Executive Q&A: Lynn Agnello, Phoenix Suns

Get to know key business people in the Valley through our "Executive Q&A" feature. This month, learn more about Lynn Agnello, senior vice president for the Phoenix Suns and a member of the GPCC board. With the NBA lockout over, you may think Lynn's job has just begun, but she and her team haven't been sitting on the sidelines.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?
A. I work for one of the best brands in the country. The team’s rich history and the caliber of people I’ve been able to meet, work with and be mentored by are truly outstanding. And when I walk outside of my office, there’s a basketball game going on!

Q. What is the greatest challenge you face in your job?
A. I oversee about 25 people, and to me, that is a big responsibility in ensuring their career growth and family/work/life balance.

Q. How did you get into sales?
A. I started out in broadcast journalism. I did a little stint for the CBS affiliate in South Bend, Indiana. It wasn’t my calling, so I migrated over to advertising, sales and marketing, which is what I have grown to love.  

Q. What is the secret to your success?
A. I truly believe that the secret is surrounding yourself with good people, listening to what people are telling you and learning from experts. However, nothing compares to hard work. One of my favorite books is "The Outliers," and it talks about why successful people are successful. The theme of the book is that it takes 10,000 hours to master your craft.  

Q. What's a common misperception people have about your job?
A. They think we come in and get to go see 44 games a year. But it’s a very serious business. We’re serious about serving our fans, serving our marketing partners, serving our community. We work hard to make sure we deliver on our brand’s promise. And, of course, we have fun.

Q. What was the most interesting job you’ve had?
A. In high school, I was a flag girl for the county highway. I had my hardhat, boots and vest, and when they were paving the roads or doing repairs, I would be the one to stop the cars or flag them on. Seriously, a great tan in the making.

Q. What was the best piece of career advice you ever received?
A. The Four Agreements tells us: Always do your best, be impeccable with your word, never assume and don’t take anything personally. I try to live by those, but it’s hard.

Q. How do you like to spend your free time?
A. I have a 12-year-old son. If I’m not at work, I’m spending time with him. I also enjoy spending time with my friends.

Q. What message do you have for women?
A. Birds fly faster in formation than they do alone. I’m passionate about encouraging women to help and mentor one another. Find other women you admire and are inspired by. Get together once a month. Have a discussion about your thoughts, your goals, as well as what you want out of your life, your job and your friendships. I think women will find we all have a lot in common.

This interview, conducted by Stephanie Conner, is part of the Chamber's monthly Businesswise for Women email. To sign up for any or all of the GPCC's email communications, click here.