Deloitte Consulting CEO's Second Job: Live-Streaming Georgetown University Soccer Matches
Every Friday afternoon, Dan Helfrich, CEO of Deloitte Consulting and Georgetown graduate, trades his suit for a headset and finding himself in the press box above Georgetown's soccer field. With a stat sheet in hand and an intently focused gaze on the game, Helfrich watches as the Hoyas dominate Providence with a 3-0 lead leaving the opponents struggling to find a way through Georgetown's solid defense.
Despite his hectic work schedule leading 85,000+ employees across the United States, Helfrich carves out time each fall for his "side hustle": broadcasting Georgetown men's soccer games. This passion project, stemming from his love for the sport that has given him great joy for the past 20 years, has become a significant part of his identity.
"The last 20 years have brought me immense joy that have become a huge part of my identity," he admitted. "My life doesn't feel complete without it." Helfrich began broadcasting in 2004, three years after earning his undergraduate degree from the School of Foreign Service and his master's from the McDonough School of Business in 1999. Having played soccer at Georgetown himself, Helfrich remembers being torn between pursuing sports broadcasting or consulting as a career upon graduation. Although he chose consulting, he never let go of his passion for soccer.
In his early days at Deloitte, Helfrich negotiated with his managers to leave work early on specific fall days so he could broadcast the soccer games. Since then, he has hardly missed any home games. Helfrich believes that this side hustle not only adds joy to his life but also translates into a more content, happier, and overall better version of himself as a leader at Deloitte.
"In many ways, the two jobs are mutually reinforcing," he said. "I'm a better CEO because I broadcast, and I'm a better broadcaster because of my work at Deloitte." In the press box, Helfrich practices agility, articulateness, and memorability that he applies in the fast-paced settings of the boardroom, town halls, and client meetings. Additionally, observing team dynamics during the games gives him valuable insights to apply in leading his professional teams.
Witnessing his son play soccer for Georgetown in the NCAA tournament and securing the sixth Big East championship in the program's history, in November 2021, further highlights the profound significance of Georgetown soccer for Helfrich and his family. Having started playing soccer at age five, Helfrich sees the sport as a source of lifelong joy and considers his experience at Georgetown the most formative period of his life.
As a current member of the McCourt School Advisory Board and alumnus of the McDonough School of Business, Helfrich sees no end in sight for his broadcasting gig. His place in the broadcasting booth at Georgetown feels like home, and he aims to continue building relationships with his audience for the next 40 years.
- Dan Helfrich, a Georgetown graduate and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, shares his love for soccer by broadcasting Georgetown men's soccer games, a passion project that started in 2004, representing a significant part of his identity.
- Although his career in consulting remains demanding, leading over 85,000 employees, Helfrich values the mutual reinforcement between his roles, believing that his broadcasting activities contribute to his effectiveness as a leader.
- In addition to personal satisfaction, Helfrich's broadcasting experiences provide valuable insights that he applies in leading his professional teams at Deloitte, showcasing agility, articulateness, and memorability.
- As his son follows in his footsteps by playing soccer for Georgetown and helping secure the sixth Big East championship, Helfrich views his connection to the university and its soccer program as a lifelong source of joy and a formative period in his life.
