Entertainment Business Masters Program
Welcome to my blog, where I’ll be documenting my academic journey throughout my Master’s program in Entertainment Business. Over the next 12 months, my focus will be on expanding my understanding of the card game industry and sharpening my business management skills to help local card shops, like The Haven Games, thrive. My passion lies in fostering thriving communities within these spaces, and through my studies, I aim to deepen my knowledge of both the games and the business side that supports them.
In this blog, I’ll share what I learn in my classes and my key takeaways while I grow my knowledge, all with the goal of becoming a more valuable resource for card shops and their communities. I’m excited to explore strategies for running successful entertainment-based businesses, with a particular focus on marketing, customer engagement, and community development. By blending my love for card games with the insights I gain, I hope to contribute fresh ideas that help these businesses grow, stay sustainable, and create lasting connections for players of all kinds.
Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership
When I first started Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership, I wasn’t sure what direction I was heading in. I knew I loved games, that I had gone through the game design program at Full Sail, and that I cared deeply about the community aspect of card shops, but I hadn’t figured out how it all tied together. This course helped me slow down, step back, and really examine who I am, where I’ve been, and what I’m working toward.
One of the biggest shifts for me came from engaging with Robert Greene’s Mastery. I didn’t always connect with every strategy in the book, but the section about Occupying the Perfect Niche hit home. It made me realize that I’ve already found something I care about that’s under-appreciated, local card shops and the communities they build. These spaces aren’t just retail businesses. They’re relationship hubs, creative outlets, and safe places for people to connect over shared interests. That niche feels like home to me.
This class also helped me let go of the pressure to “make it” in game design. I used to think that was the only way to turn my love for games into a career, but through the Mastery Journey Framework, I realized I have more to offer outside of design. I’m a communicator. A connector. Someone who thrives in community-driven spaces. That’s where my leadership and potential truly shine.
The personal SWOT analysis and SMART goals I created were practical tools that gave me clarity. Setting a goal to learn more card games wasn’t just about playing, it was about becoming a more versatile, helpful member of the environment I want to grow in. Whether it’s at The Haven Games or someday at Night Owl Gaming Lounge, I want to lead by showing up, learning constantly, and finding new ways to support others in this space.
More than anything, this course taught me that leadership starts with self-awareness. It’s not about following a formula, it’s about identifying your unique value and having the courage to lean into it fully. I’m walking away from this class with a clearer sense of identity, purpose, and the belief that I do have something special to offer, even if it’s not the path I originally pictured.
Executive Leadership
My experience in Executive Leadership challenged me to think about what it really means to lead, not just manage, but inspire, serve, and grow alongside others. I used to associate leadership mostly with authority or decision-making, but this course reframed it as something much deeper: a personal responsibility rooted in character, vision, and influence.
One of the biggest eye-openers for me was learning about John C. Maxwell’s levels of leadership, especially the idea that real leadership is earned over time, not given with a title. Level 5 leaders, or “Pinnacle” leaders, represent the type of person I aspire to be. They build lasting impact by developing others and creating something bigger than themselves.
The class also pushed me to reflect on my own strengths and growth areas. I realized that my leadership style leans heavily into service and vision , I care deeply about helping people feel welcome, especially in community spaces like card shops. I want to lead by example, not by hierarchy. That means continuing to develop trust, consistency, and humility, while also learning how to confidently make tough decisions when needed.
A big takeaway from my Gabe Newell presentation was how important adaptability is in modern leadership. Vision is nothing without the ability to adjust and empower others in unpredictable situations. Valve’s success, for example, comes from Gabe’s willingness to listen to his team, take risks, and rethink traditional business structures, a reminder that leadership isn’t about control, but about cultivating freedom with direction.
This class gave me practical frameworks and personal clarity. I’m leaving it with a better sense of who I am as a leader and how I want to grow in the spaces that matter most to me.
Business Storytelling and Brand Development
Taking Business Storytelling and Brand Development helped me better understand how powerful narrative can be in shaping a brand's identity, value, and emotional connection with its audience. Going into this course, I already had a strong sense of what I care about: community, authenticity, and creating safe, welcoming spaces through card game culture. But this class gave me the tools to communicate those values effectively and in a way that resonates with others.
