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On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Podcast, Andy is joined by James Bower, Commercial Director at Atlassian Williams Racing, one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1, now in the midst of a bold commercial resurgence.
James began his career at HP during its title partnership with Williams, before joining McLaren in 2007, where he worked on the Vodafone partnership and rose through senior roles in partner management, business development, and commercial strategy.
Now at Williams, James leads a 35-person team across London, Grove, and New York, responsible for the acquisition and management of brand partnerships, a team that now generates more than 50% of the company’s total revenue. Since joining in 2021, James has helped secure a wave of high-profile deals with brands like Atlassian, Komatsu, Duracell, Gulf, Kraken, and Myprotein, as part of a deliberate shift toward quality over clutter.
In this conversation, we explore the thinking behind Atlassian’s record-breaking title partnership, how Williams is differentiating itself commercially in an increasingly crowded space, and the success of their Fan Zones - a growing series of immersive, city-centre activations that are bringing the sport to fans in new and inclusive ways.
Timestamps
02:00 - James’ journey into Formula 1: early career at HP and McLaren
05:00 - Joining Williams and navigating F1’s commercial transformation
09:00 - The strategy behind Atlassian’s title partnership
14:00 - Quality over clutter: rethinking partnership models in F1
18:30 - Fan Zones and creating physical touchpoints beyond the circuit
24:00 - Expanding in the US and managing a global commercial team
29:00 - Technology, innovation, and the future of Williams’ brand
33:00 - What’s next for Atlassian Williams Racing?
About The Host
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Performance Podcast, Rich and I are joined by Rosie Spaulding, President of League One Volleyball (LOVB) Pro, the first fully-integrated youth-to-pro volleyball league in the United States.
Rosie’s 20-year career has taken her behind some of the world’s biggest sporting stages, from Super Bowl 50 to the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the America’s Cup, but it’s at LOVE where she is rewriting the playbook entirely. Rather than inheriting a league, she’s building one from the ground up, designed around the whole athlete.
Frustrated by the fragmented pathways and lack of infrastructure in women’s sport, LOVB have set out to create something radically different: a performance ecosystem where a 12-year-old club player can dream of turning professional without leaving the LOVB community.
In this conversation, we explore how LOVB is reshaping athlete development, redefining welfare standards, and building a sustainable professional model fuelled by youth participation, not broadcast dependency. This is the future of performance, built at the intersection of community, care and competition.
Timestamps
02:30 - Rosie’s Journey from Marine Biology to President of LOVB Pro
05:00 - Building a Youth-to-Pro Volleyball League
8:00 - Community Engagement and Athlete Development and The Whole Athlete Philosophy
15:00 - Challenges and Successes in Professional Volleyball in the U.S.
22:00 - Lessons on Leadership and Interdisciplinary Thinking
30:00 - Looking to Season 2 and Beyond…
🔍 Search ‘Sports Pundit Podcast’ wherever you listen, available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube 🎧
Rich Buchanan is a human performance consultant with extensive experience at the highest levels of sport, including roles as Performance Director at Swansea City FC in the Premier League and consultant for DC United in Major League Soccer.
With a background spanning coaching, physiotherapy, and strength and conditioning, Rich specialises in building multi-disciplinary teams that deliver resilient, high-performing support systems. Passionate about holistic performance, Rich is committed to evolving best practices and helping organisations sustain long-term success. Connect on LinkedIn
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Podcast, we’re joined by Beth Barrett-Wild, Tournament Director ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 & Director of Women’s Professional Game at the England Cricket (ECB).
Beth has spent her career at the forefront of cricket’s evolution, from her early years at MCC and the ECB, to now helping shape one of the most significant upcoming global moments in women’s sport.
Her work spans governance, competition management, and commercial growth, giving her a unique perspective on how to build both a world-class tournament and a sustainable future for the game.
In this conversation, Beth reflects on her leadership journey, the structural changes underway in women’s cricket, and how England can evolve its domestic pathways through initiatives like Project Darwin. She talks about Australia’s decade-long dominance and what it means for competitive balance, the importance of storytelling, and cultural positioning in growing fandom, as well as how the World Cup can drive lasting impact for players, fans, and the sport itself.
