Leaders Podcast

In today’s episode, we bring you a conversation with the CEO of the all-female racing championships, and two diversity heads from leading sports companies.Leaders in EDI is a monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the equality, diversity and inclusion space. It also shines a spotlight on the progress being made and the challenges being faced in EDI across sport. Our first conversation, beginning at 17:32, is a Q&A with Catherine Bond-Muir, CEO of the W Series. We caught up with Catherine last month over Zoom, after we covered the W Series’ deal with Sky in last month’s ‘What’s Happening in the Timeline?’ segment. Bond-Muir educates us on the W Series and their mission, the need to platform women in sport and why partnerships like those with Sky and ESPN are so important.At 31:18, we then move to our next interview, which was a live podcast recording, recorded in May as part of our inaugural 4SE event. Our regular host Javan Odegah and Leaders Managing Director Laura McQ

The Leaders team bring you their thoughts on the current sports broadcast space, along with a Q&A with the NBA’s Head of Fan Engagement & DTC.The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a regular podcast for discussion, debate, and exploration around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation. Leaders Editor-at-Large and Head of Content James Emmett and David Cushnan unpack a Q&A with the NBA’s Head of Fan Engagement & DTC for EMEA, George Aivazoglou, which was recorded back in March at our Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi event. Aivazoglou doffs his cap to Fortnite, Nike and Roblox in a fascinating conversation on micropayments, the metaverse, and the process of innovation.But first, James and David offer their views on the latest happenings in the sports content space, with talk around the issue with subscription models in the midst of a cost of living crisis, Spotify’s big plans in the global sports content space, and what FIFA’s new g

Behind the Scenes of the inaugural edition of our 4SE event experience in NYC with two key leaders from Elevate Sports Ventures.Leaders on the Ground takes you behind-the-scenes at our in-person events – and this one’s a bit different. The Leaders team has been in New York this week, working with our sister companies Sports Business Journal and SportTechie to launch 4SE, a brand-new event experience providing a much-needed opportunity for senior executives to explore and navigate the collision of sport, entertainment, lifestyle and culture.Leaders Editor-at-Large James Emmett is joined by colleagues Matthew Stone and Javan Odegah in a Manhattan backroom to explain more.James is also joined by Al Guido, President of the San Francisco 49ers and Chairman and CEO of Elevate Sports Ventures, and Shawn Doss, newly promoted to run Elevate’s international business.Formed in 2018 in partnership between the San Francisco 49ers and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Elevate is a leading consulting firm that has

Leaders Editor-at-large and Head of Content James Emmett and David Cushnan bring you their thoughts on the latest trends and developments in the sports broadcast space.The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a regular podcast for discussion, debate, and exploration around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation. On this episode’s conversational agenda: The long anticipated announcement of DAZN Bet, and how DAZN are differentiating themselves in a saturated market; What is (and perhaps what is not) working with FIFA’s new streaming service; Our critique of the broadcast coverage for the Formula One Miami Grand Prix; Intriguing developments in the Olympic World, and the ramifications for broadcast and production; OneFootball’s huge new investment round and the next chapter of its success story; a quick mention of how, despite UK government pressure, Channel 4 are building up an impressive sport portfolio; and a shout out the impressive growth of Swedish ent

In this episode, three inspiring advocates for diversity discuss what they have learned about standing firm and speaking out. Leaders in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is a monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the equality, diversity and inclusion space.This episode features an unmissable conversation led by Shona Crooks, who works as Management Futures Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She is joined by Sarah Cartwright, coach, trainer, speaker and Associate of Management Futures, and by Darnelle Morgan-Johnson, a sports and events professional currently working as the Events Services Operations Manager at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.Within the discussion, the trio offered their valuable insight and practical advice that they have taken away from C-Suite and Future Leader programmes that were delivered by Management Futures as part of the Leaders Meet: Diversity Series. Among the topics of exploration were setting boundaries and how this may b

