
EPISODE TWO
Meet Brian DeAngelis: President, General Manager of the Winston-Salem Dash
Brian DeAngelis is the General Manager of the Winston-Salem Dash. His career is distinguished by a commitment to weaving creativity, sports, and community service into his work. Brian’s unique perspective on transforming baseball games into cultural experiences, fostering community engagement, and elevating the fan experience sets a standard for artistic leaders in sports.
“Never try. Just go in and do the idea.” - Brian DeAngelis
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“ It's not just the game- it's the experience you had watching and participating with the game.”
- Brian DeAngelis
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of the Artistic Leadership Podcast, Tiffany sits down with Brian DeAngelis, the General Manager of High-A White Sox affiliate, The Winston-Salem Dash, to discuss the intricate art of baseball from a community and creativity perspective. They dive into the shared cultural memories of baseball, strategies for engaging fans through innovative theme nights, and the dynamic, often spontaneous, nature of game-day entertainment. Brian shares his experiences from childhood memories with his grandfather to his current role and passion for elevating the fan experience. Key topics include the process of generating and executing creative promotional ideas, managing risk, and maintaining accessibility for fans. The conversation also highlights how the stadium serves as a communal stage, providing a unique blend of sports and entertainment that fosters community building and lasting memories.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:47 Brian's Early Baseball Memories
02:42 The Community Aspect of Baseball
04:24 Artistry and Leadership in Baseball
06:00 Family-Friendly Initiatives
08:03 Creative Process and Idea Generation
12:58 Challenges and Execution
17:36 Risk and Learning from Failure
18:56 Documentation and Continuous Improvement
20:07 Addressing Recurring Issues
20:30 The Fire Incident and Quick Decisions
21:21 Balancing Risk and Creativity
23:53 Sales as a Measure of Success
25:20 Enhancing Fan Experience
28:45 The Role of Players in Minor League Baseball
34:36 Making Baseball Accessible and Affordable
37:55 The Impact of Baseball on Fans
41:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
RESOURCES
Mentioned in the podcast:
Columbus, Georgia Baseball Renovation Project
Article: Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park
Article: Forty years ago, 10-cent beer makes memories
Visitor’s guide to the WS Dash:
Article: A Guide to Attending a Winston-Salem Dash Game
Article: Winston-Salem Dash Hire Brian DeAngelis as President, General Manager
Article: Winston-Salem Dash Unveil New Food Items
Article: W-S Dash earn 'Best Alternate Identity' nom for 'Hype Hens'
Learn more:
Episode Information
Song “Bodies of Water” by Tiffany Thompson