Talent Talks with Dan Maisey

In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan talks with Jeremy Kent, CEO of Loud House and an expert in sports marketing and commercial consultancy. With over two decades of experience, Jeremy shares his insights into the evolving landscape of sports commercialisation, and reveales his strategies to enhance revenue and ensure returns through behavioural science, marketing, and AI. 

We discuss the importance of valuing team players over individual performers, learning on the job, and the significance of grassroots investment for long-term success. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of sports commercialisation and effective recruitment strategies.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:26 Guest Introduction: Jeremy Kent

01:36 Jeremy's Hiring Experiences

07:18 Values and Team Dynamics

16:14 Challenges in Sports Management

26:16 Quick Fire Questions

27:49 Conclusion and Farewell

In episode 30 of Talent Talks, Dan speaks to Paul Blanchard, an experienced CEO in the sports and leisure industry. We deep dive into Paul’s extensive 35-year career, including topics such as creating an engaging and enjoyable hiring process, achieving team chemistry, and the importance of diversity in recruitment. 

Paul shares his practical insights, highlighting the value of honest feedback and transparent communication. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of talent acquisition in the sports sector.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:25 Meet Paul Blanchard: A Sports Industry Veteran

01:33 Paul's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences

03:11 Positive Hiring Practices and Strategies

04:42 The Importance of Team Fit and Chemistry

11:09 Ensuring Diversity and Avoiding Groupthink

17:18 Challenges and Negatives in Recruit

In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan sits down with Ben Mercer, a former professional rugby player turned best-selling author, speaker, and consultant. Ben shares his remarkable and slightly different journey from playing rugby in the UK and France to becoming a respected author and consultant. We talk about into career transitions, personal development, and the dynamics of recruitment and team building, and lessons from professional sport that can be used in business.

We delve into the importance of feedback, the challenges athletes face when transitioning to the corporate world, and how creating content can open up new opportunities. This episode is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to navigate career changes or improve their hiring practices.

For more information on Ben’s books, and information on where to buy them (which we highly recommend), visit here: https://amzn.to/4e2rHBA

Join us as we explore Ben's unique perspective on leveraging personal growth for career success and the lessons we can take from the sports field to the boardroom.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:25 Meet Ben Mercer: Career Highlights

01:24 Ben's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences

05:43 The Importance of Feedback and Healthy Debate

10:10 Transitioning from Professional Sport to Writing

13:37 Creating Content for Opportunities

23:59 The Role of Self-Awareness and Super Strengths in Career Development

29:21 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion

In this episode, host Dan Maisey interviews Craig Antony, Chief Executive of the British Wrestling Association. We discuss Craig’s vast experience in sports development, from his tenure at British Orienteering to Greater Sport, and discusses the intricacies of recruitment in this area of the sports sector. 

During the chat, Craig emphasises the importance of transparency, structured hiring processes, and the need for flexibility in remote working environments. We also discuss the critical role of communication and values in fostering a positive candidate experience and building successful teams.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:25 Guest Introduction: Craig Antony

01:16 Craig's Hiring Experiences

03:27 Challenges in Recruitment

05:41 Importance of Transparency

10:26 Skills, Experience, and Values

22:14 Remote Work and Organisational Culture

26:14 Quick Fire Questions

27:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dan talks to Sid Sutton, a seasoned executive and leadership coach with over two decades of corporate experience. 

Sid shares his journey, leadership insights, and strategies for improving the hiring process and creating a supportive work environment. Our conversation delves into the importance of reducing pressure in interviews, understanding intrinsic motivations, and fostering a culture of collaboration. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:26 Meet Sid Sutton: Leadership and Mindset Expert

01:19 The Hiring Process: Lessons and Insights

02:58 Creating a Relaxed Interview Environment

07:01 Handling Pressure in the Workplace

12:22 The Importance of Company Culture

15:11 Engaging Employees and Leadership Strategies

28:46 Curiosity and Continuous Learning

33:42 Quick-fire Questions and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey sits down with Alex Segal, the Managing Director of the globally renowned InterTalent Group and co-founder of Project 30 Studios.  Alex shares his experiences and transformative journey managing some of the biggest names in entertainment, offering invaluable insights and strategies for differentiating yourself in the job market. 

