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Episode Title: 🇪🇬The Most Powerful Women in African Football🇪🇬

In this concluding #HTSportsSeries episode on Heads Talk, we have a fabulous guest and conversation about the football business and sports on the African Continent. My guest is one of those individuals, when given a task, rest assured she will deliver!

Abiola Ijasanmi is the recent Chief Operating Officer for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the administrative and controlling body for association football, beach soccer, and futsal in Africa. Working with the President, Dr Patrice Motsepé, she was able to implement the vision of making African football globally competitive and self-sustaining. 

Prior to the CAF, Abiola served as the Director of Legal & Compliance for Corporate Affairs and African Operations in the Airport Sector, and worked as a Sports Agent, pioneering representation for Female Athletes. 

With a career partnering with major brands like American Express and VISA, Abiola is a recognised and leading advocate for sports governance, sports tourism; and gender equality in sports administration both in Africa and the UK.

Topics Covered:
◽️Confederation of African Football - Structure and Governance
◽️African Countries' Club and National Football League
◽️Relationship with CAF and FIFA
◽️13 Different Competitions (National and Clubs)
◽️Women's Football in Africa
◽️Impact of the 2010 South Africa World Cup
◽️Leading Footballing Countries on the Continent
◽️Types of Sponsorship and Commercial Deals in the Region
◽️Broadcasting Options
◽️Similarities and Relationship between CONMEBOL and CAF
◽️Becoming a Player on the World Stage

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Enchanted Narnia Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsors
◽️Delance Swiss Watches . The Kate Delance Swiss Watch
◽️Zalina Premium Matcha - Discount Code Heads Talk10 Here

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOU

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Pioneering Women Transformed the Beautiful Game of Football🇬🇧

Today on Heads Talk, we are honoured to feature a remarkable and highly respected guest for the #HTSportsSeries. Through my research, I have been impressed by her achievements, especially during a time when women's football was not as popular or welcomed as it is today. She played a pivotal role in elevating the game to its current stature, truly a visionary and deservedly recognised for her 32-year contribution to the game. 

Kelly Simmons OBE, who recently took up the role of FA Director of Women’s Professional Game, has been pivotal in transforming professional women’s football in England. She masterminded the first FA Women’s Professional Game Strategy, which has driven the growth of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, culminating in record-breaking sponsorship and media rights deals for women’s football.

Previously, as The FA Director of Development, she oversaw the implementation of a £200 million, four-year investment programme into children’s and grassroots football. Before that, Kelly developed the FA Women’s Talent Development Programme, establishing the England Youth Teams & female centres of excellence.

One of the compelling topics we discussed is the attendance of men at women's football games. I invite contributions in the comments on this question: As a man, have you attended a women's football game? What positive aspects did you notice that might not be as evident in men's games? This is a genuine inquiry.

Topics Covered:
◽️Kelly's Pioneering Career in the Beautiful Game
◽️Achievements in FA and Women's Football League
◽️Women's Football at the Turn of the 20th Century
◽️Smart Sponsorship, Branding, Investment and Funding
◽️Broadcasting, Media Outlets and Catering to the Diverse Audiences
◽️Impact of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 England Win
◽️Men's Game to Give Reparation Money to the Women's Game?
◽️WSL Shift after 2018
◽️Work with FIFA

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Mojitea Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

◽️The FA

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
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Episode Title: 🇮🇳It's Just Not Cricket - Scientifically connecting the Dots in Sports🇮🇳

Dare I say it, this episode is going to be a classic on Heads Talk in terms of the educational content and insights brought by my guest today. It covers many of my favourite topics on Heads Talk: Science, Tech, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Commercialisation, with a touch of geopolitics thrown in. My guest is the perfect individual to dissect these areas and then put them back together again. But the main subject has been about the power of sports in India and the commercial power the country wielded in getting premier football clubs to set up academies on Indian soil. Did you know that the most-watched live event in the world has been a cricket match? Have a listen...

Shayamal Vallabhjee  is a CPO, Professor, and Scientist affiliated with several prestigious organisations, including Stanford University, the  Indian Super League , and MyndScape - an organisation pioneering the frontier of cognitive enhancement with AI technology. Its neuro-biofeedback and mental conditioning training tool for athletes utilises cutting-edge VR technology.

