Rachel Powney
VP Marketing
Best pitch presenter you’ve
ever seen
US Navy Admiral, William H. McRaven. His speech about the importance of doing the little
things in life, embracing your fears and changing the world for generations to come is
amazing!
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours)
The Nike Football “Believe” campaign by AKQA London. Just Brilliant. And ‘This Girl Can’ is one that I showed my children and they loved.
Best agency (that isn’t yours)
Droga5 for their ‘Truth is Worth it Campaigns’ for the New York Times
Best young industry talent
Alex Scott – an inspiration for many young women out there!
Best sporting event attended
I will never forget when I travelled to the US in 2003 and got to go to the Super Bowl XXXVII -
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders. It totally blew my mind! The atmosphere was
insane...and the after parties (which lasted days) were epic!
Best sporting event on TV
I’m a huge rugby fan so it’s got to be the Rugby World Cup
Best brand ambassador:
World record holder Kiko Matthews who is the fastest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She is working with brands to raise awareness of plastics in the ocean.
Best industry event or conference:
FT Business of Football Summit - great speakers and interesting content
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Growing up with my dad being a huge Formula 1 fan it has to be ‘Rush’
Best book recommendation:
David and Goliath by Malcom Gladwell – a great read which challenges you to think differently about obstacles and disadvantages in life, offering new interpretations on how to
succeed.
Best bar or pub:
The Garden Gate in Hampstead – fond memories of being a young, ambitious and carefree girl in London
Best restaurant:
Julie’s in Notting Hill just beautiful in every way.
Best holiday resort:
I’m not a fan of ‘holiday resorts’ but my first experience of one with my 18 month old child
was the Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort in Greece which just had the most amazing evening entertainment.
Best box set:
My husband is a real historian so introduced me to HBO’s Rome and I was hooked (We even got married in the famous city!)
Best influence on your career:
My dad. Who told me at the age of 16 to find a subject I love and become an expert...so I
did...and chose ‘Marketing’.
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
Ricky Gervais, Steve Jobs, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, John Lennon, David
Attenborough
Best job in the sports biz:
Formula 1 driver – for the thrill and speed
Best professional regret:
Not taking an offer for a job in the US
Best skill you most covet:
To code and speak Japanese.
Best trait you admire in others
Selflessness
Best overrated virtue:
Pride. It’s important but when it turns to ego it gets in the way.
Best ambition:
To be a good role model for my children by showing them the importance of finding
something you love, focusing on it and never ever giving up.