Episode Summary: The Lindsey Anderson Show – "From Record Deals to Super Bowls with Monica Madrid"

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Lindsey Anderson Show, host Lindsey Anderson welcomes Monica Madrid, the dynamic founder of Football is Sexy. Monica shares her remarkable journey from the glitzy stages of Soul Train to establishing a thriving brand that empowers women football fans. This episode delves into Monica's diverse career, branding strategies, networking secrets, and the challenges she overcame to create a unique space in the sports industry.

Guest Introduction

Lindsey Anderson opens the episode by introducing Monica Madrid with enthusiasm:

[00:35] Lindsey Anderson: "She has built her brand by combining her love for football and her mission to empower women through fun, stylish apparel and educational content."

Monica, bringing her rich background in music and business, sets the stage for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship and personal branding.

Monica Madrid’s Background: From Soul Train to the Music Industry

Monica recounts her early days on Soul Train, highlighting her time on the show and her interactions with legendary artists:

[01:36] Monica Madrid: "I found myself on Soul Train and I was like, well, if I want to be on Soul Train, I am not going to be on the dance floor. I need to be on stage... I was on it for like four, about four or five years actually in the early 90s."

Her tenure on Soul Train provided her with invaluable insights into the music business, allowing her to network and hone her skills as a songwriter. Monica’s passion for music led her to collaborate with icons like Prince and Rick James, culminating in a record deal with Interscope Records, thanks to the influence of Tupac Shakur.

[02:47] Monica Madrid: "There was many, many meetings about me... Tupac Shakur got my record deal."

Transition to Football is Sexy: Inspiration and Vision

After experiencing the highs and lows of the music industry, Monica shares how personal loss and her love for sports inspired her next entrepreneurial venture:

[05:34] Monica Madrid: "My dad was a die-hard Niner fan. When he passed away in 2014, I realized what football meant to him and me... What if a person never had a dad like mine or a mom or grandparents to teach them the game?"

Determined to bridge the gap for women who love football but lack a community, Monica launched Football is Sexy. This brand offers educational content, stylish apparel, and an engaging platform for female football enthusiasts.

Branding and Networking: Building a Personal Brand Without a Traditional Degree

Monica attributes her success to grit, determination, and a clear vision rather than formal education. She emphasizes the importance of defining a mission and tagline that resonate with her audience:

[08:27] Monica Madrid: "If you have grit, determination, and a vision, everything is literally a click away. I listened to people with businesses and took everything in."

Her ability to pivot and adapt her brand’s focus—from teaching to creating a space where women can both talk about and learn football—demonstrates her strategic approach to branding.

Strategies for Networking and Collaboration

Monica discusses the pivotal role networking played in her journey, particularly her unexpected feature on The Kelly Clarkson Show:

[12:16] Monica Madrid: "I was just doing what I thought should be done. Kelly Clarkson's team found me, and I was in New York... People are watching, and you never know who it's going to be."

She highlights the importance of collaboration, sharing how partnering with like-minded creators has expanded her brand’s reach and fostered a supportive community:

[17:32] Monica Madrid: "A lot of it happened organically... I love to collaborate with other women that talk about their teams. It helps them more and introduces them to new audiences."

Monica’s proactive approach—searching for and reaching out to potential collaborators—has been instrumental in growing Football is Sexy into a vibrant community.

Overcoming Challenges: Being the New Kid on the Block

While Monica celebrates her successes, she also candidly addresses the obstacles she faced, particularly as a newcomer in the sports industry:

[19:11] Monica Madrid: "Some people just don't really support it. You have to keep going and appreciate the people who do support you."

She underscores the importance of resilience and continuous movement forward, despite facing resistance or indifference from established creators.

Daily Habits and Success Strategies

Monica shares her disciplined daily routine that fuels her productivity and brand management:

[21:16] Monica Madrid: "I get up 4:30, no later than 5:30 every single morning... I'm already posting before 6:00 in the morning. I'm already in the shower, I'm already at the gym."

Her structured mornings, combined with a commitment to executing daily tasks efficiently, ensure that she remains ahead in managing multiple facets of her business, from apparel to podcasting.

Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her journey, Monica offers invaluable advice:

1. Avoid 50/50 Partnerships:

   [23:41] Monica Madrid: "If you are a visionary, never do 50/50. Somebody has to have that extra percentage to make the final decision so that your company can keep moving."

2. Prepare for the Unexpected and Financial Challenges:

   [23:41] Monica Madrid: "There's so many things that you do not know that you're going to have to figure out along the way... Make sure you have a nice savings account because most businesses don't make money two to three years in."

3. Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

   Monica emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unforeseen challenges and maintaining financial stability to support long-term business growth.

Conclusion: Connecting and Growing the Community

As the episode wraps up, Monica encourages listeners to engage with Football is Sexy through their app, social media, and upcoming live events. Her heartfelt appreciation for the connection formed with Lindsey Anderson signifies the beginning of lasting professional relationships.

[26:06] Monica Madrid: "Make sure you download our free Football is Sexy app... Follow us on Instagram and all social medias."

Lindsey Anderson reinforces the key takeaways and directs listeners to valuable resources to further their business growth.

Key Takeaways

• Diversified Career Path: Monica’s journey from music to mortgage business to sports branding showcases the importance of adaptability and pursuing passions.

• Strategic Branding: Defining a clear mission and tagline is crucial in creating a resonant and impactful brand.

• Networking and Collaboration: Building meaningful relationships and collaborating with like-minded individuals can significantly expand a brand’s reach and influence.

• Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Persistence and appreciation for supportive communities are essential for overcoming obstacles as an entrepreneur.

• Disciplined Daily Routine: Maintaining a structured and productive daily schedule can drive consistent progress and success in multiple business areas.

Notable Quotes

• Monica Madrid on Vision and Branding:

  [10:21] Monica Madrid: "Where women talk and teach football... we champion women who talk that talk and walk that walk."

• Monica on Networking Realizations:

  [12:16] Monica Madrid: "People are watching, and you never know who it's going to be."

• Monica’s Morning Routine Insight:

  [21:16] Monica Madrid: "The mornings are key to my success. Getting up early is the first part of that."

Resources and Follow-Up

To connect with Monica Madrid and explore Football is Sexy, listeners can:

• Download the Football is Sexy App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.

• Follow on Social Media: Engage with their vibrant community on Instagram and other social platforms.

• Explore the Football is Sexy Podcast: Gain more insights and connect with fellow football enthusiasts.

• Check Out Stylish Apparel: Visit the Football is Sexy online store for their latest offerings.

This episode serves as an inspiring roadmap for entrepreneurs, showcasing how passion, strategic planning, and resilience can transform diverse experiences into a successful and impactful brand. Monica Madrid’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s vision and building a community around shared interests and values.