Josh Grunberg is Head of Community Development & Growth at Whistle Sports, leading global partnerships and talent.
Whistle Sports is the global sports media network and community for today’s generation with creator partners including Dude Perfect, Team Edge, Indi Cowie and The F2 Freestylers. It’s official partner of NFL, MLB and sports broadcasters like NBC Sports and Sky Sports. Whistle Sports creates, curates and distributes highly engaging video content across social, digital, over-the-top and linear TV platforms.
Past work experience of Josh Grunberg includes TSN and Canucks Sports & Entertainment.
Q&A – professional life
What was your first sports job?
I was an intern at a sports radio station in Toronto, The FAN 590 working primarily evenings and weekends cutting tape for Jays Talk.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Thoughtful
What is your strongest personal quality?
Loyalty. I believe in people, building teams, the power of collaboration and having empathy for the challenges others face.
What do you feel most proud of in your career?
While working at TSN, I was assigned as a field producer to multiple Stanley Cup Final’s (NHL), traveling to each game and was actually on the ice while the teams would celebrate with the Cup. At that point, I knew I was actually living a dream.
One thing you wish you knew when you started your career?
To have more fun and enjoy every moment. It’s the first bit of advice I give to younger colleagues and those seeking career advice.
PC or Mac?
Mac. I forget how to use a PC.
What trend(s) will dominate sports industry in next years?
If I knew the answer to this, I wouldn’t be here right now ;) That said, I think just seeing the beginning of what will be an enormous shift in how fans consume live sports content.
Q&A – personal life
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to play in the NHL. I wanted to grow a beard and win the Stanley Cup. I knew quite early that wasn’t an option, so I thought the next best thing would be to be a sports journalist. Aside from playing hockey, my greatest passion was (and still is) telling stories, so I thought that would be a great option.
What’s your favourite book?
To Kill A Mockingbird was, and still is, the most important book I’ve ever read.
Which words do you most overuse?
There are too many to list, but there’s so much start-up jargon I’ve fallen victim to. Drive. Power. Bring to life… They are probably the top three. Then there is WFH, EOW, EOD, YTD, QTD, OOO…
Do you play any sport?
I have a two-year-old. I wish.
Who’s your favourite athlete?
Roger Federer
Who would you invite to your dream dinner?
Steve Jobs and Terry Fox
What is top of your bucket list?
I’d like to set foot on every continent.
What 3 things would you take with you to a desert island?
I’d probably start with a book on how to survive on a deserted island. Then I’d likely want a Swiss Army Knife. My one album would be Weezer’s ‘Pinkerton’.
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