Work Made Human Podcast: Radhika Duggal, MLS
On this episode of Work Made Human, hosts Nichole and Jill sit down with Radhika Duggal, Chief Marketing Officer of Major League Soccer, for a candid conversation about what it means to build joyful, people-centered culture inside one of the fastest-moving sports leagues in the world.
Together, they unpack how storytelling, gratitude and trust fuel marketing in an industry powered by fans and unforgettable player narratives. Radhika shares what she’s learned since stepping into MLS, why autonomy is non-negotiable for high-performing teams and how marketing joy and escapism starts with something simple — putting people first.
Read 3 Things We Learned from Radhika Duggal About Leading with Gratitude to hear more from Radhika Duggal about teaching her five-year-old to advocate for herself (starting with ordering at restaurants), the diversity of thought she gets from her NYU executive MBA students, and marketing MLS as fun and escape.
show notes:
00:00 - Promoting MLS Quality and Stories
05:37 - Hire, Trust, Champion, Appreciate
08:11 - Passion Drives Soccer Industry
10:36 - Teaching Executive MBAs at NYU
14:25 - Be Present and Close Loops
16:06 - Empowering Women to Negotiate Confidently
19:39 - Marketing: Brand-Driven Consumer Focus
23:55 - Excited for Soccer and Future"