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Perseverance and tenacity are just a couple of attributes that have been crucial to sports crisis strategist Denise White‘s success. Decades of fighting her way through the “boys’ club” of an undeniably male-dominated profession, White became a pioneer for women in sports. Today, such limitations are far less prevalent in the sports industry, and much of this can be attributed to her relentless work ethic and determination. Known as the Olivia Pope of the sports world, Denise has been named a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal, was inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, and serves as a CNN sports contributor, all while continuing to be the go-to crisis manager for professional athletes.
All-time favorite sports movie?
“Jerry Maguire” for sure. I started out with one client and Jerry started with one client. I know how hard that can be — trying to build a company off of one client. Hoping it all pans out, but also the thrill of it all. It was exciting, fun and new.
Best TV discovery this year?
“The Rain” on Netflix. It’s really good.
Do you have a game day ritual?
Every game day for me is different. Some days I’m at the games in person and others I’m at home watching on TV. When I’m at the game, I’m with the athlete’s family, so their rituals become my rituals (I follow their lead). When I’m at home, I get up and watch either Fox or ESPN’s pre-game shows. And then I map out which games are on at which times so I can watch my clients. I have very busy Sundays.
What’s your favorite game day snack?
Chips and salsa.
Do you collect sports memorabilia? What’s your most treasured piece?
Yes, I would say my most treasured pieces are Muhammad Ali boxing gloves and a Kobe Bryant basketball.
You started your career working with Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson. What did you learn from working with him?
He taught me that I had more to give than what I thought. He urged me to open my own business, even though I was just happy to make a paycheck at the time. He tells it like it is. He said, “Look Denise, you can do this.” And so I did.
Jennifer Aniston is set to star in and produce your life story. If it wasn’t Jennifer Aniston, who would it be?
Definitely Sandra Bullock. Love her.
What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleeping?
I’m a girl who needs her sleep. I don’t function well without my sleep. But probably 2 days.
Favorite word?
Unstoppable.
Guilty pleasure?
Getting a massage at least a couple times a month. I live and work in a high stress job. Just being able to escape for 80 minutes really helps my mental health as well as my physical health.
Pet peeve?
When someone says I can’t.
Favorite escape?
Travel, when I get to travel — get out of the country. Italy is my favorite — Florence, Tuscany and Capri.
What sound do you love?
The ocean.
What’s the most heroic thing you’ve ever done?
Well, I’m passionate about saving animals. I’ve relocated animals across the country to forever homes. Most of my heroic ventures are saving animals’ lives.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I sing. I tried to sing professionally. I’ve sung the national anthem at 8 stadiums and 9 different arenas in the N**. Most people who know me now don’t know that, but back in the day (in my twenties) I was a singing fool.
What was your silver lining of 2020?
Being appreciative of what I have, and not focusing on what I don’t have.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Be kinder to myself.
