People do business with people that they like and they trust. It's not that complicated. And you sit across three feet from someone and that's how deals get made and relationships get formed. And yeah, you know, you stay in touch over the years with technology and with digital. But ultimately, it's like about spending time in person.

Welcome to How Leaders Leader's Leader. Every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the

very best leaders in the world. I break down the key learning so that by the end of the

episode, you'll have something simple. You can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about. Now, when you think about it,

we tend to work and make deals with people we like and trust. Business happens around relationships,

and over the next hour, you're going to hear from a leader who's built an incredible career

around that insight. My guest today is Chris Bevelakwa, the founder and CEO of SimpleBet.

Their enterprise sports betting software is used by companies like Caesars and Draft Kings.

Before that, Chris worked at Nike and NBC Sports, and he started the first ever 24-hour cable TV network for college sports.

With a career like that, you better believe Chris has got some fantastic stories and

insights from the world of sports business. And at every step of the way, he takes the time

to get to know people, to listen to them, and to see what makes them tick.

It's Chris's leadership superpower, and I know it's going to help you build more trust and get big things done too.

So here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours, Chris Bevelaqua.

Thank you. and soon to be yours, Chris Bevelaqua. In my research, I learned that you were a two-time All-American wrestler at Penn State

and are also in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Now, I pity the poor guy that picks on you.

Well, listen, it was a long time ago all those things happened, right?

You know, I'm now, what, 35 years removed from my wrestling career, but it made a indelible mark in my life.

And, you know, Penn State, which you mentioned a second ago,

I still follow the program to this day. And we got a head coach now my name, Michael Sanderson,

...