DFL Digital CEO Andreas Heyden joins the team to reveal how technology is enriching the fan experience.Leaders Live is our studio talk show on hot button issues facing the industry, featuring interviews with leaders from across and beyond sport. On this episode, we are examining the ultimate matchday experience – what is it, how has it changed, and how can we deliver it? To provide answers to our burning questions this month: Andreas Heyden. Heyden is the Executive Vice President of Digital Innovation at DFL, and the CEO of DFL Digital, and thus speaks with deep knowledge on smart solutions for enhancing the matchday experience for fans both at home and in-venue. He explains how DFL’s ‘glass to glass’ strategy is revolutionising how the Bundesliga interact with fans, why aiming under the age average will maximise your appeal across all age groups, and the potential of the Metaverse and other developing technology to elevate the fan experience holistically as the present and future converge.To watch the broadc

In this episode, we bring you a conversation on Inclusive Leadership with the CEO of English Football’s leading equality and inclusion organisation. Leaders in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) is a monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the equality, diversity and inclusion space. It also shines a spotlight on the progress being made and the challenges being faced in EDI across sport.  This episode includes a guest interview with Anthony Burnett, the CEO of Kick It Out. Kick It Out have been working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change in the game for almost 30 years.  Having previously had experience in senior roles within organisations such as Ford, Lloyds Banking Group, and the West Midlands Police, and having worked across the world within the EDI Space, Burnett brings a strong, fresh, and global perspective on the topic of inclusive leadership. Wit

Digital expert and newly appointed CEO of Stadion gives his views on the innovations happening in the space. The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a regular podcast for discussion, debate, and analysis around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation. On this episode, James Emmett and David Cushnan are joined by Russell Stopford, a giant in world of sports digital, who is newly-installed as CEO of digital agency Stadion, following over a decade of leading digital activity at three of football’s biggest clubs, Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.  In an insightful and informative conversation, the trio dive into the latest happenings in the space, such as the NFL’s plans for a new subscription streaming service, Spotify’s giant sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona and of course, 2022’s biggest buzzword, the metaverse. In the process, Stopford offers his expert perspective on the complexity of developing a huge new project like the NFL’s, th

Atlanta Hawks CMO Melissa Proctor in conversation with Leaders Head of Content David Cushnan. Melissa Proctor is an accomplished leader with 20 years of experience across sports and entertainment. She began her professional life with Turner Broadcasting as an intern, before going on to assume multiple roles during a nine-year stint, such as Director of Insights & Inspiration for the Turner Media Group, Senior Director of Strategy Development at Cartoon Network & Adult Swim, and eventually VP of Brand Marketing & Content at upwave.  Proctor joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2014 as the Vice President of Brand Strategy and quickly rose up the ranks, first assuming the role of Senior Vice President of Strategy in 2015, and then to Executive VP and CMO in 2016. Her interest in the NBA first began as a teenager when she was the first ball girl for the Miami Heat, an experience that went on to inspire the title of her bestselling book ‘From Ball Girl to CMO’. In an insightful conversation conducted live as pa

The big issues facing football around the world, as seen by three international leaders in developing the game. Leaders in Conversation is a series that puts you in the room, fly-on-the-wall style, for discussions between the most influential leaders in sports and media. Our latest episode features James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, Laura Georges, Secretary General at the French Football Federation and Robbie Fowler, the former England and Liverpool player, in an on-stage session led by Dubai Eye 103.8 host Chris McHardy. This discussion, titled ‘Football Development around the World’, was recorded in mid-March, as part of the Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi.James Johnson is the CEO of Football Australia, the country due to co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Prior to joining Football Australia in January 2020, Johnson held senior roles across the world of football, such as Director of International Relationships and Development at the Asian Football Confederation, and Head of Professional

