Relationships matter.
Building them.
Strengthening them.
Sustaining them.

In sports and in business lasting success isn’t built on titles, résumés, or job descriptions.
It’s built on trust, shared experiences, and relationships that endure.

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Advance Praise

“The spotlight in the sports world too often falls on athletes, agents, and owners, but sometimes the talent is in those behind the scenes who make the real magic— the unsung heroes who make everyone else shine. Scott Carmichael has spent a career being one of those quiet forces. From Ball Boy to Boss is a compelling testament to his impact on the industry and the integrity that defines him.”

Jeanie Buss, governor and co-owner, Los Angeles Lakers

“Going back to the Gretzky years in Los Angeles when I was with ABC Sports, I came to know Scott Carmichael. Over time, our relationship grew both professionally and personally. He understood then what still holds true: that this business comes down to people and lasting friendships. From Ball Boy to Boss tells that story extremely well.”

Al Michaels, Hall of Fame broadcaster and legendary voice of sports

“As commissioner of the National Hockey League, I came to rely on Scott Carmichael as a trusted leader who worked closely with our clubs and me to align best practices, strengthen communication, and elevate performance across all teams. From Ball Boy to Boss captures that work firsthand—showing how relationships, discipline, and a deep understanding of the business can unify a league and drive lasting impact.”

Gary Bettman, commissioner, National Hockey League

“My relationship with Scott Carmichael dates back to the mid-1990s and I have worked with him as a client for nearly two decades. He’s built his career on trust, consistency, and lasting relationships. From Ball Boy to Boss reflects those principles and the perspective earned over time.”

Charlie Jacobs, CEO and alternate governor, Boston Bruins; CEO, Delaware North

“Over the course of a long career, Scott Carmichael has built a reputation grounded in trust, relationships, and sound judgment. His ability to understand people and organizations has made him a valued partner to many of us across the industry. From Ball Boy to Boss brings those lessons together in a practical and compelling way.”

Stan Kasten, president and co-owner, Los Angeles Dodgers

“We walked in as interns with the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1970s, and over the years I’ve seen firsthand how Scott Carmichael built his career through relationships, trust, and just doing things the right way. He’s always had a feel for people and a way of staying connected, no matter where the path led. From Ball Boy to Boss is a genuine reflection of who Scott is and how he’s gone about it for more than four decades.”

Lon Rosen, president, business operations, Los Angeles Lakers, and longtime agent for Magic Johnson

“Our time together at The Forum back in the late 1980s marked the start of a long professional relationship, including years working together as both colleagues and clients. Scott Carmichael understands how organizations operate, how decisions are made, what matters, what doesn’t, and who you need in the room to get things done. He has a way of connecting the right people and influencing outcomes without making it about himself. From Ball Boy to Boss is a clear reflection of how he’s built his career and the standard he operates by.”

Lee Zeidman, former president, Crypto.com Arena and LA Live

“During our days working together at the National Hockey League, Scott Carmichael brought a team-side perspective that resonated with our clubs and helped build real trust and lasting relationships. He earned the respect of all thirty National Hockey League teams and his colleagues at the league office through how he operated day to day. From Ball Boy to Boss reflects the approach behind it—practical, consistent, and built on relationships. It’s the kind of approach that stands up over time and one that has defined how he has operated throughout his career.”

Ed Horne, chief operating officer, On Location

“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Scott Carmichael not just as a client, but as a trusted industry colleague. What sets Scott apart is simple—he understands people. His ability to build relationships, earn trust, and deliver the right leadership at the right moment has made Prodigy Search a go-to partner. From Ball Boy to Boss is an authentic reflection of the values Scott has lived by throughout his career and a reminder that lasting success in this business is built on relationships.”

John Ruzich, chief legal officer, LIV Golf

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    About Scott Carmichael

    Scott Carmichael is a veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, with nearly five decades of experience spanning teams, leagues, venues, and major global events.

    Before founding his executive search firm, Carmichael held roles with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, Los Angeles Kings, and the National Hockey League. Those experiences provided a rare, firsthand perspective across virtually every facet of the sports business—from operations and media, revenue generation, marketing and communications, and stakeholder management.

    In 2007, he founded Prodigy Search with a clear vision: to build a high-integrity, relationship-driven executive search firm dedicated exclusively to the sports and entertainment industry. Under his leadership, Prodigy has grown into one of the nation’s premier retained search firms, trusted by owners, commissioners, boards, and senior executives to lead their most critical leadership hires.

    Known for his ability to evaluate talent through the lens of real-world experience, Carmichael has built his career—and his firm—on a simple principle: Relationships matter.

    A native of Los Angeles, Carmichael is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University. He and his wife, Gail, have four children and nine grandchildren and reside in New Jersey.

    Connect With Scott Carmichael

    Scott is available for interviews, features, book events, speaking engagements, and appearances: