LEADing the Way: The Intern Experience at LEAD

Dive into the transformative experience of interns Steven Fogarty, Amanda Irvine and Bryan Lupianez at LEAD, where sports and health tech, and venture capital meet innovation, leadership, and career growth.

LEADing the Way: The Intern Experience at LEAD

At LEAD Venture Corporation, innovation, investment, and fostering meaningful connections are at the core of what drives us. But what does it really take to thrive at the intersection of sports, health tech, and venture capital? We sat down with three dynamic individuals—Bryan Lupianez, Steven Fogarty, and Amanda Irvine—to explore how their experiences at LEAD have shaped their perspectives, leadership, and future paths.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team

Bryan Lupianez – Innovations and Investments Intern

Bryan's journey from the basketball courts at Emerson College to the MBA program at the University of Central Florida prepared him to understand both strategic and operational aspects of organizations. His current role at LEAD allows him to drive innovation within the sports and health tech sector—a field where his passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship is making waves. "The biggest lesson I've learned here is the value of collaboration," Bryan explains. "Whether you’re strategizing with colleagues or advising startups, it's all about building relationships that will push the industry forward."

Steven Fogarty – Investment Intern

A former professional hockey player with over eight years of experience in the AHL and NHL, Steven brings a unique perspective to the venture capital world. After transitioning from captain on the ice to investor, he’s focused on helping athletes navigate career transitions while investing in emerging startups that support mental health and athletic performance. "The challenges I faced as an athlete are not that different from what entrepreneurs face," Steven says. "The ability to adapt, stay resilient, and learn continuously is crucial to success in both worlds."

Amanda Irvine – MBA Investment Intern

Amanda's path has always intersected with sports—having worked at ESPN and with the Boston Bruins before moving into venture capital. An MBA candidate from Babson College, she’s passionate about empowering women in sports and driving innovation. "Being at LEAD has allowed me to combine my love for sports with my entrepreneurial spirit. It's about pushing boundaries and understanding how technology can reshape the future of athletics," Amanda reflects.

Building a Winning Team: The Power of Cohesion

When asked to describe the group dynamics at LEAD, it quickly became clear that this is a high-performing group of individuals who work seamlessly together. Steven describes the atmosphere as a "small, cohesive team" where everyone is aligned on the mission, even across various locations. "We act as a unit—when one person succeeds, we all do," he adds. "In many ways, it's like being part of a championship team. Trust and collaboration are the foundation."

Amanda adds, "At LEAD, we each bring different skills and perspectives. We’re like utility players—ready to jump into different roles and support the team whenever necessary. Our leadership feels like a well-coached team, always looking ahead and making strategic moves to secure long-term success."

Navigating Career Transitions

For many athletes, the transition from sports to the business world can be challenging. But for Steven, it’s been a journey of self-discovery and growth. "It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of being an athlete, but you have to evolve," he shares. "The skills I developed on the ice—leadership, resilience, teamwork—are the same principles I use every day at LEAD."

Amanda agrees, noting that the common thread for all three of them is a deep passion for sports. "Sports are the heartbeat of our careers. They gave us the drive to explore new ventures, whether in tech or venture capital. The transition feels natural when you’re driven by the same passions and goals," she says.

Bryan, who also has a background in leadership through his experience as class president, shares how he’s adjusted to business environments. "I’ve learned to delegate and be more available to others," he explains. "At LEAD, I focus on providing support, whether it’s collaborating with my team or assisting senior leadership with different tasks."

Leadership Lessons: Embracing Growth and Overcoming Challenges

The leadership journeys of each individual have been influenced by challenges they’ve overcome in both sports and business. Bryan recalls a pivotal moment in his graduate program when he struggled with delegation. "As class president, I had to learn how to trust my peers and give them the opportunity to lead," he reflects. "That’s something I apply at LEAD every day—whether I’m helping teammates or offering advice to startups."

Steven, who admits to being naturally introverted, found his leadership growth in his role as the 15th two-year captain in Notre Dame hockey history. "I’ve always been quiet, but leading my teammates taught me how to motivate people and lead by example," he says. "Now at LEAD, I focus on showing up every day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic."

Amanda’s leadership transformation came when she had to manage a high-pressure marketing campaign for the Boston Bruins during their 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff run. "That experience taught me to be clear, concise, and quick-thinking—especially when you have multiple things happening at once," she explains. "I bring those same skills to LEAD, where we work at a fast pace in an ever-evolving industry."

Shaping the Future: Innovations and Ideas at LEAD

The interns at LEAD are not just observing innovation; they’re driving it. Steven envisions creating an event where high-profile athletes can not only invest in, but also endorse emerging startups. "Athletes are some of the most influential figures in society. Imagine if they used their platform to support the next wave of innovation. It would bring unparalleled attention to these startups," Steven shares.

Bryan adds, "LEAD’s annual summit is an incredible opportunity to connect athletes with investors and entrepreneurs. It’s all about building that ecosystem where everyone benefits and contributes to the growth of sports and health tech."

Amanda shares her vision of expanding LEAD’s role in connecting athletes with portfolio companies. "With sports and health tech becoming more integrated, athletes will be in a position to collaborate with startups in meaningful ways—whether that’s through marketing partnerships or equity deals," she explains.

Looking Ahead: Five Years and Beyond

When asked where they see themselves in five years, there is a common theme of growth, confidence, and learning. Steven hopes to establish himself as a key player in the community, having gained valuable experience working with founders and companies at LEAD. "I want to be someone who has built a solid reputation for making the right decisions and helping the next generation of entrepreneurs," he says.

Amanda sees herself further merging her passion for sports with her entrepreneurial goals. "I want to be at the forefront of the sports tech revolution, leveraging the mentorship I’ve received at LEAD to push boundaries and drive innovation," she says.

Bryan believes his time at LEAD will set him up for success in the sports and health tech industry. "The knowledge and confidence I’ve gained will open doors to new opportunities in this space. I’m excited to be part of a transformative era in sports and technology," he says.

Key Takeaways: Confidence, Communication, and Growth

Through their work at LEAD, these individuals have learned invaluable lessons in leadership, decision-making, and communication. Bryan admires how senior leaders at LEAD ensure that everyone is aligned on key decisions. "Their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is something I hope to emulate in my future career," he shares.

Steven highlights the ethical leadership at LEAD, where decisions are always made with integrity. "The way senior leaders evaluate opportunities without compromising their morals has been truly inspiring," he explains.

Amanda stresses the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and being proactive. "Networking, staying on top of industry trends, and seeking advice from experienced professionals are skills I’m developing at LEAD. These will be invaluable as I continue my journey," she says.

At LEAD, these rising stars are not just gaining experience—they are actively shaping the future of sports innovation and venture capital. Their passion, commitment, and unique perspectives are bound to make a lasting impact in the industry for years to come.