Leela Srinivasan is the CEO of Parity, a sports partnerships platform focused on closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports. Born in Scotland with a versatile background spanning sales leadership, management consulting, and tech marketing, Leela has become a significant figure in the tech and sports industries. Before taking the helm at Parity, she was a CMO for high-growth companies including Checkout.com, SurveyMonkey, and Lever. Beginning her tenure in May 2023, she has led Parity in its mission to support over 800 women athletes and facilitate over $2 million in sponsorships.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:05] Introduction to Leela Srinivasan’s career and her role at Parity.
- [3:50] The founding of Parity and its mission to close the gender gap in professional sports.
- [5:19] Microsoft’s role as a long-term client and other up-and-coming partners in wellness, beauty, and nutrition.
- [9:39] Leela’s pivotal career moments that shaped her path to becoming the CEO of Parity.
- [15:52] How Leela’s experience as a three-time CMO influences her leadership at Parity.
- [17:27] Parity’s mission to address the gender income gap in sports and its relevance today.
- [20:31] The importance of creating platforms specifically for women athletes.
- [23:35] The significance of the NCAA deal with ESPN and the growing investment in women’s basketball.
- [30:57] Leela’s leadership style and its focus on driving positive change.
- [33:08] The role of mentoring in leadership and how Parity fosters growth for team members, including athletes.
- [38:22] Balancing flexibility and professionalism when working with athletes at Parity.
- [43:04] Looking ahead: Parity’s role in shaping gender equity in professional sports.
- [45:39] Key influences and inspirations for Leela, including Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss.
- [47:46] How to get in touch with Parity and collaborate with women athletes.
In This Episode…
How do we bridge the significant gender pay gap that persists in professional sports? Can expertise in marketing and strategic partnerships be the key to catalyzing essential change in this arena?
According to Leela Srinivasan, a change-maker in gender equity, achieving gender equity in sports is not just about recognizing the gap, but actively working to close it through intentional strategies and collaborations. She emphasizes the critical role of establishing meaningful partnerships between brands and female athletes, which not only provide financial support, but also elevate the profile of women’s sports as a whole. These partnerships serve as a powerful tool for challenging and changing the status quo, proving that with the right approach and commitment, it’s possible to make substantial strides towards equality.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien speaks with Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, as they explore her transition from a marketing leader to an advocate for gender equity in sports. They discuss the transformative power of strategic partnerships, the critical importance of mentorship in fostering growth and leadership, and the future aspirations for Parity in the ongoing fight for gender equity.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Leela Srinivasan on LinkedIn
- Parity: Website | Email
- Kirby Porter on LinkedIn
- New Game Labs
- “[Founder Series] Shaping the Future of Women’s Basketball Footwear With Natalie White” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “Yoga Beyond the Mat: Lauren Spearman’s Entrepreneurial Journey” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “[Entrepreneur Series] Building an Innovative Venture With Passion and Perseverance With RaShaun Brown” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Business Wire
- The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
- Dani Aravich on LinkedIn
- Billie Jean King
- Ilana Kloss on LinkedIn
- Lightbox
- Elizabeth Montavon on LinkedIn
- Emma Schieck on LinkedIn
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
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