy and Jon Wertheim

This week we explore three fascinating colleagues sharing a past mistake, daily purpose and a key passion in their life. Andrew Brandt is a go-to media insider and his past work with the Packers has given millions a look behind the curtain of football; Patricia McIlreavy leads one of the world's largest disaster philanthropies and the work is so well needed and Jon Wertheim is an award-winning, best selling author/journalist that has evolved from the sports pages to 60 Minutes and so much more in between.

Andrew Brandt is considered one of the top sports media insiders in the industry, bringing credibility, intelligence and experienced insight. As ESPN’s Business and Legal Analyst, Brandt appears regularly on all platforms of ESPN, including “Outside the Lines”, “SportsCenter”, “NFL Insiders” and “NFL Live” and as well as multiple ESPN radio programs. His prior role as the Green Bay Packers Vice President of Player Finance and General Counsel has given the industry an incredible inside view on Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and the business of football.

Mistake: When I first got to the Packers, I tried to prove -- not sure to whom -- that I was a great contract negotiator. I "won" a lot of negotiations, especially with inexperienced agents. I learned the hard way that there was no victory in that, and became a better negotiator by being "easier" and leaving wins on the table for the other side. Relationships are everything.

Passion: Very simple: be a better guy than I was yesterday, last week, last month, last year.

Purpose: Professionally, continuing to be a truly unique and singular voice in my space. The key in the content world is have a differentiated value that no one else has; I strive for that. Personally, I prioritize my time, my fitness and my family. I create my daily and weekly schedule with non-negotiables about seeing my boys and my workouts; everything flows from there.

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Patricia McIlreavy is president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, an organization that works with funders, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other partners to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. With more than 25 years of experience in international humanitarian policy and practice, she brings a unique blend of operational and strategic expertise to disaster philanthropy. It was a pleasure partnering with her and the CDP in creating Athletes for (COVID) Relief and raising significant funds for people and areas of need.

Mistake: In my career, I worried how growing up in a low-income household in a small rural town with a limited worldview would damage my prospects. However, I realized that this lived experience underlies my passion for my chosen career, guiding my understanding, cultivating empathy and improving my performance.

Passion: I see myself as a constructive disrupter. I continually look for ways we can all do and be better – for ourselves and society.

Purpose: I know it sounds cliché, but I truly believe in helping others. Over the years, I have learned that helping others – in the best way possible – is not always easy. Good intentions are important but are rarely enough.

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Jon Wertheim is the executive editor of?Sports Illustrated and author of seven highly praised books, including the?New York Times?bestseller?Scorecasting. He is a regular contributor to CNN and National Public Radio and is a commentator for the Tennis Channel. And his work on 60 Minutes is a joy to watch.

Mistake: Failing to grasp fully the importance of likable/ethical/collaborative/cool colleagues.

Purpose: It is easy to get romantic and cynical when describing the role of media - especially given its perilous state these days. But I'm still a firm believer in not just the value of free press, but the essential value.

Passion: Medium be damned, I still get a surge from finding cool stories and trying to tell them with fairness, empathy, kindness (when appropriate) and hopefully some measure of creativity. That, plus tennis.

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