Alex almost gave up on her dream of working in sport to pursue a law conversion course, but she followed her gut and is now leading on the Communications, Content and Digital Strategy at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. We hear about the key moments that helped shape her career and the journey she has taken from starting out as a staff writer for a leading tennis magazine to freelancing for a number of key media outlets such as the Telegraph. Alexandra Willis Interviewed by Gabriella Hay
Radha is the Director of Design and Facilitation at Think Beyond & Beyond Sport, starting out her career as the AU President for Loughborough University Sport. There are so many life lessons to pick out from this episode and her career journey is an inspiration. Radha is passionate, energetic and thoughtful, and there is so much we can learn from her. Radha Balani, interviewed by Gabriella Hay
Jennie Smith has been a criminal barrister since 2003. Following 10 years at the Crown Prosecution Service, she now draws on her vast knowledge and experience to assist companies in improving their safeguarding standards in the world of sport. Jennie had the courage to set up her own company in a competitive industry and she shares so much great wisdom and how important it is to stick to your values when deciding on a career path. Interviewed by Gabriella Hay Jennie Smith
This week on Pursuits, I speak to Daniela Forsyth, the Corporate Development Manager at Leicester Tigers. Daniela has worked in a variety of commercial roles in sport - starting off as a volunteer at her local cricket club, Daniela got her first job for a national organisation working for Keith Prowse. She then worked for a long stint at London Wasps, before making the move to Stack Sports and more recently starting at Leicester Tigers. Daniela has a wealth of experience in the commercial side of sport and has an attitude you can’t help but be impressed by. Her energy and passion for building strong long lasting relationships is infectious and certainly made me think a lot about the power of connection in the workplace. Interviewed by Gabriella Hay.
This week on Pursuits, I speak to Helen Davis, teacher turned sports psychologist. Helen embarked on an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology in her mid 40s, having worked in education teaching PE amongst other things, for over 25 years. Helen loves sport and is an avid swimmer competing regularly in Masters and Open Water events. Helen has worked with athletes from a wide variety of sports, with athletes of varying ages and ability. She has worked with new exercisers, fitness enthusiasts, club members, performance pathway athletes, GB and international squad members, full time professionals, National, European and Commonwealth medallists and Paralympic Champions. Helen talks about the bravery and courage she needed to make things happen and gives us a real insight into her career as a sports psychologist. Read more about Helen. Interviewed by Gaby Hay.
This week I speak to Emma Ballard - Editor of Women and Golf - who is passionate about growing the game and widening its appeal. Emma previously held the role as Director of Digital at leading golf marketing agency Medi8 and was responsible for the strategy, design, and delivery of social media marketing campaigns for their global client base. From PGA Professionals, to brands, national campaigns to global events - no two days or clients were the same. Talking to Emma was extremely interesting and demonstrates how possible it is to pursue your passion and combine it with your career and making it in the golf industry as a woman. Interviewed by Gabriella Hay Emma Ballard
Emma is an accomplished Board level Executive Personal Assistant, currently at The Rugby Players' Association. Most recently, she worked for nearly 3 years supporting the Chief Executive and Chair of Sport England and prior to that 12 years at The Football Association alongside one of the most notable and respected public figures in football, Sir Trevor Brooking CBE, and 2 years supporting Gareth Southgate. Emma is passionate about her career, and her interest lies in connecting and communicating which led her to also co-found the Sport PA Network in February 2013, which now has over 100 Executive and Personal Assistants as members who support leaders in sport throughout the UK. Emma talks us through how exciting her industry can be to work in, and about the key skills and traits you need to thrive in a pressurised environment. Emma Kernan-Staines interviewed by Gabriella Hay
Pursuits - the working in sport podcast interviews sports industry experts about their career paths and how they tackled setbacks and challenges a long the way.