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The ROAR Podcast: Rick Wade · The ROAR Podcast

• Rick Wade: Philadelphia, summer of 2016. The Democratic National Convention is in full swing. Rick Wade and a couple of friends have heard enough speeches for one night. So they take a walk downtown, spot a marquee for a U.S. Chamber of Commerce reception, and crash the party. Inside, Rick meets Susan Clark. They're the Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President. She doesn't kick him out. He follows up with a note. And Coffee turns into a consulting role. Ten years later, Rick is Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the US Chamber of Commerce, and Suzanne Clark is president and CEO. It wasn't the first unexpected turn in his career. Rick grew up in a small textile town, Lancaster, South Carolina. His path has runs through state government, the private sector, and one phone call he was sure was a fraternity prank. Until the voice on the other end said, This is Senator Barack Obama. Today, Rick is leading the chamber's push into America's sports economy. In this conversation with Caroline, Rick explains why the world's largest business organizations is paying close attention to sports. They cover mega events like the World Cup in LA 2028, the NFL Draft coming to Washington in 2027, and the hundreds of small businesses the chamber is helping get ready to compete for that work. They also talk about the athletes Rick calls pro-CEOs, his idea for a hiring our athletes program, modeled on the chambers work with veterans, and why he believes sports is still one of the few places that brings people together. I'm Brice Clinton, and this is ROAR Podcast. Caroline Valvardi: Welcome to the ROAR Podcast. I'm your host, Caroline Valvardi. And with me today is Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the US Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to the podcast. Thank you so much for being here. Rick: Well, Caroline, thank you for having me on ROAR. Caroline Valvardi: very excited to get deep into some of these topics and very interesting angle I think that you'll bring to these conversations that we don't always necessarily have on the show and the connection to to what you do in sports. So first question is one we often ask guests and so would love to hear about your career journey. So if you can just talk us through your career journey and how you got to where you are today. Rick: Well, you know, sometimes I ask myself how I got to where I am today because I certainly haven't had, I guess, a linear pathway or trajectory in my career, but But just as background, and I grew up in a very small rural textile town back in the day in South Carolina, Lancaster, South Carolina. And we know you're, if you're familiar with Lancaster, we know you're not from Lancaster, if you ever say Lancaster. But so that's that sort of southern, southern thing that you know down in the South. But I grew up in a small textile town, family of eight, five brothers and one sister. All of my brothers followed at my father's footstep and went into the military. And I decided to go to college, inspired by Some of my local mentors, particular local dentists in South Carolina. So I went to the University of South Carolina, undergrad, and ultimately Harvard University, where I attended to receive a master's in public policy at the Kennedy School of Government and kind of had a checkered career in and out of business and government. And led me to be chief of staff for our lieutenant government. And you know, worked in as Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, and even decided back in many years ago to run for office or ran for Secretary of State of South Carolina. Didn't quite make it, but it was a wonderful experience, nonetheless. And you know, interesting enough, while at Blue Cross, Blue Shield, as I fast forward, got a really interesting call from this person who was looking for Rick Wade. And I thought it actually was one of my fraternity brothers. Is playing a prank, and he says, This is Senator Barack Obama, and I'm trying to reach Rick Wade. Well, all right, well, this is Rick Wade. So we met, and I actually resigned from Blue Cross and in 2007 moved to DC and came one of the early architects and senior advisors to then Senator Obama in his presidential campaign after he was elected. we didn't have a Secretary of Commerce, so I was asked to go hold down the fort at the U.S. Department of Commerce, which was an Amazing experience, which kind of introduced me to international trade, leading trade missions around the world, et cetera. And did that for a few years and started my own firm, sort of a global advisory consultancy, advising and working with companies who are looking to do business globally. And this is where it gets really interesting, Caroline. That's why it's not linear and certainly not clean. In 2016, I was at the Democratic Convention. In Philadelphia, and just one of those evenings where me and a couple of friends didn't want to hear any speeches. So we walk downtown Philadelphia and we see this sign, this marquee sign that says U.S. Chamber of Commerce Reception. And we kind of crashed the party. And I meet this woman named Suzanne Clark, who was executive vice president of the chamber at the time. And you know, she didn't kick us out and we had a great conversation. She let us stay, and like any smart guy, you know, I exchange. Cars and I sent her a note when I got back to DC. I'm that guy that crashed your party. love to get coffee with you. And that's how I ended up at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Actually, I started out as a consultant in 2016. she asked me to work with