Dr Michael Murphy Of AirWayz On Bridging the Gap Between Professional Athletes and Their Fans
One major lesson is the importance of being intentional with my team. Understanding that different generations require different motivational approaches. I work hard to focus on creating an environment where my team feels valued and empowered. I know how well this works because I was able to retain some of my former team members.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology and social media, it’s rare to encounter platforms that deliberately steer clear of the toxicity often associated with online interactions.
Michael Murphy, the innovative mind behind Airways, is changing the game in this arena. I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael and delve into his journey from a military background to creating a unique social media app that connects sports fans with professional athletes in a safe online app. Here’s what he had to share.
Thank you so much for joining us! Let's start by giving our readers some of your background and how you started your new company.
I was born in California to a single mother and joined the military right after high school, serving in the first Ranger Battalion Division. After my military service, I returned to California and attended UC Santa Barbara where I started my first company. It was a healthcare services company called Scribe America, which I eventually sold.
The idea for Airways came from observing how little kids give up easily when faced with challenges. It was born out of a desire to create a platform free of toxicity, focusing purely on sports and showcasing the struggles and triumphs of athletes in their journey and letting their fans connect with them.
What inspired you to start Airways, and how did you go about it?
I noticed a gap in how athletes and the younger generation interacted. Athletes couldn’t be vulnerable on existing social platforms without encountering negativity. We aimed to merge the worlds of athletes and fans in a positive environment. Our first athlete to come on board was Michael Phelps. The platform is about sharing authentic stories, like Gary Player’s experiences at the PGA Championship or Emma Canoe’s challenges post-surgery.
How much change have you personally experienced when thinking about the first company you started compared to your new start up?
It was a big shift. In my previous company, I was quick to make decisions. However, transitioning from a business-to-business model to a consumer model with Airways brought new challenges, especially understanding the consumers behavior. I launched it pretty quickly knowing how hard it would be to onboard a lot of athletes. Our current trajectory wouldn’t have been possible if I would have waited too long or been overly cautious.
Can you recall a specific instance in your previous company where your quick decision-making approach may have caused challenges, especially when working with more cautious team members?
Absolutely. My exit from Scribe America was partly due to this. I always pushed for expansion and integration with technology like predictive analytics and machine learning. This vision clashed with others in the organization. Many of the investors were reluctant to change existing revenue streams, even for potential long-term gains. This difference in vision and risk tolerance was a major learning experience for me.
Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, do you have any regrets about how you navigated the challenges, especially regarding investor relationships and business direction?
Looking back, I believe we could have explored more options in 2016 during the company’s sale. My experience with private equity was eye-opening. I learned that while they can provide valuable assets, their focus is often more on immediate profits rather than long-term strategic vision and planning.
How are you applying the lessons learned from these experiences? What are you doing differently in terms of leadership and company culture?
One major lesson is the importance of being intentional with my team. Understanding that different generations require different motivational approaches. I work hard to focus on creating an environment where my team feels valued and empowered. I know how well this works because I was able to retain some of my former team members.
Your military background must have instilled some valuable leadership qualities. Can you share how your experiences in the armed forces have influenced your approach to business?
The military taught me about fortitude and grit. Going through Ranger school challenged me with extreme physical and mental challenges and helped instill a never-quit attitude. This has been the foundation of my journey because I’ve had to juggle a lot over the course of my career and that military-bred determination has been my backbone.
Launching a platform like Airways must have presented some unique challenges, especially in recruiting professional athletes. Can you share more about this journey and the platform itself?
Attracting athletes to Airways was definitely a challenge and a process. The good news is that we have some incredible athletes who believe in our vision and want to be part of it. One thing that stands out was the contrast between working with American and European agents and athletes. This led me to focus on making Airways a global platform, attracting a diverse range of professionals. The app itself is like Netflix for sports, offering exclusive content, interaction opportunities, and insights into the personal journeys of these athletes.
How do you differentiate Airways from other platforms like Instagram or YouTube?
Our main differentiator is the curated content from champion athletes, providing a complete learning and interactive experience. Unlike the scattered and sometimes unreliable content on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, Airways offers verified, high-quality insights from athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their sports. This, combined with the personal interaction opportunities, sets us apart. We aim to provide a comprehensive experience, from learning techniques to understanding the mindset and lifestyle of top athletes.
Could you give us a glimpse into your operational setup? How is your team structured, and what’s your approach to management?
My entire operation is virtual, with a core tech team of about ten people, all onshore. Most team members came from my professional network, except for our chief operating officer, whom I recruited for her fit with the company’s culture and vision. We rely on frequent virtual meetings, Slack for communication, and ClickUp for task management. My approach to leadership is to hire talented individuals and let them work autonomously, stepping in only when necessary. This has been a significant shift from my previous experience, where I had a much larger physical office space and team.
With your focus on marketing and growth, what strategies are you employing to attract more users to Airways?
Our marketing strategy, developed with the help of an agency, includes creating compelling content and engaging campaigns. One example is a viral campaign themed ‘What if they quit?’, featuring athletes imagining alternative career paths. Balancing spend and reach is critical, and we’re working on innovative ways to get more eyes on the platform while staying true to our mission and ethos.
Reflecting on your experiences with venture capital and private equity, what advice would you offer to entrepreneurs in the startup phase?
It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to remember that the board and investors are there to serve them, not the other way around. They should seek partners who add value beyond just capital, be it strategic insights, connections, or advisory support. Also, be wary of being the last investment in a fund, as it can lead to complications and internal conflicts that adversely affect the business.
Thanks Michael. I appreciate you sharing your journey and can’t wait to check out the platform and see which athletes I can connect with. Best of luck!
Click here to visit the AirWaz App.
