Angelina Lawton: From Wall Street to sports technology
Angelina Lawton’s journey into the dynamic world of sports technology is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic foresight. Transitioning from a successful career in financial services at Investment Advisors, Inc., Lawton identified a significant gap in the market for efficient and impactful presentation tools within the high-stakes sports industry. This pivot wasn’t merely a career change; it was a calculated move to leverage her business acumen in an arena she was passionate about, ultimately leading her to become a prominent figure in sports technology. Her background in finance provided a robust understanding of business operations and deal-making, skills that would prove invaluable in building and scaling a tech company from the ground up.
The founding of Sportsdigita and the development of DIGIDECK
Driven by the inefficiencies she witnessed firsthand, particularly the cumbersome nature of outdated presentation tools like PowerPoint for critical business dealings, Angelina Lawton founded Sportsdigita in 2011. The core of Sportsdigita’s offering is the innovative DIGIDECK platform, a cloud-based presentation solution designed to revolutionize how teams and brands communicate and pitch. Described as “PowerPoint on steroids,” DIGIDECK provides a dynamic, interactive, and data-rich environment for sales, marketing, and client engagement. This platform has been instrumental in helping organizations streamline their communication processes, enhance their sales pitches, and ultimately drive revenue growth. The company’s commitment to in-house development ensures agility and strong product ownership, allowing them to continuously innovate and adapt to market needs.
What inspired you to found Sportsdigita?
The inspiration behind founding Sportsdigita stemmed directly from Angelina Lawton’s experiences as SVP of Corporate Communications for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. She observed the significant inefficiencies and limitations of traditional presentation methods, such as PowerPoint, when it came to closing high-stakes deals and effectively communicating complex information to clients and stakeholders. The need for a more dynamic, engaging, and data-driven approach to presentations became apparent. Lawton envisioned a solution that could not only present information but also tell a compelling story, drive conversations, and ultimately lead to better business outcomes. This desire to solve a tangible problem within the sports industry, coupled with her entrepreneurial drive, fueled the creation of Sportsdigita and its flagship DIGIDECK platform.
A pioneer in sports, technology, and entrepreneurship
Angelina Lawton stands as a true pioneer, seamlessly blending expertise across the realms of sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. Her innovative approach has not only disrupted traditional business practices within the sports industry but has also paved the way for new paradigms in how technology can be leveraged for business success. As CEO and Founder of Sportsdigita, she has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking vision, identifying opportunities where technology can provide tangible solutions to complex business challenges. Her leadership in this intersection of industries has earned her widespread recognition and positioned her as a key influencer in the ongoing evolution of sports marketing and business operations.
The power of communication and storytelling in sports
At the heart of Angelina Lawton’s philosophy is a profound understanding of the power of effective communication and purposeful storytelling. She recognizes that in the fast-paced and emotionally charged world of sports, the ability to connect with audiences, clients, and stakeholders through compelling narratives is paramount. The DIGIDECK platform, under her leadership, is designed to amplify this by providing tools that transform data into engaging stories. This approach goes beyond simply presenting facts; it’s about creating an emotional resonance that fosters stronger relationships, drives engagement, and ultimately leads to greater success in sales, partnerships, and brand building within the sports and broader business landscape.
Empowering women in technology-driven industries
Angelina Lawton is a staunch advocate for empowering women in business, particularly within male-dominated sectors like sports and technology. She actively mentors young entrepreneurs and generously shares her journey, inspiring others to break barriers and pursue their ambitions. Her own path, from Wall Street to leading a prominent sports technology company, serves as a powerful example of what is achievable. Lawton’s emphasis on women finding their niche, being problem solvers, and projecting confidence (“curb appeal”) provides actionable advice for aspiring female leaders. Her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in technology-driven industries is a cornerstone of her impactful career.
Angelina Lawton’s successes and awards
Angelina Lawton’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed, leading to a series of prestigious accolades that underscore her impact on the sports and technology sectors. Her visionary leadership and entrepreneurial achievements have positioned her as a significant figure in the business world. These recognitions highlight her ability to innovate, drive growth, and inspire others within her field.
Forbes’ ‘Most Powerful Women in U.S. Sports’ and Inc.’s ‘Female Founders’
Angelina Lawton has received significant recognition for her contributions, including being named by Forbes as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in U.S. Sports’. This prestigious inclusion speaks volumes about her influence and leadership within a highly competitive industry. Furthermore, Inc. Magazine has honored her on its ‘Female Founders’ list, acknowledging her entrepreneurial drive and success in building a thriving technology company. These accolades, along with being named to the Sports Business Journal’s ‘Game Changers’ list, solidify her reputation as a transformative leader and innovator.
The path to success: Lessons for female entrepreneurs
The journey to success for Angelina Lawton is marked by valuable lessons applicable to any aspiring female entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of being a problem solver and possessing a sense of urgency to address market needs effectively. Lawton encourages boldness and the strategic identification of a niche where one can excel and make a significant impact. She also stresses the importance of prioritizing one’s “curb appeal,” which encompasses a strong personal brand and professional presentation. Her advice is rooted in real-world experience, offering practical guidance on navigating challenges, building a business, and achieving lasting success in competitive, often male-dominated, industries.
The future of sports and technology with Angelina Lawton
Angelina Lawton is at the forefront of shaping the future of sports and technology, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Her vision extends beyond incremental improvements, aiming for transformative innovations that redefine entire industries. With the ongoing evolution of digital platforms and data analytics, Lawton is poised to lead further advancements in how technology intersects with sports, business, and communication. Her commitment to innovation ensures that the sectors she influences will continue to experience dynamic growth and exciting new developments.
Innovations redefining industries
The impact of Angelina Lawton’s work, particularly through Sportsdigita and its DIGIDECK platform, extends far beyond the sports arena. While initially designed to revolutionize how sports teams and brands conduct their business, DIGIDECK’s versatile capabilities have proven invaluable across a range of sectors. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and enterprise are now leveraging the platform’s ability to create powerful, data-driven presentations that enhance communication and drive sales. This expansion demonstrates Lawton’s foresight in developing solutions with broad applicability, showcasing her talent for creating innovations that can truly redefine how businesses operate across diverse markets.
Next goals and visions
Angelina Lawton’s ambitions continue to reach for new heights. Her stated future goal of becoming the President of a professional sports team underscores her deep commitment to the sports industry and her desire to lead at the highest level. This aspiration, coupled with her ongoing work in sports technology, highlights a vision for a future where she can influence the strategic direction of sports organizations, potentially integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative business practices. Her definition of success, which includes making a lasting impact, personal and professional growth, and empowering others, fuels her drive to achieve these ambitious objectives and continue her legacy of transformative leadership.
Leave a Reply