the chamber and work with her to build new alliances and think about strategy and how we can, as the world's largest beat business organization, be even bigger, think about new sectors and industry and diverse audiences that we've never really engaged. And So what's what started as a consultant opportunity in 2016 led to me becoming vice president and now senior VP of the US Chamber. And she's now president CEO. So that's my story. I'm sticking to it. Caroline Valvardi: Wow. Wow. So the lesson is to crash parties. So that's yes. Yeah. I also remember, Rick: Crash parties. Don't be afraid. Right? Crash parties. Caroline Valvardi: you know, the first time Barack Obama called me. No, I'm just kidding. That hasn't happened for me yet, but that's a pretty cool story. yeah, to get that type Rick: What's problem? Caroline Valvardi: of call. it very fascinating truthfully though, I mean you put yourself out there and it is, going out and meeting people and networking and you never know, where things will lead. So the thing to jump into next is at the chamber. what is the connection between the chamber and sports and what does that look like in the implementation? I don't think when people think US Chamber of Commerce, I know we've talked about this a bit of you guys have a whole you know dedicated kind of arm to sports. So if you can talk a bit about I guess that relationship and what you're doing at the chamber around sports. Rick: Yeah, but but to give context, and and then I answer specifically. But let me be let me just share with the audience, because a lot of people don't perhaps may know may not know who the US Chamber of Commerce is. I get that a lot. Caroline Valvardi: Well yeah, start there. Yes, that's good. Yep. Rick: some people think we're Department of Commerce, we're not government. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's oldest and largest business organization, over 100 years old. And think of us as the Voice for Free Enterprise. We represent the interest of some 3 million companies across America, every sector size and region of the country. You may think of that local or state chamber, depending on where you live. They're part of what we call a federation of state and local chambers. There's some 4,000 of them across the country. And then there's another partner organizational network. That we have called American Chambers of Commerce in 133 countries. So there's American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and in Ghana, comprised of US companies doing business in those countries. So we're we're, again, the largest infrastructure advocacy organization that represents the business interests of our companies who work every day to create jobs. And so that's who we are. And you know, again, my part of my job is to think about new strategies and emerging industries and markets. And as a sports enthusiast, you know, I've been kind of molling and toying around with we need to focus on the sports economy. You know, we have sectors and sections within the chamber, a cybersecurity division, an international division, a health area that focuses on different economies. And so we've been taking a deep dive on what role can the US Chamber play in helping. Helping to grow and advance America's sports economy, which, you know, by some estimates is what, over a trillion dollars. And you can't talk sports in America without talking sports economy globally. So there are a lot of issues and that we believe we can add value. If you think about all the policy issues now that perhaps weren't front and center more recently, the Protect College Sports Act. Well, that's sports. you know, what does that mean? You know, one of our biggest value propositions is our ability to convene. Yeah. And so we do a lot of convening and bringing from a bipartispartisan perspective, you know, members of Congress and stakeholders on the policy to help solve and create solutions for business. even sports betting and even AI. again, you can't think sports without thinking global. And I think a classic example is the NFL expansion globally. Well, we already have boots on the ground, companies in those various areas of the world that they're looking to expand. So we think we can add value there. And so there are just a myriad of policy issues that we believe we can affect. Also that we can convene around. We do thousands of events a year. had our first big mega sports summit last year. know, we've been hosting a lot of events around, and we're gonna do more in that regard. But it is about how we can now focus on the sports economy, add value, using our infrastructure, our talent here at the US Chamber to help grow and expand sports in America and around the world. Caroline Valvardi: all those areas we're gonna dive into deeper. So this being the ROAR podcast is our business intelligence platform. And so yes, definitely wanna get into that. but where I'll go next is we have these very large mega events very recently we've had the World Cup and then the LA Olympics will be coming. and that's just the US and of course there's all these global relationships and these really global mega events. So how does the chamber think about sports as long term economic engines? Because there's often discussion of these are just, one quick event and the public support and funding and all these things. how does the chamber look at being able to leverage these events for longer term economic growth? Rick: there's huge opportunity there and I'm very dialed in. in fact I've six years now serving on the board of USA track and field. And so we're very dialed into LA twenty eight. obviously we just came out of the World Cup. these are big economic drivers of of of of