Kourtney Sanchez
Kourtney Sanchez takes over as CEO of United Way Suncoast after leading community impact initiatives for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She discusses leadership, family, Tampa Bay and the advice that still guides her career.
Early Years
College alma mater
University of Florida for my bachelor’s degree and Duke University for my master’s degree.
First job
Sales associate at American Eagle.
Favorite TV show of all time
The Office or Gilmore Girls.
Place in Tampa Bay where you do your best thinking
Walking along the water on Coffee Pot Boulevard.
Most used phone app
Messages.
Daily Habits
Wake-up time on workdays
6 a.m. or earlier if I’m catching a Pilates class.
Habit you rely on when your schedule gets overwhelming
Handwritten to-do lists, or morning dance parties with my kids to start the day off right.
First album you bought
Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time.
Local restaurant you recommend most often
Olivia or Hook’s.
Last book you finished
Start With Yourself by Emma Grede.
“Never run from a job.
Kourtney Sanchez
Run to a job.”
Leadership
A decision you would make differently today
Not to sound cliché, but I wouldn’t change any of my decisions because they’ve led me to where I am today.
First cell phone
Nokia.
Skill you had to learn the hard way
I’ve spent years intentionally building my emotional intelligence. This isn’t something I’ve “learned the hard way,” but it’s a skill I work on every day.
“I’ve spent years intentionally building my emotional intelligence.”
Most famous person you’ve met
Erin Andrews.
Last thing that made you laugh out loud
Always something my 4-year-old does or says.
Personal
Movie you will never watch again
Any of the Saw movies. I saw the original more than 20 years ago, and it still haunts me.
Last place you traveled for fun
A fall road trip with my sisters from Portland to Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and Salem.
Charity or cause you support
United Way Suncoast, of course.
Something you were overly confident about early in life
Singing, although I did sing at my high school graduation.
Best advice you still think about
“Never run from a job, run to a job.”
About Kourtney Sanchez
Kourtney Sanchez is the incoming CEO of United Way Suncoast and previously served as chief impact officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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