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Nicole KotlerExclusive InterviewKotler holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Finance from Tulane University and graduated from American University with a Master%u2019s of Law Degree, has closed almost $1 million in endorsement deals for clients in just 2 years, and will be an NFL agent in July 2024. Not only has she executed multiple large NIL campaigns with Fortune 500 companies, but she has also closed endorsement deals for NFL, NIL, and Influencer clients with companies such as Raising Canes, GlassDoor / Fish Bowl, Lululemon, Champs Sports, UberEats, Bath and Body Works, etc.With her strategic prowess, Kotler is empowering student-athletes to harness their personal brands, redefine collegiate sports, and pave the way for a new era of opportunities.A visionary leader reshaping the landscape of college athlete endorsements, Kotler is on a mission to empower other women to know their worth in an industry that often doubts and overlooks women. She is an expert at transforming how male and female athletes leverage their identities beyond the game and is available to share how high school athletes should go through the college recruiting process.Grady Sports Agency specializes in securing, negotiating, and executing endorsements and deals for athletes and influencers. With her finger on the pulse of sports, Kotler has helped various clients market themselves better in her professional career.With her sights set on becoming a Certified NFL Agent, Kotler is quickly becoming a go-to expert in the industry paving her way in a new world of NIL deals.Q: Why did you choose this career?Coming out of school, I worked in finance for 2.5 years, doing valuation advisory for companies. Although I was making good money and learning invaluable skills, ultimately, I was not passionate about the work I was doing and it was not fulfilling my purpose. On the other hand, I have always been passionate about sports, talent representation, personal branding, and being a resource for athletes in achieving their goals. Back in college, I used to tutor student athletes, specifically football players on Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Finance courses, and I enjoyed every minute of it. So, after 2.5 years, I decided to quit my job in finance and pursue my passion for sports.Q: How Important are trust and respect in your domain?Trust and respect are crucial in this field. Without them, things could easily fall apart. They form the foundation of all successful relationships in business and life in general. Trust and respect is what keeps things running smoothly, fosters teamwork, and helps to keep everyone involved feeling valued. In an industry where reputation is everything, building and maintaining trust and respect is key to staying ahead of the game.Q: What strategies do you use to identify potential sponsorships for athletes?I would first like to understand who the athlete is outside their craft. From there, I do market research to find brands that will fit the athlete%u2019s personal brand. Following that, I leverage my network, and our agency%u2019s network to reach out to these companies, making them aware of the athletes and talent we work with. I like to get creative with the campaign suggestions I came up with to paint an ideal partnership for the athlete that I am proposing.Q: What special qualities or skills do you see as important for success in your job?Communication, negotiation skills, creativity, forward-thinking, strategic thinking, grinders mentality, empathy and understanding.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 45 55