economic opportunity in these local and regional communities. And so you think about that in that regard. And there are a number of events coming up that are global. But also think about the economic impact of the Super Bowl, the economic impact of sporting events in general. And so one of the things that we're focused on is is helping to measure that economic impact. So we can, you know, do more and help cities and states bring even more events globally and support the events that are currently have ham happening domestically in the United States. We'll be bringing together B-20 in November. it's the precursor to G20, the 20 global economies in the world. Well, B-20, we'll be bringing together over 2,000, maybe 3,000 global business leaders right here to DC, led by the US Chamber. And there's a sports component to that, right? Because you're thinking about all the world events, thinking about sport as an export across America. And again, I use NFL expansion as a great example, but the NBA expansion into Africa. So how can we export sports? Right? And there's a huge value in terms of not just thinking of the talent, but infrastructure and all of the what we build in America is very valuable around the world. So there are a lot of pieces to it. Then the last thing, the other thing is thinking about the sports economy generally and broadly. we oftentimes think of it as the events, the World Cup and and football games and basketball and baseball and hockey games, but the whole sector, if you think about apparel. And other products, wearables. If you think about technology, AI, if you think about again, I referenced earlier the infrastructure. Well, somebody's building a stadium, the ticketing, and you know, it's just so much in it. The fan engagement, the marketing, those are all different businesses that are connected to sports. Not even to mention, and as I, you know, I'm I'm so fascinated with now how professional athletes and fashion, right? I mean, that is like a big Caroline Valvardi: Mm-hmm. Rick: deal now. So all of these other sectors, we have the ability to convene all of them together in an ecosystem that we can all work together collectively through the chamber to help support and advance America's sports economy again domestically as well as around the world. And that's that's exactly Caroline Valvardi: Yes, thank yeah. obviously that's something at Seregh we're dedicated to the infrastructure piece and what's around the stadiums and arenas. And when you think about that whole ecosystem of how many businesses are involved, you know, I think sometimes people as mine go to small b retail. I mean it could be small business or that's why I want to get into a little bit too of how you bounce the, you know, the big corporations and then also having the local flavor in a district too. But I think a lot of people think about the retail in it, when you think about sports entertainment district, but there's all of these other businesses that make a district. I mean it's the construction jobs and then it's, who's the property managers for these new residential buildings. it's just on and on and on. And that's obviously our area of focus. But like you said, the sports business ecosystem is just continues to grow and yeah the fashion of it grows. Rick: Yeah. And you really and you and I've had this conversation about the work that you all do, but let's not forget that, you know, all business is local. Business is Caroline Valvardi: Well. Rick: local. So whether it's that real estate, that development, there is a whole community that is impacted and affected and that benefits and that has opportunities where again, all of the small businesses in a given area or city or town or community. And so, you know, there's just real value that cascades down and up the supply chain for opportunities when it comes to sports and entertainment. Caroline Valvardi: You talked a bit about measurement and how you say that whether it's a mega event or any of the work that you're doing, and particularly from the sports lenses, you know, what the impact is or the outputs. And so and we talk about making different policy decisions and maybe related to sports. I mean, how does the chamber use data to drive policy decisions or to inform policy makers? Particularly when it comes to sports or sporting events or sports infrastructure or whatever it may be in all these evolving areas. But if you can talk a bit about that, I think that would be useful. Rick: Well well, listen, I mean, data is king. Data is is is is is a part of everything that we do. and we have a whole economic division, we have our own data teams. and because we want to make the business case for for whether it's you know engaging in a policy decision. We have companies with their they give us a lot of data and perspective on policy issues, and it's our ability to aggregate that data to decide where we can add the most value. So I don't know, we could never do what we do without data. data. And again, I mean, we we're spending a lot of time analyzing data trends, market intelligence as related to sports economy. And that'll help us inform, help inform us on which path we take, what issues that we can add value. So again, data, data is like apple pie, right? It's just that, you know, we have to have the data to help make informed decisions here at the chamber. Caroline Valvardi: And then as far as how you support the businesses, d whether large or small, now with AI and policy and regulation and it I'm sure I mean you'll be the expert on this on the different effects that it has on a, smaller business versus very large businesses. And so, how does the chamber think about supporting the small business versus the