Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
An in general presenter, John Amaechi OBE. Former NBA player turned organisational psychologist.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
The first one to make an impression on me. Adidas’, 2004 Impossible is Nothing Campaign. The likes of
Messi, Jonah Lomu, Muhammad Ali and Beckham. An all-star line-up.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
A very tough one. All round creative? Wieden + Kennedy. From Nike to their recent AB InBev Super Bowl ad slot. They consistently deliver.
Best young industry talent:
There are plenty! To choose one would be, Gaelle Siourakan at William Hill on their Consumer Insights team. Got to know Gaelle through Twitter – she shares awesome takes and thoughts.
Best sporting event attended:
EURO 2016, Lille. England v Wales in the Lille Fan Zone, insane. Or Cardiff during the Six Nations.
Best sporting event on TV:
All round – the Olympics. Something for everyone and some of the greatest feats unfold right before you.
Best brand ambassador:
Naomi Osaka.
Best industry event or conference:
Now, the SportPro Influencers webinars are great. They have really helped in my learning of the sports business industry this past year.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Seabiscuit, an unreal story.
Best book recommendation:
Athletes Are Brands Too by Jeremy Darlow
Best bar or pub:
Bars and pubs in Galway very much live up to the hype.
Best restaurant:
One of the few I went to in 2020, an Italian, Officina 00. Near Old St.
Best holiday resort:
Not so much into resorts but getting out and about whilst on holiday! An incredible destination is Istanbul.
Best box set:
Peep Show. Never get tired of it. So quotable.
Best influence on your career:
Parents - both had international careers, instilled a hard work ethic, and to always take opportunities when they come at you.
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
If anyone: Barack Obama, Canadian Show Jumper Eric Lamaze, Oprah Winfrey, Rik Mayall, Michael Jordan, and Joanna Lumley.
Best job in the sports biz:
Photographer, to know you can capture iconic and historical moments must an incredible feeling.
Best professional regret:
Not taking on London sooner.
Best skill you most covet:
To simply allow pauses to happen in discussion.
Best trait you admire in others:
Simplifying the most complex of ideas.
Best overrated virtue:
To work long hours, both professionally and on your own personal projects. It is great to be committed and love what you do. But learn to give yourself a break. This is something I have been working on!
Best ambition:
Open a sports dedicated art and photography gallery.