SEAT Global Magazine - Exclusive Interviews of Global Sport Executive Issue 09 March/April 2018 | Page 30

Something that I've learned as I've got older is importance of the written word.

I’d encourage myself to write down thoughts and journal, take good notes, blog and create content. A lot of the content that I consume about the industry via social media, or blogs and websites, is written by people a lot younger than me.

I've seen some individuals within the industry that have really built very strong personal brands through the content that they produce and the commentary that they make in the industry.

I would advise anyone looking to get into the industry to learn to write well.

Do you have a favorite player?

Among current players I love José Abreu, our first baseman and I hope the Sox sign him on a long-term contract. Past players, I was a big fan of both Paul Konerko and Mark Buehrle.

That's amazing that you're a long-time fan from across the world.

Thank you for those amazing words of support for SEAT!.

Let's backtrack to the Chicago White Sox. How long have you been a fan?

Since 1990.

Wow Shane, that is a long-time fan!!

Close to 30 years and way before the dawn of the internet age. When I returned to Ireland I'd be getting the results in the newspaper two days after the game occurred. Then along came the internet, and so that enabled me to be able to watch many of the games.

We're very lucky in New Zealand because the games come in during the daytime, so at the corner of my screen I'll often have the website open just following the results. I try and get to some games every couple of years, but hopefully that's going to increase in the next few years as we compete for multiple championships!

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Only a few more questions for you Shane.... How would you describe yourself in one word?

I would say patient. I like to think I play a long game.

You and I have known each other a long time and I would agree with you! You're just the sweetest thing in the whole world with more patience than anyone I know!

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