Timestamps
02:30 - Beth’s Cricket Journey: From MCC to ECB and the ICC
10:00 - Talent Pathways and Project Darwin
17:00 - Rethinking England’s Domestic Structure
22:00 - Australia’s Dominance and the Challenge of Competitive Balance
28:00 - Building a Compelling Global Product
33:00 – Together or Separate: Positioning Women’s Cricket
38:00 - The Power of Storytelling and Player Narratives
49:00 - Moving from Social Justice to Performance and Entertainment
54:00 - Vision for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
About The Host
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector.
Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Finance Podcast, Vansa is joined by Tim Katt, National Director and Managing Partner of the Sports and Entertainment Practice at Transwestern.
Tim brings a sharp perspective on how sports, real estate, and investment intersect, from structuring deals for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors to developing large-scale, mixed-use districts anchored around sports facilities.
He shares insights from his work with Overtime Elite and the creation of Overtime Arena, as well as his role in launching the Global Sports Venture Studio with the LA Dodgers.
The conversation also outlines why real estate is becoming a strategic growth engine for sports organisations, touching on mixed-use development models, financing structures, and the next wave of innovative sports venues.
Timestamps
02:00 - Tim’s Journey from Overtime Elite to Transwestern
05:00 - Lessons from Building Overtime Arena
07:00 - The Future of Sports Facility Development
13:00 - Funding and Financing Sports Projects
28:00 - The Growth of New Sports Venues
36:00 - Innovations in Stadiums and Arenas
40:00 - Balancing Public and Private Investment
43:00 -Misconceptions and Final Thoughts
Additional Links
WNBA’s Sparks planning to build $150M practice facility - ESPN
About The Hosts
Vansa Chatikavanij is Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Present Ventures, an investment firm focused on emerging sports, media, and technology. She previously led strategy at Omise (“Stripe of Asia”) and co-founded OmiseGO Network, reaching a $1B+ market cap. Earlier in her career, she worked at the World Bank across 13 markets and has advised organisations including the World Economic Forum, GSIC powered by Microsoft, and Real Madrid NEXT Asia.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Innovation Podcast, Leanne is joined by Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow League, an emerging global sports property reimagining the future of snow sports.
Omer shares his fascinating journey from Istanbul to California, spanning careers in engineering, business, and ad tech before turning his focus to building one of the most ambitious ventures in winter sport.
In this conversation, Leanne and Omer explore the origins and vision behind The Snow League, which aims to unify snow sports through an entertainment-driven, globally connected league model.
They discuss the operational challenges of launching a new sports property, the role of innovative partnerships, and Omer’s long-term goals around sustainability, athlete development, and global expansion (including the League’s upcoming event in China happening from the 4-6th December).
Timestamps
02:00 - Omer’s Background and Journey
05:00 - Founding The Snow League
22:00 - Building a Sustainable Business Model
26:00 - Media Rights and Distribution Strategy
34:00 - Challenges and Opportunities in China
42:00 - Future Vision for The Snow League
Additional Links
The Snow League Raises $15 Million to Accelerate Global Expansion
About The Hosts
Leanne Bats is a future of sports architect, blending creativity, technology, fandom, and purpose to shape the industry’s evolution. Having led Innovation at New Zealand Rugby, pioneering emerging technologies to deepen connections with the iconic teams in black and she is now drives transformative initiatives as Head of Digital & Innovation at Sport Waikato. She also authors the newsletter OuterSport, a commentary on the future of sport. Connect on LinkedIn
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of The Pitch, Andy and Drew unpack the rise of alternate broadcasts and explore how the Women’s Super League (WSL) could pioneer a fresh, fan-first scheduling model.
They explore how personality-driven storytelling is reshaping sports coverage and debate whether niche creators can drive deeper engagement than major influencers like Mark Goldbridge. The conversation also questions how sports media can strike the right balance between personalised content and the shared “watercooler” moments that unite fans.
The duo also brainstorms bold ideas for the WSL, suggesting it moves to a tour-based competition model with festival-style activations, tapping into the momentum around international women’s football and the Lionesses while tackling challenges around attendance, infrastructure, and visibility of women’s club football.
