Finding your place in industry: Lessons from sports and sales 

By Stacey Moorcroft
Director of Business Operations, Global Sports & Live Events, Ross Video 

I never really said goodbye to myself as a basketball player. I just transitioned that competitive energy into my career in technology sales. 

When I think about what’s shaped my path in sports broadcasting and live production, it always comes back to teamwork, pressure, and passion — three things I learned early on from basketball. Growing up in Brockville, Ontario, I was lucky to play the sport I loved at a high level. I wasn’t always the leading scorer, but I thrived in defense, blocking shots, setting up my teammates, and doing the work that didn’t always show up on a stat sheet. It turns out that mindset fits perfectly in sales and business operations, too. 

At Ross Video, my role is all about making sure the team wins together. The best sales environments, like the best teams, are built on collaboration. I don’t see success as an individual achievement—it’s about ensuring everyone is set up to do their job. If I do my job right, I’m not just closing a deal — I’m helping our clients put on an incredible live production, and I’m making sure my colleagues have what they need to make that happen. 

Thriving under pressure

Live production is a high-stakes world. There’s always another game, another show, another deadline. There’s no “we’ll do it next week” when a broadcast needs to go live tonight. That’s something I love about this industry — the pressure, the urgency, the feeling that what we do matters. 

I still remember driving equipment across the border on a long weekend to get it to Sunday Night Football on time. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary. And that’s the reality of this industry: sometimes, you step up because there’s no other option. You figure it out, you get it done, and you do it as a team. 

Advocating for clients and building relationships 

One of the biggest misconceptions about sales is that it’s just about pushing a product. But the best sales reps—the ones who really make a difference—aren’t just selling. They’re problem solvers. They’re advocates. They’re working to make sure their customers succeed, whether that’s through technology, support, or just showing up when things go wrong. 

When Bridgestone Arena (home of the Nashville Predators) suffered a flood in their control room, we had to move fast. That’s what really matters in this business; being there when things go sideways. It’s easy to take an order when everything is fine, but real relationships are built when you show up in tough moments. 

Work-life balance and mental health 

For a long time, I didn’t know how to turn that competitive energy off. And it caught up with me. In 2021, I hit burnout. Hard. I was working too much, isolated in my apartment, and suddenly realized that my entire identity had become wrapped up in work. 

That was a wake-up call. I had to learn how to separate my work and personal life — literally, by getting separate phones. I had to figure out when to push hard and when to step back. And honestly? That’s still a work in progress. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year, and it helped me understand why I hyperfocus so much on projects, sometimes at the expense of everything else. Learning how to balance ambition with sustainability has been one of the biggest challenges of my career. 

Advice for young professionals in live video production 

This industry moves fast. There’s always another event, another deal, another opportunity. But if you’re just starting out — especially as a woman in broadcasting or live events — here are some keys I wish I’d known from the beginning: 

1. Find your people. This industry is built on relationships. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends who will support you and push you forward. 

2. Be the one who shows up. Whether that’s for your clients, your team, or yourself, consistency and reliability will set you apart. 

3. Know when to step back. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Learn to recognize when you need to recharge before burnout forces you to. 

4. Advocate for yourself and others. If you’re in a leadership role, take care of your people. If you’re just starting out, find those who will have your back. 

5. Passion matters, but so does balance. Loving what you do is great, but your career should never be your entire identity. 

At the end of the day, I’m still the same person I was on the basketball court—playing defense, setting up my teammates, and doing what it takes to win. The difference is that now I’ve learned winning isn’t just about hard work. It’s also about showing up for yourself, too. Work hard, be a great teammate, and don’t lose sight of yourself along the way. 

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Stacey recently appeared on the “On to Something” podcast with Bryan Fenley, where she tells her story in full. Watch it for free on YouTube below: