Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo Artwork

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

What makes leaders tick? In the Arena podcast delves into the inner workings and personal dynamics of leadership. We’ll shine a light on the life-shaping experiences and perspectives of leaders who have navigated adversity and moved their organizations and themselves forward. Defining moments, lessons learned, and points of inspiration provide a roadmap for these conversations of a lifetime. The podcast title In the Arena has historical roots. In 1910, a year after leaving the presidency, Teddy Roosevelt gave a rousing address in Paris in which he chastised cynics and grenade-throwing critics who lambasted leaders as they worked valiantly to improve the human condition. Over time TR’s “The Man in the Arena” became indelibly linked to the nobility and struggles of leadership. In the Arena host Brad Rieger is the chief executive officer at Cooper-Smith, a full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Toledo, OH with a satellite office in Stamford, CT. Prior to working in the private sector, Brad enjoyed a meaningful 31-year career in education serving in the roles of teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is a student of the complexities and nuances of leadership and admires the strivers, trailblazers, and influencers who lead with conviction, courage, and resilience. Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

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In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo

January 17, 2026 • Brad Rieger • Season 6 • Episode 64

A laser-focused servant leader who uses a “Rise Together” approach to elevate the culture and achievement levels of the University of Toledo Athletic Department. The road Bryan took leading-up to the University of Toledo included positions as Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at Washington University, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Rice University, and administrative roles with the University of South Carolina and the NCAA Office in Indianapolis. He serves on the NCAA Division I Sports Oversight Committee and NCAA Division 1 Committee on Infractions. Bryan has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 and the Twenty Under 40 Community Leadership Award for Northwest Ohio. He earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina and an undergraduate degree in history from Wofford College. While at Wofford Bryan was a standout student-athlete who was a starting defensive lineman and captain of the football team.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023