Lisa Sams

Today we welcome Lisa Sams to the podcast.  Lisa has over 25 years’ worth of experience working on major international events including the Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and Invictus Games as well as multiple World Championships/Cups. Recently Lisa has also started up her own consulting business in the area of personalised health. With a focus on helping people get healthier and happier, and ultimately more productive at work. 

Today we welcome Lisa Sams to the podcast.  Lisa has over 25 years’ worth of experience working on major international events including the Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and Invictus Games as well as multiple World Championships/Cups. Recently Lisa has also started up her own consulting business in the area of personalised health. With a focus on helping people get healthier and happier, and ultimately more productive at work.

Lisa Sams Wellbeing & Personalised Health Specialist

Aubrey Walton

Today we have the honor of the being joined by the Director of Event Location Strategy and Planning for the NFL Aubrey Walton. Aubrey has gone from growing up in a small town on 900 people to being responsible for leading and managing the team who are responsible for choosing the location of every Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and Pro Bowl each year. Prior to this Aubrey worked in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Sports &amp; Entertainment Commission. Managing events that included the Grammy Awards, EMMY Awards, ESPY’s, multiple Rose Bowl Games, various golf tournaments and many more. 

Today we have the honor of the being joined by the Director of Event Location Strategy and Planning for the NFL Aubrey Walton. Aubrey has gone from growing up in a small town on 900 people to being responsible for leading and managing the team who are responsible for choosing the location of every Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and Pro Bowl each year. Prior to this Aubrey worked in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Sports &amp; Entertainment Commission. Managing events that included the Grammy Awards, EMMY Awards, ESPY’s, multiple Rose Bowl Games, various golf tournaments and many more.

Aubrey Walton -Director, Event Location Strategy & Planning- NFL

We are very excited to welcome our next guest Liz Mills who has an amazing resume as a basketball coach.  Liz has spent the last 10 year in Africa holding a number of high performance coaching positions at both club and national teams, currently Liz is the coach of the Kenyan Men’s National Team, where she has led them to qualify for the African Championships for the first time in 28 years. When we spoke to Liz she was spending some time at home in Sydney before heading back to Africa

We are very excited to welcome our next guest Liz Mills who has an amazing resume as a basketball coach.  Liz has spent the last 10 year in Africa holding a number of high performance coaching positions at both club and national teams, currently Liz is the coach of the Kenyan Men’s National Team, where she has led them to qualify for the African Championships for the first time in 28 years. When we spoke to Liz she was spending some time at home in Sydney before heading back to Africa

Liz Mills - Head Coach - Kenyan Men‘s National Basketball Team

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Bron Parry to the podcast.  As the current National Operations Manager at Softball Australia Bron is responsible for a huge portfolio including business planning, state and federal grant applications, management of shared services, governance and policies, funding, programs, information technology and volunteer strategies. Previous to this Bron ran her own business and has both worked and volunteered on Boards for a variety of sports and organisations across the country, including the International Cricket Council, Sports Medicine Australia, Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Deakin University and recently with Commonwealth Games Australia. In addition to all of her own work, Bron is a passionate advocate for women in the sport industry and we are very lucky to have her along today

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Bron Parry to the podcast.  As the current National Operations Manager at Softball Australia Bron is responsible for a huge portfolio including business planning, state and federal grant applications, management of shared services, governance and policies, funding, programs, information technology and volunteer strategies. Previous to this Bron ran her own business and has both worked and volunteered on Boards for a variety of sports and organisations across the country, including the International Cricket Council, Sports Medicine Australia, Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Deakin University and recently with Commonwealth Games Australia. In addition to all of her own work, Bron is a passionate advocate for women in the sport industry and we are very lucky to have her along today

Bron Parry - National Operations Manager - Softball Australia

Neroli Meadows

It’s an honour to have todays guest join us for this week’s podcast. Neroli Meadows has over 15 years’ experience within the sport journalism industry and is an award winning sports broadcaster, having covered some of the biggest sporting events across the globe. In addition to this Neroli also hosts her own podcast called Ordineroli Speaking, celebrating resilience in sport and uncovering the human stories behind the stars. 

It’s an honour to have todays guest join us for this week’s podcast. Neroli Meadows has over 15 years’ experience within the sport journalism industry and is an award winning sports broadcaster, having covered some of the biggest sporting events across the globe. In addition to this Neroli also hosts her own podcast called Ordineroli Speaking, celebrating resilience in sport and uncovering the human stories behind the stars.