Timestamps
01:00 – The rise of alternate broadcasts and why fans crave choice
10:00 – The fight between personalised feeds and collective moments
19:30 – A tour-based model for the WSL: what it could look like
30:00 – Building identities around players, not postcodes
The Pitch is the conversational show from the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, hosted by Andy Marston and Drew Rauso.
It’s a play on words, with each host bringing an idea, theme, or provocation that they pitch to the other. Together they react, debate, and explore what’s really happening across the sports industry, from shifting media models to the next wave of innovation.
Each episode mixes perspective with practicality, with occasional appearances from other Sports Pundit hosts from across the Network.
About The Hosts
Drew Rauso is a versatile media operator with a proven track record of building and scaling sports media ventures at the intersection of content, commerce, and creator strategy. He currently leads Brand, Strategy, and Operations at Playmaker HQ, a leading sports podcast network owned by Better Collective, home to shows featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, and Marshawn Lynch. Previously at The Players’ Tribune, Drew has been instrumental in shaping athlete-driven media, overseeing partnerships, production, and growth initiatives that connect fans and talent in meaningful ways. Connect on LinkedIn
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode, Jo and Michael are joined by Alice Ma, co-founder and CEO of Mad Realities, a social-first entertainment company redefining how content is created, distributed, and owned.
Mad Realities has built viral hit shows such as Shop Cats, Hollywood IQ, Proof of Love, and Keep the Meter Running, pioneering a system that moves faster than traditional media and puts audiences at the centre of storytelling.
Alice and her team have raised $6 million to date, and she previously helped raise over $40 million in just seven days as part of ConstitutionDAO, a viral crypto crowdfunding campaign that showcased the power of internet-native communities.
In this conversation, Alice shares her perspective on the evolving media landscape, from the rise of Gen Z’s social-first viewing habits and lessons from the world of K-Pop, to the future of sports media through new fan-driven formats like Sports IQ.
Timestamps
02:00 – Alice Ma’s journey and early influences
04:00 – What ConstitutionDAO taught Alice about community and speed
07:00 – Founding Mad Realities and building a new model for entertainment
14:00 – Creating repeatable, sustainable IP in the social era
19:00 – Expanding digital IP into physical and experiential formats
25:00 – From Hollywood IQ to Sports IQ, bridging entertainment and sports
30:00 – What sports can learn from K-Pop fandoms
35:00 – The future of content creation and audience participation
Additional Links
Crypto Crowdfunding Goes Mainstream With ConstitutionDAO Bid
Almost Buying a Copy of the Constitution Is Easy, But Giving the Money Back Is Hard
Mad Realities Raises $6M Seed Led by Paradigm
They Launched a TikTok Show About Bodega Cats. It Immediately Went Viral
About The Hosts
Jo Redfern is a digital and youth media specialist who has spent the last five years at the forefront of platforms such as YouTube, Roblox, and TikTok. With a background in traditional broadcast and kids media, Jo is known for turning generational media behaviours into commercial opportunities. Through her consultancy firm, Futrhood, she helps IP owners and rights holders scale engagement and monetisation by leveraging content, platforms, community, and emerging tech. Connect on LinkedIn
Michael Cohen has spent the last decade building at the intersection of sport, media, and the creator economy. As former CEO of Whistle, he scaled the company into a $100M multi-platform media business, driving organic growth and strategic M&A before leading its exit to Eleven Sports and later DAZN.
Today, through his new venture Disruptive Play, Michael partners with companies and creators to shape the next wave of sports and media IP, challenging the status quo and architecting business models for the next era of sport. Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Finance Podcast, Vansa is joined by Evan Roosevelt and Matthew Erley, Co-Founders and Managing Partners at Old Tom Capital, an investment holding company focused on shaping the future of golf as an asset class.
Evan and Matthew bring a rare operator-investor perspective. Evan built Random Golf Club, turning it into a global community and content-to-commerce brand, while Matthew helped scale companies like Drizly (acquired by Uber for $1.1B), Havenly, and Stella. Now, through Old Tom Capital, they’re backing golf businesses with deep sector insight, capital, and hands-on strategic support.
In this conversation, Vansa explores their thesis on golf as an emerging investment ecosystem, how they evaluate opportunity across stages and sectors, and tapping into a growing golf-curious audience.
