Sports businessman and Project Level Managing Partner & Head of Investments, Jason Wright visited campus on April 17th as the featured guest of this year’s Jake McCandless ’51 PVC Speaker Series. An audience of students, coaches, PVC Members, and campus colleagues filled Taylor Auditorium as he discussed his perspectives on “The Wins & Losses of Leadership.”
Wright told stories of his journey from an Academic All-American at Northwestern University to becoming a seven-year veteran player in the NFL. He also discussed the challenges that he faced early on in his career as he navigated being cut by multiple NFL teams, and how he used these experiences as motivation to pursue excellence in every area of his life. Following his football career, Wright returned to The University of Chicago-Booth School of Business where he earned his M.B.A. and graduated with honors. He shared how this pursuit of higher education deepened his appreciation for knowledge and reshaped his way of thinking as a leader.
Click here to view a full photo gallery from the event.
Wright also talked about the mentors he has looked to for advice throughout his career and his path to becoming one of the fastest elected partners at McKinsey & Company. He encouraged students in the room to take advantage of the network and connections available to them at Princeton and spoke to the importance of having a group of trusted friends in their corner when they are faced with adversity. The conversation then shifted to his decision to take on new challenges as the first Black NFL Team President and leader of the Washington Commanders. Wright inspired the audience with his powerful message to not shy away from obstacles, but rather find their platforms as leaders to create meaningful change.
The conversation then concluded with a unique discussion into Wright’s newest passion, helping to accelerate the growth of women’s sports. He discussed his current role with Ariel Investments and how he leads their new Project Level initiative to increase investments and create significant ownership stakes in women’s sports franchises. By leveraging the growing talent, fandom, and media interest in women’s sports he hopes to create a more equitable playing field for female athletes and the future of women’s sports.
