First, Different, and Leading: The Sean Desai Story

Monday, April 27th at 7pm EST 6pm CST 4pm PST

Join South Asians in Sports for an exclusive virtual fireside chat with Sean Desai for a candid conversation on what it means to carve your own path in one of the most competitive spaces in sports. From a Gujarati-American upbringing to becoming the first NFL coordinator of Indian descent, Sean’s journey challenges every conventional blueprint of how coaches are “supposed” to rise. In this fireside chat, moderated by Manish Mehta, we will explore the intersection of identity, leadership, and resilience; unpacking the highs, the setbacks, and the mindset required to lead at the highest level. This session goes beyond football, offering a real look at navigating pressure, representation, and purpose when you are the first, the only, or simply different.

Speaker:

Sean Desai, Senior Defensive Assistant Coach, Cincinnati Bengals

Sean Desai is a senior defensive assistant in the NFL and a trailblazing leader in the sports industry. With a non-traditional path to the league, he has built a reputation for excellence in high-pressure environments, becoming the first NFL coordinator of Indian descent. A longtime advocate for advancing South Asian representation in sports, Sean now serves on the Board of Directors for South Asians in Sports, where he continues to champion access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation. His journey reflects a deep commitment to purpose, leadership, and redefining what is possible both on and off the field.

Moderator:

Manish Mehta is a versatile, award-winning sports journalist with 25 years of experience. Mehta’s background includes NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and Olympics coverage across various platforms. He currently co-hosts the “Between the Tackles” podcast that focuses on engaging conversations with people across the NFL world. Mehta been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors, Society of Professional Journalists and Best American Sports Writing anthology for his work.

About South Asians in Sports (SAIS)

South Asians in Sports is the premier network of professionals across the sports industry. From the field to the front office, we're building a global community that connects, amplifies, and elevates South Asian excellence in sports. Learn more at sainsports.com.