Boardroom Talks Live presented by State Farm® brought together standout voices to talk mindset, mentorship, and resilience.
Boardroom and State Farm recently co-hosted a football-themed edition of Boardroom Talks Live at Glasshouse Chelsea, where sweeping skyline views framed an intimate, high-impact conversation. Moderated by sports journalist Taylor Rooks, the conversation featured Kristyn Cook (Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer, State Farm), Victor Cruz (Super Bowl champion, investor & philanthropist), and Justin Tuck (two-time Super Bowl champion & entrepreneur) — three leaders who’ve defined their careers by betting on themselves and elevating others along the way.
The room — sprinkled with VIPs including Boardroom CEO and Co-Founder Rich Kleiman, ESPN’s Arielle Chambers, ScarLip, Gianni Lee, Rox Brown, and sportscaster Madelyn Burke — buzzed with a sense of creative momentum. And the panel delivered, weaving together candid reflections on mentorship, legacy building, navigating pressure, and staying anchored in purpose.
Across the discussion, panelists explored mentorship, handling pressure, building legacy, and staying deeply authentic — themes that echoed throughout the night. Cook emphasized the power of mindset, sharing Billie Jean King’s mantra “pressure is a privilege” as a guiding force in her approach to leadership at the highest level. Cruz reflected on carving out his football journey through sheer work ethic, noting, “I was always the one willing to stay later and work harder.” Tuck spoke about embracing versatility, refusing to shy away from new challenges. He reflected on his journey, telling the crowd, “Don’t say no to an opportunity just because you don’t know how to do it. Learn from the people who have done it before you.”
Cook also emphasized the importance of making wise choices, surrounded by that “personal board of directors” as Tuck called it. Together, they help you understand the difference between a good opportunity and a great one, noting that it’s similar to her belief that there is a meaningful difference between having any insurance and having State Farm.
Each panelist also highlighted the importance of creating a supporting cast that helps you elevate your dreams. Cook spoke movingly about her parents’ leap of faith, joining State Farm — a decision that changed her family’s trajectory and fuels her purpose today. Cruz credited Tuck for modeling how to lead both on the field and in the media spotlight. And Tuck underscored the value of leaving ego behind to learn from those who paved the way, both in football and in his newest chapter.
The evening closed on the perfect note: light bites, good energy, and Cruz jokingly pitching himself for a State Farm commercial — salsa dance included.
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