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1d Explain the role of environment, such as athletics, business, and politics, in shaping leadership (CLO 1)

In 2020, Lisa Baird became The National Women's Soccer League's commissioner as COVID-19 began. The National Women's Soccer League was the first league to announce how in-person games would continue and she put a plan into action. Other leagues around the world followed. As you read this case study, think about Lisa's leadership style and if it would work in a more corporate setting? Why or why not?

Lisa Baird became the commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Then, COVID-19 upended the sports world. On Thursday, March 12, as sports leagues around the country canceled or postponed their seasons, she announced the NWSL was cancelling pre-season matches and developing contingency plans for the regular season. Baird and other league leaders knew that the NWSL stood in a precarious position. For financial, competitive and cultural reasons, it needed to get back on the field in 2020.

This case study and companion podcast describe how Baird successfully created opportunities for the 8-year old league during her first year as commissioner, despite the financial and medical chaos that accompanied the pandemic. Notably, the NWSL was the first sports league to return to play and complete a modified season, an accomplishment that was under-appreciated by the mainstream sports media. The league also gained big-name sponsors and set television viewership records.

As she began her second year, Baird was focused on making the right strategic decisions in order to bring financial sustainability and greater cultural relevance to the best professional women's soccer league in the world.

Source: Cate Reavis, Shira Springer, and Ben Shields
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