very large business and how they're actually leveraging AI also. And this can be sports related or not, but just a curiosity because you have such different size businesses and business interests. But obviously, small businesses are majority of the economic engine. so Rick: Sure. Yeah, we have I mean, we have a whole team that focuses on specifically AI and its impact and utilization and implication for small businesses. And let me also be clear, even though we may think of the world's largest business organization, something like 50, 60, if not percent or more, of our members are small businesses. And you know, we work every day to help create opportunities for small businesses. We actually have an interesting a bus traveling around the country, if you see it out there, called Free Enterprise Express. And it is it is fascinating because it's stopping at small businesses all across Across America. And part of that is helped amplify and tell the stories about the contributions that small businesses are making in our economy and across the world. But when we think about AI, I mean, our data shows that some 58, 60% of small businesses in America use generative artificial intelligence in a way, you know, whether it's boosting productivity and streamlining their daily operations and and just you know gathering market intelligence to you know to help them compete. they're using it. And our goal is To help support and even encourage more adoption of AI as a tool. So we're encouraged by what we see. We actually have a partnership with Google through our U.S. Chamber Foundation. And we launched a free educational initiative and training. And our goal is to train some 40,000 small businesses across our country on AI. And so, folks that are interested in it, you know, go to yourchamber.com and take advantage of this both in-person and virtual training that provides you ready-made tools to help you support your small business. So we're all in. We have one last division called Co. and I hope you know small businesses will go check out Co. It's a great platform for small businesses beyond AI, tools and resources to help you as a small business, just rich with resources. And so that that you know. But those are some of the ways that we add value in addition to the policy work on supporting small businesses and their growth Caroline Valvardi: Cool. Yeah, looking at your website, one of the programs I think it was called Small Business Basics B A I S I C Sorry. Very clever. Small business basics. Rick: The AI. That's exactly right. Basics. A act. Basics. That's it. Caroline Valvardi: but yeah, no, it's because that's something when I think about these sports entertainment districts, it's like you need the right mix of programming and with some of these districts we're developing office space and all these different types of uses, but there is that balance between, you need the, large corporates, to make sure that you have someone in that office space that's gonna have the tendency that you need long term and to make it sustainable, but that balance also with making sure there's opportunities for the smaller businesses and the more independent businesses, local businesses too. So I find the district. conversation and how you think about filling those spaces. Interesting of making sure there's intentionality of, how you're bringing in those businesses and making sure, that there is equitable economic opportunity. but there's the balance there. So Rick: And Carolyn, I may add, just parenthetically, because I think it was a cool event that we partnered and hosted with the NFL. NFL Caroline Valvardi: Yeah. Rick: has a vision called the NFL Source. And obviously the draft will be in Washington, DC in two thousand twenty-seven. Caroline Valvardi: yeah. Rick: We've hosted two very successful conferences here at the chamber because to your point, the NFL has been intentional as they bring the draft to to DC and you know what we call the DMV, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, to be in intentional on using small businesses. So we brought together almost 500 businesses here. at the chamber in our headquarters to meet with the NFL starting last year to start getting ready and being prepared, how to compete, how to compete in the procurement process with the NFL. So my point there, even as we think about sports and the leagues and teams and businesses, and you and I talked about this with your company, you know, you got to be intentional. And we think that you know small businesses just provide tremendous opportunity and resource for Not just a draft, but for sports in general. So that's something that I'm leading here at the chamber, the connectivity of small businesses to sports. Caroline Valvardi: Yeah, very cool. I love that. because like you s I mean, it is the intentionality because you say, it's this automatic economic impact and growth, specifically if we're talking about sports and entertainment districts or it could be other things too, but it's that does come, but it's also like to make sure it's reaching, equitably across different groups who historically may not have benefited from that type of economic growth. So yeah, there is definitely that piece that needs to be thought about. Rick: Right. Caroline Valvardi: And yeah, that all comes down to policy and the public private partnership and all that stuff. So so yeah, kind of interesting to dig into further. But I wanted to switch gears a little bit to talk about individual athletes. And so I know you guys do some programming around this, but just as individual athletes increasingly become entrepreneurs and owners and sports assets, is their activity or programming? That the chamber is providing