Justin Tupper, senior vice president of content and strategy for NBC Sports Next, shares his thoughts on scheduling "working time" and the significance of an acronym.
The First Call: Please give us a short overview of your company.
Justin Tupper: NBC Sports Next includes our tech-focused businesses focused on innovation, which have a direct-to-consumer component. GolfNow, GolfPass, SportsEngine and NBC Sports Edge are included in our group.
TFC: What is your handicap index?
JT: 2.6.
TFC: In one sentence, describe what you do for a living.
JT: I help grow our GolfPass business through content creation and strategic planning.
TFC: What time do you wake in the morning, and what time do you typically start the workday?
JT: I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and start work by 8 a.m.
TFC: What are key elements to leadership or to being a good leader?
JT: The ability to listen, encourage and develop other leaders are a must for good leadership.
TFC: What changes, if any, have you made based on the events of the past year?
JT: I have begun to fill my schedule in with "working time." This is time away from meetings, video conferences and phone calls, so I may get focused, undistracted work done.
TFC: What's the secret to your success?
JT: I embrace CANI, which stands for Constant And Never-Ending Improvement,
TFC: Who is your role model?
JT: My Dad.
TFC: Knowing what you know today, what professional advice would you give a younger you?
JT: Be patient and always be kind.
TFC: What’s the last book you read?
JT: “Blue Ocean Shift” by Renee Mauborgne.
TFC: What’s the last movie you saw?
JT: “The Suicide Squad.”
TFC: What’s on your playlist?
JT: Country music ... lots of it.
TFC: When I’m not at work, you can find me …
JT: On the golf course or exploring someplace new with my wife, Torrie.
TFC: What is your greatest extravagance?
JT: Taking nice trips with my wife.
TFC: What was your path to the golf industry?
JT: I forged my way through a love of the game and the internet — with an entrepreneurial spirit — to start my own company. Forever thankful for wonderful timing.
TFC: What are the favorite golf courses you have played?
JT: Shinnecock Hills, Fishers Island, Cypress Point, Royal Troon and Carnoustie
TFC: Which golf courses do you belong to?
JT: Lake Nona Country Club, Secession Golf Club and a few others.
