Words by Omari White
So much of what I do is related to me being an athlete — and taking those learnings from understanding the fundamentals of the game and leading a team. It’s similar in business."
Anna Martin, Head of Modernization Communications at McDonald’s, passionately speaks about her transition from calling the shots on the court to doing it in the boardroom.
“It’s like the work behind the scenes you put in to understand your teammates, the work on your game and skills, build a high-performing team, how do I lead on a court and get people to come along? I take that exact same leadership skill set, style and learnings, but I apply it to business.”
Martin is no stranger to success, as her uncanny ability to get the job done carried over from her playing days at DePaul University. With a résumé as stacked as a prime Steve Nash stat line, Anna proves she’s legendary in two arenas—just like the corporate Pee Wee Kirkland. The Kentucky native went on to score over 1,500 points while finishing in the top 10 all-time in three-point goals made, assists, scoring,and games played. If that’s not elite enough, she was Unanimous First Team All Big East selection while leading the Big East in scoring during her Junior year campaign in 2012.
Big East Scholar Athlete of the Year in her senior year, Martin capped off her epic career being named AP All-American Honorable Mention and a finalist for the State Farm Wade Trophy as the nation’s best female hooper in her junior season — joining an elite list of finalists-turned-potential WNBA All-Stars like Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins, and the Ogwumike twins (Chiney & Nneka). Now that’s how you represent the “Blue Blood” nation.
Reflecting on her journey, Martin acknowledges the immense impact DePaul University had on shaping her professional career.
"DePaul set me up for life in so many ways. Truly, I am who I am, where I am professionally, and what kind of leader I am because of DePaul. I felt that my senior year when I took the jersey off for the last time. The experience, the people, and the connections were all world-class, and I knew they’d be in my corner for life. That foundation allowed me to take my career beyond basketball.”
Her playing career continued overseas, but persistent knee injuries cut it short.
"I had an agent, and the plan was to go overseas, get healthy, drop some numbers, and sign with a WNBA team that year. But knee surgeries brought my hoop dreams to an early end. I had to accept that reality and move on."
That transition, though bittersweet, led Martin into the business world—a path she was already preparing for during her time at DePaul.
"Heading into my senior year, I knew I needed experience beyond basketball. I was a marketing major in the business school, so I started seeking internships. I was lucky to land an opportunity through DePaul’s athletic department, which opened my eyes to all the different career paths available. That internship led to another with Game Seven, which eventually became Excel Sports. It all started from the connections and experiences I built at DePaul."
While at Game Seven Agency, Anna delivered an MVP-worthy performance—fittingly serendipitously during LeBron James’ MVP season—by orchestrating and executing one of the most iconic campaigns for The King. She didn’t just tell a story; she cemented a legacy, ensuring LeBron’s dominance was not only witnessed but immortalized as we all “Strive For Greatness.”
“During my time working on LeBron’s business, I was fortunate to get to know a lot of people from Klutch Sports. I saw a person that really embodies greatness, not only on the court, but the way he invested in his people, the team and the city of Cleveland. It was really inspiring to me. And it was also a moment of recognizing the impact I could have off the court. It really opened my eyes about what opportunities we’re giving and how you are bringing people along. So I really try to keep that as a north star in my career of how I can inspire people, invest in people and bring them along from any avenue of life.
Her career trajectory took her to Nike, where she became a go-to leader in building brand equity and executing campaigns that had the streets in a frenzy. During her tenure, Anna called the plays, and her team delivered game-changing moments. She played a pivotal role in some of Nike’s most electrifying storytelling campaigns and events — consisting of series such as the Next Era of Nike Women, World Cups, Olympics, NBA 75th Anniversary, World Basketball Festival in NYC, the LeBron 20 sneaker launch coinciding with Bron’s historic NBA All-Time Scoring milestones, Sabrina Ionescu, Devin Booker and Ja Morant’s Signature sneaker debuts, Nike Basketball’s “Greater Than Series” Collection, and groundbreaking NIL announcements such as the signing of JuJu Watkins. These weren’t just campaigns; they were cultural moments that left a lasting imprint.
"Everything I do is rooted in being an athlete. Even recently joining an iconic brand, McDonald’s – I learned the fundamentals of basketball, and now I do the same in business. I am learning the fundamentals of McDonalds, surrounding myself with the right people, understanding my teammates, staying curious, creative and figuring out how to build a high-performing team. It’s the same approach. Leadership, motivation, creativity and adaptability are key."
She also credits sports with teaching her how to handle adversity, a skill that has served her well in her professional career.
"Injuries were a part of my basketball journey, and they forced me to adjust. That experience directly applies to life and the business world. When there are unexpected turns, tight deadlines, or major feedback loops, I adapt and adjust the game plan. It’s all connected."
When asked to pick a basketball sneaker that best represents her journey, Martin reflects on a pivotal moment in her recruitment process.
"I wasn't a massive sneakerhead growing up because my parents kept a budget. But I do remember the difficult decision between DePaul and the University of Kentucky. My brother promised me Jordan XI basketball shoes if I decided quickly. Being from Lexington, the University of Kentucky was in my backyard, and it was a tough choice since they were like my college New York Knicks. I was going so back and forth and I loved Kentucky, but something about DePaul was just special.
Ultimately, I went with DePaul, and my brother eventually got me a pair of the Concord Jordan XI’s. It was the perfect tie-in since I’ll be going to school in Chicago — the same location MJ became legendary. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made."
From the hardwood to the corporate world, Anna Martin continues to embody the lessons of sport in every aspect of her professional journey, proving that the fundamentals of the game translate far beyond the court. And just like those iconic Jordan 11s her brother gifted her when she made her move to DePaul — a city where MJ turned legend — Anna’s legacy in hoops is only getting started. From dominating the game to leaving her mark in the marketing world, she's living proof that greatness knows no boundaries.