Behind the Scenes of the fourth edition of the Leaders Sport Business Summit in Abu DhabiLeaders on the Ground takes you behind-the-scenes at our in-person events, where our team will review the action and key takeaways from the on-stage sessions. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Leaders team invited 400 senior executives to the world-renowned Yas Marina Circuit for the fourth edition of Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi on 16th and 17th March, where we explored the new dynamics of global sport. This episode recaps the two-day summit and explores the key themes. First, our Head of Content David Cushnan and Content Producer Cameron Macdonald are joined by Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer ay AS Roma, to recap the action from Day One. The trio touch on a number of topics, including (but not limited to) the renewed focus on purpose in shaping the identity of clubs, the growing desire to bridge the gap between the elite, professional of sport and the grassroots, community-focused end, a

In today’s episode, we bring you an important and insightful conversation between three champions for allyship.Leaders in EDI is a monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion space. It also shines a spotlight on the progress being made and the challenges being faced in EDI across sport. This month’s episode, recorded live at our International Women’s Day pop-up event, sees three trailblazing advocates for women in sport discuss the importance of allyship. First on our panel is Katie Shaw, an inspiring female leader in sports and entertainment. Shaw spent seven years at prominent sports marketing company Fuse, before leaving in the latter half of last year to begin a new role of Global Head of Brand Engagement at Entourage Sports & Entertainment Company. A keen champion for women in sport, Shaw was a committee member at Omniwomen UK during her time at Fuse.Joining Shaw is Manisha Tailor, Assistant Head of Coaching at Queen’s Park Rangers,

Former BBC exec Stuart Rowson reveals the secrets of making content for younger audiences.The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a regular podcast for discussion, debate, and analysis around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation.On this episode, James Emmett and David Cushnan are joined by Stuart Rowson, a multi-platform expert with a mission to help brands and media companies engage with children and younger audiences. In a fascinating and varied conversation that includes talk of Cocomelon, Hey Duggee and the NFL’s Nickelodeon broadcast, Rowson discusses how he oversaw BBC Sport’s younger audience strategy, the unique work he is doing with Chelsea FC, and reveals what you may be doing wrong in your approach to engaging younger audiences.The fourth edition of Leaders Sport Business Summit Abu Dhabi returns on 16th and 17th March. To find out more and to register your interest, please visit http://www.leadersinsport.com/AD2022

Serial challengers reveal how a distinctive mindset has fuelled their success. Leaders Live is our monthly studio talk show on hot button issues facing the industry, featuring interviews with leaders from across and beyond sport. On this episode, we unpack what ‘the challenger mentality’ actually means, analyse what it takes to build something new, and explore how to make an impact with something different in the sports industry. There’s something inherent in sport about the concept of ‘the challenger’. Not just a necessary half of any one-on-one contest, but something deeper: a romantic notion of potential triumph against the odds; a compelling story that sweeps people up and drives competitors and fans alike; a mindset that inspires, energises and informs strategy. But what about the business of sport? Do the same notions apply here? And how do the most successful start-ups use the challenger mentality to their advantage? To help us answer these questions, we are joined by Philip Sharpe, Managing Director a

In today’s episode, we bring you two conversations with two key leaders in sport around the importance of measuring progress and implementing change in the ED&I Landscape. Leaders in EDI is a monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the equality, diversity and inclusion space. It also shines a spotlight on the progress being made and the challenges being faced in EDI across sport. Our first conversation, beginning at 08:40, is with Leaders’ Managing Director Laura McQueen and Nielsen Sports’ Head of Brands, Lynsey Douglas. The focal point of the discussion was the survey that Leaders ran in collaboration with Nielsen in order to benchmark where members of the Leaders Meet: Diversity series feel we are in the EDI space. The pair cover key statistics from the survey findings and what changes we can make to ensure even better results over the coming year, and take the opportunity to discuss having ambition to drive change, the importance of having an inclusive work environme

