Daley has pioneered unique initiatives for social platforms, doubling ESPN and Sportscenter’s social coverage of women’s sports while also amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in the sports community. This eye for inclusivity and diversity extends beyond her role, where she mentors women within and outside ESPN, helping to create feasible paths for growth for women in sports media.
“AI has become part of my everyday routine as a helpful jumpstart or time-saver. I use it most for getting ‘unstuck’ from writing blocks or synthesizing more complex news.”
What’s something you admire about Gen Z? With the caveat that no generation is a monolith, I absolutely love Gen Z’s commitment to advocating for positive change. They are highly aware of pressing global issues, and they know how to leverage digital platforms to unite and amplify support. I’ve seen a major shift in the conversation around mental health in the workplace, and Gen Z has been instrumental in breaking down stigmas, fostering open conversations and championing the need for additional resources and support. As the mom of a Gen Alpha daughter, I have my fair share of concern about the type of world she’ll grow up in, but I’m grateful for Gen Z’s boldness and hopeful that she’ll blaze her own trail with kindness and inclusivity at the forefront.
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role? There were a multitude of influences early in my life that set a foundation even if I didn’t realize it at the time. I grew up in a tiny, remote town, and my family owned the local grocery store, a primary community hub. I was able to observe and learn from my grandmother and father’s leadership skills in both business and community affairs. My mother also worked her way up from shift nurse to COO of the local hospital. In addition to these exemplars, I served as the captain of my high school basketball, softball and soccer teams and loved the camaraderie and teamwork of those experiences. Interestingly, I didn’t embark on my ESPN career with the intention of becoming an executive. My initial dream was sports writing, but management opportunities emerged as digital growth areas evolved, and I found myself enjoying the player-coach aspect of building “startup” teams within an established corporate culture. As my career advanced, I became increasingly conscious of the lack of women in offices, and it further fueled my inspiration to be a catalyst for change.