He has delivered over 1000 workshops and keynotes worldwide.

Topics Covered:
◽️Role of the Chief Performance Officer in the CSuite Matrix
◽️Inner Game and Outer Game Development and Optimisation
◽️Marriage of Neuroscience and Psychology in Sports
◽️Understand Personality Types in Sport
◽️Stress & Pressure Management in Sport
◽️Aspirations in India - Cricketer Vs Footballer
◽️AFC Cup - Asia Football Confederation, AFC Champions League Two
◽️ISL World Standing
◽️IPL, BCCI, Commercial Power and Sponsorship
◽️Final Frontier to Unlock Performance in Sports
◽️Stigma of Mental Health Issues in Sports and Corporations in India

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Pina Colada Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsored by:
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟
◽️Zalina Premium Matcha - Discount Code Heads Talk10

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧'Throw Like a Girl': Women Redefining the Game🇬🇧

I loved this conversation with my guest today. She was a joy to talk to and there were many laughs in this conversation and episode. What struck me the most was her down-to-earth nature, candid views, and modesty. I definitely would like to record another episode with her in the future. Be sure to listen to understand what I'm talking about.

Joanna Coates, the recent CEO of UK Athletics, joins me to talk about how women in sports are changing sponsorship, viewership methods, media coverage, and societal perceptions, having a positive impact overall.

Joanna is a seasoned chief executive officer with decades of experience in the sports industry. Before her tenure at UK Athletics, she was the CEO of England Netball, where she spent 11 years managing the organisation and also served as Head of Marketing, Commercial, and Events.

Topics Covered:
◽️Redefining the Business of Sports
◽️A different Kind of Sponsorship, Media Coverage and Fan
◽️Women Sports Today and in the Future
◽️Thoughts on Transwomen & Competitive Advantage in Elite Sports
◽️Value of Male Allyship
◽️SportsTech Designed and Developed for Women Athletes in Mind
◽️UK Athletics Partnership with PwC on VR & Wearable Technology
◽️Coaches Fear of AI Technology
◽️Paris 2024 Games - Joanna's Predictions
◽️New Initiative: Thoughts on Olympic Athletes Paid for Winning a Gold Medal

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Strawberry & Pomegranate Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Sponsor
◽️Eurostar - Official Travel Partner Tickets for Team GB House
◽️Zalina Premium Matcha - Discount Code Heads Talk10 Here

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Gold Medals to Gold Standards: Athletes' Mindsets in the Corporate World🇬🇧

Today's episode is with a guest who was able to provide firsthand knowledge into the experiences of athletes who missed out on podium glory—not because they failed to place in the top three, but because they were cheated by competitors who used performance-enhancing drugs. My guest shared her poignant story of this betrayal and its devastating impact. Despite this, she transformed her experience into a positive force, focusing on the recognition, management, and recovery of mental health issues both in sports and the corporate world. This episode of the #HTSportsSeries on  Heads Talk is a must-listen.

Marilyn Okoro OLY, a celebrated British track and field athlete, medal-winning Olympian, and part of Team GB, is remembered for her achievements in the 800 meters and the 4x400 meters relay.

Currently, Marilyn is the Programme Lead for the New to Career function at Equinix, the world's leading data infrastructure company. This Audiograms gives you a glimpse into a wonderful conversation and showcases Marilyn's tenacious spirit.

Topics Covered:
◽️Broadcasting in Paris
◽️Elite Sports Transferable Skills
◽️Athletes and Ex-Athletes Mental Health
◽️Life beyond Sport and Identity Crisis
◽️Athletes  Transition Strategy
◽️Athletes Platform Power in Social and Political Sphere
◽️Launch of Marilyn's Podcast
◽️Mentors, Sponsors and Motivational Gurus
◽️Marilyn's View on 'The Power of Sports' in a Geopolitical Environment

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Sangria Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Sponsor
◽️Eurostar - Official Travel Partner Tickets for Team GB House
◽️Zalina Premium Matcha - Discount Code Heads Talk10 Here

@Marilynokorooly - Marilyn's Instagram and Twitter Accounts

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Fiscal Fitness: CFO Insights on Team GB’s Paris 2024 Prep🇬🇧

As we prepare for the Olympics to commence at the end of the week, we speak with a member of the Executive Management of Team GB about the preparations, the new sustainability initiatives, and the acquisition of partners and sponsors. The Team GB brand ranks second only to the NHS in the UK.

