#MAKEITHAPPEN

Fara Leff, COO Klutch Sports

10/19/2022

"The power of hard work is never overlooked—first in and last out matters."

Meet Fara Leff, COO of Klutch Sports Group—a Los Angeles-based sports agency that represents over 100 clients across the NBA, WNBA and NFL, including LeBron James, A'ja Wilson and Chase Young. Klutch's growth is a testament to Leff's drive and willingness to put in the extra work—two things that guide her every single day.

"Watching my mom’s work ethic at a young age and being in the office with her really shaped me. My father also taught me that nothing will come easy and hard work pays off—a value that’s foundational to who I am today," she tells us.

Here, we chat with one of the biggest power players in sports about how she made it all happen.

Q&A

What are the driving passions that set you on your path?
I am driven by helping others achieve their goals, chase their dreams, and continuing to expand and explore my own potential.

Fara Leff, photographed by Willy Lukaitis

You started Klutch Sports Group in 2012. Were you nervous to take that leap? What’s been the biggest surprise since you started the company?
I really wasn’t nervous as I had complete faith in my business partner and clients. The biggest surprise has been our growth—I believed in our plan and what we were doing from the start, but now with over 50 employees and 100 clients, it's amazing that others do too.

What are some of the positive changes you have seen in the world of sports since that time? Where does the industry need to be more forward-thinking?
I think the industry is evolving and we are seeing more diversity and inclusion on all levels... but there could always be more!

Fara Leff & client, Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants, photographed by Nathaniel Butler @natlyphoto

What does a typical day look like for you?
I don’t think I have a typical day, as every day brings something different… but they all include numerous emails and Zooms! And I try to always start my day with a workout.

What does #MAKEITHAPPEN mean to you?
That there are no ceilings for us. I love seeing the stories in #MAKEITHAPPEN, as it shows the broad impact women have.

And who or what inspires you to make it happen?
I am always inspired by my family and my mom, as well as our clients who inspire me every day.

Top essential work/life hacks to make it happen?
Stay organized and plan as much as possible, but always be ready for things to go off script!

3 must-haves to make it happen?
Patience, persistence and passion.

Fara Leff, photographed by Willy Lukaitis

And the wardrobe MVPs that help you make it happen?
A black blazer and black heels!

Share one example of how you made it happen through adversity…
I don’t think there is one specific example, but I try to view each day as an opportunity to change people’s perspectives and to carve more paths for women in sports.

How do you give back? What are the causes important to you?
I get to be involved in many causes through our clients that all become important to me, but two that stand out are PanCAN—in honor of my mom who passed from pancreatic cancer—and The TClarke5 Foundation in honor of our client Terrence Clarke.

Tell us about the one thing or person who changed your life and POV?
Watching my mom’s work ethic at a young age and being in the office with her really shaped me. My father also taught me that nothing will come easy and hard work pays off—a value that’s foundational to who I am today.

Advice to others to make it happen?
The power of hard work is never overlooked—first in and last out matters.