Skip to content
HERstory-of-Success-header-text
HERstory-Valerie-HS

Valerie Camillo

President of Business Operations
Philadelphia Flyers & Wells Fargo Center 

    

What inspired you to join/start your business?

I started my career in management consulting, but after more than 15 years working in that field, I decided to take a shot at a lifelong dream of working in the sports and entertainment industry.  I used my business and strategic experience to get started with the data and analytics group with the NBA and then went on to work for the Washington Nationals.  That experience led me to where I am today, leading one of the country’s proudest sports franchises.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

There have been plenty of times throughout my career when I was the only woman sitting at the table, but instead of seeing that as a roadblock, I always saw it as an opportunity. I approached it as a chance to show that I not only deserved to be there and to be heard, but also to show that more women belonged at those tables, too.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

I’ll save answering this one. My career is still a work in progress!

How do you define success?

An organization like ours has so many functions and departments that serve many different purposes, so I define success as setting and then reaching a standard for performance across everything we do.  We’re successful when every part of our organization lives up to our core values, striving for excellence and supporting one another.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

If you want your voice to be heard, have something to say.  

What women inspire you and why?

Pat Summit’s leadership advice has always resonated with me tremendously. She was one of the first public female figures I could see who had an unapologetic intensity and had a visible desire to be the best. Although she’s no longer with us, I still draw inspiration from her.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Find a way to feel comfortable being your authentic self. If you’re working toward reaching new heights in your career, bringing your full self into your work is critical. If you’re trying to be someone else or live up to a persona you think you should be, you’ll have a hard time maximizing your potential.

Describe yourself in three words.

Honest, passionate, determined.

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... Remember that I’ve taken on difficult tasks and circumstances before, and that I’ll find a way to tackle this one, too.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… To appreciate the different experiences I’m gaining and know that they’re going to build on another and lead me to new challenges, new successes, and new adventures.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… My morning Dunkin’ coffee.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… Cheering on the Flyers in a full capacity Wells Fargo Center.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… Seeing more than 3,000 passionate Flyers fans return to Wells Fargo Center for the first time in nearly a year.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… Try to take at least an hour off from focusing on work to relax and reset.
Scroll To Top