Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
Our previous Commercial Director at Saracens, Lucy Englander (now at CAA). Passionate, caring, and knowledgeable, she had a tremendous ability to forge strong relationships and bring people along on the journey.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
I’m a sucker for anything that romanticises sport and its values. Guinness released their ‘Made of More’ advertising campaign in conjunction with home nations rugby and focused on a few specific stars from the rugby world. Their Jonny Wilkinson advert is 1 minute of pure emotive genius…
Best young industry talent:
I’m going to big up one of our own, Louis Farquharson. Joined us as a Senior Sales Executive last year, and he’s been a stellar addition to the team. He’s a smart cookie and an all-round good bloke.
Best sporting event attended:
Such a tough choice, but the Wales vs France 6 Nations decider in 2008 sticks in my mind. France came to Cardiff with a chance to win the tournament, and we were going for a second Grand Slam in four years. The atmosphere was on another level, and I’ll always remember hysterically jumping up and down hugging my Dad as Martyn Williams scored the try to seal the win!
Best sporting event on TV:
Not a one-off event, but Sunday nights during NFL season are sacred in our household. Sky Sports carry the NFL Redzone broadcast which features 7 hours of live coverage showing every big play and every
touchdown from every single game across the league as it happens. Such a simple concept, but one that makes it easy to consume and engage with the sport as a fan from outside the US market.
Best brand ambassador:
Probably slightly biased with this one, but Maro Itoje. A proud Nigerian, he is unashamedly his unique self. Although he is best-known for his on-field exploits, he is also an academic and philanthropist who is deeply committed to education and transforming the lives of young people.
Best industry event or conference:
The Sports Industry Awards. It’s great to celebrate the immense work and innovation across the sector and see incredibly talented individuals within the industry rewarded.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
No doubt this one gets chosen a lot, but Moneyball. In case it’s not obvious, I have an affinity for US sports, so a special mention also goes to Draft Day.
Best book recommendation:
The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Iconic.
Best bar or pub:
Impossible question, and no way I can keep it to just one. A select few:
- The City Arms, Cardiff
- The Two Brewers, Windsor
- The Raven, Bath
Best restaurant:
Close to home, I love Dylan’s in St Albans – seriously top-notch gastropub. Further afield, I had the most stunning experience at Salsify at the Roundhouse in Cape Town - fine dining with paired wines, and epic views across Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Not sure who I thought I was when I booked that one
Best holiday resort:
Typically not much of a resort person but have been fortunate enough to stay at the Terre Blanche Resort in the South of France. The whole experience was complete decadence and luxury, with some beautiful golf
to accompany it.
Best box set:
Band of Brothers, hands down.
Best influence on your career:
The positively relentless Mike Godfrey (Director of Hospitality & Venue here at Saracens/StoneX Stadium). Not going to sing his praises too much, as I’ll never hear the end of it, but he’s super savvy and is a fantastic leader
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
A rogue guest list…
- Billy Connolly (The Big Yin – my all-time favourite comedian)
- Gareth Edwards (sheer class on and off the rugby pitch)
- Berry Gordy (the Founder of Motown records, the music I was brought up on)
- Tom Hanks (for me, the greatest actor of all time)
- Barack Obama (charismatic, and I bet he has some insightful stories)
Best job in the sports biz:
Maybe a tad cliché, but professional athlete especially in a team sport. Expectations and pressure aside, you’d get to live out your dreams with some of your best mates and travel the world!
Best professional regret:
Not sure it can be classed as a regret just yet, as I’d like to think I’ve still got time to rectify it, but I was offered a job in the US several years ago and I turned it down as the timing wasn’t quite right. Would love to work in the sports industry over there at some point.
Best skill you most covet:
The ability to speak multiple languages. Aside from being incredibly practical, it’s just very cool to see someone with that ability.
Best trait you admire in others:
Creativity. We all have our moments, but seeing true creatives in full flow can be mesmerising
Best overrated virtue:
Agreeability or being a ‘yes man’. Firm believer that you need to be able to disagree (respectfully!) and challenge others to stimulate discussion and development.
Best ambition:
Thought about trying to say something thought-provoking and inspiring, but realistically it’s getting my golf handicap down to single figures!