Thayer Lavielle is the Managing Director of The Collective at Wasserman, where she leads a global practice dedicated to driving investment in women in sports, entertainment, and music. In this episode, Thayer walks us through her nonlinear path—starting in journalism, moving into brand marketing and motorsports, and ultimately building a multimillion-dollar consultancy and research engine. We talk about how she discovered her creative gift, what it means to build within structure, and why women in business and sport deserve more than a seat at the table. From creating platforms for change to raising the next generation of leaders, Thayer is a builder at heart—and a force behind one of the most strategic, data-backed movements for women in business today.
Show Notes
- Thayer’s early career in journalism, PR, and brand marketing
- How Outback Steakhouse taught her more than life insurance ever could
- Leading with ideas and learning the business behind the creativity
- Her time working with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and launching new ventures
- The moment she realized her creative gift is building within structure
- Building The Collective and launching The Collective Think Tank
- What it looks like to scale advocacy into a global business
- Why women’s sports are watchable, sponsorable, and investable
- The next wave of investment and innovation in women’s sports
- Passing the torch—her daughter’s journey founding a flag football league
- Why collaboration wins over competition
- What it really means to give yourself permission
Quotable Moments
"The faster you can learn what your particular gift is, the faster you can run to wherever you should be"
"Permission granted—to say no, to change your mind, to want more or less"
"Women's sports are not a cause. They are a business"
"You don't need to wait for a seat at the table. You can build your own"
Guest Contact Info
Name: Thayer Lavielle
Title: Managing Director, The Collective at Wasserman
Website: www.wearethecollective.com/5years
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thayer-lavielle
Instagram: @thayerlavielle
The Collective Instagram: @wearethecollective
Email: thecollective@teamwass.com
Additional Media
Women Business Collaborative
Instagram: @womenbusinesscollaborative
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wb
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