This is another episode in this fascinating #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk - The Power of Sports Chapter.  

Sarah Wallace is the Chief Financial Officer at the British Olympic Association (BOA), the National Olympic Committee supporting Team GB. 

Early in her career, Sarah trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PwC, working in the Audit practice in London. She then gained industry experience at UBM, focusing on Merger and Acquisition in emerging markets across Europe, Middle East and Africa in the B2B Events Sector. 

Topics Covered:
◽️Role of the British Olympic Association
◽️Sponsorship Process, Benefits and Gains
◽️The Power of the Brand
◽️Paris 2024 Olympics Preparations
◽️Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Preparations
◽️Shift in the Olympic Model - Introduction of Payment to Athletes
◽️Sustainable Processes, Solutions and Actions within Team GB
◽️Sustainable Kit, Products and recyclable Options
◽️Technology Investment
◽️Athletes' Protection (Cyber, Physical, Emotional)

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Cherry Coconut Bliss Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Sponsor
◽️Eurostar - Official Travel Partner Tickets for Team GB House

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Scrum & Circuitry: The High-Tech Evolution of Rugby🇬🇧

A familiar face on this week's episode of the #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk . I enjoy my dialogues with this guest and enjoy even more listening to him impart his knowledge in this space. Our previous episode explored the world of 5G and Telecommunications, which you can find a link in the show notes below. Since then, he has embarked on new and exciting ventures while maintaining his passion for the intersection of technology and experience. This makes him the perfect guest for the Heads Talk sports series.

Ronan Dunne is the Chairman of Six Nations Rugby and the former EVP and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group. He has had an impressive career in senior leadership roles, including serving as the CEO of Telefónica UK (O2). He currently serves on several advisory boards and is a non-executive director at Marks and Spencer.

In this episode, we delve into the groundbreaking technology transforming the world of sports, with a special focus on rugby. Ronan provides an in-depth look at the advancements in this field, highlighting how these innovations enhance the preparation, execution, and enjoyment of the game for both players and fans. Prepare for yet another forensic conversation that showcases the marvels of #SportsTech today.

Topics Covered:
◽️SportsTech Vectors - Broadcasting, Health and Wellbeing, Fan Experience
◽️Analysis on SportsTech Specific to the Rugby Game
◽️Watch Together Technology
◽️Sportable Technologies
◽️Virtual Season Tickets
◽️Business of Sponsorships in Sports
◽️Athletes Financial Independence: Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
◽️Women's Influence in Sports and the Growth of Professional Contracts
◽️Game Changer: Realtime Sports Data & Medical Science for Coaches/Trainers
◽️Dialogues Vs Banning Vs Boycotts: Participation Power in the Space of Geopolitics
◽️The NFL Business

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Peach Soda Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsor:
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

NB: Apologies for the quality of sound in some areas of the dialogue.

Ronan's First Episode on Heads Talk here 🇺🇸Verizon’s Change Agent🇺🇸

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Kick It Out For Good!!🇬🇧

What a passionate and candid conversation on today's episode. This was a no-holds-barred conversation for the #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk about addressing the fundamentals of racism in football. We explore what is happening on the pitch, in the boardrooms, and in the locker rooms. This topical issue more prevalent in football than any other sport, is dissected with clarity as my guest explores the underlying reasons, identifies key stakeholders, and differentiates between genuine initiatives and performative gestures. Solutions to these entrenched issues are also put forward, making this episode essential listening for anyone invested in the sport.

