Pros
ESPN is the gold standard in television. More than the broadcast nets, more than most other cable networks, ESPN is the choice of fans, advertisers and its business partners. It was nice to get tickets to games (good ones not just so-so ones) and get vendors, or anyone else for that matter to take your call immediately. Oddly, you don't have to be a huge sports fan (although it helps) to work there. Some of the most successful people didn't grow up in sports. Also, George Bodenheimer stands out as one of the nicest and smartest guys (common sense smart as well as business) as there ever was. He's the kind of guy you'd work for anytime.
Cons
Where to start...it's still the old boys club. No matter what anyone says, it is. If you buddy up and play golf with the boys, you're golden and they love you. It also helps to be a boy. Very few women hold senior level positions of SVP and up. ESPN is one of those places if you don't "drink the Kool-Aid" you're toast. Let's also be honest about diversity. Senior managers, for the most,part, pay lip service but do nothing about it. When a position opens up, the majority of the time it will be filled by someone who looks like the boys. Leadership is a big deal but the leadership and career advancement is focused on the boys club members.
