Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
It’s got to be the legendary David Abbott. Having had the privilege to work with him briefly, he just had an extraordinarily human touch. His pitch to BT sell-in of the Bob Hoskin’s ‘It’s good to talk’ is the ultimate. No slides, no mood film, just 30 minutes straight to camera.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
Hands down the original Channel 4 Paralympics ‘Meet the Superhumans’. Amazing stories, music,
editing and bravery.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
I’ve been told by our PR agency to say Wildstorm PR. Anyone know any good PR agencies?
Best young industry talent:
Alice Dearing. I’m mentoring her as part of the Women’s Sport Trust board apprentice scheme. Although
I fear that she’s the one mentoring me. She’s amazing.
Best sporting event attended:
The final of the Women’s Euros in 2022 at Wembley. Even though I was surrounded Dutch people (who were pretty unanimously for Germany), the atmosphere was positive, warm, and celebratory. And the match itself was brilliant - Chloe, it was worth the yellow card!
Best sporting event on TV:
I would generally say the Euros, as I have so many happy memories of watch parties over the years, but also
the family gathered around the telly with my mum and dad providing the most hilarious commentary (‘are we going left or right?’; ‘why has the UK got an R after it’; ‘oh they pushed that poor boy over’). However, I did have a simultaneously amazing and bizarre experience watching the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup in a pub in Byron Bay in Australia with my soon-to-be-husband (and a Scot). I was the only person wearing white…. But the experience was incredible - lots of banter, but no intimidation.
Best brand ambassador:
Andy Murray x Callaway is super smart for both of them
Best industry event or conference:
Sports Industry Awards
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Fighting with my family - loved it
Best book recommendation:
I re-read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee recently, and really really enjoyed it. From a non-fiction perspective, I would thoroughly recommend ‘Chatter: The Voice in Our Head (And How to Harness It)’ by the psychologist Ethan Kross - both stimulating and helpful in exploring how you can turn negative introspection into more productive reflection and positivity
Best bar or pub:
I’m not much of a pub-goer, but it would definitely be one where I could sit down, preferably on a sofa,
and with a fire crackling nearby.
Best restaurant:
Colloquially known as ‘Steak Frites’, it’s Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote on Marylebone. When you go
in, they ask you just one question: ‘how do you like it done’. Class.
Best holiday resort:
I enjoy the time there is to cook on holiday, so prefer a house/villa holiday.
Best box set:
Probably still has to be The Sopranos
Best influence on your career:
Helen Calcraft - been there for me for more than 25 years now!
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
Much as I’d love to provide a list of really aspirational people, I’d be too overwhelmed, so let’s just stick with a bunch of really close mates, plus my husband, and maybe Judi Dench, because she seems like a right laugh
Best job in the sports biz:
If my 17-year-old is anything to do with it - anything, absolutely ANYTHING at Arsenal
Best professional regret:
You only regret the stuff you didn’t do, so, within reason, I try to do it
Best skill you most covet:
Remembering words and names (menopause is a cruel mistress).
Best trait you admire in others:
Sailing comfortably into a room full of people you don’t know, and not feeling fazed.
Best overrated virtue:
Corporate shmooze
Best ambition:
Play a game of tennis on Centre Court (against someone I could beat)