In this powerful Episode 5 of The Words Matter Podcast, host Christopher Rivers sits down with longtime sports marketing executive Jim Gatto for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about family, resilience, legacy, and reinvention.

Jim takes us back to his early days, reflecting on the role basketball and family played in shaping his path, including the impact of his time at Elmira College and the lasting lessons passed down from his father.

He shares what first drew him into sports marketing and how that curiosity eventually led to a 25-year career at adidas, where he helped negotiate some of the most iconic endorsement deals in basketball history.Jim opens up about the highs and lows of the industry, including navigating adversity, stepping away, and ultimately reinventing himself as Founder and President of Leap Marketing Group.

He reflects on leadership, relationship building, and the importance of integrity over time.The conversation also turns personal, as Jim speaks about the grounding influence of his wife Rachel and his children Jack and Grace, shares stories about Kobe Bryant, ABCD Camp memories, and even a fun alternate path that once had him considering culinary school.This episode is a reminder that legacy is built through character, consistency, and the people who stand with you when it matters most.#WordsMatterPodcastPDX#WordsMatter#JimGatto

#Leadership#SportsMarketing#BasketballCulture

#adidasBasketball#SportsBusiness#CareerJourney

#Legacy#Mentorship#ChrisRiversRAPP#OnePercentBetter

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