I had mixed feelings when I left my position at the University of Maryland, College Park last year. I was sad because I was leaving THE BEST SUPERVISOR (Resa Lovelace, Hi Auntie!) and the Maryland Made Terps student-athlete development program I helped birth and nurture. I was hype because I was moving into a Director role at MOGL where I’d have oversight of all education and compliance initiatives related to Name, Image, and Likeness and the NCAA ecosystem.  

Just ten months after being hired, I have been laid off. 

Not because of my leadership, performance, or the success I had in my role, but due to budget cuts. 

Nevertheless, I no longer work as the Director of Education and Compliance at MOGL.

My 30^th birthday was March 18. I had a legendary celebration on April 1 (IYKYK!) and will continue to celebrate all 2023. I GUARANTEE you that I did not wish to be unemployed as I blew out candles and took tequila shots over the last four weeks. But here we are. 

To be fair, I don’t think anyone wishes to be laid off from work – especially when inflation is kicking our ass without asking questions.

I got the news on Friday, April 14. I was content with what was happening because I had no choice – I was being let go from a role I loved and a position I was revolutionizing to be different than other NIL educators.  Over the last 72 hours, I’ve been processing the how, why, where of the decision. 

How could an organization that explicitly prioritizes education lay off their Director of Education? The macroeconomic climate is that bad?!

Why was April 14 the day to make this decision, especially after traveling Holy Cross and Washington State for campus visits over in back-to-back weeks prior?

Where can I contact as many MOGL athletes as possible to let them know I will forever be invested and committed to their evolving NIL and career journey?

Whether I receive answers to these questions or not, I am at peace because God is my bridge. 

While Director of NIL Education and Compliance, I accomplished the following: 

• Built MOGL Master, comprehensive online course covering essential NIL topics including but not limited to NIL overview, content creation, brand building, contract review, creator economy, and financial fluency 
• Established first podcast focused on educating all current and prospective NIL athletes and brands on how to ensure compliance, maximize NIL activity, and make a difference in the evolving NIL landscape
• Founded MOGL NIL Fellows Program – education offering designed to equip systemically marginalized and exploited identity communities with the skills, knowledge, and personnel to maximize their NIL potential 
• Invited to speak on behalf of MOGL for COUNTLESS speaking engagements, class lectures panels, conferences, and interviews related to athlete marketing and NIL 
• Recruited new university and collegiate partnerships to adopt MOGL’s compliance, education, and marketplace offerings 
• Increased followership on MOGL’s Instagram account by 26% 
• Managed university onboarding process through virtual orientations and on campus visits 

To name a few. 

I was the ingredient that elevated MOGL to national recognition and international awareness. 

                                                             And I was just getting started. 

But what do I know?

I am excited and looking forward to my next opportunity. I am confident this will be a role that is aligned with my mission to help all people walk in their evolving purpose. I am interested in roles related to college athlete development, athlete marketing, NIL education, international relations, career readiness, and sport diplomacy. I am also conducting a global search – remote preferred. But if place-based roles are in non-U.S. countries, I am interested!

But I need your help and appreciate your support with the following: 

1. Bring me to campus! If you are reading this and need assistance with programming related to international college athletes in the NCAA – let’s talk! My business, Walk With TFB, specializes in international college athlete development and has been endorsed by the Biden-Harris Administration. Shoot me a text, phone call, or email and let’s get it poppin! Now is a great time to get recalibrated for the summer and upcoming academic year. 
2. Slide in my DM! If you or someone you know is a recruiter in any of abovementioned functional areas, hit me line! I’d love to learn more about the organization and positions available for hire. Also add me on LinkedIn! 
3. Sign up and attend the Summit! The inaugural Internationalization and Athletics Summit is next week and we are bringing friends from around the world to share learning and insights related to athlete marketing, sport diplomacy, diversity and inclusion, and more. Organizations represented include Women Sport Australia, NFL International, NBA Africa Academy, U.S. Department of State, Global Sport Institute – don’t run, walk! Sign up here!

BONUS: Follow @WalkWithTFB on IG/Twitter and subscribe to the Walk With TFB podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

Thank y’all for your continued support of my blog, podcast, and purpose journey. Since #YCIV, y’all have been right with me every step of the way – providing encouragement, guidance, and laughs as we continue to impact the world with a relentless commitment for global change. 

I’ve been laid off, but I ain’t dead. I’m wide awake and walking with audacity and a refreshed lens of  love and joy that’s gon send shockwaves across the world. Believe me. 

Btw – New podcast episode coming THIS TUESDAY, April 18 at 6am ET. 

Tim – I love you and I’m proud of you bro. Your uniqueness is significant and vital to the world around you. This is not only another purpose awakening, but also a moment when God is making room for you to receive ALL He has promised in your life – and then some. 

Encourage somebody to be great today!

WE STILL WALKING!

Future Dr. TFB