One of the most important takeaways for me was learning how to identify a brand’s core story and express it consistently across platforms. Whether it's through visuals, tone, or customer experience, every part of a brand should reflect its personality and mission. That clicked for me especially when I was working on the branding strategy for Plush Recording Studios. I saw how creating a limited-time cross-industry collaboration, music artists and indie game devs, wasn't just a marketing idea; it was a story about connection, ambition, and creative growth.
This class also helped me see my long-term goals more clearly. I’ve always wanted to support local card shops and help them grow, not just as a businesses, but as hubs for community and friendship. Now I see how strong branding can elevate those spaces. Whether it’s my own concept like Night Owl Gaming Lounge or supporting a place like The Haven Games, storytelling is what sets a brand apart in a competitive market. It’s how you build trust, create loyalty, and invite people into something that feels bigger than just a transaction.
By the end of the course, I felt more equipped to take my ideas and present them with intention. It’s not just about what I want to do, it’s about how I frame that vision so others can believe in it, too.
Entertainment Business Finance
In my Entertainment Business Finance class, I’ve gained a lot of valuable insights that I know will shape my career in the entertainment industry. Going into the class, my main goal was to understand how financial management works in businesses like local card shops. I wasn’t disappointed. This class broke down everything from reading balance sheets and income statements to managing cash flow, which gave me a much clearer picture of how businesses stay afloat and succeed.
One of the most eye-opening lessons was learning about financial forecasting and risk management. I never realized just how important it is to plan for unexpected expenses or market changes, especially in a creative industry like entertainment. Whether it’s a card shop dealing with inventory challenges or a production facing delays, the ability to forecast and make adjustments is crucial for long-term success.
Beyond just understanding how businesses operate, this course also helped me see the bigger picture when it comes to sustainability. I learned about the importance of balancing creativity with smart financial decisions, and how businesses can thrive while staying within their means. For anyone looking to run or manage a creative business, like a card shop, these skills are indispensable.
Overall, Entertainment Business Finance has given me practical tools I can apply to both my personal and professional life. Understanding how to manage money, budget effectively, and prepare for the unexpected will be essential as I continue to pursue my goals in the entertainment industry. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and use it to help local businesses grow and succeed in the future!
Digital Marketing
In my Digital Marketing course, I gained valuable insights into how businesses can effectively reach and engage their audience in an increasingly digital world. My goal going into the class was to learn how to develop marketing strategies that could help local card shops and entertainment businesses grow by integrating online and in-person efforts. Now that the course has wrapped up, I feel much more confident in my ability to craft effective digital marketing plans that drive real results.
One of the biggest takeaways from this course was understanding how different marketing channels such as social media, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO) work together to build a strong brand presence. Learning how to analyze audience data and track key performance metrics showed me just how important it is to make data-driven marketing decisions. Instead of relying on guesswork, businesses can use analytics to refine their approach and maximize their return on investment.
Another key lesson was the balance between digital marketing and real-world engagement. While online ads and social media outreach are powerful tools, they work best when paired with in-person experiences that create lasting customer relationships. For a business like a card shop, this could mean using digital marketing to promote in-store events, engage with the community, and encourage repeat visits.
Overall, this course has given me the tools to create marketing strategies that are both effective and sustainable. Whether I’m working with a business or launching my own venture, I now have the knowledge to build an online presence that supports real-world success. I’m excited to actively apply these skills to help local businesses grow and strengthen their communities!
Negotiation and Deal-Making
In my Negotiation and Deal-Making class, I developed a deeper understanding of how to approach negotiations strategically rather than just arguing my point. The instructor’s honest and direct teaching style made the material engaging, while his ability to step back and look at situations from a broader perspective helped me refine my own approach. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the morning debates, which encouraged me to think critically, articulate my thoughts clearly, and engage with my classmates in meaningful discussions.
A key takeaway from this class was learning how to recognize and address essential human concerns in negotiations. It’s not just about getting what you want, it’s about finding a deal that works for both parties. Whether it’s evaluating a contract or negotiating a business deal in the real world, understanding the motivations and leverage of each party is crucial. This course provided me with the practical experience needed to navigate real-life negotiations with confidence.
Beyond the classroom, these skills are invaluable in both professional and personal settings. Whether I’m negotiating business opportunities, contracts, or even everyday decisions, I now have a stronger foundation for approaching these conversations effectively. This class was a great opportunity to refine my skills and gain hands-on experience in deal-making, and I’m looking forward to applying these lessons in future endeavors.