In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with DJ Yokley, CEO and founder of YSN (Your Sports Network). DJ shares how growing up in a double-wide with two hard-working parents shaped his grit, why a freshman-year extra-credit assignment behind a mic changed his life, and how a series of career setbacks (including layoffs and being told he didn’t “fit” on air) ultimately pushed him toward entrepreneurship.

We cover DJ’s early years and the competitive drive that shaped him, along with the unlikely moment a freshman PA gig for extra credit set him on the path to broadcasting. He opens up about the tough post-college stretch marked by layoffs, rejection, and personal loss, and how those challenges fueled the vision for YSN. DJ shares the inspiration behind building a streaming platform for high school sports, the lessons learned from bootstrapping through its early years, and how COVID unexpectedly propelled the network forward. He also talks about YSN’s mission to keep sports positive, the launch of YSN 24/7 and YSN Prospect, and why building the right team rooted in service and community has been key. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of failing forward, remembering your “why,” and staying resilient through every setback.

About Our Guest

DJ Yokley is the CEO and founder of YSN (Your Sports Network), a platform dedicated to celebrating high school and youth sports with community-first coverage and a positive lens. A former college broadcaster who learned every role in the newsroom—from editing to graphics—DJ channeled that full-stack skill set into launching YSN. He’s a proud husband and dad whose story is fueled by perseverance, service, and an unwavering belief that sports should be a joyful escape and a catalyst for character.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

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