Justin Labar, 33

General manager, TRIBLIVE High School Sports Network and TRIBLIVE Podcast Network Pittsburgh, Pa. Education: Point Park University, bachelor of arts, broadcasting

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

Commit to goals you want to achieve but don’t get too committed to one path of how to accomplish them. I wanted to work in sports broadcasting and be in a successful position. I thought I had to do the well-documented path of sending a demo reel to local television station, getting hired and trying to move to a bigger market. In 2009, Trib Total Media, whose top publication is a daily newspaper, needed more video–someone to shoot video, someone to edit video, someone who could speak on video. I could do all three. So, rather than hunt out a smaller city for local TV, I took a chance on a lesser-known path because I saw immediate opportunity in the digital space. I was involved in daily coverage for local pro teams in a top 25 market that’s ravenous for their sports coverage. Since then, at Trib Total Media, I’ve had several job titles. For each one, I’ve been the first to ever carry that title. I’ve never inherited a position from someone, which has allowed me to set my own bar and get creative with how the job gets done.

What is the best “coaching” advice you’ve ever received?

To lead from behind, which my college teacher and mentor, Jesse Colaizzi, drilled into my head. I applied that advice on being an effective leader to numerous experiences during my education and beyond. Situations involving many moving parts and people overseeing them is a regular part of my job leading our High School Sports Network. I always aim to communicate thoroughly my thoughts or instructions while leaving enough room for others’ creativity and energy to shine. This forever will be valuable advice in my relationships with my professional colleagues.