By Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Each year, I interview more than 2,000 aspiring sports professionals—students, athletes, coaches, and future front office leaders. Whether I’m on a Zoom call, at a conference, or chatting during a game, I almost always begin the same way:

“What high school did you go to?”

It may sound simple, but it’s powerful. It creates connection. It grounds us. And in an industry built on relationships, that first impression matters.

But what comes next? That’s where the real preparation begins.

Enter: The Two-Minute Drill
I use the “two-minute drill” to help professionals articulate who they are and where they’re going—clearly, confidently, and with purpose. It’s one of the most important skills you can develop.

What makes a strong two-minute drill?

1. Keep it focused. It’s not your whole résumé—it’s your highlight reel. What are the 2–3 key experiences that define you right now?

2. Adapt it. Who are you talking to? Why does your story matter to them? Make your answer feel relevant to the moment.

3. Practice it. The best introductions feel natural, not memorized. That only comes with practice and refinement.

A great two-minute drill doesn’t just share information. It builds trust, opens doors, and leaves people wanting to hear more.

In sports—as in life—you don’t always get unlimited time. You get moments. Make them count.

— Dr. Lynn Lashbrook President, Sports Management Worldwide