Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
Dream Crazy by Nike. They once again fell on the right side of history in my opinion, at what was such a divisive time in US history.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
Global Sports Media. Particular shout out to Robert Dyan who has been fantastic to work with since I came into my role at Burnley FC.
Best young industry talent:
I’m fortunate that I have inherited a commercial team that is full of very talented individuals. I appreciate this is somewhat of a cop out, but I would like to shoutout the whole team; Finley Wilkinson (below), Joe Ferguson, Joe Wagner, Alex Waltham and Jacob Munday – they’reall great!
Best Sporting Event Attended:
The Masters, both for the spectacle and the atmosphere inside the place (it truly is like being transported to another world) as well as the pimento cheese sandwiches!
Best Sporting Event on TV:
The 2022 FIFA world cup, although shrouded in controversy, it has to be the most entertaining football tournament of my lifetime. Obviously the final being the standout.
Best brand ambassador:
Serena Williams – I’m not a huge tennis fan but Serena’s story is incredible. She’s broken down so many barriers for women and black athletes.
Best Industry Event or Conference:
Being honest, I don’t know. I’m fresh into the sports industry and haven’t been to an industry specific event yet!
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Coach Carter – not necessarily pertinent to operations of a sport business but an amazing true story.
Best Influence on your career:
Early days but it would have to be my current boss and Co-COO at Burnley, Mark Thompson. He took a chance on me and I’m now fortunate enough to be working in a sport that I love.
Best dinner companions:
Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Barrack Obama, Virat Kohli, Alan Shearer, Seth Rogen.
Best box set:
Succession, one of the greatest TV shows ever created in my opinion.
Best professional regret:
Not a regret as such, but I had an offer to become an Assistant Professional Golfer at a prestigious golf club near London. I occasionally think about how my life would have shaped if I had taken that opportunity. That being said, I certainly don’t regret where I have got to in my career so far.
Best book recommendation:
Mindset by Carol Dweck – such a great read and extremely helpful as a leader of a team.
Best bar or pub:
The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle. I’m a Geordie and no pub in Newcastle gives you a better view of our famous bridges.
Best restaurant:
Rebel in Newcastle. It’s relatively low key but the set menu I had when there was absolutely out of this world.
Best holiday resort:
I generally don’t do holiday resorts, me and my partner prefer city breaks. My favourite city in the world is Barcelona.
Best skill you most covet:
Ability to pause in a conversation. I definitely need to do more of this!
Best trait you admire in others:
Honesty, nothing else is quite as effective in progressing and growing a business/team.
Best Job in the sports biz:
Any job that allows me to work with driven individuals who want to develop and grow. Shoutout to Joe Wagner and Joe Ferguson (Commercial Managers at Burnley FC) who have been like a sponge since I joined and have seen success in completing their first partnership deals since I started.
Best ambition:
Become CEO of a football club, or a world leading golf tour and influence real change sport.