#87: Erika Ayers Badan: Embracing Failure from Barstool Sports to Food52

Women in MediaWomen in PodcastingWomen in Entertainment
Written By Sarah Burke
 

Host Sarah Burke speaks with Erika Ayers Badan (also known as Erika Nardini) about her journey from the CEO of Barstool Sports to Food52, and her new book, 'Nobody Cares About Your Career.'

Sarah Burke interviews Erika Ayers Badan about her new book, Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure is Good, The Great Ones Play Hurt and Other Hard Truths. They discuss the timing of writing the book, the challenges of transitioning between creative and corporate chapters, and the importance of vulnerability. They also touch on the experiences of being a woman in the media spotlight and the lessons learned from failure. Erica shares her thoughts on mentorship and the value of learning from both experienced professionals and the next generation.

More about Erika:

Erika Ayers Badan is a digital innovator, disruptor, and seasoned executive on the cutting edge of content creation, distribution, and monetization of premier and culturally relevant content. As an early adopter of internet culture, Ayers has always been interested in what’s next, driving digital entrepreneurship and large-scale revenue growth within companies.

Ayers Badan was recently named CEO of Food52 after serving as a board member and advisor since 2019. Ayers Badan currently serves on the boards of the Premier Lacrosse League, and global public safety technology leader Axon Enterprise (AXON).

As the first-ever CEO of media magnate Barstool Sports, Ayers Badan led the company through explosive growth (+5000% in revenue and significantly more in audience), expanding the company from a regional blog to a national powerhouse brand and media company. During her 9 years steering the company, Barstool became a top ten podcasting publisher in the US, with the world's #1 sports, hockey, golf, and music podcasts, and a top 6 brand globally on TikTok. Ayers Badan has launched over 35 brands, including breakout franchises like Pat McAfee and Call Her Daddy.

Following Barstool’s exponential growth, Fast Company named Ayers Badan as one of its "Most Creative People in Business" in 2018, citing Barstool Sports' expansion into multimedia and merchandising during her tenure. That same year, Forbes ranked her 25th on its "Most Powerful Women in U.S. Sports.” In 2019, she was ranked #19 on The Big Lead's list of "The 75 Most Powerful People in the Sports Media Business." That year, she was also included on Crain's New York's "Notable Women in the Business of Sports.” Adweek named Ayers Badan as one of its "Most Powerful Women in Sports" in 2017 and 2020.

Ayers Badan has also held several senior roles at influential media and technology organizations, including President of BKSTG, CMO for AOL, VP of Branding at Yahoo! and Senior Director of MSN Branded Experiences for Microsoft.

 
Sarah Burke

Sarah Burke is broadcaster, podcaster and producer.

https://www.sarahburke.ca
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