In this episode of Bright Ideas, Jess sits down with Nick Carparelli - Executive Director of Bowl Season and one of the most respected figures in college football. From humble beginnings as a recruiting coordinator at Syracuse to working under Bill Belichick and later rebranding Bowl Season from the ground up, Nick shares the strategic mindset and leadership philosophy that carried him through multiple “dream jobs.” He offers powerful advice for young professionals in the sports world: success isn’t linear, and the right job at the wrong time can still be the wrong job.

The conversation uncovers how Bowl Season evolved into a national brand recognized across ESPN’s broadcasts and embraced by 45 bowl games nationwide. Nick explains how he assembled a lean but high-performing team, established strong industry partnerships, and championed a unified post-season identity. He also reflects on the unique challenges of operating with a small staff in a billion-dollar ecosystem and why branding - even something as small as a crawl on ESPN - can redefine relevance.

Beyond the Xs and Os of operations and branding, this episode delivers a real-world masterclass in mentorship, work ethic, and self-awareness. Nick and Jess discuss the importance of passion, resilience, and authenticity - whether you’re an intern chasing your first opportunity or a veteran executive steering a national brand. A must-listen for anyone dreaming of a meaningful career in sports.

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