In our latest Let’s Talk series, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. Our conversation, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, was both inspiring and insightful, shedding light on Zaileen’s remarkable journey and her vision for the future of sports in the Bay Area.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Perseverance
Zaileen’s story is one of resilience and determination. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she shared how her early experiences with sports, particularly watching Vancouver Canucks games with her father, ignited her passion for the industry. This passion was not without its challenges. As a first-generation Canadian with East African and Indian heritage, Zaileen faced cultural expectations that did not traditionally align with a career in sports. However, her love for the game and her determination to break stereotypes propelled her forward.
Zaileen’s journey to becoming the CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee was anything but linear. From playing sports in her youth to earning a degree in kinesiology, and later pursuing an MBA in sports management, she accumulated a wealth of experience across various facets of the sports industry. Her career took her from athletic training and strength conditioning to roles in sports marketing and business, eventually leading her to Major League Soccer and the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
Leadership and Vision at the Bay Area Host Committee
Zaileen’s role at the Bay Area Host Committee is multifaceted. The organization, which she describes as the sports commission for the Bay Area, is responsible for bidding on and hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl. However, Zaileen’s vision extends beyond just bringing events to the region. She is committed to leveraging these events to create lasting legacies that benefit the community.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was Zaileen’s emphasis on community impact. She spoke passionately about the broader legacy initiatives of the Bay Area Host Committee, which aim to bring communities together through sport. This includes efforts in workforce and supplier equity, sport development, and climate sustainability. Zaileen’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to think strategically and act as a conductor, orchestrating various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Breaking Barriers and Driving Innovation
Zaileen’s unique perspective as a woman of Indian heritage in a predominantly male industry has been both a challenge and an advantage. She shared how her background has allowed her to bring a different perspective to the table, driving innovation and inclusivity within the organization. One notable example was her approach to bidding for Super Bowl LX, where she chose to share her personal story as part of the presentation, highlighting the diversity and potential of the Bay Area. This bold move was met with positive feedback, including praise from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Lessons in Leadership
Throughout our conversation, Zaileen imparted several valuable lessons in leadership. She emphasized the importance of patience and the need to lean into one’s authentic self. Zaileen candidly shared how she has learned to embrace her unique identity and use it to her advantage, rather than conforming to traditional expectations. She also highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships and the role they play in the success of the Bay Area Host Committee.
Zaileen’s ability to navigate complex situations and her commitment to continuous learning were evident as she discussed her interactions with the board of directors, which includes leaders from major Bay Area sports teams. Her approach to preparation and her willingness to seek support from her team have been crucial in her role as CEO.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, Zaileen’s vision for the Bay Area Host Committee is clear. She is focused on bringing more major events to the region, including women’s sports events, and continuing to build on the legacy initiatives that have already been set in motion. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the community and her innovative approach to leadership make her a true trailblazer in the sports industry.
In closing, my conversation with Zaileen Janmohamed was a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and strategic vision. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all, and I am excited to see the continued positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the Bay Area and beyond.