to support athletes specifically. I think you do, but you can talk through some of that and some of the philosophy behind that too. Rick: I think this is a this is the part that I've had probably the most fun. I mean, building this whole sport strategy has been fun in itself. But I I can't tell you how many athletes, particularly professional athletes and college athletes, but on the professional level, I've intentionally met with over the last year. And one of the things that to to to to borrow somebody's phrase is first understanding that they're more than athletes, right? And the reality is At a time, as we say, the chamber, there are millions of people without jobs and millions of jobs without people, athletes have very transferable skills to business and industry. one of our most popular programs that have been around for years at the chamber is called Hiring Our Heroes, a partnership of our U.S. Chamber Foundation with a number of companies. And it really has been focused, that program has been focused on transitioning veterans and military service folks and their spouses to jobs. The data shows. There's very interesting commonality. When you think about military and athletes, teamwork. I mean, if you think it's not complicated. So, what we're looking to build is similarly like hiring our athletes. I mean, how can we get them the skills they need, the connectivity they need across business and industry, and make it more easily easy for them to transfer to jobs and to know where job openings are. I've I've you know, I've just recently spoke at the NFL Players Care Foundation. this is what they're One of their roles and responsibility is with NFL Care Players Foundation, is to help athletes transition. So we're modeling that type of work as well as all of these athletes. I call them pro CEOs. There are a number of them who own businesses. There are a number of them, if you think about the iconic Michael Jordan and Jordan Branch, who, by virtue of his brand, is a business. And so we're looking to help support those athletes who are entrepreneurs. Getting them connected to state and local chambers, building those relationships, those mentor protege relationships, getting them connected to what potentially may lead to deal flow, getting them connected to global opportunities. And I think those are all areas that the chamber can add tremendous value. So to answer your question, yes, that is a part of our strategy in supporting the growth and expansion of athletes who are business owners, who want to become business owners, and as well as those who need and want jobs. and getting those folks connected to our businesses and and the companies we represent. Caroline Valvardi: Very cool. Yeah, the military pieces I was literally just having this conversation with someone a couple of days ago about those similarities and that overlap, between military and sports and even as business owners and just some of those common characteristics. So yeah, it's very interesting. Rick: And that and and and that and that includes also obviously with with the advent of NIL, I mean you have to think about opportunities for collegiate athletes also, Caroline Valvardi: Mm. Yep. Rick: and how they think about you know managing their money, how we think about them investing, how we think about them also becoming business owners as they're not compensated so there's some work we're looking at there also at the collegiate level because you know again we have you know some 4,000 state and local chambers who have member companies at that local level and so we're exploring how we can add value to support our collegiate athletes also Caroline Valvardi: Yeah, I mean that's obviously a huge evolving space. So Rick: Yes. Caroline Valvardi: yeah, I think the more resources around that is gonna be increasingly important. I think our audience knows about some of these differences, but you can you talk a little bit more about how you see the needs of athletes as entrepreneurs kind of different from another entrepreneur or their unique situation as entrepreneurs? people take that for granted sometimes or not think about it, but they're in a very unique situation as an athlete entrepreneur or retiring athlete. And if you could just talk a little bit about, how their needs may differ or why you, have specific programming tailored towards them, what that looks like. Rick: Yeah. I think arguably if you think about athletes, and I've talked to so many of them, and it's it's not I don't think we need research to show this, but you know, most of these athletes have focused only on their sports. I mean, particularly as they rise to be professional athletes. I mean, they would tell you, I mean, from high school to college, I mean, they have been very, very like myopic in focusing on their craft, their sport. And and so I'm not sure that they've necessarily gotten the underpinning and support on how to build a business, how to think Caroline Valvardi: Mm-hmm. Rick: about, you know, sadly for some, life after sport. I've talked to some NFL players and and and and they they actually now call me Carolina, especially some of the the younger athletes. They call me OG. And so Caroline Valvardi: I was like, wait, I was like, ooh, only yes. Rick: I wear that as a badge of honor because I I find I find so much joy in having fun and and and and a number of them have asked me to be their mentors. And I think part of that is because again, they've been so focused on this sports. And even the Olympians, where I serve on the board of track and field, this has been their life work. So they haven't had the time or they haven't had the mechanism to provide them the knowledge base, the learning, the