Executive, mentor, and advisor, Morales leads by example. He’s made ESPN’s storytelling more reflective of its diverse audience, making it an award-winning leader in sports storytelling. Morales has overseen projects as different as ESPN Deportes’ lauded long-form documentary about Mayan women’s softball, “Las Amazonas de Yaxunah”; ESPN College GameDay & ESPN Feature’s Unit’s Edward R. Murrow Award-winning piece, “Meechie & Michigan”; and a profile of Che Flores, the first out non-binary transgender official in all major U.S. sports.
What’s your boldest prediction about the industry in the next 10 years? Immersive experiences like virtual and augmented reality will likely become mainstream platforms, revolutionizing how audiences consume content, interact with media and engage with stories in more interactive and participatory ways.
Advice I would give a recent graduate: My advice to a recent graduate would be to stay curious and open to learning. Embrace opportunities for growth and focus on building a strong network of relationships with colleagues, peers, and professionals in your field. Networking can lead to new opportunities and connections. Also, find a mentor who can support and champion your work and career development.
What does work-life balance mean to you? Work-life balance, to me, is about finding space between professional and personal fulfillment, ensuring that neither overwhelms the other. Sometimes I’m successful with balancing everything, and sometimes I’m not. I try to maintain it by setting boundaries around family time—like watching a movie with my spouse or putting away my phone while watching one of my kids play sports. I’ve found this balance makes me more productive at work and more fulfilled around my family at home. For me, it’s about flexibility.