above: Mark Shapiro is the President and COO of TKO and the President and Managing Partner of WME Group.
The Startup Westport Innovator of the Year Mark Shapiro shares how risk-taking, curiosity and a sense of home have shaped a career at the forefront of sports and entertainment.
Career and Leadership
Samantha Yanks: Looking back, what were the defining moments that shaped your career in media and entertainment?
Mark Shaprio: At 22 years old, right out of college at the University of Iowa, I had a choice to join an upstart cable network in ESPN with an entry-level hourly wage job, or take a less risky full-time position at one of the most storied sports media institutions of the time at NBC Sports. Ultimately with guidance from my father, I bet on the future of cable television, and the fledgling network ESPN2, and joined a new studio show based out of Los Angeles. That decision put me on a path for exponential career growth as cable television overtook broadcast. Fast forward to recent years, and I’d point to launching and listing TKO as a public company as another career defining moment.
Leadership Style
SY: How has your approach to leadership evolved as you moved from ESPN to WME to leading global talent and entertainment businesses?
MS: I was thrown into major leadership roles at a young age, but instinctively knew that in order to execute at the highest level, I needed to build a great team around me. I knew enough to know I didn’t know enough. So, hiring people with great experience, successful track records and sound judgment that could align with my vision was extremely important. I’ve since carried that principle to each stop over the course of my career. Identifying and hiring top-level talent that could challenge me, fill in the voids and complement my strengths has always been a central theme to my operating thesis. I want people that can take my direct feedback in the way it’s designed — never personal, just business — and give me the same in return.
Vision for the Future
SY: The entertainment landscape is changing fast—how do you stay ahead of the curve in such a disruptive industry?
MS: We have to constantly balance curiosity with discipline. We have to deliver every day at an exceptional level for our partners, clients, and stakeholders, but in parallel, carve out time for what’s ahead. I have found that making the time to listen and learn — to and from our clients, consumers, and colleagues across WME Group and TKO — is essential in order to navigate the massive change and disruption we are seeing in the industry.
Westport and Community
SY: Why Westport: What drew you to Westport originally, and what makes it a meaningful home base for you today?
MS: When I was given responsibility for ESPN’s mammoth millennium “SportsCentury” project, the first major decision I made was to have our offices for the project not in Bristol, but in Westport. I knew being in Westport would free our creative lens. It would allow SportsCentury to have its own DNA. And Westport proved to be the gift that kept giving. Directly in between Bristol and New York City, it allowed us to hire best-in-class talent from New York while leveraging the great people and assets from Bristol. Beyond that, Westport had yet another powerful value proposition: feeling inextricably linked to your community is a force multiplier when you’re working hard. Often in our business “group think” can act like a tsunami that washes over individual vision and boldness. Being arm’s length away from such centers like LA and New York City fuels independence and risk taking. This is a difficult, divisive world we live in. To be able to experience the true meaning of the word “home” here in Westport is a real blessing.
Local Perspective
SY: How does living in a smaller, creative-minded community like Westport influence the way you think as a global leader?
MS: Living here sharpens my perspective. Creativity doesn’t just live in L.A. or New York. People here value culture and connection; they have strong opinions and points of view. Reaching communities like this effectively is paramount to representing diverse audiences and consumers globally. And I’m a believer that in order to think big, you sometimes have to remove yourself from the daily grind — Westport allows me to do that.
Giving Back
SY: In what ways do you see innovators and leaders in entertainment contributing to local communities like ours?
MS: Leaders have a responsibility to bring creativity and energy home — something StartUp Westport knows all too well. Look at the work they’re doing to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism here. The way the community has rallied behind their mission and focus on young people with massive potential has been truly impressive. Investing in the next generation is one of our greatest priorities. Leave it better than you found it. Take succession seriously.
Innovation and Startup Westport Honor
SY: Innovation Mindset: What does innovation mean to you personally—and how do you nurture it within a large organization like WME?
MS: Innovation is about seeing what’s possible before others do — and having the conviction to go after it. In a large organization like ours, that means creating an atmosphere where our people aren’t afraid to challenge the standard playbook.
Winning the Award
SY: What does being recognized as Startup Westport Innovator of the Year represent for you?
MS: It’s incredibly meaningful because it ties my professional world to my personal life. I’m being honored in the community that Kim and I have called home for almost 25 years, surrounded by people I admire, respect and love.
Advice for Future Innovators
SY: What advice would you give to the next generation of founders and creators in Westport who want to shape culture and industry the way you have?
MS: Innovation takes curiosity. It comes with risk. It requires courage. And it doesn’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Culture, technology and business move fast – if you believe in an idea or concept and surround yourself with the right people that buy in to your vision and are equipped to carry it out, you will come out on top.