Careers in Product Marketing

Brianna Salvatore Dueck is a passionate sport-for-impact advocate. As a former professional and D1 collegiate basketball player (Switzerland & UC Davis), she has seen the power of sport in her own life as a vehicle for social integration and positive influence, which was sparked in her at a young age in helping her overcome the loss of her mother. 

Prior to working in the sports industry, Dueck worked within the United Nations System (UNESCO) where she launched a project looking at the role of Sports Diplomacy and Sport for Development in helping attain the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

She is currently Head of Strategy at 17 Sport, where she works with the top properties and brands within the sports industry to maximize their capacity to have a positive impact on society (i.e. purpose-driven strategy), while also meeting strategic business KPIs.

Dueck has a master’s degree in International Development from the #2 globally ranked Sciences Po, Paris, and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California. 

She has also been an international speaker & Master of Ceremonies on the topic of Sport for Development, Sport for Gender Equity, and Sport & Climate Action at various events including for the European Union and Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), Global Sports Week, and the NBA All Star Weekend.

What did you learn through sports that helped you thrive in the business world? And how did it prepare you?

Sports have taught me so many things but perhaps one of the most impactful things has been keeping my confidence in the midst of obstacles. This is really about being unafraid to make mistakes and instead, seeing mistakes as growth opportunities. In sports, we’re constantly taking a loss, whether that be in an actual game or even just within a drill during practice. As athletes, we learn what it takes to adjust in order to be successful the next time out. I believe this mentality has been something that has prepared me for the working world and something I see regularly playing out in my career.

What are you doing today that you would love our athlete network to know about (current projects/partnerships etc.)?

I recently stepped into a new role as our Head of Strategy at 17 Sport, which has been really exciting and a fun new challenge! I personally feel like I am in my sweet spot, getting to work on purposeful strategies (sponsorship, brand, commercial) for our clients (adidas, Sanofi, among others) which are helping them be successful in terms of the impact they drive for society and in achieving financial/marketing/brand goals.

What advice would you give our Uru athlete community as they're looking for 'What's next?' and seeking to build meaningful careers off the field?

Don't be afraid to really put yourself out there and do a ton of informational interviews with people in fields you are interested in. This is one of the best ways to discover your ‘second career’ post sport and people are so willing to help. It is totally possible to find something you are just as passionate about as your sport, and connecting with people and hearing what they do is a great way to help discover this.

Why are you excited about Uru's mission and what made you get involved?

There is so much value in Uru's mission and the community that is being forged through the company! It can feel so daunting to think about life after sport and we can often feel alone in the transition from sport to our ‘second career’. Uru provides such an incredible platform for athletes to lean into this transition and learn how to leverage the incredible tangible and intangible skills that make us athletes highly desirable in the working world (i.e. leadership capabilities, coachability, discipline, confidence). I see great value in Uru also for mid and late career professionals as well, in both the network Uru offers and career opportunities afforded through the platform. In conclusion, I truly believe in the mission Ainsley has set forth for the rock star Uru team she has assembled and I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this community!

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Alison Walshe played full-time on the LPGA for 11 years but although she decided to step away from the full-time lifestyle of the tour in 2018, she considers herself semi-retired as she competes in a few events a year to remain active for certain opportunities. 

Walshe made her decision to bow out of professional golf earlier than expected, due she says to a gut feeling that she wanted to do more than just golf.  

Knowing the maturity and education gained from the unique platform that professional sport provides, Alison jumped into the business world, working in many ventures to broaden her own knowledge and offer her skills. 

Walshe continued her education and became a licensed Investment Advisor. She currently works in Wealth Management as a Strategic Relations Manager.

Walshe also stays close to her roots in sports, and advises and serves on multiple organizations and start-ups in the industry.

To learn more about how she played the course her own way, listen to her podcast episode, where she covers tips regarding college transferring, thriving in the LPGA, branding yourself to attract sponsors/agents that align with you, and transitioning out of your sport.

What did you learn through sports that helped you thrive in the business world? And how did it prepare you?

I still uncover "A-ha" moments today a few years removed from my sport when it comes to learnings that apply to my life now in business. I’ve realized that when you are ‘in the game’ as an athlete, you are somewhat naïve about the amazing value you are developing. It's not a mistake to become one of the best in your sport or in the world. For me, it all boils down to hard work and what that encompasses - being willing to make sacrifices, being disciplined, managing time, embracing teamwork, feeding competitiveness, and absolutely loving the grind to perfection. It's addictive. For me, it has become so applicable - I always want to ‘win’ and I know hard work will get me there.

What are you doing today that you would love our athlete network to know about (current projects/partnerships etc.)?

Currently, I work full-time with an Investment Firm in Strategic Relations, and am responsible for developing business opportunities and partnerships as it applies to different projects within our firm. Aside from my work with the firm, I continue to involve myself in the world of sports and participate on a few boards and committees. I serve as an Advisor to two startups in the sports space, one in the financial services sector and one in the wellness space. I also volunteer my time with the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund committee and the Massachusetts Golf Association committee, and serve as a Board Trustee for PGA Reach New England.

What advice would you give our Uru athlete community as they're looking for 'What's next?' and seeking to build meaningful careers off the field?

