Disrupting Higher Ed: Mateo Valdez Launches Gen Z into the Pro Sports Business World
Fewer than 30% of high school students feel ready for careers after graduation. On the latest Disruption Interruption episode, Mateo Valdez, founder of Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group (GSCG), explains how his student-led consultancy is transforming education with hands-on, real-world learning that bridges the gap between academics and career readiness.
TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fewer than 30% of high school students feel "very prepared" for postsecondary opportunities, according to a recent Gallup study.(1) Many educational systems cling to outdated, theory-heavy approaches that fail to prepare students for real-world careers. On the latest episode of Disruption Interruption, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) welcomes Mateo Valdez, founder of Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group (GSCG), to explore how his student-led consultancy bridges the gap between traditional education and hands-on experience.
"Don't be imprisoned by the status quo," says Mateo. "Just because you hear everyone doing something one way, doesn't mean you have to follow. Real learning happens when students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges."
Traditional Education's Outdated Playbook
The rigidity of traditional education systems has left millions of students underprepared for the complexities of today's professional world. Despite paying a premium for their degrees, graduates often find themselves lacking skills needed for career success.
Valdez discovered this painful truth through his own academic struggles. "Growing up, I loved learning, but the system never worked for me. I used to think I was incapable until I realized the problem wasn't me; it was an outdated system that clung to theory while ignoring real-world application."
During the COVID-19 lockdown, he reflected on his education and the arbitrary structures holding it back. "The whole system felt claustrophobic. We're taught to chase grades that don't align with real-world productivity," he explained.
Drawing inspiration from Gonzaga University's strong sports culture, Mateo tapped into the enthusiasm surrounding the university's basketball-fueled brand. Recognizing an opportunity in sports business consulting, he set out to create a hands-on learning model where students could tackle real-world challenges while connecting with top industry leaders.
The Gonzaga Sports Consulting Group Solution
The Gonzaga Sports Consulting Group (GSCG) is disrupting education by offering students the chance to work directly with elite sports organizations. GSCG pairs student teams with major brands to tackle semester-long projects in areas like marketing, ticketing strategies, partnerships, and customer engagement.
"Forget lectures and textbooks. We give students meaningful opportunities to collaborate with high-profile clients. It's a win-win situation. Clients gain fresh perspectives from Gen Z, and students gain hands-on experience that sets them apart in competitive job markets," shared Valdez.
This groundbreaking approach has garnered attention far beyond campus. GSCG has not only served nearly 20 major sports brands but has also directly contributed to hiring opportunities."Nothing beats watching our students present their ideas to executives of their dream teams. Seeing their work implemented in the real world is even more rewarding," reflected Valdez.
By fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth, GSCG builds a dynamic environment that empowers students to define their own paths to success. "For me, hands-on learning revolutionized my education. It's my hope that tools like this will inspire future leaders to tackle systemic inefficiencies across industries," Valdez added.
Links
Disrupting Higher Ed: From Textbooks to NFL Deals—The New Path to Success, with Mateo Valdez
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-valdez
Company Website: https://www.gonzaga.edu
Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.
Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify.
About Disruption Interruption™
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at www.disruption-interruption.com.
About Mateo Valdez
Mateo Valdez is redefining success for the next generation of business leaders by bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world experience. As founder of the Gonzaga Sports Consulting Group (GSCG), he built a student-led consultancy that has delivered business solutions to nearly 20 major sports organizations—including the NFL, MLS, Toronto Blue Jays, and New Balance—while creating a scalable model for experiential education.
Recognized by Inside Higher Ed, Gonzaga University, and awarded by the University of Michigan Sport Business Conference and Eastern Washington University's Center for Entrepreneurship, Mateo is gaining national attention for disrupting traditional education. Under his leadership, nearly 100 students have taken on high-stakes consulting projects without relying on classroom instruction or faculty oversight.
While completing his business degree at Gonzaga, Mateo also serves as an Account Executive at Microsoft. Praised as "the most talented student I have worked with in my 30 years at Gonzaga," he continues to champion hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and a new vision for higher education.
About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.
References
- Ray, Julie. "Gen Z, Parents Lack Knowledge of Post-High School Options." Gallup.com, Gallup, 9 June 2025, news.gallup.com/poll/691418/gen-parents-lack-knowledge-post-high-school-options.aspx.
Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR™
727-777-4629
SOURCE Disruption Interruption
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