Susan Price Thomas

VP, Content Operations and Managing Editor, SLAM Media

“Susan Price Thomas serves as the Vice President of Content Operations and Managing Editor at SLAM Media. In her dual role, she oversees the production of SLAM’s print publications and supports content development across social, digital, video, and branded platforms. With a journalism degree from NYU, Susan’s career exemplifies growth through hard work, confidence, and a commitment to excellence in sports media.

Susan’s career began with assistant positions that progressively advanced her skills and responsibilities, ultimately leading to her current leadership role. She has faced challenges as a woman in sports media but overcame them through self-confidence and demonstrating expertise. Passionate about maintaining work-life balance in a demanding industry, Susan advises aspiring professionals to be inquisitive, self-assured, and open to feedback. Her long-term goals include continuing to expand the SLAM brand while achieving greater personal balance.

Thank you, Susan Price Thomas, for sharing your journey and insights into the world of sports media. Your story of resilience, growth, and dedication serves as an inspiration to those navigating this field. Best of luck as you continue to elevate the SLAM brand and pursue your personal and professional aspirations!” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

I’m the Managing Editor for all SLAM print products, from our regular SLAM issues to special issues we produce throughout the year; In my role as VP, Content Operations, I help all our various content departments—print, social, digital, video, branded—with their needs.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I majored in journalism at NYU; when I was in school, there weren’t tons of sports-specific programs so my program was general journalism.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

I started in assistant positions at other places and each time I started a new job, it was a new/higher position that helped me grow and eventually take the Managing Editor role.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

At the beginning, I think people didn’t always think a woman would be as knowledgeable on the topics at hand, but you just have to have confidence in yourself and your knowledge. You have to be your own biggest fan and show people you know your stuff. “Actions speak louder than words” is a thing for a reason. And be patient; if you have to wait for whoever is talking to finish so you can do your thing, then do it.Balancing a career is demanding.

How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Forever a hard thing! Especially when sports don’t have set hours. You have to really want to have a balance or it can really overtake everything. It’s in my DNA to answer emails, texts, slacks as fast as I can, so I really try to not answer those things at night or on weekends unless they are really emergencies and can’t wait. Most things aren’t time sensitive at night..

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

I think it’s great to have mentors for young women in sport. To be honest, I haven’t really had women mentors. I started at SLAM many years ago and there weren’t really any women I turned to.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

It’s definitely getting better but I’m not sure it will ever be fully equal. I do think it’s partly on the people who do the hiring to make sure they give equal time to female candidates.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

I love that my job is something that’s fun and not dealing with the larger world that’s aways on fire. Most challenging is dealing with rough deadlines; no matter how much you can prep and do some things ahead of time, it’s always a crunch to close a magazine.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Ask questions. Be your own biggest fan. Trust yourself. Have fun! Word hard. Don’t be offended by constructive criticism. And did I say have fun?

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I want to continue to help grow the SLAM brand; personally, I want to continue to get that work/life balance right.