The Bull Riding Manager
Tina Battock (Jour’90) is the general manager of the , one of eight teams that comprise the Professional Bull Riders league. In 2022, she became the league’s only female general manager (GM). In early 2023, she was named GM of the year by her fellow GMs and coaches, and in January 2023.
How did you become GM of the Nashville Stampede?
I started at an advertising agency and then went into media sales. I worked my way up to a publisher position and ultimately an executive role. The company that I currently manage, Morris Communications, has media in the western lifestyle space and, through that, we acquired a professional bull riding team and the Nashville Stampede was born. I decided to go for the GM position because it was an opportunity to learn and develop new skills and connections. After 30 years in the same business, it’s exciting to accept new challenges.
How did your time at prepare you for a career that may have seemed unexpected to your college self?
My time at taught me to be creative, resourceful and curious. I walked away with the tools, experience and foundation to be confident to try different areas of media. It made me brave enough to say “yes” to things that I never thought of doing.
You’ve said you aren’t in the business of being the best female in your profession, rather, just the best. Do you ever feel you have to work harder to prove this as a woman?
I don’t think I have to work harder — sometimes I have to work differently but that goes both ways. I’ve been afforded opportunities because I am a female, like the Vogue article. There are seven other GMs that are just as accomplished and probably have more interesting lives, but they wanted to talk with me because I’m the outlier as a female. I work hard and hustle and I think that’s noticed and respected by the people that work with me. Any preconceptions others may have quickly fall away when you demonstrate your competence.
What are your plans for your career moving forward?
I’m at a place in my career where I want to keep building and growing businesses that I’m passionate about. The Stampede has been an incredible amount of work, but it has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done professionally. It’s a reminder to chase things that are exciting — whatever that is. You do better when your work is interesting to you.
Your team went from a last-place standing to first place — all in one season. What do you think allowed your team to make such a big change?
We didn’t quit. Persistence, focus and teamwork made it happen. It was magical.
Photos courtesy Tina Battock