In a rapidly evolving sports landscape, the question of governance has never been more critical. Join Laurent and Dr. Greg Botwina as they delve into the complexities of sport governance, revealing why good governance is not just a principle, but a necessity for the future of sports organizations. This episode is a must-listen for sports leaders, managers, and anyone passionate about the integrity of sport.  

Discover the fundamental challenges that sport organizations face in implementing governance principles, from transparency to accountability. Laurent and Greg discuss the disconnect between established governance codes and the operational realities of sports entities, highlighting the urgent need for reform. You'll learn about the vital role of leadership and organizational culture in shaping governance practices, and why athletes' voices must be amplified in decision-making processes.  

Together, they break down key insights from Greg’s extensive experience in international sport governance, including the importance of adapting to external pressures like climate change and commercialization. You'll hear about the ongoing struggle between maintaining nonprofit values and the necessity for financial independence through private partnerships.  

Why does this matter? The consequences of ineffective governance can be dire, leading to diminished trust and engagement from stakeholders and fans alike. This episode opens the door to understanding the transformative potential of good governance in enhancing the reputation and operational success of sports organizations.  

Perfect for anyone involved in sports management or governance, this conversation not only educates but inspires action towards a more accountable and transparent sports ecosystem. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to influence change in the world of sports!

What will sport organizations need to become to remain relevant, credible and trusted in the future?

In the previous episodes of The Sport Lab, my conversations with Antonio Fernández Arimany, President of World Triathlon, and Cassidy Lichtman, Chair of USA Volleyball, offered different perspectives on how sport is evolving, from leadership and strategic partnerships to athlete engagement and athlete-centered organizations.

In this solo episode, I take a step back and connect some of the ideas emerging from those conversations with a bigger question:

What forces will continue to transform sport organizations over the next decade?

The future of sport will not be shaped only by new competitions, technologies, formats or markets. It will also be shaped by profound changes in society, economics, governance, climate and the expectations of athletes and fans.

I explore seven forces of transformation:

• Governance, transparency and trust• New economic and entrepreneurial models• Athletes moving from representation to meaningful influence• A more human-centered approach to the athlete journey• Artificial intelligence and the future of decision-making• Climate change and the adaptability of sport• Innovation, partnerships and the emergence of more connected sport ecosystems

One idea runs through all of them: sport organizations may need to move from controlling a territory to becoming catalysts, connecting people, capabilities and resources around a common purpose.

And this transformation concerns everyone. From a local club or sport association to an international federation. The scale and resources may differ, but no organization will be completely outside these changes.

Will our organizations be ready to adapt when the future arrives? Can they change without losing who they are?

I would love to hear your perspective.

What does it really mean to put athletes at the centre of sport?

In Episode 05 of The Sport Lab, Laurent Torrecillas speaks with Cassidy Lichtman about athlete voice, leadership and governance, and what it takes to move from talking about athlete-centered sport to actually building it.

A former U.S. National Team volleyball player, athlete advocate and board member, Cassidy has experienced sport from both sides of the table. Her journey offers a unique perspective on how athletes can move from being stakeholders who are consulted to partners who influence decisions.

We explore the realities of athlete-centered organizations, the tension between performance, commercial interests and athlete well-being, the role of athletes in governance, and the responsibility of sport leaders to create systems that truly listen and act.

Because perhaps the real question is not whether athletes have a voice. It is whether that voice has power.

Athletes are at the heart of sport, but are sport organizations truly designed around them?

In this episode, Laurent Torrecillas is joined by Antonio Fernández Arimany, President of World Triathlon, to explore what being an athlete-centered organization really means beyond words and policies.

How much influence should athletes have in decision-making? How can organizations balance athlete well-being, sporting performance, commercial interests and governance? And what happens when the demands of modern competition seem to conflict with athlete protection and safeguarding?

A thought-provoking conversation about leadership, responsibility and the future of sport, and a challenge to organizations to move from speaking about athletes to genuinely listening to them.

🎙️ Antonio Fernández Arimany | President, World Triathlon

Most Olympic sport organizations face similar challenges: limited resources, fragile governance structures, difficult relationships with public authorities, disengaged members, and increasing financial pressure.

In this episode, I explore the six questions that leaders of National Olympic Committees and National Federations ask me most often, and I share the principles, frameworks, and practical lessons that have shaped my approach to governance, strategy, and institutional transformation.

We discuss how to strengthen cooperation with governments, define the real purpose of a sport organization, build an athlete-centered strategy, engage members, improve organizational effectiveness, and create greater financial autonomy.

This episode is ultimately about one idea: moving from a culture of complaints to a culture of solutions, and building sport organizations that create the conditions for athletes to succeed.

What makes a sport organization truly successful? In this episode of The Sport Lab, I explore the five essential pillars that underpin high-performing sport organizations: purpose, plan, people, processes and programmes.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience working with Olympic committees, international federations, and sport institutions, I share a practical framework for building organizations that are not only well-managed, but capable of delivering lasting impact for athletes and society.

Whether you are a sport executive, board member, or federation leader, this episode will help you assess where your organization stands, and where it needs to evolve.

Sport is changing faster than ever before. New expectations from athletes, fans, communities, governments and partners are transforming the way sport organizations operate.

In this first episode of The Sport Lab, we explore why traditional models of leadership and governance are no longer enough to address the challenges of today’s sport ecosystem.

Drawing from more than two decades of experience working with Olympic sport organizations, federations and international stakeholders, Laurent Torrecillas discusses the need to rethink how sport organizations are led, structured and developed.

What does it mean to build a future-ready sport organization? How can leaders move beyond managing daily operations and focus on long-term transformation?

The Sport Lab explores leadership, governance and transformation in sport, bringing ideas, experiences and reflections to those shaping the future of sport.

Welcome to the Sport Lab, a podcast exploring leadership, governance and transformation in sport.