ft. Christian Trigg
Hustle & Leisure Spotlight: Christian Trigg
A Conversation with Esi Kokui Acolatse
In this issue of Hustle & Leisure, we sat down with Christian Trigg, the Director of Brand Development for Cal Women’s Basketball, to discuss his journey in the sports industry, the importance of supporting student-athletes, and his advice for navigating the challenges of building a career.
What do you do, and what led you to your current role?
I lead the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives for Cal Women’s Basketball, which allow college athletes to profit from their personal brands. My passion for uplifting athletes and creating equity within sports stems from my belief that women’s programs deserve the same opportunities as men’s programs.
What are the top three things that helped you get where you are today?
Number one, not making excuses for myself. A quote that has always stuck with me is, “Excuses are tools of incompetence that build monuments of nothingness and bridges that lead to nowhere.” This quote changed my perspective and has guided me through tough times. Second, the people around me. No one makes it alone—it takes a village. Support, guidance, and mentorship have been instrumental in my journey. Third, grit. The ability to push through challenges and keep sight of my goals has been key to my success.
What makes the work you do worth it? What aspect of it brings you the most joy?
It’s rewarding to see college athletes, especially women, gain opportunities through NIL initiatives. These athletes work hard, and being part of their journey to build their brands and secure deals feels impactful. Helping young women capitalize on their talents and close the gap in opportunities between men’s and women’s sports is incredibly fulfilling.
What motivates you to keep going?
What keeps me going is knowing that I’m helping to change lives, especially for women in sports. The chance to provide these athletes with opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise—whether through NIL deals or by helping them grow their personal brands—makes all the long hours worth it. It’s fulfilling to see the athletes thrive and know I’m contributing to their futures. I also have a deep personal drive to leave a legacy of equity and fairness in the sports industry. That sense of purpose pushes me through tough days.
What are some specific accomplishments you’re proud of?
I’m really proud of securing NIL deals for every player on the Cal Women’s Basketball team. Partnering with brands like Athletes Thread and Bright, I was able to create custom apparel and product endorsement opportunities for them. Every athlete received a deal, which was a major win in my first year in the role.
What was one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Early in my career with the San Francisco 49ers, I experienced tension within the organization when Colin Kaepernick took a knee in protest of racial injustice. Instead of leaving, I stayed and focused on making positive change. I led a fundraising campaign that raised over $100,000 for racial and social justice causes, including Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was from a high school teacher who told me: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, who knows you, and how you treat them.” This advice was life-changing because it taught me the power of relationships and how important it is to build meaningful connections. In my career, networking has opened doors I never thought possible. I’ve also learned to treat every relationship with respect, as you never know when paths will cross again or who might help you along the way.
What has networking done for your career?
Networking has been a game-changer. Tools like handwritten thank-you notes and business cards taught me the importance of personal touches. It’s not just about meeting people—it’s about how you make them feel and maintaining those relationships.
What are some of your most effective networking strategies?
I always lead with authenticity. When I’m networking, I don’t just focus on what someone can do for me; I think about how I can help them as well. I believe in building genuine connections rather than transactional ones. I also make sure to follow up and maintain those relationships over time, checking in even when there’s nothing I immediately need. Networking isn’t just about who you meet but about nurturing those relationships.
What is a skill you believe everyone should develop to succeed in today’s world?
The ability to build relationships and communicate effectively. In today’s competitive landscape, especially with the rise of AI, cultivating genuine connections and following through with people are crucial skills.
What does “hustle” mean to you?
For me, hustle means consistently taking steps toward your long-term goals. It’s not about burning yourself out; it’s about steady, intentional progress toward what you want.
How do you handle stress and avoid burnout?
I set aside Sundays as a day of rest with no calls or texts, and I’ve gotten good at setting boundaries. I also take care of myself through exercise and lean on my support system when I need to.
Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your field?
I’d encourage anyone starting out to find what they’re passionate about and build the right connections early. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, but you have to actively search for your path and align yourself with people and opportunities that will help you along the way.
What can’t you leave home without?
My black Nike intern notebook. It represents a pivotal moment in my career and holds notes from important meetings and relationships I’ve built over the years.
If you had 24 hours to spend in Oakland, what would you do?
Oakland is such a vibrant and diverse city, so I’d start with a good meal at Brown Sugar Kitchen for breakfast. From there, I’d check out the Oakland Museum of California to dive into the city’s rich culture and history. I’d probably spend some time at Lake Merritt, taking in the scenery, and stop by the African American Museum & Library. To finish off the day, I’d head to a local spot for live music, like Yoshi’s, to enjoy the energy of Oakland at night. It would be a day filled with food, culture, and community.
What, in your opinion, makes for a Toasted Life?
Living a Toasted Life means leveling up every day while helping others do the same. It’s about achieving your goals and paying it forward, creating a community where everyone thrives together.