Neroli Meadows - Broadcaster and Journalist

As a highly experienced senior major event and program manager Ingrid has a proven track record of successfully fulfilling senior positions for major international multi-sport events including the Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, Asian, Pan-American and the first European Games. Ingrid also chats to us about her work with She Sports Switzerland which we encourage you to check out: www.shesportsswitzerland.com In addition to that Ingrid us also very passionate about sharing her experiences within the sports management industry, which makes her a perfect guest for our podcast.

As a highly experienced senior major event and program manager Ingrid has a proven track record of successfully fulfilling senior positions for major international multi-sport events including the Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, Asian, Pan-American and the first European Games. Ingrid also chats to us about her work with She Sports Switzerland which we encourage you to check out: <a href="http://www.shesportsswitzerland.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.shesportsswitzerland.com</a> In addition to that Ingrid us also very passionate about sharing her experiences within the sports management industry, which makes her a perfect guest for our podcast.

Ingrid Arkesteijn - Managing Director Europe for Better Event Virtual

Belinda Clark

Today we have the honour of being joined by one of the most influential females in the Australian sporting landscape. Belinda Clark played international cricket for the Australian women’s national team from 1991 to 2005. Along with being the captain for 11 years, Belinda was the first ever player – male or female, to score a double century in a womens One Day International and retired holding Australia's record for Test and ODI runs and also for ODI appearances. But it is Belinda’s influence and achievements post her playing career that we want to talk about today. Belinda moved into working in Development Manager positions at Cricket NSW and the CEO of Women’s Cricket Australia before moving to Cricket Australia and holding numerous positions in operations, team performance and community cricket.  Belinda has recently turned attention to starting a new venture to support the development of leadership capability and confidence in young girls. We are so excited to chat to Belinda today. 

Today we have the honour of being joined by one of the most influential females in the Australian sporting landscape. Belinda Clark played international cricket for the Australian women’s national team from 1991 to 2005. Along with being the captain for 11 years, Belinda was the first ever player – male or female, to score a double century in a womens One Day International and retired holding Australia's record for Test and ODI runs and also for ODI appearances. But it is Belinda’s influence and achievements post her playing career that we want to talk about today. Belinda moved into working in Development Manager positions at Cricket NSW and the CEO of Women’s Cricket Australia before moving to Cricket Australia and holding numerous positions in operations, team performance and community cricket.  Belinda has recently turned attention to starting a new venture to support the development of leadership capability and confidence in young girls. We are so excited to chat to Belinda today.

Belinda Clark - Founder at The Leadership Playground

Alice Larkworthy

Alice spent her career travelling the world working in sport. Starting at USA Rugby as the Team Services Coordinator Alice Larkworthy has spent the majority of her career working in the commercial partnerships areas in organisations such as the Queensland Reds and Football Federation Australia.  As the current Senior Partner Services Manager for the Arsenal Football Club Alice now using her experience to lead a team of people to build strong relationships and maximise opportunities to develop partnerships and drive the implementation of core business strategies. 

Alice spent her career travelling the world working in sport. Starting at USA Rugby as the Team Services Coordinator Alice Larkworthy has spent the majority of her career working in the commercial partnerships areas in organisations such as the Queensland Reds and Football Federation Australia.  As the current Senior Partner Services Manager for the Arsenal Football Club Alice now using her experience to lead a team of people to build strong relationships and maximise opportunities to develop partnerships and drive the implementation of core business strategies.

Alice Larkworthy - Senior Partner Services Manager - Arsenal F.C

Leigh Russel

There isn’t many positions that today’s guest hasn’t held, a CEO, director, consultant, author, leadership &amp; culture lecturer, media performer and vocal advocate for gender equity, Leigh Russell is one of a kind. Leigh has contributed to many sport organisations over the years including AFL Players Association, Gold Coast Suns, Essendon FC, Netball Victoria, Cricket Australia, Tennis Victoria, and most recently as CEO of Swimming Australia.  Since finishing at Swimming Australia Leigh has moved her efforts towards greater equality within sport and especially creating more women leaders within the industry through both Champions of Change and the Women Leaders of Sport initiative. We can’t wait to dive into this chat

