Welcome To
The Collaborative LLC
Who We Are
Founded on April 6th, 2020 by University of Oregon alums, Sydnee Walker, and Ryan Ballis, The Collaborative is focused on connecting seasoned veterans in the Sports and Entertainment industry with aspiring Journalists and PR Professionals via virtual and in person fireside chats.
Through virtual and in-person fireside chats, our mission is to create meaningful access, real conversations, and lasting connections that help the next generation rise.
To date, The Collaborative has hosted 62+ fireside chat sessions with guests including: NBC's Maria Taylor, ESPN's Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark and Laura Rutledge, New Orleans Saints DE, Cameron Jordan and MLB Hall of Famer, John Smoltz to a number of Sports Executives, Play-by-Play Announcers, Sideline Reporters and more.
What began as a passion project during a global pause has grown into a trusted space for learning, mentorship, and opportunity. As we continue to expand our community, our goal remains the same: to equip emerging talent with the insight, confidence, and connections needed to lead boldly in the industry.
FEATURED GUESTS
Home to 62+ conversations with seasoned veterans from ESPN, NBC, Atlanta Hawks and beyond.
Laura Rutledge | ESPN Host, NFL Live
Marcus Spears | ESPN NFL Analyst
Ryan Clark | ESPN NFL Analyst
Maria Taylor | NBC
Host, Football Night in America
Jeff Passan | ESPN
Senior MLB Insider
Bob Rathbun | Atlanta Hawks
PxP Announcer
Meet the Founder: Sydnee Walker
CEO & Host
Meet the Founder: Sydnee Walker
CEO & Host
Every brand has a story behind it - whether that is one that leaves customers feeling informed and educated, or one that sparks joy and delight. Sydnee Walker is passionate about not only defining and articulating that story, but also developing and implementing plans which companies can utilize to tell that story and maximize their reach. Walker’s passion for communication drew her to Public Relations, where she graduated from the University of Oregon in 2021 with a double major in Journalism and PR. Walker is a former weight and hammer thrower at UO, finishing #7 All-Time in the Weight Throw. Walker is currently a Social Media Programmer at Bleacher Report, where she works on the Bleacher Report Women’s Sports (BRW) property. She previously worked at Turner Sports in the Marketing and PR department across their MLB, NBA, NHL and NCAA Properties. In her free time, Sydnee likes to workout, showcase local restaurants for her food blog and you might guess, watching sports. Walker resides in Roswell, GA and is a member of St. James Alpharetta and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Meet the Founder: Sydnee Walker
CEO & Host
Meet the Director of Strategy: Jon Walker
Walker is a seasoned strategic leader with a proven track record of driving sales, marketing, and organizational success. As Director of Strategy, Jon excels in developing and implementing forward-thinking strategies that propel businesses toward their long-term objectives. With a keen eye for market trends and a deep understanding of industry dynamics, Jon is skilled at identifying growth opportunities and crafting innovative solutions to complex challenges. Jon’s track record includes successfully implementing initiatives to enhance competitive positioning, optimize operational efficiency and capitalize on emerging market trends. He is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and is dedicated to delivering value to stakeholders. Jon enjoys pickleball, tennis, golf, cycling and a host of other outdoor activities in his spare time. Connect with Jon to explore strategic partnerships and unlock new opportunities for your organization!
FAQ for Virtual Events
What is The Collaborative?
The Collaborative LLC is focused on connecting seasoned veterans in the Sports and Entertainment Industry with aspiring Journalists and PR Professionals via virtual and in person fireside chats.
When are sessions?
Virtual sessions are once a month at 6:30PM EST unless noted otherwise. All dates and times will be communicated via Social Media and Email.
How Do I RSVP?
Guest announcements are sent out to our Newsletter List before we post on Social Media. There is a RSVP Link posted across our Social Media platforms.
I RSVP’d but didn’t receive an email, who should I contact?
All Zoom and additional information for each guest is sent out via email the day prior. If you did not receive an email, please check your junk folder. For further assistance, please DM @thecollaborativex or email thecollaborativex@gmail.com by 5PM EST the day of our session so we can send you the link!
Do I have to work in the sports industry in order to attend these sessions?
No, anyone is welcome to join us! In addition to the Sports Industry, our community is also in the Tech, Law and Real Estate Industries.
Latest Episodes
Our Services
CLIENTS
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![[PART 3] Time Out with Sydnee and Erin EP12!
To kick off Season 2. the girls discuss a wild NFL HC Carousel, Wild Card Weekend Recap and a surprising golf move. Check it out!
Catch up on our previous episodes on IG Reels.](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/617547356_18087371969108539_3094825250700000071_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=5zdw-PsaNX4Q7kNvwGXKBbT&_nc_oc=Adqeh6VuHgso9sVK0aDY2EVdh_67xUlF6U5oTks6NCiL1kQw0nUI19-s7Se7yVN3Ccg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=6d-dl8_OKvqdWSt83ff7Cg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFsQFipZR9ZeSv9sJCrDzRdR0chlfUf7O9UtCh_DsvcHDbPKxnNpwMj8XvPlAXkwkT77Re15wbe&oh=00_Af9rAXPLHGdtpIBDa_5OA3ONwxgTYiGpqaLMiJBuGlXXVA&oe=6A21D9FE)
![[PART 2] Time Out with Sydnee and Erin EP12!
To kick off Season 2. the girls discuss a wild NFL HC Carousel, Wild Card Weekend Recap and a surprising golf move. Check it out!
Catch up on our previous episodes on IG Reels.](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/615706551_18087361907108539_5220038640064869506_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=Yw7iHgMa7K8Q7kNvwF7yi5e&_nc_oc=AdrhtrR3ZviKW4QOSnK55VUR8iknyB39u4jq6tebMTxB9NSKQtjxMN45ljftJXG32j0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=6d-dl8_OKvqdWSt83ff7Cg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFNplROZvwkL4cIP35t0OVe8vtq0MY3J-RTYyl6CPSwgp-hXf-C4OM61K1CtJfp2jcPOvnLRYhv&oh=00_Af_3QmOcOaboM1dzoZS8d5DbKQqciGM322FEq7Nnsu435A&oe=6A21DEE7)
