Leadership Can Transform Not Only A Sports League, But Also The Communities It Touches - Evelyn Magley

10/18/23 • 28 min

Join hosts Jeff Williamson and Brian Prairie as they sit down with a true trailblazer, Evelyn Magley, on this episode of Leadership Level Up. Magley made history as she became the first African American woman CEO of a men's professional sports league, 'The Basketball League.' In a captivating conversation, Jeff and Brian delve into the core of leadership, exploring Evelyn's leadership style and the lessons you can glean from her incredible journey.
Evelyn's leadership philosophy is simple yet profound—lead by example. She shares how her experiences as an educator and now as a league CEO have taught her the importance of setting the standard for others. With 49 teams in the league, Evelyn reveals the power of a strong onboarding process, community engagement, and fostering a culture that emphasizes values beyond performance on the court.
Discover how 'The Basketball League' is about more than just basketball; it's a force for positive change and community-building. Magley's emphasis on financial literacy, community outreach, and empowering players to be ambassadors for change sets an inspiring example for leaders.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into how leadership can transform not only a sports league, but also the communities it touches. This episode underscores the incredible impact of investing in players and communities, and how sports can serve as a powerful platform for a broader message.
Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don't miss future conversations with great leaders!
MEET YOUR GUEST
Evelyn Magley, a pioneering leader, made history as the first female owner of a professional sports league. Co-founding The Basketball League (TBL) with her husband in 2019, she has been a beacon of inspiration.
With faith as her guide, Evelyn Magley focuses on empowering young athletes with life skills, financial literacy, and community outreach.
Born in Kansas, she was the first African American homecoming queen at her high school and went on to graduate from The University of Kansas. She is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing her wisdom on leadership and professional development.
Her life's mission is to build stronger communities, promote financial literacy, and inspire future leaders with messages of kindness, love, understanding, and respect.

Previous Episode

Driving Change Through People - Donnie Bedney

For over fifteen years, Donald (Donnie) L. Bedney III has made it his personal mission to drive change through people.
He is the President of PSP Metrics, a talent assessment company that he acquired at the end of 2020. Founded in 1946, PSP Metrics provides highly innovative and science-backed solutions in employee selection and development.
Mr. Bedney is also currently an Operating Partner at ScaleCo Management, an investment-based platform that aims to provide sustainable growth for profitable companies that have plateaued.
On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Donnie shares how his grandfather showed him how to be a leader at a young age. He also expresses his perspective on working remotely vs working in the office debate and how companies who truly listen to their employees in the long run will win.
Meet Our Guest
For over fifteen years, Donald (Donnie) L. Bedney III has made it his personal mission to drive change through people.
He is the President of PSP Metrics, a talent assessment company that he acquired at the end of 2020. Founded in 1946, PSP Metrics provides highly innovative and science-backed solutions in employee selection and development.
Mr. Bedney is also currently an Operating Partner at ScaleCo Management, an investment-based platform that aims to provide sustainable growth for profitable companies that have plateaued.
Throughout his career, he has achieved extensive experience in Consulting, Human Resources, Healthcare, and Private Equity.
As the Chief Human Capital Strategist of Duma Works, he was selected to participate in a US-Africa initiative, wherein US business leaders were placed in prominent African companies. Through this, he was able to serve as a Chief Operating Officer for a technology start-up in Kenya.
In his previous role as a Consultant for Gallup, Mr. Bedney was heavily involved in growing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity. Key results include a $2.5 million increase in annual revenue over the North-East and Mid-Atlantic Regions for HealthCare Practice.
He was also the Regional Director in Press Ganey, where he managed strategic accounts worth $20 million and brought in sales of $2.4 million in just eight months.
Prior to this role, he was also the Director and one of the founding team members of Art & Science Collaborative, a venture development firm, as well as the head of HR at the Allied Athlete group.
Mr. Bedney holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Oakwood University and an MBA in Finance and Sports Management from Seton Hall University.

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"The Fearless Leadership That Allowed Me to Grow." - Celeste Kelly

On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Celeste Kelly returns to the show to chat with Jeff and Brian about leadership, her career, and the people that have helped her along the way. She emphasizes the importance of leaders who don't set limits on what can be achieved, fostering a culture of limitless possibilities.
She cites an example that involves an unexpected call from the White House, which led to the opportunity to work with president Gerald Ford. This episode revolves around the idea that effective leaders don't shy away from significant challenges; they embrace them, creating an environment where people can achieve what they initially didn’t find possible.
Celeste's journey highlights the transformative power of fearless leadership. She advises listeners to always give your best and approach tasks with thorough preparation, ultimately emphasizing that success is not about individual glory but collective achievement. Be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don't miss future conversations with great leaders
MEET YOUR GUEST
Celeste Kelly boasts 40 years of experience as a senior communications executive, with experience in corporate and broadcast communications, public relations, and end-to-end event management for global markets. Throughout her career, she produced and hosted engaging programs with celebrities and newsmakers, and pioneered groundbreaking community outreach initiatives.
As Vice President of Development and Public Relations for the Kidney Cancer Association, Celeste Kelly secured major gifts from global corporations and individuals and organized international physician symposia. She continues to offer comprehensive media, public relations, and event planning services through C! Communications, while also cherishing her role as a proud mother and grandmother.