Kate Comelli

Senior Director, Production Operations at Minute Media (The Players’ Tribune, Sports Illustrated)

“Thank you, Kate Comelli, Senior Director of Production Operations at Minute Media (The Players’ Tribune, Sports Illustrated), for sharing your journey! Kate oversees branded content production operations, balancing meaningful storytelling with financial and legal considerations.

With a background in marketing and women’s & gender studies, she began in reality TV before moving into sports in 2017—helping build out the operations arm of branded content. Kate emphasizes the value of mentorship, open communication, and work-life balance, while finding joy in leading her team and shaping creative campaigns.”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

Responsible for overseeing all branded content production operations & logistics. Emphasis on strategic approach to content creation in efforts to keep meaningful storytelling intact while keeping financial considerations & legal parameters top of mind.

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

I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing at Rutgers Business School, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. The education I received helped me learn about business in general, but my first job in production management definitely paved the way for me to continue the path that I am currently on!

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

I started my career in linear programming, working across a variety of reality tv programs and short form content. I worked with an amazing group of people and learned a lot on the job first hand. This was a massive company with lots of processes in place. I then moved over to sports in 2017 and was able to be part of a company that was super small and grew in scale. This gave me the opportunity to help create processes that did not previously exist, and eventually fully build out the operations arm of branded content here.

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

As a woman working in the sports industry, it can seem daunting to put yourself out there in front and voice your opinion. I will say that I am very lucky to work with an amazing team that respects women and their opinions. As someone who studied women’s and gender studies, I feel very confident where I am to say that my decisions are respected and taken into consideration.

​Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work-life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Great question! I am a mom & wife first and my family means the world to me. Having my manager support that for myself as well as everyone on our team has allowed me to have a work/life balance that I am thankful for. It is important to set boundaries and talk openly with management about your situation so that you are able to set clear expectations of when you are on the clock vs. when you are off.

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?

Mentorship is extremely important for women and men in the sports industry, and all industries. Having role model(s) who watch your career grow and give their advice when needed can be a key part of the mentee’s success. I have had many role models who have helped shape my career! I still continue to learn every day and look to others and their success as ways to strive to become better and better.

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?

I think that open and honest communication in the workplace can help promote gender equality in the sports industry. If someone feels slighted, no matter the gender, it is important that they feel comfortable enough to express their concerns. The more open we can be across all companies, together we can become closer to creating more equality for all.

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

The part of my job that I enjoy the most is getting to manage a team and watch their careers grow. I am thankful to work with such a hard working and talented group and offer my assistance. I am proud of the work that we have done thus far and continue to do. Not only am I happy with the work that we do within the creative space while working on logistics for campaigns, but also on the processes and overall operational efficiencies that we continue to develop year over year. Each campaign is very different creatively, and we can be presented with challenges along the way. Sometimes we are creating content on a super tight timeline which presents its own set of complications. Through consistent and open communication, we are able to work through these challenges to create the best content possible, in the most financially efficient way.

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

Never give up on your dreams! Working hard, networking, not being scared to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn as much as you can.

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

I absolutely love working in production operations and a main business goal of mine would be to continue to grow my career in this field as a female and a leader in production. Goals constantly change and evolve a do we all as people, so I am excited to see where my journey takes me!

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

I love hanging out with my husband and our two daughters! I enjoy exercising, eating tons of bread at each & every restaurant, and creating new memories in new places. 🙂