High Performing Leaders in Sport

In this episode, we sit down with Rhian Bird, Head of Athlete Wellbeing at Basketball Australia, to explore her inspiring leadership journey and deep insights into athlete welfare. Rhian shares her path from teaching and community engagement to working with elite athletes across sports like archery, rowing, netball, and basketball. Together, we discuss building sustainable wellbeing cultures in hi...

Join us as we sit down with Rob Kennedy, Executive Officer of Badminton WA, to explore what it takes to lead and grow state sporting organisations. With a wealth of leadership experience across cricket, tennis, and now badminton, Rob shares the pivotal lessons that have shaped his career and his forward-thinking vision for badminton’s future in Western Australia. In this episode, we dive deep into...

🏀 How do you transition from academia to coaching and then to a leadership role in one of the world’s top women’s basketball leagues? Fleur McIntyre, Assistant GM of the Phoenix Mercury, joins High Performing Leaders in Sport to talk about her journey from sport science to the WNBA. We dive into high-performance cultures, the role of data in elite basketball, and how women’s sports are evolving o...

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Bowles, CEO of Basketball ACT, to explore her vision for the game in Canberra. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing basketball at both the grassroots and elite levels, how to create sustainable funding models, and why community engagement is key to growing the sport. Nicole also shares her leadership philosophy, thoughts on the future of women...

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Ekert, the Commercial Manager of Rowing Australia, to explore her dynamic career in sports administration. From her early roles at Triathlon WA and Hockey WA to her current position at Rowing Australia, Emiley shares her journey and insights into leadership in the ever-evolving world of sports. We dive into the challenges of balancing competing priorities, m...

In this episode, we sit down with Yusuf Jackson, General Manager of SA Rugby, to discuss his impressive career and leadership journey. Yusuf shares how his leadership philosophy has evolved over the years, navigating the complex world of international rugby operations, and balancing tradition with innovation in the sport. From managing high-stakes events like the Rugby World Cup Sevens to cultivat...

In this episode, we sit down with Carlie Green-Medina, the Managing Director of Agency X, as she shares her remarkable journey through various industries and her transition into sports marketing. We’ll discuss her work with elite athletes, the critical importance of personal branding, and the balance between data and creativity in successful marketing campaigns. Carlie will also address the strate...

Join us as we chat with Daniel Gibbons , the Community Umpiring and Pathways Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, whose career spans leadership roles across football, cricket, and rowing. Daniel shares his personal journey, the lessons he's learned managing high-performance pathways, and how he fosters collaboration between community clubs and national bodies. He also gives us a...

In this episode, we chat with Jonelle Morley, Head of Participation at the West Australian Football Commission and former Chief Operating Officer at Basketball WA. Jonelle shares her inspiring journey through high-level leadership roles, offering insights into building successful teams, navigating through change, and fostering inclusive cultures. We explore her leadership philosophy, daily habits...

In this episode, we sit down with Jess Jones, CEO of Basketball Hawthorn, to explore her career journey and leadership in one of Australia's fastest-growing sports. We discuss the challenges of running a community-driven club, from fighting for court space to developing young talent, and dive into how Basketball Hawthorn is shaping the future of basketball in Australia. Join us for an insightf...

In this episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we sit down with Daniel Dawick, National Facilities and Special Projects Lead at Basketball New Zealand, to explore the intricacies of sports leadership. Daniel shares his unique career journey, from managing yacht races to driving the growth of basketball in New Zealand. We discuss his leadership philosophy, the challenges of expanding sports i...

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Clarke, a emerging figure in Australian sports management. As the first female Club President of Sydney University Soccer Football Club and the Women and Girls Community Football Lead for NSW/ACT at AFL, Stephanie has played a crucial role in shaping the future of sports in Australia. We discuss her journey from early beginnings to becoming a leader in ma...

In this episode of the "High Performing Leaders in Sport" podcast, we sit down with Nick Holloway, the Club & Volunteer Manager at Basketball England. Nick's career journey has taken him from Australia to England, where he now plays a key role in shaping the future of basketball in the UK. Join us as we explore his leadership insights, the cultural contrasts between Australian an...

In this episode, we sit down with Robin Matthew, Head of Broadcast and Commercial Development at New Zealand Cricket, to explore his fascinating career journey across the sports and media industries. From his early days at JWT India working with global brands to his influential roles at STAR Sports and ESPN STAR Sports, Robin shares how these experiences shaped his approach to broadcasting and str...

In this episode of "High Performing Leaders in Sport", we sit down with Brett Patten, CEO of Perth Heat, to discuss his illustrious career journey, from his early days to his current role. Brett shares his strategies for cultivating leadership, building high-performing cultures, achieving revenue growth, and establishing international partnerships. We dive into the innovative initiatives...

In this episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we’re honoured to speak with Troy de Haas, Managing Director Asia-Pacific at Turnkey ZRG. Troy shares his fascinating journey from being an elite athlete to leading a major executive search firm. Discover the core values that drive his leadership, the challenges he’s overcome, and how Turnkey ZRG leverages data to excel in the competitive world...

In this episode of the High Performing Leaders in Sport Podcast, we sit down with Mark Winnett, the dynamic CEO of Willetton Basketball Association. Mark's impressive career journey from playing football at WAFL and State level to leading a major sports organisation is filled with inspiration and valuable lessons. Mark shares his experiences managing football operations at East Perth Football...

In this episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we interview Caitlin Spencer, True Sport - Mental Health & Wellbeing Project Lead at SportWest. Caitlin shares her journey from UWA, through a non-linear path to SportWest, and the impact of True Sport on mental health and wellbeing. Join us as we explore Caitlin's vision for future initiatives, the leaders who have guided her through th...

In this episode, we sit down with Casey Grice, Executive General Manager, Community & Foundation at the Adelaide Football Club. Casey's journey from a beach volleyball athlete to a key leader in sports management is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into his leadership philosophy, strategic planning, and the innovative programs she champions to build healthy, well-connected communities....

In this episode of 'High Performing Leaders in Sport,' we sit down with Beth Blackman, the Community Relations & Marketing Coordinator for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Beth shares her inspiring journey into the world of sports, starting from her education at The George Washington University to her diverse roles in various sports organizations. Discover how her background in graphic...

In this episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we sit down with Mitchell Collins, the General Manager Operations at Rowing Australia. With a career spanning government and sporting organizations, Mitchell shares his journey, insights, and strategies for success in sports management. From leading strategic initiatives to nurturing talent and envisioning the future of rowing in Australia, Mitc...

In this episode of High Performing Sport, we sit down with Ceran Nilsen, a trailblazer in athlete wellbeing and development. As an Elite Athlete Wellbeing, Career, and Education Coach at Brisbane Broncos and Founder of Smart Sports Consultants, Ceran shares insights gathered from years of guiding athletes towards their full potential. From tackling mental health concerns to navigating the delicate...

In this episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we sit down with James Sansalone, the General Manager of Operations at East Perth Football Club. With a career spanning marketing, operations, and strategic planning, James offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sports management. Join us as we explore James's journey from marketing roles to his current leadership position, his guidin...

In this captivating episode of 'High Performing Leaders in Sport,' we delve into the remarkable journey of Jason Russell-Jones, Head of Community Legacy Projects at Rugby Australia. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary career trajectory of Jason, a visionary leader whose passion for sports and strategic acumen have left an indelible mark on the world of sports management. From his early...

In our newest episode of High Performing Leaders in Sport, we're thrilled to welcome Renee Cohen, the General Manager of Community and Game Development at the Gold Coast Titans. With over fifteen years of experience in Rugby League, Renee brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role, overseeing a range of initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communiti...