Building a business around the beautiful game with Justin Papadakis

Justin Papadakis has spent his career in real estate development and soccer, with his most recent position being a bit of both: deputy CEO and chief real estate officer of the United Soccer League, based in Tampa. On this episode Justin and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talk about what he learned about leadership from playing soccer — he was a goalie — and the steps the USL is taking to build its brand.   

3 Takeaways:

1. (09:20) Be aware of the external issues
2. (11:00) Great leadership is the ability to innovate and execute on an idea
3. (15:00) Limit your unforced errors

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer, United Soccer League

(05:00) Justin before joining USL

(07:30) Favorite part of working at USL

(08:45) Challenging aspects of working at USL

(10:20) Characteristics of good leadership?

(12:35) Mentors

(13:50) Overcoming setbacks

(17:30) USL in 2025 and beyond

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