Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
Definitely Gill Archer-Cox from my time at creative agency Stellar London, the enthusiasm he had for his pitches was so infectious
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
The Bumble x Gen G partnership was an inspired campaign for female gamers and is a great reference point for me in our work at Guild, promoting equality in gaming
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
I’ve worked for some really great agencies but I’ll give Stellar London another shout out here for punching well above their weight - Stellar by name stellar by nature!
Best young industry talent:
This is a really tough one, but both Roland ‘Rollie’ Tiffany (below), Head of Creative Services, and Rory Moran (Commercial Director) at Guild are super talented, not just in their work but also the way they lead their departments at such a young age. Just don’t tell them I said that!
Best sporting event attended:
As a Leicester City fan, spending a summer's day celebrating the historical title win at the parade in Victoria Park was unforgettable. Kasabian even gave a surprise concert in the park, so that one will be hard to beat!
Best sporting event on TV:
Watching the Lionesses bringing it home has to be up there. I watched the team play to a capacity stadium at Wembley recently and the effect they’ve had on young women is awesome to see.
Best brand ambassador:
Lil Nas X for League of Legends , a hilarious out of the box concept and a brilliant execution. It’s well worth a watch if you haven’t already!
Best industry event or conference:
Little Dots Studio recently arranged a great session for their clients on innovative ways to monetize digital rights in the sports industry
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Moneyball - a story that transformed the way we use data in sport and some classic acting performances from heavy hitters too.
Best book recommendation:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey - this isn’t as businessy or self-helpy as it sounds, I swear. I found it to be such an inspiring book which helped me understand what success means to me personally.
Best bar or pub:
The Three Mariners in Lancaster holds some great university memories for me and a somewhat average university football team.
Best restaurant:
A little known place called Dishoom, I’d imagine you won’t have heard of it...
Best holiday resort:
I prefer to get a little bit off the beaten track and do some wild camping, admittedly my other half doesn’t quite share my enthusiasm
Best box set:
Mad Men - one of the best shows ever and it was the box set that put me into advertising (for better or worse!)
Best influence on your career:
Probably my Dad - who showed me that working hard is essential to success, but also that finding a career that you enjoy is not optional
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
To add a bit of esports flavour, let’s book in a gamers-only dinner with: TimTheTatman, Nadeshot, Scump, Dr Disrespect
Best job in the sports biz:
Leicester City Manager (someone please apply!)
Best professional regret:
Assuming graduate programs were my best chance of success
Best skill you most covet:
Public speaking - if you’re a natural speaker then rest assured, I’m very jealous of you
Best trait you admire in others:
Loyalty - politics are my least favourite part of business
Best overrated virtue:
Being ‘successful’ - do what makes yourself and others happy!
Best ambition:
Create more happiness than you take