Week 15: Stephanie Crosby, Assistant Director, Rogers Sportsnet

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I grew up in Unionville, Ontario and I was always involved in sports. As a kid it was swimming and baseball, then volleyball, basketball and field hockey were sports I loved playing in school. My parents also got my sister and I involved in Curling at young ages, and I spent two years playing with a competitive team in my teens and traveling weekends to play the Provincial Playdowns. To this day that is probably my favourite experience I’ve ever had on a team.

I have a BA in Communication Studies from Brock University where I was the President of my Residence Council as well as an RA, two experiences that I loved. I also have a Post Grad Journalism Degree from Humber College which led me to an internship in a newsroom. I have worked for the past 15 years in television and currently work as an Assistant Director for Rogers Sportsnet. In this role I have been part of many live events, including Rogers Cup, Blue Jays broadcasts and now this season being part of Hockey Night in Canada. I’ve had the chance to travel the past few months to work on live production trucks for our Saturday night broadcasts, something I have always wanted to do.

How has sport helped you develop skills for your work today?

I work in a live control room which is a fast-paced, high energy environment. I have to be able to think on my feet and react quickly when situations change, and they always do! I have always described my job as being part of a team. Everyone in a control room or on a live event has a specific role. We all work together to make sure the best production possible gets to air. We have to listen to each other. We have to adapt to live events and production challenges that can change what we are doing in a matter of seconds. Being able to roll with the punches is what makes people great at their jobs. Knowing that you are an integral part of a production team is an amazing feeling. I have worked hard over the years to get to a place where I am getting some great opportunities. It’s both exciting and challenging and an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

How has sport helped you be a better leader? How do you define leadership?

I don’t think anyone can be an effective leader unless they are someone people have respect for. I believe strongly that work ethic is a representation of your character. You get out of your job what you put into it, just like anything. I work in a male-dominated industry, and I work at a station that only broadcasts sports which means far less women than men. It’s still very much a boys club. How you carry yourself is important. We all have strengths and ideas. Being a leader means being able to engage and motivate people to be the best they can be. People work better when they feel they are heard, encouraged and feel part of a team.

instagram: stephanie_crosby

twitter: @StCrosby