From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Steve Gatena's Transformational Journey in Media and Personal Growth

MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital Changemakers

When collegiate athlete turned media mogul Steve Gatena stepped onto our digital stage, he brought with him a treasure trove of insights bridging the world of personal growth and digital innovation. Founder of Pray.com, Steve's journey is anything but ordinary, as he narrates his transition from the football field of USC to the high-stakes game of media entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the transformative power of seizing opportunities and the importance of aligning one's mission with their work, which he has done with names like Red Bull and the LA Dodgers. If you're curious about the interplay between spirituality and success, Steve's perspective on meditation and prayer as tools for balance will resonate profoundly.
This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven business, where we explore the framework of "mission, team, self" with Steve, unwrapping the layers of what it means to build a company that not only turns a profit but also serves a greater good. For those ready to pitch their hearts out or bring entrepreneurial zest to their current roles, Steve's advice on aligning your pitch with a company's core values is a game-changer. And for anyone in a leadership position or looking to step into one, his take on clear communication and understanding roles within a team will be invaluable as you navigate the path to success.
Join us as Steve talks dollars and sense, dissecting the financial strategies that either fuel or foil media ventures. He shares his firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities within the industry, offering a clear-eyed perspective on revenue streams and cost centers. Then, stirring in personal anecdotes, he touches upon the daily habits that have shaped his trajectory – from walking and prioritizing sleep to abstaining from alcohol. These habits underscore his belief in the incremental progress leading to a meaningful and lasting impact. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or seasoned businessperson, this episode promises rich insights into the integration of passion and business for true fulfillment.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by USC Annenberg’s Master of Science in Digital Media Management (MSDMM) program. An online master’s designed to prepare practitioners to understand the evolving media landscape, make data-driven and ethical decisions, and build a more equitable future by leading diverse teams with the technical, artistic, analytical, and production skills needed to create engaging content and technologies for the global marketplace. Learn more or apply today at https://dmm.usc.edu.

Chapters

1. From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Steve Gatena's Transformational Journey in Media and Personal Growth (00:00:00)

2. Insights From Digital Changemakers (00:00:01)

3. Mission, Team, Self (00:08:05)

4. Starting and Scaling Companies (00:16:45)

5. Leadership Roles and Financial Strategies (00:33:51)

6. The Power of Progress and Habits (00:43:37)

7. Success and Passion in Business (00:48:02)