mentorship, that pathway. To life beyond sports. And so I think there is something unique there. And it's not uncommon, not differently than somebody in our military who, you know, that's what they're driven and called to do. And so I think that that distinguishes them from perhaps some of the other sectors and career pathways as people travel other trajectories than athletes. And so I think there is something unique, an opportunity avoid that that we're looking to help lean in to help help feel for these athletes. Caroline Valvardi: All right. as a leader who's moved between public service and private sector, this is always a question I have in somewhat similar space on the public affairs side, working across these different sectors. But are there differences in how you have to think and lead and work with diverse stakeholders, among all these different groups, even within public and private sector, obviously it's very broad, but even within that. people kind of look at things differently and who their stakeholders are and what is important to them. so we'd love to hear you talk a little bit about that how you manage between different types of stakeholders. Rick: Yeah, I think I think there are some core differences, but it's sorta the same end goal. I mean it's for example, I mean, having run a state agency and was integrally involved in running the Department of Commerce, which actually was like a holding company, because there are 13 agencies on the Department of Commerce that even when I got there, I wasn't aware of. That's everything from the International Trade Administration to the Census Bureau, the Board of the Economic Advisories, the United States Patent and Trademark Office. So it's kind of like an eclectic, interesting holding company of 13 different agencies. agencies and me coming out of the private sector and and been in and out of private sector, I mean one thing I found that, you know, I mean you think of the goal of the public agencies is to d deliver public services. I mean for the public, which is a little different than the private sector, which is about maximizing profit and market share. you think about the stakeholders, they're a bit different. On the public side, it is the citizen. it is, you know, the accountability to members of Congress and state legislatures and policymakers versus the private sector, where, you know, is probably is more the shareholders and the owners and the boards. So there are distinct differences. I think there are efficiencies that the public service, public sector can learn from the private sector. Accountability. I just was meeting with a delegation from Liberia, and we had a great conversation about governance. And you know, and I was offering how America's public America's private sector could have perhaps be a resource in helping them think through governance. in some of the countries in Africa. So there are some I mean, even the pace and rate of change and and those kinds of things, the use of technology. you know, I think you know, in this instance, the private sector leads in that way. You know, but the question is how can we bring the public sector into benefiting with the use of AI and technology? But with all of those differences, again, I would argue that the the end goal is the same. And that is to deliver results, whether it is for the public or whether it is for your products or your boards or shareholders. But the beauty of it. is if when they work together, public and private, working together, that is the chemistry, that's the magic, that's the moment where I think we have the greatest impact where we all win together, when public and private work together. Caroline Valvardi: I can say for sure on the from the sports the real estate development side, yeah, it's hugely important to have some alignment and finding that common ground. And I partly I asked that question too, because when you look at the public side and if it's an elected official, it's your constituents and your voter, that's you're more your focus and and making sure that the public benefit and then if you're on the private side, like you said, you're looking at your returns and profit and all that. So it's how do you find that common ground? And it's, an interesting time too, and when the world is polarized and things like that, how you find that common ground and it's the soft skills that are very important in this type of work too, to help understand where people are coming from and how do you get to that spot where you're like, Okay, we yeah. this this support, you know, have that common, you know, find where that common goal is. So yeah, very important. Rick: And listen, you raise a good point too, again, when we think about the incredible value of sport. Because we it is this is a time of polarization and division. The one unifying place still is sport. Sports Caroline Valvardi: Mm. Rick: has the power to unify, to bring people together domestically and globally. You know, there's great conversation about sports diplomacy abroad, not to replace traditional diplomacy, but sports, there's a value to that. And I think again, you know, when we think about public and private and the political uncertainty and the dynamics and politics, sports is still that institution, that one place where people come together. and and and and so we're not that's not lost on us as we engage in our work at the chamber, is how we can use sports to advance sports diplomacy, commercial diplomacy, et cetera, around the world. Caroline Valvardi: Yeah, and it's interesting that the commercial side too, and as like the business interests, I think becoming even stronger and international interests and intern international capital flows and