Patience is a virtue. I found myself anxious to take the first opportunity even though it was not the right fit. It can be hard to slow down and stop chasing goals when it's all you have ever known. Take the time to deep dive into your passions, ask questions, research, and use your network. This process will answer ‘What's next?. Once you determine the direction, know that the skills you have as an elite athlete will transfer and be applicable to almost anything you put your mind to. Trust the process.

Why are you excited about Uru's mission and what made you get involved?

Uru's mission not only excites me but also inspires me. To have a community of like-minded people supporting, engaging, and connecting opportunities for athletes brings such comfort and a positive impact. When you ‘leave the game’, you feel a sense of loss because what consumed you is not in front of you anymore. Uru Sports prevents that and helps put something great in front of you again. I personally got involved with Uru because I know there is not only a strong need for this platform, but I too welcome the opportunity to network with others as well as help other athletes in their processes.

Blaine Scully enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional athlete in rugby union league. He was captain of the United States National Rugby Team, including at the 2019 World Cup, and he is known for his ability to consistently perform at an elite level and lead in a high-performance environment.

He’s also played for the University of California, Berkeley (Cal), USA Eagles (7s and 15s), the Leicester Tigers and the Cardiff Blues.

In 2016, Scully co-founded and led the United States Rugby Players Association as Chair, while simultaneously representing international rugby players globally as a member of the Global Player Council.

Since transitioning from sport, Scully has provided broadcast analysis for national TV networks, and advised sport-focused firms and start-ups while leveraging personal experience in global and elite professional sport. 

Scully is currently a Senior Associate management consultant in PriceWaterhouseCoopers ‘Deals Practice’, and he has experience throughout the deal continuum. He is also currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Oxford. 

What did you learn through sports that helped you thrive in the business world? And how did it prepare you?

In so many ways, I learned much about business during my playing career. As a professional, I was fortunate to get exposure to various elements unique to the business of sport and the greater industry. But at the end of the day, I had been an athlete and my job was focused primarily on the on-field performance of both myself and the team. While I was mentally ready for the next chapter and excited for new opportunities for growth in another arena, a shift in identity and day-in-and-day out routines certainly required quite a bit of personal work. But I have found that much of the intangible skills developed from my life as an athlete have been a source of strength, namely a growth mindset and the focus on incremental improvements each day.

What are you doing today that you would love our athlete network to know about (current projects/partnerships etc.)?

Since transitioning from sport, I have provided broadcast analysis for national networks, advised sport-focused firms and start-ups and joined two boards. Currently working as a management consultant and recently completed my MBA.

What advice would you give our Uru athlete community as they're looking for 'what's next?' and seeking to build meaningful careers off the field?

Be patient and be prepared for a shift in mindset. Athletes are excellent at working backwards from outcomes and translating that into feedback. In tackling "what's next", athletes need to remember to focus on the process and try (however difficult) to not compare themselves to anyone else (difficult for competitors). Continual focus on their own process and journey, maintaining perspective and willingness to learn are key attributes to a meaningful next chapter.

Why are you excited about Uru's mission and what made you get involved?

No doubt about it, transitioning from sport is hard. But with a proper plan and a supportive network, each and every athlete can be set themselves up for success. Uru's network provides a bridge for athletes during this transformative period. I am excited to support fellow athletes by offering encouragement and sharing personal experiences that may be helpful during their own journey.

Listen to more of Scully's story, plus his insights/tips on his podcast episode ‘The Winning Mindset’ here.

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Recognized as Forbes 30 under 30 for achievements on and off the field, I am a first generation Nigerian American, the oldest of four siblings, born in Hayward, California, proudly raised in Sacramento.

For over a decade, I’ve played 200+ competitive matches across multiple teams including Philadelphia, Orlando, Kansas City, Portland, Austin Bold, and the USMNT Youth Teams including the 2012 Olympic Qualifying Team. During my professional career, I was fortunate to win various accolades for my talent, represent my teammates as a Team Captain and Player Representative, successfully negotiating improved player rights, and winning some trophies in the process like Open Cup Champion (2015), Western Conference Winners (2017), Copa de Tejas (2019) and others.

Playing professionally meant forgoing my hard earned full ride scholarship to UCLA, a choice unfathomable to my parents. Needless to say my mother made me promise I’d finish my degree. I kept my word. My mom is happy to report that not only do I have my Bachelors degree, I have a Masters too. I have been humbly privileged to study at incredible institutions such as UCLA, University of Louisville, Harvard Business School, Columbia University and more.

As a boy, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I’d convince my mom to pack me extra chicken wings for lunch, which I then sold for profit because I didn’t receive an allowance like other kids. Not much has changed.  As Founder and CEO, I have built numerous ventures such as Frugal Athlete, a financial literary platform; Serve Consulting, a business development and strategy service, Ok U Go Foundation, a non-profit supporting BIPOC youth, all while creating content for YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Pass the Remote podcast, Frugal Athlete podcast, 2cents FC, Bored In Sac, Business Insider, and more.

Outside of soccer and business, you can find me sports training, flying my drone, moderating networking events, hosting game nights, cooking, reading, or critiquing the latest tv show or movie. As you can probably tell, I'm always striving; always pushing past limits, and seeking more. I hope to teach you all I've learned and look forward to sharing my insights with you.