There isn’t many positions that today’s guest hasn’t held, a CEO, director, consultant, author, leadership &amp; culture lecturer, media performer and vocal advocate for gender equity, Leigh Russell is one of a kind. Leigh has contributed to many sport organisations over the years including AFL Players Association, Gold Coast Suns, Essendon FC, Netball Victoria, Cricket Australia, Tennis Victoria, and most recently as CEO of Swimming Australia.  Since finishing at Swimming Australia Leigh has moved her efforts towards greater equality within sport and especially creating more women leaders within the industry through both Champions of Change and the Women Leaders of Sport initiative. We can’t wait to dive into this chat

Leigh Russel - CEO and Women Leaders of Sport initiative Founder

In the lead up to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games we are delighted to welcome Julia Cook from the Australian Olympic Committee to the podcast. Julia started at the Australian Olympic Committee almost 10 years ago as the Administration Assistant. Through her time at the AOC she has been promoted to National Events and Fundraising Coordinator, Event Manager, and now National Community Engagement Manager.  Julia has been instrumental in developing programs across the country that utilise Olympic athletes to inspire students to follow their passions. In addition to this Julia has also been a key member of the AOC HQ Teams at the Rio 2016 Olympics, PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics, the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In the lead up to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games we are delighted to welcome Julia Cook from the Australian Olympic Committee to the podcast. Julia started at the Australian Olympic Committee almost 10 years ago as the Administration Assistant. Through her time at the AOC she has been promoted to National Events and Fundraising Coordinator, Event Manager, and now National Community Engagement Manager.  Julia has been instrumental in developing programs across the country that utilise Olympic athletes to inspire students to follow their passions. In addition to this Julia has also been a key member of the AOC HQ Teams at the Rio 2016 Olympics, PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics, the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Julia Cook - Australian Olympic Committee

Sport administrators, sport fans and participant themselves, Sarah and Ash sit down with a bunch of inspiring female leaders from within the sports industry who share their journey of achieving their aspirations. Breaking down traditional sport barriers, inspiring ways for sports to work smarter and not harder. These stories from women who have driven game changers in sport across a breadth of areas. Join the girls as they dive into where it all started, how they did it, the lessons they've learnt along the way, and share their top tips for females aspiring to achieve their dreams.

Today’s guest has just returned from America after spending the best part of 6 years working and studying in New York City. From travelling over there to study her MBA Emily Walkerden landed a role as the Manager of Partnership Development for the NBA.  During her time at the NBA Emily worked to her way up to what she considers her dream role as the Director of Partnership Development where she marketed the NBA to the world's best marketers. As the senior member of the Partnership Development team, Emily led the go-to-market B2B marketing strategy and brand positioning of the NBA and WNBA, as well as customized multiyear, sports marketing programs for the world’s most recognizable brands.

Today’s guest has just returned from America after spending the best part of 6 years working and studying in New York City. From travelling over there to study her MBA Emily Walkerden landed a role as the Manager of Partnership Development for the NBA.  During her time at the NBA Emily worked to her way up to what she considers her dream role as the Director of Partnership Development where she marketed the NBA to the world's best marketers. As the senior member of the Partnership Development team, Emily led the go-to-market B2B marketing strategy and brand positioning of the NBA and WNBA, as well as customized multiyear, sports marketing programs for the world’s most recognizable brands.

Emily Walkerden - NBA

Gen Simmons

Today’s guest sits on both sides of the fence in sport, by day Gen Simmons is the General Manager of Marketing and Industry Development at Gymnastics Victoria and during her spare time serves as the current President of Women Sport Australia.  Gen has spent the last ten years working for numerous sports organisations such as Netball Australia, racing.com, the Melbourne Rebels and now Gymnastics Victoria.  Through her roles as President of Women Sport Australia Gen is tasked with driving the vision to make sport equitable for all and offering program and advocacy support to females in sport.   For more information on the The Shona Joy Scholarship click the link below.  The scholarship includes a fully subsidised WSA Women in Sport Mentoring Program, one-on-one mentoring sessions with a senior leader, a 12 month WSA Membership and access to WSA networking and exclusive events. https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/shona-joy-scholarship-providing-opportunities-for-women-working-in-sport/ 

