Amber Cox, VP and CMO of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, Missouri Native, and Fan of The Four Agreements 

Amber Cox is the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash (which are, respectively, a men and women’s soccer team) and it is a job that she relishes. Born and raised in the Midwest, with the understanding from her mother and grandmother that if she wanted anything she would have to “outwork others” to attain it, she now sits in a position to pass along her business knowledge to others, a mentoring role that she particularly enjoys. She also believes however that it is a mentor’s job to at times be “tough,” and push his or her protégé to new professional heights – albeit with a dose of compassion and the quality of being a good listener.

While her first job was (rather uniquely!) in her  family’s greenhouse, she quickly rose thru various sports organizations, including that of women’s basketball, but now finds soccer “incredibly exciting.”  She is also a big fan of a daily workout, along with another habit: writing down “what she is thankful for.”

Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Monett, Mo., a small town in Southwest Missouri. My first love was basketball,, and fortunately, with a lot of hard work, I earned a scholarship to play at William Woods University.

“The Woods” opened many doors for me, and after a brief stop at an advertising agency, eventually led me to a job as the Sports Information Director at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. In my five years at CC, I worked my way up to become the Assistant Athletics Director, overseeing many aspects of public relations, marketing and in-game entertainment.

From there, I landed in Phoenix as the Director of Marketing of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. I spent nine  wonderful seasons in Phoenix, eventually becoming the President of the organization. In 2014, I spent a year in New York, working for the Big East Conference as an Associate Commissioner for Women’s Basketball.

A few months ago, I moved to Houston to become the VP/CMO of the Houston Dynamo and Dash. I will always love basketball, but my first job in soccer has been incredibly exciting. Major League Soccer is experiencing tremendous growth, and the game atmosphere is electric!

What does a day in your shoes typically look like?
Every day is different, which I love. There are so many aspects that go into successfully marketing a sports team – and new things to learn daily with the ever-changing world of social media – so I am always on the lookout for ways to improve what we are doing, and how we are doing it.

What 2-3 things do you do to prepare yourself before work and is there anything you try to accomplish every day?
I try to get to the gym. It centers me before the day begins, and allows me to think about what’s ahead. I also like to write down what I am thankful for. And of course, enjoy a few cups of coffee!

What is your breakfast of choice?
Typically a shake or bar. And coffee.

What are your rituals or tips for staying energized and motivated?
Keeping a consistent workout routine is key for me away from the office. I also enjoy chatting with my peers around sports, as well as my mentees from various stages of my career. Hearing about their progress and growth always reminds me to keep things in perspective. I am in the business of marketing a sports team, but the bigger picture is really always about the success of the people I have grown to care so much about over the years.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Seeing progress in our business —  but even more than that, seeing people who work for me do well. For the most part, everyone in my department is younger, and still learning the ropes. It’s fun to see a young person mature into being a great leader!

What and who inspires you at work?
The people I work with, and for. I want my staff to be successful and achieve their career and personal aspirations. I want them to enjoy coming to work. I want to build a culture that we can be proud of, and will exist for years to come. A close second is seeing our fans having a great time at our games. Nothing beats a full stadium full of screaming fans when we score a goal!

How does your culture/background influence your work?
Midwesterners are typically very hard workers. My family was no different. My mom and grandma both taught me that if I wanted something badly enough, I had to outwork everyone to get it.

What has been your biggest obstacle in your career and how did you overcome it?
I don’t view anything as an obstacle. Every challenge is an opportunity to evaluate and improve.

What are your most steadfast ‘don’ts’ rules regarding work and the workplace, and what are your most cherished ‘do’s’?  
Don’t: Be lazy. Make excuses. Be rude.
Do: Collaborate; be a team player. Think outside the box. Have fun.

What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
You have to be a compassionate listener. I push my team to strive for excellence at all times, but I also understand that this job is only a part of who they are. I want every person in my department to know that I am in his/her corner.  Playing sports taught me that being a great leader is about being a great teammate first and foremost.

What are the unforgettable traits of role models who have inspired you most?
Being hard-working and compassionate, but tough.

How have mentors impacted your personal and professional development?
My mentors have all been extremely demanding. As a young professional, at times I thought various tactics or requests were excessive, but now I understand they simply expected nothing less than excellence from me. When I achieved the goals they set for me, I then had more belief in myself.  That’s a great gift.

What are three questions you like to ask during an interview to know if the candidate (or job) is the right fit?
I don’t really have specific questions. Obviously I want to know someone has done his/her research about the organization, and has a basic understanding of the job, but more than anything I look for passion and enthusiasm. I ask her references about work ethic. Those three things are huge for me.

Do you have a ‘Power Outfit’ that you wear for a big meeting or important work event?
The black suit!

What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
Speak up. I sit in so many meetings where men will brag on themselves for days about the smallest accomplishment. Then a woman will be asked to give a report, and say little to nothing at all. I tell the women in my office to sit up, speak up, and always be prepared to share a positive result that you’ve led or been a part of.

What book would you recommend for women just starting their career?
The Four Agreements. I recommend that to everyone. Four simple lessons that apply to so many things.

What is your favorite leisure activity after a stressful work week?
Trying out a new restaurant and enjoying a glass (or two) of wine with my partner and friends.

What is your favorite quote you try and live by?
“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”