Anthony Burnett, the recently retired CEO of Kick It Out, joins me to confront these challenging questions head-on. Kick It Out is a leading organisation working across the football, educational, and community sectors to combat discrimination, promote inclusive practices, and drive positive change. Supported and funded by major governing bodies including:

◽️ The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)
◽️ The Premier League
◽️ The Football Association (FA)
◽️ The English Football League (EFL)

This episode stands out in the Heads Talk series as we address the urgent issues facing football today. Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

Anthony is a seasoned diversity and inclusion specialist and business leader. He has a proven track record of aiding both public and private sector organisations in achieving sustainable change. Before joining Kick It Out, he served as the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion at West Midlands Police. His extensive experience also includes positions as Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Lloyds Banking Group and European Diversity Manager at Ford Motor Company.

Topics Covered:
◽️The status of the Football Business & Management Structure
◽️Achievements of Kick It Out since Inception
◽️Parallels of Police Culture with Football
◽️Cancel Culture is Not a Solution
◽️Role of Education
◽️Dissecting Racism in Football - What is it all about?
◽️Grace of Women's Football
◽️Commercialisation of DE&I

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Strawberry & Pomegranate Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

◽️The FA

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Masterful Sports Recovery🇬🇧

It's now a tradition on Heads Talk to feature some of the best of the best on Dragons' Den UK on the show. For this #HTSportsSeries, the timing couldn't have been better. I had an insightful and fun conversation with what the BBC described as the "Most Masterful Pitcher." I watched that episode of Dragons' Den, and I'm inclined to agree.
 
Lottie Whyte is the Founder and CEO of MyoMaster, one of the UK’s fastest-growing health and wellness businesses, has made waves in the entrepreneurial scene. Not only was she a finalist for Natwest’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and the Aviva Women of the Future Awards, but she also secured a coveted spot among the ten british business owners backed by Google’s ‘Black Founders Fund’. 

Together, with professional rugby player Jo Gray, Lottie has scaled MyoMaster to impressive heights since its launch in 2021. In just 3 years, the business has achieved a remarkable £4m pounds revenue run rate, demonstrating Lottie's knack for not just turning a profit, but for building a thriving enterprise from the ground up. Her entrepreneurial journey reached new heights when she appeared on Dragons’ Den, earning the title of ‘Dragon Slayer’ for her unforgettable pitch that garnered over 20 million views and secured investment from Gary Neville and Sara Davies.

Topics Covered:
◽️Life of a SportsTech and Sports Recovery Entrepreneur
◽️Efficacy of MyoMaster's Products
◽️Dragons Den Pitch and Process
◽️Life After Dragons Den
◽️Entrepreneur Tips and War Wounds
◽️Types of Investors and How Best to Collaborate
◽️Exciting Developments in the Sports Performance and Recovery Arena
◽️Sports Solutions that are yet to be Developed
◽️MyoMaster Plans for the Future

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Sangria Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsors:
◽️Delance Swiss Watches
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title: 🇺🇸The Best-Kept Secret🇺🇸

This is a fascinating discussion of the #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk. During my research for this new series, I discovered a role I had previously been unaware of. My guest today was the first to hold this title and role, and we had a brilliant conversation about it. The audiogram below shares a fraction of our findings with you.

Dr. Ashleigh Huffman, the former Chief of Sports Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, joined me to dissect the complex and often delicate role of sports as a tool for soft power in negotiations. She provided detailed case studies demonstrating the efficacy of various initiatives around the globe. The discussion was truly fascinating - and yes, I do use that word often, revealing the fine line between sports and diplomacy and showcasing the noble causes furthered by her work.

Currently, Dr. Huffman serves as the Vice President of Global Engagement at the Institute for Sport and Social Justice. This episode is a must-listen to understand the significant impact of her contributions to real diplomacy through sports.

Topics Covered:
◽️Breakdown of Soft Power Diplomacy
◽️Sports Diplomacy Portfolio
◽️Is there a Path to the Neutralisation of Sports?
◽️Sports Programmes/Countries Prioritised Based on Geopolitical Importance & Development Needs
◽️Commercial Opportunities in Women's Sports
◽️Thoughts on Boycotting
◽️Genuine Positive Changes or Inadvertently Supporting Regimes
◽️Should International Sports Organisations or Commercial Entities Address Human Rights Violations in Countries Hosting Events?
◽️Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Expectations & Messages)
◽️A view on the Minister of Sports Role
◽️Sports in the Middle East

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Sangria Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsors:
◽️Delance Swiss Watches
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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