Leaders Editor-at-large and Head of Content James Emmett and David Cushnan are joined by Sky’s Director of Product Management to discuss what’s going on and why it matters across the sports media industry. The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a regular podcast for discussion, debate, and analysis around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation.On this episode, James Emmett and David Cushnan first consider some of the latest stories in the space, such as the new phase in the discussions around BT Sport: DAZN is out and Discovery is in; and UEFA’s decision to split its next cycle of club competition rights between incumbent TEAM Marketing and US newcomers Relevent Sports.The pair are then joined by Dave Gibbs, Sky’s Director of Product Management – Group Content (Sports & News), Apps, Partner Content & Advertising.On the agenda: the ‘streaming wars’ and how they benefit the customer; the Metaverse and how it will enhance the viewer experience; and

Sue Anstiss leads a discussion with two female leaders in sport.Leaders in Conversation is a series that puts you in the room, fly-on-the-wall style, for a discussion between the most influential leaders in sports and media. Our second episode is with Jo Osborne and Kelly Simmons in a moderated conversation led by Sue Anstiss.Jo Osborne has worked in television production for two decades, the entirety of which she has spent at Sky Sports. She assumed the role of Executive Producer in June 2021, and throughout the duration of her career has been committed to increasing the visibility of women’s sport.Kelly Simmons took up the new role of Director of the Women’s Professional Game in September 2018 to help deliver and transform professional women’s football in England. Simmons was previously The FA Director of Participation and Development, overseeing the implementation of a £200m four year investment programme into children’s and grassroots football.Sue Anstiss worked in sports marketing and sports PR for over

The Leaders team invite industry experts to discuss the tech world’s hottest buzzword on our monthly live show.Leaders Live, now converted to audio form, is our monthly show featuring discussion on the major issues and topics facing the industry, featuring interviews with leaders from across and beyond sport. Our first episode of 2022 is dedicated to the metaverse and the various ways in which, over time, it could impact sport. You can also watch the broadcast in video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMbaTU8asxwAre you a sceptic? Are you a believer? Are you somewhere in between? Who are the sports organisations to watch in this new online era? What are the easy mistakes to make? Could sport be an ideal showcase and educational tool for the tech boffins working on making the metaverse happen? And does it represent the fundamental change some insist it will be, or simply another way to connect with and engage with fans? We attempted to explain what we know - and what we don't - as the metaverse becomes a real

In conversation with the Premier League’s first head of equality, diversity and inclusion.Leaders in EDI is a new monthly series covering news, views, comments and debates happening across the diversity space. It also shines a spotlight on the progress being made and the challenges being faced in EDI across sport.For our inaugural episode, we explored the topic of ‘intentional inclusion’, with a man whose role is about those very two words. Former professional footballer and manager, Iffy Onuora, became the Premier League’s first Head of Equality, Diverity and Inclusion last year. The role was created to manage EDI matters at the league, and to encourage and support best practice at the 20 Premier League clubs.The conversation explored how Onuora is implementing purposeful action-based plans that are focused on advancing positive change at one of the world’s largest sports leagues.The Leaders in EDI podcast is part of the Leaders Meet: Diversity Series, delivered in partnership with Meta, which provides a pla

Leaders Editor-at-large and Head of Content James Emmett and David Cushnan bring you their predictions on the sports broadcast space for 2022Leaders Editor-at-large and Head of Content James Emmett and David Cushnan bring you their predictions on the sports broadcast space for 2022. The Leaders Broadcast Disruptors Audio Bulletin is a new regular podcast for discussion, debate, and exploration around the latest developments in sports content production, distribution and monetisation. On the conversational agenda: -How sports content producers will find alternative ways to seek new audiences, while utilising old methods of monetising existing audiences. -Where we may see an increase in ‘pop-up’ sports broadcast events. -How rights holders will put lockdown learnings into action. -How women’s sport will be used as a crucible for innovation in the sports broadcasting space. -How the Metaverse could factor into the reach of sports broadcast in remote locations. Along with these topics, James and David discuss exc