Storytelling, Sports & Self Belief: Emmy Winner Lesley Young on Building Greyline Media
I met Lesley last year when the Tampa Bay Sun FC launched at Blake High School as part of the USL Super League. Instantly, we wondered how we didn’t already know each other. Though we don’t hang out often (#soSObusy), we’ve become friends and I’m excited for you to hear her story.
S2 E6 – What’s it all about?
In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jessica Duemig sits down with Emmy Award-winning sports producer and entrepreneur Lesley Young to explore the power of storytelling, the reality of building a career in sports, and the lessons she’s learned from the ground up. From her early start at ESPN to founding her own company, Greyline Media, Lesley shares a candid look at how passion, persistence, and the ability to connect with people have defined her professional journey.
Lesley opens up about her transition from a production assistant hustling in the live TV trenches to becoming the trusted leader brands and teams now call on to build production teams and deliver high-impact creative. Her insights on relationship-building, humility in leadership, and the importance of versatility are especially relevant for anyone trying to stand out in a crowded sports marketplace. She also shares what it really means to be a good teammate – on the field, behind the camera, or in the boardroom.
As the conversation unfolds, Lesley and Jessica reflect on generational shifts in the sports industry, including the challenges of short attention spans, the rise of streaming platforms, and the ongoing effort to create more inclusive spaces for women in sports business. There’s no sugarcoating here – just real, relatable advice from someone who’s been in the trenches and made it work on her own terms.
Whether you’re an executive looking to sharpen your leadership philosophy or a college student trying to break into the sports industry, this episode offers a grounded, human perspective on how to grow a career with intention. It’s a masterclass in staying relevant, building trust, and finding your lane – without losing sight of who you are.
Connect!
Take a look at Lesley’s website, Greyline Media.
And don’t hesitate to follow Greyline Media on social media, where she shares the cool projects she’s working on.
About Lesley Young – The Official Bio
Lesley Young is an accomplished executive producer and founder of Greyline Media, an Emmy-award winning production company known for its cinematic storytelling, high production standards, and tailored creative execution across sports, branded content, and live events. With over 17 years of experience in live sports broadcast, Lesley has built a reputation for seamlessly blending artistic vision with operational excellence—delivering premium content for major networks and high-profile sports properties.
Lesley’s career spans work with top-tier broadcasters including TNT Sports, Tennis Channel, and ESPN. She has produced everything from global tennis tournaments like Roland Garros and the Australian Open to prime-time live events such as Capital One’s The Match. At Greyline, she leads a team of creatives to execute original programming, develop sponsor-driven content, and oversee productions from concept through delivery. And she does this all while preserving the integrity and creative values that define her brand.
Whether she’s crafting behind-the-scenes player features, building infrastructure for inaugural productions, or steering multi-cam broadcasts, Lesley is known for her resourcefulness, strategic leadership, and passion for storytelling that resonates on both a human and professional level.
Catch up on Season 2 of Bright Ideas!
Be sure to watch Bright Ideas with Alan Gooch, Bill Graff, Alfred B. White, Michael Kelly and Liz Amenta today.
Missed Season 1 of Bright Ideas?
Check out Season 1 and meet Mahriah Tucker, Jinita Thakkar, Matthew Porter, Autumn Sullivan, Dianne Wintermute, Josy Martinez, Jonny Torres and Carye Farrell today!
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