Humans of TMA: Basia Wojcik
Humans of TMA is a content series that showcases the diverse, interesting, and creative people that make up The Marketing Arm.
Let’s Get to Know Basia…
Can you describe what your role is at TMA and what that entails? I’m VP of sports and culture lead of sports. Day to day, I have a continuous role with several clients, including Procter & Gamble, Citrix, Samsung, Goodyear, Kohler, and Peloton. I also come in as clients or prospects have an interest or need within sports – from athlete procurement, sports sponsorship advisory/strategy/negotiations, or contract management.
What led you to this career/industry? An early interest and exposure to the business side of sports. Working for a friend’s dad who was the Athletic Director of my high school along with an internship at Northern Michigan University in the athletic department.
What’s the coolest or your favorite thing you’ve worked on? The Hilton Global Olympic Hospitality Programs (London 2012 and Rio 2016) and, most recently, talent/athlete procurement for the 2021 Peloton Olympic athlete campaign.
What three words would your closest friends use to describe you? Loyal, stubborn, humorous.
How do you bring your full self into your work? What unique perspectives do you bring? I’m an all-or-nothing type of gal! Growing up at TMA over the past 16 years has enabled me to be all in for the people and the work, a testament to the company and the people who work here. I’m able to bring my expertise and passion for/knowledge of the sports industry to fuel the work and Creativity That Matters across the full agency and client teams.
Where do you find inspiration? My friends and family. Most have jobs outside of marketing — jobs that keep the world running, including some that actually save lives. If that’s their challenge each day, surely, we can keep things moving on the marketing side. Internally it’s from the team I am surrounded by, incredible people all with a unique perspective, so it’s all about collaboration and making sure we can have fun and laugh along the way.
What is your guilty pleasure? Anything Tom Izzo and Michigan State Spartan basketball, anything Tom Selleck, and the smell of skunk.
What causes are you supportive of and why? The kids! It’s always about the kids. Ways to support and inspire young people in ways that might impact their lives and better the future.
What’s your hobby or passion project outside of TMA? Coaching middle school boys basketball. Go Hawks!
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? “It’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you…” — A former boss of mine.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about you? I let the dogs out…
What has been your favorite cultural moment of the last few years? Tough question, but lately it’s been witnessing how resilient most people have been with all of this unknown. Seeing people’s true colors on social media and determining if that brings positive or negative energy to my day/week/year/life (#unfriend Mondays). More recently, I’d say the Super Bowl. Being able to get back out there at live events, meet with client face to face, and reconnect with my amazing team.
Quick Hits…
What would be the name of your TED Talk? “Why so serious…” In marketing and in life, sometimes you need to pause to put things into perspective and ask yourself, “What does this moment mean in the bigger picture of life?”
What are you watching? All the sports! Currently my absolute favorite time of year is upon us, March Madness for college basketball!
What are you reading? Untamed, by Glennon Doyle.
What are you listening to? Podcasts, including Dear Chelsea and To Live and Die in LA.
Who are you following? Mostly friends and family, but also some other bad-ass women like Chelsea Handler, Sue Bird, April Ross, Allyson Felix, Lindsey Vonn, Glennon Doyle, and Amy Schumer.
What are you ignoring? Daily TV news coverage #debbiedowner.
Photography: John Gress
Basia Wojcik | VP of Sports | Chicago Office
Born and raised in scenic Marquette, Michigan – in the upper peninsula, not the mitten! – Basia Wojcik has spent 16 marvelous years at TMA. She began in Dallas where she lived for six years before making her way north to Chicago, where she has called home for the last 10 years. Working in sports as the culture expert lead, Basia is a Michigan State graduate and a fervent supporter of the Spartans.
