8 | | JANUARY 2026By Michael Davies, EVP of Field & Technical Management and Operations, FOX SportsMichael Davies' leadership is about shaping the environment in which people thrive. In the relentless pace of live sports, where days run long and pressures run higher, he believes strength comes from culture--teams that genuinely get along, communicate openly and look to their leaders for direction and example. By setting the tone for what truly matters, he transforms challenges into moments of resilience and shared success.Measuring Impact Beyond the MetricsI get asked this often, `when do you know something truly worked?' The reality is there is no perfectly scientific way to measure it. When we developed the high-sky camera with its high-resolution, high-frame rate capability, we knew almost immediately because the talent explained how valuable it was in breaking down plays.At other times, success is more instinctive, using what we call the bar test: if someone is watching in a bar, can they instantly recognize the effect? We also turn to Twitter and other social platforms to gauge real-time reactions and keep conversations going with fans.Some innovations evolve into table stakes. In 2015, we introduced the first live and legal drone shoot at Tiburon Golf Club for the Shark Shootout. That experiment marked the beginning of drones becoming a broadcast expectation.At Fox, we call these innovations Unique Visual Differences, or UVDs. They are our North Star. Culture as the Core of LeadershipLeadership needs to do a few things to succeed. It is important to lead by example. This applies to professional habits and acumen but, more importantly, to culture. One of a leader's primary responsibilities is to set the environment and determine what truly matters for the people they work with.The reality is that we operate in a stressful, real-time and often difficult environment. Days are long, seasons are longer and people spend significant time away from their families and friends. At Fox, I believe our strength is that we genuinely get along. We work with a relatively small team, something that has been part of Fox's DNA from the beginning. Because of this, communication is essential to eliminate unnecessary challenges and focus on the real ones. Leaders must always be aware that their actions and reactions are closely observed and magnified by their teams.DRIVING FAN EXPERIENCES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND LEADERSHIPIN MY OPINIONMichael Davies
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