EP6: Greg Sankey & 3 AAC Senior Leaders Joe Fields (Tulsa), Jessie Gardner (North Texas), & Jana Woodson (Tulane)

This episode of The CALS Report Podcast is brought to you by Teamworks—the Operating System for Sports™. Trusted by over 5,000 teams, Teamworks is the strategic partner helping collegiate athletic departments navigate change, streamline operations, and deliver an exceptional student-athlete experience. Learn more at Teamworks.com College athletics is evolving faster than ever, and the leaders shaping its future are tackling complex challenges head-on. In this episode of The CALS Report, we bring you exclusive conversations with some of the industry's top decision-makers, offering valuable insight into the shifting landscape of college sports. From navigating legislative changes to building lasting careers in the industry, this episode is packed with expert perspectives and leadership wisdom. Episode 6 of The CALS Report features an exclusive conversation with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, offering a deep dive into the future of college athletics. Sankey discusses the House Settlement, the path toward a new normal, and the leadership required to navigate change in today’s evolving landscape. He also reflects on the SEC’s historic basketball season, lessons learned from the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, the importance of consensus-building, and the personal growth strategies that have shaped his career. In The Lobby, three senior leaders from the American Athletic Conference—Joe Fields from Tulsa, Jessie Gardner from North Texas, and Jana Woodson from Tulane—join a career-focused roundtable. They take questions from graduate assistants who served as interns at CALS 24, providing insight on building a successful career in college athletics, leadership strategies for long-term impact, and the mindset needed to grow and thrive in a competitive industry. This episode is packed with leadership wisdom, career advice, and an insider’s perspective on the biggest issues shaping college athletics today.