We touch on the importance of effort, proactivity, and personality in recruitment, as well as the potential drawbacks of traditional hiring practices. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable tips for anyone involved in hiring or job searching.

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:25 Meet Alex Segal: Career Highlights

01:24 Alex's Hiring and Being Hired Experiences

05:43 The Importance of Effort and Tenacity

10:10 Spotting Talent: Lessons from Acting

13:37 Proactivity and Cultural Fit in Hiring

23:59 Taking Risks in Hiring

29:21 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion

In episode 25 of Talent Talks, Dan interviews Martin Brown, president and CEO of Steel Sports, about his extensive experience in the youth sports industry. Martin shares insights on hiring practices, leadership, and the importance of culture and values in recruitment. 

We chat about his journey from founding Jersey United to leading Steel Sports, and offers valuable advice on identifying top talent, adapting to different organisational needs, and the significance of treating recruitment with respect and professionalism.

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:25 Meet Martin Brown: A Leader in Youth Sports

01:29 Martin's Hiring Experiences and Lessons Learned

03:18 Hiring for Startups vs. Established Organisations

05:26 Identifying and Nurturing Talent

10:54 The Importance of Culture and Values in Hiring

18:38 Ensuring Consistency in Hiring Practices

21:17 Dealing with Hiring Mistakes

27:12 Quick-fire Questions with Martin Brown

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey sits down with Róisín O'Shea, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Epic Global, about her extensive experience in the gaming, e-sports, and sports sectors. 

We explore the significance of building a professional network, the realities of hiring in sports, and the benefits of transparency in salary expectations and job roles. Róisín also shares her personal journey through various roles, emphasising persistence, passion, and the value of taking opportunities, especially for those new to the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:27 Guest Introduction: Róisín O'Shea

01:21 Róisín 's Career Journey and Hiring Insights

03:28 The Importance of Networking

07:05 LinkedIn: A Powerful Tool for Career Growth

12:40 Advice for Junior Hires in Sports

17:27 Transitioning Careers into Sports

21:08 The Importance of Pre-Interview Preparation

21:28 Realistic Salary Expectations in Sports Jobs

21:57 Passion and Sacrifice in the Sports Industry

22:57 Understanding the Ecosystem of Live Sports

24:53 The Impact of Working in Sports on Personal Life

25:58 Diverse Career Opportunities in Sports

28:22 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Sports

29:59 The Issue with Unpaid Internships

31:13 Transparency in Salary and Job Expectations

33:51 Quick Fire Questions: Recruitment Insights

In this episode of Talent Talks, Dan Maisey speaks with Skip Gilbert, the CEO of U.S. Youth Soccer. Skip shares his vast experience in both profit and non-profit executive management, offering deep insights into strategic hiring, interview processes, and the importance of cultural fit. 

We discuss the role of creativity in making a standout application, the challenges of AI in recruitment, and the need for diversity in thought.

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:26 Meet Skip Gilbert: A Strategic Executive

01:36 Skip's Hiring Philosophy

02:31 Navigating Team Dynamics in Hiring

04:00 Cultural Fit and Long-Term Success

08:19 Handling Hiring Mistakes

10:36 Stakeholder Influence in Hiring

12:22 Diversity and Inclusion in Recruitment

20:35 The Role of Technology in Hiring

22:47 Quick Fire Questions

26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Dan Maisey interviews Simon Bytheway, a commercial operator with extensive experience in sports, entertainment, and technology. Simon shares his journey and insights into hiring practices, the importance of team culture over skills, and engaging with candidates meaningfully. 

We discuss challenges in recruitment, the value of persistence, and leveraging personal and professional experiences to stand out. The conversation emphasises the need for diversity of thought and the evolving dynamics in sports recruitment.

00:00 Introduction to Talent Talks

00:26 Meet Simon Bytheway: A Career in Sports and Entertainment

01:19 Simon's Hiring Philosophy

02:32 The Importance of Culture Over Skill

04:37 Lessons Learned in Recruitment

07:03 Standing Out in the Job Market

11:53 Breaking into the Sports Industry

15:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Sports Recruitment

21:18 The Role of Technology in Recruitment

24:44 Final Thoughts and Best Practices