Keep it Simple: Atila Ozkaplan’s Story
Why simplicity should be your mantra for success
Keep it simple.
That’s the perfect way to describe how Atila Ozkaplan has managed to achieve success in his career. In his role as Senior Director, Technical Logistics at NBC Sports Group, Atila manages multiple operational teams, such as production and technical logistics, set design, and studio technology integration. Atila also plans and manages all operational support functions for NBC Sports & Olympics domestically and internationally.
Without a doubt Atila’s resume is certainly impressive. Learning to keep things simple was an important lesson Atila learned early in his career, which has led to great success.
“Don’t overcomplicate things. If the task is simple, keep it simple. Don’t try to overdo things in an effort to impress, or show that you can do more. By completing all tasks efficiently and effectively, and having a great attitude about even the most basic tasks, those around you will start challenging you and adding to your plate.”
Of course, in this rapid changing world, it is hard to keep up and keep things simple, but our evolving technology is something that Atila sees as a great opportunity in sports business.
“I love how it’s an ever-changing landscape, open to new ideas and evolving technologies. The digital space is booming and is giving the viewer greater access than ever before.”
Social media has provided the consumer with more accessible content. It wasn’t too long ago when the only content the consumer would have access to was game-time coverage. Quite literally, the power of social media is in the consumer’s hands.
“Viewers today no longer have to wait until game-day to watch their favourite athletes and teams perform. Digital platforms and social media give the viewer total access through training, practices, trials, as well as the standard pre-game, game-time, and post-game action. Add to this the integration with social media, and viewers have the potential for direct contact that we only imagined while growing up.”
In May 2017, Atila joined an esteemed class of sports business professionals as he was announced as one of five recipients of this year’s 5 To Watch Canada’s Sports Business award.
“It’s humbling to be recognized as part of such an esteemed group. We’ve all taken different routes to get where we are today, and our areas of focus are so varied within the sports business field. It’s wonderful to see the diversity in backgrounds and experiences of all winners.”
For aspiring sports business professionals, Atila believes that you should always be learning, no matter what title or position a person in the organization is. There’s always something you can learn that will pay dividends further in your career.
“Be a lifelong learner. Don’t become complacent and think that you know everything there is about your field, or a given subject matter. Be open to continued education within your field. You can learn from everyone around you, whether they’re the President of your organization, or an intern on a university rotation. If you open yourself up to continually learning and development as an individual, you’ll open countless doors in your career.”
Congratulations Atila!
Atila Ozkaplan is the Senior Director, Technical Logistics at NBC Sports Group. To learn more about Atila’s story, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.
Will you be attending this year’s 5 To Watch?
The 5 to Watch Awards are presented annually to five Canadian sports business professionals who have achieved remarkable career success prior to their 40th birthdays. Canadian Sport Business Network is proud to be a community partner for the 2017 5 To Watch Awards, taking place on Thursday, June 22.
For more information about the event, please visit the event website.