all of that. It's like, how do you also safeguard the integrity of sport too, which I think is something important to like Rick: That's right. Caroline Valvardi: keep an eye on and making sure sport being co opted just for political interests so yeah, I think that's an interesting space to watch and making sure there's yeah, people in leadership who are, really using it for the right reasons too in in a way that's effective. So yeah, had a very interesting time. so I wanted to get to more on the personal side, just talking about you've had a very interesting career, not necessarily linear, like you said, and I think you've already mentioned some pretty cool parts of your career, but would love to hear you talk a bit about what's brought you the most joy in your career. doesn't have to be sports related, but it it can be. if there's any, favorite moments or projects that Stand out. Ms. Can you talk a bit about that? Rick: Well, you know, I gee, I think my whole career just been full of joy and brought me amazing joy and and I could probably talk about a thousand examples of that. but you know, but but but generally I'll answer that by saying, yeah, how I started. I mean growing up By societal standards poor in Lancaster, South Carolina. And my journey along the way has been with people seeing something in me that I didn't see in myself. But in return, you know, I've been intentional about trying to inspire others. That's where I get my joy. I really do. I think where I get my joy from is whether it's a word or action or deed. imparting those things on other people and just to watch the light bulb, just to watch them say, my God, you know, that one word, that one action, that one deed, that brings me joy. That's the fuel for my own engine, for Rick Wade's engine. And and it works for me. I'm not saying it works for everybody else, but it works for me. Caroline Valvardi: Mm. Rick: I have to say, you know after on the sports side by being on the board of tracking field i had the pleasure of of attending the paris summer olympics in 2024 and you know and and and and and i realized like well at some point the olympians are coming to washington to traditionally be recognized by the president of the united states and so i came up with a kind of a crazy but cool idea like we need to convene american business celebrates team usa And we did it. And it was just absolutely amazing. And there was a part of that was just as inspiring as as we think about Olympians were the Paralympians. I've gotten Caroline Valvardi: Mm-hmm. Rick: to know so many of them. And that is another area that that when you think about our amazing Paralympians who don't let their disabilities or however you want to define it prevent them from competing. And living out their own American dream, we have no reason to complain. And I I I say that to say because I've been I talk about sports in a way that athletes give me inspiration. They give they should give all of us inspiration because they build from oftentimes from places of nothingness, if you will. And and they abuse sport not only as a craft, but to lift up their families, their communities. And they're not just an export. They're more than athletes, but they do represent what I think the clear example of working hard, striving hard, doing your very best, and making it to the top. And that's, you know, I think you asked for some more when you think about the American dream. These athletes truly represent that. Caroline Valvardi: Yeah, and I can verify I was at that event for the Olympians and it was incredible. And I I don't know that I was expecting the paral Paralympians being there as well. And yeah, it has brings a whole other level to the appreciation of sport and accomplishment and all that. And so and great idea, bringing together business leaders and had a lot of the athletes coming up and trying to network with, the others in the room who aren't necessarily athletes and so it's pretty cool atmosphere. and I got to hold my first gold medal ever. Definitely wasn't mine, but Rick: Thank you. Caroline Valvardi: that was cool. but all right, so last question for you, just kind of a quick one. we can wrap things up and I can let you go. but just wanted to hear a bit about what's next for the chamber, what are you most excited about going forward. Rick: I'm excited about I'm excited about everything about the chamber. Again, you know, I have to tell you, as I said, my career has not been linear. don't think I've been on a job more than three years. I'm 10 years now at the chamber. And and and I think part of that is because of our focus on growth. you know, my the latitude that I get to build, you know, work around sports and other economies. I'm kind of engaging now in a creator economy. It's just there's so much rich opportunity here. and so I'm excited about everything we're doing to support small businesses, the global work. It's exciting, it's invigorating. It's there's always a challenge. But that's what we do. We solve problems. You know, we are for the challenges. And under the leadership of Suzanne Clark, who is I call it my North Star, I just think the future's bright for American business and certainly has been bright for me. So I'm excited every day, no matter what the challenge. Like, let's go. Caroline Valvardi: well that is a very inspiring way to end and hopefully the audience can take inspiration from that as well. So thank you. And I'll I'll let Rick: Yeah. Thank you. Caroline Valvardi: you go. But we'll we'll definitely want to have you back. So think of this as just your first time. So thank you so much for being on the podcast. Rick: Well thank you. Let's ROAR together. Caroline Valvardi: All right, love it.