Timestamps
3:00 - The Evolution of Golf: From Aging to Inclusive
6:00 - Founding Old Tom Capital
10:00 - The Golf Curious Consumer
14:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in Golf
23:00 - Global Perspectives on Golf
33:00 - The Future of Golf and Old Tom Capital
Additional Links
Private Golf as a Platform: Capital, Data, and Scalable Loyalty - Whitepaper
About The Hosts
Vansa Chatikavanij is Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Present Ventures, an investment firm focused on emerging sports, media, and technology. She previously led strategy at Omise (“Stripe of Asia”) and co-founded OmiseGO Network, reaching a $1B+ market cap. Earlier in her career, she worked at the World Bank across 13 markets and has advised organisations including the World Economic Forum, GSIC powered by Microsoft, and Real Madrid NEXT Asia.
Connect on LinkedIn
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Marketing Podcast, Jamie is joined by his co-host, Charlie Copsey, founder of Underground Fan Club, bringing fans closer to talent and brands through iconic experiences.
Charlie began her career producing TV, radio, and film for major UK networks, working closely with talent behind the scenes. It was there she saw the human, unscripted side of stars, a side fans rarely get to access.
Frustrated by repetitive, transactional events that kept talent at arm’s length, she set out to build something radically different: a space where talent could show up as their authentic selves and connect with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level.
In this conversation, Jamie dives into Charlie’s unconventional journey, her founding vision for Underground Fan Club, and how breaking the rules of traditional sports marketing and understanding people has become her superpower.
Timestamps
3:00 - Charlie’s Journey and Taking Lessons from ‘Fighting Talk’
8:00 - The Birth of Underground Fan Club
19:00 - Advice for Brands on Working with Talent and The Importance of Authenticity
26:00 - The Role of Social Presence for Athletes and Measuring Engagement Over Follower Count
37:00 - Expanding the Underground Fan Club Brand
About The Hosts
Jamie Corr is a seasoned sports marketing leader with over 15 years’ experience across partnerships, communications, and brand strategy. He has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands through roles at Burson, MKTG, H&K Strategies, and the International Olympic Committee, helping activate major global properties including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and Tour de France. He now consults with LA-based sports content studio MILE 44 and has also served on the Board of Basketball Scotland.
Connect on LinkedIn
Charlie Copsey is the Founder & CEO of Underground Fan Club. Having began her career producing TV, radio, and film for major UK networks, working closely with talent behind the scenes. It was there she saw the human, unscripted side of stars, a side fans rarely get to access. Frustrated by repetitive, transactional events that kept talent at arm’s length, she set out to build Underground Fan Club, a space where talent could show up as their authentic selves and connect with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Connect on LinkedIn
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
On today’s episode of the Sports Innovation Podcast, Andy is joined by Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen off-road racing championship.
Ali has spent the past decade shaping the future of motorsport. As part of the founding team behind Formula E and later as Chief Marketing Officer of Extreme E, he’s been instrumental in proving that sport can be both thrilling and a testbed for sustainability. Now, as Managing Director, he’s leading Extreme E’s bold evolution into Extreme H, a pioneering move from electric to hydrogen-powered racing with global ambitions.
In this conversation, Ali shares his journey from football into motorsport, the innovations driving Extreme E and Extreme H, and the thinking behind the shift to hydrogen. He also reveals details of the series’ new World Cup format and why he believes Extreme H can redefine sustainable motorsport for the next generation.
Timestamps
03:00 – Ali’s Background and Motorsport Journey
06:00 - Founding Formula E and Leveraging Motorsport to Accelerate Innovation
16:00 - The Birth of Extreme E
23:00 - Innovations and Gender Equality in Motorsport
29:00 - Transition to Extreme H and Hydrogen Technology
Additional Links
About The Hosts
Leanne Bats is a future of sports architect, blending creativity, technology, fandom, and purpose to shape the industry’s evolution. Having led Innovation at New Zealand Rugby, pioneering emerging technologies to deepen connections with the iconic teams in black and she is now drives transformative initiatives as Head of Digital & Innovation at Sport Waikato. She also authors the newsletter OuterSport, a commentary on the future of sport.
Andy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives.
About Sports Pundit
Sports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.
At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”
Produced by OH SIX
The Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.
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