In Edition #239 of Industry Insider, we go down under to speak Kaitlin Mason about her career in sport, role at Baseball Australia and much more.
Tell us about yourself, what is your current role and what roles have you done previously?
My name is Kaitlin Mason, and I am Marketing, Media, Communications and Broadcast Manager at Baseball Australia.
Growing up in Brisbane and working both nationally and internationally I have had roles working in media, sports administration, journalism, sponsorship, and marketing across a multitude of sports and broadcasters such as Fox Sports, Brisbane Bullets Basketball, Commonwealth Games, New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand Basketball and Baseball Australia.
What do you do in your current role?
In my current role I wear many hats and have responsibilities in marketing, media, communications, digital, broadcast development, creative, strategy and leadership with Baseball Australia.
“Normal” isn’t a thing in sport so what does an “average” week look like for you?
That’s why I love working in sport, as every week is different and that is very true for me in my role. The work I do is very events centric. We are a small team, and we work hard to promote the brand and profile of baseball within Australia and globally. Our focus is year-round, with a particular emphasis on events and tournaments. That can include Little League, Australian Baseball League, Women’s, or Team Australia events.
How did you end up where you are right now? When did you know you wanted to work in sport?
I have always wanted to work in sport because that is what I am passionate about. I grew up playing sport at a semi-professional level, my parents were heavily involved in sport and my partner is a professional athlete, so it is natural that it is in my DNA.
It’s been a journey of dedication, time, effort, handwork with some luck to get where I am today.
My partner’s career brought us to Melbourne at the start of the pandemic and I was fortunate to be offered a role at Baseball Australia. Starting in administration, I enjoyed the challenge to progress, and I am now the Head of Marketing, Media, and Communications and Broadcast.
What is your number one focus when it comes to your work?
I always look for challenges and I like to approach things positively and have an overriding desire to demonstrate my best. Baseball is a growing sport in Australia, and we are a small team, so I find working productively together as a team is the best way to generate positive energy and good outcomes.
Teamwork and enjoying what I do are key priorities for me in my role.
Can you tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it?
Failing is part of the journey to success, learning from failure and how to approach things differently is something that I use to continue to improve.
What are you excited about in your industry at the moment?
I am excited about the further introduction and advancement of technology into sports. It will help make sport more accessible and appreciated to a much larger worldwide audience and hopefully promote encourage greater participation.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would you change?
I think we need to consider more appropriate penalties for those who de-fame, abuse, troll etc organisations, staff, teams, and players online and at games.
Sport is a hectic industry, what do you do to switch off?
I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, walking my dog, teaching Pilates and travelling.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to work in the sports industry?
- Be open to all sports and the opportunities they offer.
- Don’t be afraid to do an internship / season of work.
- Get involved and nurture your network.
- Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.
How to connect with Kaitlin Mason…
Professional Network – Kaitlin Mason on LinkedIn
Organisational Network – ABL @australianbaseballleague
Organisational Network – ondemand.baseball.com.au
Website – www.baseball.com.au
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