Today’s guest sits on both sides of the fence in sport, by day Gen Simmons is the General Manager of Marketing and Industry Development at Gymnastics Victoria and during her spare time serves as the current President of Women Sport Australia.  Gen has spent the last ten years working for numerous sports organisations such as Netball Australia, <a href="http://racing.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">racing.com</a>, the Melbourne Rebels and now Gymnastics Victoria.  Through her roles as President of Women Sport Australia Gen is tasked with driving the vision to make sport equitable for all and offering program and advocacy support to females in sport.  For more information on the The Shona Joy Scholarship click the link below.  The scholarship includes a fully subsidised WSA Women in Sport Mentoring Program, one-on-one mentoring sessions with a senior leader, a 12 month WSA Membership and access to WSA networking and exclusive events. <a href="https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/shona-joy-scholarship-providing-opportunities-for-women-working-in-sport/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/shona-joy-scholarship-providing-opportunities-for-women-working-in-sport/</a>

Gen Simmons- Women Sport Australia and Gymnastics Victoria

Imagine sitting in a press conference where the media report that you are the mother of the player, but in fact you are the CEO!  Well this happened to our next guest during the fallout of the sandpaper scandal that rocked Cricket, this week we welcome Christina Matthews to this weeks podcast! Christina has been involved in cricket ever since the age of 12 and represented Australia for 11 years before moving into administration.  As a volunteer committee member from the age of 14 Christina was always on the path to success within sports management and in this episode she shares her journey and the skills she has developed along the way. Enjoy listening to this weeks episode! 

Imagine sitting in a press conference where the media report that you are the mother of the player, but in fact you are the CEO!  Well this happened to our next guest during the fallout of the sandpaper scandal that rocked Cricket, this week we welcome Christina Matthews to this weeks podcast! Christina has been involved in cricket ever since the age of 12 and represented Australia for 11 years before moving into administration.  As a volunteer committee member from the age of 14 Christina was always on the path to success within sports management and in this episode she shares her journey and the skills she has developed along the way. Enjoy listening to this weeks episode!

Christina Matthews - Western Australian Cricket Association.

Sonya Thompson

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Sonya Thompson to the podcast. Sonya is the current Leadership and Culture Manager at the Australian Institute of Sport and is responsible for building capability within the High Performance sport system by supporting the development of individual and collective leadership and holistic high performance cultures. Prior to joining the AIS Sonya was Head of Women’s Cricket for Cricket Victoria, and held senior roles within Cricket Australia, one of those being the Women’s Big Bash League Manager. With a career spanning over 20 years within the sports industry we are very excited to have Sonya join us 

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Sonya Thompson to the podcast. Sonya is the current Leadership and Culture Manager at the Australian Institute of Sport and is responsible for building capability within the High Performance sport system by supporting the development of individual and collective leadership and holistic high performance cultures. Prior to joining the AIS Sonya was Head of Women’s Cricket for Cricket Victoria, and held senior roles within Cricket Australia, one of those being the Women’s Big Bash League Manager. With a career spanning over 20 years within the sports industry we are very excited to have Sonya join us

Sonya Thompson - Australian Institute of Sport

Mary Konstantopoulos

Today’s guest is one that has lived and breathed sport for as long as she can remember. In addition to her successful career in the corporate world as a lawyer Mary Konstantopoulos runs a media company called 'Ladies who' which encourages women to get involved in conversations about sport through various spin-offs including 'Ladies who League', 'Ladies who Legspin', 'Ladies who Lineout', 'Ladies who W-League' and 'Ladies who Leap'. As an advocate for women  in sport Mary writes for several major publications including NRL.com and the Roar, and if that isn’t enough she also sits on the Board of Hockey Australia. Mary’s passion and advocacy for women’s sport is truly inspiring

Today’s guest is one that has lived and breathed sport for as long as she can remember. In addition to her successful career in the corporate world as a lawyer Mary Konstantopoulos runs a media company called 'Ladies who' which encourages women to get involved in conversations about sport through various spin-offs including 'Ladies who League', 'Ladies who Legspin', 'Ladies who Lineout', 'Ladies who W-League' and 'Ladies who Leap'. As an advocate for women  in sport Mary writes for several major publications including <a href="http://NRL.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NRL.com</a> and the Roar, and if that isn’t enough she also sits on the Board of Hockey Australia. Mary’s passion and advocacy for women’s sport is truly inspiring

Mary Konstantopoulos - Ladies who league

When we think of inspiring women in Australian sport, today’s guest is definitely one of the first that come to mind. Chyloe Kurdas is the current National Female Participation Manager for Golf Australia, and is leading the implementation of Vision 2025, Golf Australia’s long-term strategy to enhance the engagement of women and girls in golf. Prior to this Chyloe spent the best part of a decade leading the development of women’s Aussie Rules football. Widely known as one of the catalysts for Australia’s first-ever national women’s professional competition, AFLW, through her role as AFL Victoria’s Female Football Development Manager. With a passion for cultural change and gender equality Chyloe also spends her spare time presenting to Department of Defence leadership programs.  Chyloe had so many great insights during our chat we have split her episode over two weeks.

