Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Hooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
After being an partner at the biggest law firm in the country, it seemed like a secure no brainer to stay for the long haul. But, after 17 years of private practice, I knew there was something bigger out there for me. So, I talked to my fairly new client, Draymond Green, and NBA legend, about ways I could massively help him off the court, but was hamstrung by the other responsibilities I had at the law firm. Fast forward, I took the leap and we started a company together. Now, I am the CEO of The New Media, where we create, develop and support television shows, podcasts, and films. I also run all of his branding and contractual endeavors. It’s a mix of CEO and in-house counsel. When I left private practice, there was one group of clients I couldn’t bear to leave behind, my female soccer players clients, who I represented as both their attorney and agent. Draymond was keen to allow me to open my own agency and still represent them under Hooper Consulting, LLC. In sum, I created my dream job and scenario– well worth the risk!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My career path is unique. I started working on the stat crew for the Phoenix Suns when I as 10; my father was the Statistician and then became the Media Relations Director with the Suns spanning decades. My life as a worker in pro sports while also being part of the Suns family environment organically set me up for my present career all these years later. Currently, I am the CEO of The New Media, a production and media company I started with NBA Champion and All-Star, Draymond Green.
However, for many years between my childhood job and my current one, my career was not sports-centric. I wanted it to be, but it wasn’t so easy. I practiced law for 17 years, most of which was as a partner at Greenberg Traurig focused on employment law and commercial litigation with zero connection to sports. I had to find a way to bring sports into the mix because I refused to ignore my background, connections and roots in sports. While playing in an adult soccer tournament while I was working as an attorney, I was on a team with a pro English player who expressed that she enjoyed playing with me and we kept playing on teams together. Soon, she asked me to help her with her contract and the rest is history. I have been the agent for over 50 female and male soccer players throughout the world. I internally marketed myself at my law firm of 2,000 lawyers and started the first Sports Law department. I began supporting my partners who had a few sports clients here and there, until I met Draymond and did all of his entertainment contracts as outside counsel. We clicked. Today, I am not only an attorney, but also a producer of television, streaming, podcasts, and all things entertainment with Draymond Green’s company The New Media.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I left the traditional practice of law 5 years ago, I was starting a production company with an NBA player who was my client at the firm. I was also an agent to pro soccer players at the firm. They wanted to come with me when I left. So, I found myself starting 2 businesses at the same time. No experience (or desire) to be an entrepreneur. No guidance or mentor. Starting from scratch. I had to shift from having massive support and resources at one of the largest law firms in the country to sitting at home and thinking about how to start and run 2 businesses. Five years later they are both thriving businesses. I am still learning something new every single day, but I have embraced that this is actually a great thing!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Because I produce television and podcasts, I am constantly reviewing television and podcasts that can help inform me. How are they produced? Who is producing them?
Books that have impacted my philosophies (business and personal) are every book written by Malcolm Gladwell, but specifically Outliers. Also, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is excellent in dealing with all types of individuals.
I read a ton of autobiographies and biographies, mostly of athletes and entertainers. Knowing the in-depths of who people are fascinates me, but also assists in my line of work.
Image Credits
Photo with me and my daughters in soccer gear- photo credit Kate Parker from book “Play Like a Girl.”