At one point in his career, Mark Tatum knew he wanted to break into the sports industry, but he didn’t know how. So he consulted his mentors, went to grad school, and the rest is history. Mark is now the Deputy Commissioner of the NBA and its Chief Operating Officer. In our fourth and final Anniversary Episode, Mark drops by Protégé Podcast and talks NBA Playoffs, diversity in the NBA league office and teams, the growth of the game, and what he’s learned during his extraordinary career journey.

Valerie Jarrett served as Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and was his most loyal and powerful advocate in the White House. On this Anniversary Episode of Protégé Podcast, Valerie talks about how to lean in during high pressure meetings, how to balance work and family, and how to stay vigilant during these turbulent political times. In one of the rare interviews about her career, Valerie shares what she might tell herself as a 35 year old single mother regarding career success and life.

Rory interviews his mentor of 25 years, Ben Wilson, on this week’s Anniversary Episode of Protégé Podcast. The chairman of the Beveridge & Diamond law firm, Ben talks about incorporating faith into your career and how to fuse social justice values into a private sector profession. Rory and Ben also talk about Ben’s relationship with his nephew, Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, and what Ben is most proud of regarding Russell’s career (hint: it’s not touchdown passes).

It’s the one year anniversary of Protégé Podcast! Host Rory Verrett shares a behind the scenes perspective on starting a podcast from scratch. Hear how long it really takes to produce a podcast, why Rory’s father and Jesus would be his ideal Guest Mentors to interview, and the best career advice he’s ever given.