Ep. 24: Women in Leadership

So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

This episode features three of the most accomplished female leaders in the Twin Cities. Wendy Blackshaw of MN Sports and Events and Tanya Dreesen of the Minnesota Vikings who are joined by host Jill Renslow of Mall of America.

Dreesen began her career in newspapers in Canada, then in Denver and finally to the Twin Cities publishing industry. Along the way she learned about the professional sports industry. In Minnesota, she wanted to follow her passion and reached out to the Minnesota Vikings; she was hired and has been with the team for more than 16 years. She was drawn to the Vikings since it is such a powerful brand and for what the team represents to the community.

Early in Blackshaw’s career she handled marketing and sales for the Minnesota North Stars. When they moved to Dallas, she took a chance and joined the newly opened Mall of America in sales and marketing. After that she was a consultant, an executive with the MN Super Bowl Committee and finally President and CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events. And she's a proud, life-long Packers fan!

As prominent figures in historically male-dominated professions, the three shared other key advice. All leaders need to work together to change reality, so everyone has an opportunity to learn and grow. Have empathy and be kind. Don’t take things personally, learn from mistakes and move on. Build the right team and help them achieve more. Mentor others and help them find their right path. And laugh along the way.

Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, CEO + President at Minnesota Sports & Events; Tanya Dreesen, Vice President of Partnership Activations, Special Projects & Events at Minnesota Vikings
Host: Jill Renslow

Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.