When we think of inspiring women in Australian sport, today’s guest is definitely one of the first that come to mind. Chyloe Kurdas is the current National Female Participation Manager for Golf Australia, and is leading the implementation of Vision 2025, Golf Australia’s long-term strategy to enhance the engagement of women and girls in golf. Prior to this Chyloe spent the best part of a decade leading the development of women’s Aussie Rules football. Widely known as one of the catalysts for Australia’s first-ever national women’s professional competition, AFLW, through her role as AFL Victoria’s Female Football Development Manager. With a passion for cultural change and gender equality Chyloe also spends her spare time presenting to Department of Defence leadership programs.  Chyloe had so many great insights during our chat we have split her episode over two weeks.

Chyloe Kurdas - Golf Australia & AFLW Pioneer - Part 2

Chyloe Kurdas - Golf Australia & AFLW Pioneer - Part 1

Linley is the current Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager at Swimming Australia. In what has been a year like no other Linley’s role has been pivotal in supporting our Athletes as they adjust and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. Linley has been able to draw on her own experiences as a professional athlete representing Australia and winning a gold medal in the 100-metre breaststroke at the 1991 FINA World Aquatic Championships, and representing Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. 

Linley is the current Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager at Swimming Australia. In what has been a year like no other Linley’s role has been pivotal in supporting our Athletes as they adjust and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. Linley has been able to draw on her own experiences as a professional athlete representing Australia and winning a gold medal in the 100-metre breaststroke at the 1991 FINA World Aquatic Championships, and representing Australia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Linley Frame - Swimming Australia

Today’s guest is one that carries many hats within the sporting landscape. As the current General  Manager of Government Partnerships at the NRL, Cassandra Lawry also volunteers as a board member of Touch Football Australia and sits on the steering committee of the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports. With a background in politics and history, Cass is the perfect example of someone who has been able to use previous experience in different industries to become a leader within the sports industry.  In her current role Cass works with all levels of government to support game-wide initiatives, including grassroots participation, and community and Indigenous programs.

Today’s guest is one that carries many hats within the sporting landscape. As the current General  Manager of Government Partnerships at the NRL, Cassandra Lawry also volunteers as a board member of Touch Football Australia and sits on the steering committee of the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports. With a background in politics and history, Cass is the perfect example of someone who has been able to use previous experience in different industries to become a leader within the sports industry.  In her current role Cass works with all levels of government to support game-wide initiatives, including grassroots participation, and community and Indigenous programs.

Cass Lawry - NRL

Today’s guest is one of the most experience event managers that you will find. Ingrid Proud has worked across numerous industries and a variety of sports. From working at her first event at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, to the Rugby World Cup, Commonwealth Games, NBA, the Asian Games, concerts, Olympic swimming trials and the ultimate sporting event – the Olympics, Ingrid has a lot of experience under her belt. But it’s not only her experience that has everyone in awe, it’s also the way she goes about her work.

Today’s guest is one of the most experience event managers that you will find. Ingrid Proud has worked across numerous industries and a variety of sports. From working at her first event at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, to the Rugby World Cup, Commonwealth Games, NBA, the Asian Games, concerts, Olympic swimming trials and the ultimate sporting event – the Olympics, Ingrid has a lot of experience under her belt. But it’s not only her experience that has everyone in awe, it’s also the way she goes about her work.

Ingrid Proud - Experienced Event and Project Manager

Sport administrators, sport fans and participant themselves, Sarah and Ash sit down with a bunch of inspiring female leaders from within the sports industry who share their journey of achieving their aspirations. Breaking down traditional sport barriers, inspiring ways for sports to work smarter and not harder. These stories from women who have driven game changers in sport across a breadth of areas. Join the girls as they dive into where it all started, how they did it, the lessons they've learnt along the way, and share their top tips for females aspiring to achieve their dreams.

Sports Intuition

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!