A Q&A with Gayle Benson

A Q&A with Gayle Benson, Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans

Q You took over the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans under incredibly difficult circumstances after the death of your husband. How did you navigate this transition period?

A “It was certainly a very difficult time for me and our organization, but I was blessed to have the strength of my faith and a staff that is so committed to doing what is best for our team and community. Resilience is something that is part of our DNA in our region and, together, we were able to move forward. My husband always said, ‘Tough times don’t last, but tough people do’ — and we all try to live by those words.”

Q Tell me a little about your relationships with the coaches of your teams.

A “They are not dissimilar from many relationships in our organization. I have always believed in hiring the very best people you can and letting them do their jobs. I believe it is my job to give them all the resources and support they need to get the job done. Fortunately, the expectations they have for themselves are just as high as the expectations I have — winning championships.”

Q Can you share some of your most significant experiences and challenges as the owner of the Saints and the Pelicans?

A “Every day presents a new set of challenges; that’s simply the way of the world we live in. The world of professional sports is certainly fascinating and highly visible, and I learned early on that you must have a thick skin in this business. My husband, Tom, was mindful of sharing so many of his experiences and successes with me as he prepared me for this role that I am in today. I feel a tremendous responsibility to help lead teams — and people — that our community will be proud of.”

Q Can you discuss the importance of community involvement for your teams?

A “Having grown up in New Orleans, I understand how much the Saints mean to people, and now the Pelicans too. If you look at the players who are most beloved in our community, every one of them is not just a great statistical player; they are the ones who have been most involved in serving and being a part of New Orleans and the Gulf South. I know that each person has something that moves and motivates them, and they strive to make a positive influence in our community; it is my goal to support them in worthwhile causes. I love to see the passion so many of them pour into their community efforts, and they are done for the right reasons and not for show. We are committed to our city and state, and we want to make meaningful and honest contributions. Those are daily commitments, not something we can just do when we feel like it.”

Q How do you balance the demands of owning two major sports franchises while also managing such a broad portfolio of businesses and philanthropic endeavors?

A “It goes back to my previous comments. I feel my job is to clearly communicate what we are trying to accomplish and provide the support and resources to accomplish goals. We have different businesses with different departments, but the goals are common. With the number of games and other commitments I have it does not leave me with a lot of free time, but I like being busy and I enjoy work.”

Q What is your vision for the future of the Saints and the Pelicans? Are there any major changes or initiatives you hope to implement in the coming years?

A “My vision is winning championships that unite our city and region, and making meaningful contributions to our communities. We are always evolving and implementing new strategies, and each one is focused on making our fans first. I am really excited about the ongoing renovations of the Caesars Superdome. The result will be truly transformative, making the game experience significantly better for our fans. I think it is the perfect balance of preserving what people love about the Dome while adding all the modern conveniences fans expect and deserve.

Q Can you share any personal experiences or values that have shaped your approach to leadership, both within your sports teams and in your other ventures?

A “I have been blessed to be around some truly inspirational leaders across the different industries I am involved in, and the very best have the same characteristic of making it a point to share or give credit, rather than take it. The leaders who have the biggest impact, in my opinion, have most often been the ones who make it a point to build people up, who mentor and invest in others’ success. That kind of leadership is not just about being a good person; it is the best way to ensure success for yourself. The fact is, the higher you go, the

more people you depend on for your personnel’s success. Investing in their success is also an investment in your success.”

Q From your perspective, what do the Saints mean to the city of New Orleans?

A “As I said, I am well aware of how much the Saints mean to New Orleans and feel a tremendous responsibility to make our community proud. We face a lot of challenges and difficulties here, as many places do, but our games have always been a place where everyone comes together, regardless of background, to join in a common purpose. I know how much it lifts the spirits of people when we win — and how much it hurts when we don’t. The bond between our team and fans is unique in sports — it truly is a family, and we lean on each other in good and bad times. My goal, and our team’s goal, is to make sure there are many more good times than bad! I can’t wait for the season to start and I look forward to celebrating many, many good times this year.”