sportH.E

In this conversation, Catherine Baker shares her journey from being a sporty child to a successful career in law and leadership. She discusses the importance of sport in building community and belonging, her transition from law to leadership, and the lessons learned throughout her career. Catherine also delves into her book, 'Staying the Distance', highlighting key themes such as confidence, discipline, and the importance of sustainable performance in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the learnable nature of leadership and the significance of personal development. In this conversation, Catherine Baker discusses the importance of confronting fears, the nuances of perfectionism, and the critical role of feedback in performance. She emphasizes the need for effective communication, illustrated by the 'Five Chips' concept, and explores the Stockdale Paradox as a framework for balancing optimism with reality. Additionally, she provides insights on leadership in higher education sports, advocating for a focus on clear messaging and collaboration.

In this insightful interview, Mark Brian, Director of Sport at the University of Cambridge, shares his extensive career journey, unique experiences at Cambridge, and his perspectives on the future of university sports. Discover lessons from iconic events like the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and practical strategies for effective sports partnerships and innovation.

In this conversation, Stew Fowlie shares his journey from early memories in sport to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Student Sport. He discusses the evolution of student sport in Scotland, the role of Scottish Student Sport, and the importance of advocacy and funding. Stew also highlights the Active Campus Network initiative aimed at increasing student engagement in physical activity. He reflects on the challenges and changes faced by organizations in the sports sector, the significance of international opportunities like the World University Games, and the personal growth that comes from navigating difficult experiences. The conversation concludes with insights on leadership and maximising impact in a limited time.

Katy Storie shares her inspiring journey from early sport experiences to competing internationally and becoming Director of Sport at Newcastle University. She discusses the transformative power of sport, leadership in female sports, international collaborations in the Middle East, and strategic insights for university sport programs.

Neil Brown, Director of Sport & Active Health at the University of Strathclyde, shares his journey from early sports memories to leading the development of Strathclyde's state-of-the-art sports facilities. Discover insights on managing large capital projects, building effective partnerships, and fostering a culture of excellence in university sport.

In this insightful interview, Tim Hollingsworth OBE shares his unique journey from studying drama at Exeter University to leading major sports organisations in the UK. Tim emphasises the importance of purpose, collaboration, and systemic change in sport as he unpacks his time at UK Sport, The British Paralympic Association and Sport England. Discover lessons on leadership, the impact of Paralympics success, and innovative strategies for community engagement.

Dr Emma Ross co-founded The Well HQ an expert consultancy that combines decades of experience in science, medicine and sports to create impactful solutions that close the culture gap, turning women’s health into the standard in organisational systems, policies, and culture.

From global brands to grassroots clubs, they've helped companies in all industries move from box-ticking to meaningful, lasting change, impacting thousands of women and generating a ripple effect that positively impacts everyone.

In this conversation, Emma shares her journey from early memories in sport, particularly cricket and equestrian, to her triumphs in university rugby. She discusses her transition to endurance sports, including a trek to Everest, and her impactful career at the English Institute of Sport. Emma highlights the importance of female athlete health and the gender disparities in sports, leading to her co-founding the Well HQ, which focuses on empowering women in sports. She reflects on the challenges of leadership, the need for systemic change, and the importance of empathy and communication in driving progress

In this episode of SportH.E Ben O'Connell welcomes Ken Masser, a seasoned professional in organisational psychology and leadership, to discuss his career journey and the founding of Miova. Ken shares his transition from KPMG to becoming the CEO of a Leisure Trust, emphasising the importance of work-life balance and the challenges of stepping into leadership roles at a young age. He reflects on the significance of being open about one's limitations and the value of authenticity in leadership. The conversation then shifts to Ken's current work at Miova, where he focuses on tackling physical activity inequalities through a systems-based approach, advocating for a shift in how organisations perceive and address these challenges.

In this episode of SportH.E, host Ben O'Connell welcomes Will Roberts, the CEO of BUCS, to discuss his journey in sport and leadership. Will shares his early experiences with volleyball, influenced by his father's dedication to physical education and community engagement. He reflects on how his upbringing in Stoke shaped his passion for sport and his eventual career path, emphasising the importance of empathy and community in sports development. As he navigates his role at BUCS, Will highlights the challenges and opportunities within higher education sport, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse approach to competition and participation.

The conversation delves into Will's career highlights, including his time at the Youth Sport Trust and his transition into the CEO role. He discusses the significance of institutional memory, the diversity of member organisations, and the need for a cohesive voice in higher education sport. Will also addresses the evolving landscape of sports governance and the importance of adapting to global developments, such as gender eligibility in sport. Throughout the episode, he emphasises the value of storytelling and connection in fostering a vibrant sports community.

This year sportH.E was invtied back to BUCS conference to record another live episode. In this special edition, I was joined on stage by 4 inspiring students who shared their insights and advice on how to build a great sporting experience.

We got to hear their views on our sector, the work they are doing within their own Universities and what they would do if they were a Director of Sport or BUCS CEO for a day!

It was a truly fascinating dive into the student experience. We hear about the challenges of cost, opportunity and equality of access. However, more importantly, we get to witness the passion, commitment and boldness of young people to find solutions, start new initiatives, challenge convention and embrace the amazing power of sport and physical activity.

Through their own words, they reinforced that whilst our sector faces some tremendous challenges, little else can create the same sense of belonging, break down barriers, develop life skills, tackle loneliness and improve learning.