The SportsGrad Podcast

Hello and welcome to the last SportsGrad episode of 2023!We can’t believe how fast this year has flown by, and we have a lot to unpack - from the nitty-gritty of how SportsGrad levelled up, to juggling goals, and simply tackling life.In today’s episode, we recap on all of our favourite moments from the year, answer questions from the Community, and chat about learnings and goals for the year to come. Additionally, Reuben and Ryan dive into how they navigated their personal lives, such as Reuben dealing with his sexual assault case coming to fruition, and living/working overseas for 6 months.This year has been an absolute blast, with some of our largest meetups, best Community wins, Grand Prix live shows, coffee catch ups, and so much more!However for now, that’s all from us - we’ll be back in your ears soon.Thanks to everyone who tuned in for another great year.Have a safe and happy New Year!💛 Reuben & RyanIn today's episode we cover:(00:00) Introduction(14:34) Community Update(17:39) Quick Fire Questions with a twist(25:48) Questions from the SportsGrad community(26:15) How we handled things that didn’t go as planned(33:45) Member wins across the 2023(40:01) Our Fav podcasts from the year(45:19) What we’ve learnt in 2023(55:09) What advice we would give ourselves at the start of 2023(01:01:07) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#151 - How to network your way into sport (without getting lucky)#194 - 5 things I wish I knew before I started my careerWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben WilliamsRyan WalkerSportsGradInstagramTikTokThis episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Olivia Hogan, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Asia Pacific at Sail GP.You might remember Liv from episode #256 on the ground at the Saint-Tropez Sail GP regatta, where we went behind the scenes of the most exciting and action-packed race on water. Liv’s role is crucial in growing the fan base and brand awareness all around the world in their breakout season.In today’s episode, Liv dives into the marketing and comms side of SailGP, the challenges she has faced in getting to where she is, what a day in her life looks like, and the skills needed for her job.If you want evidence of how to travel the world and work in sport, need help navigating your career direction, or want to hear about job opportunities at SailGP, press play and tune in - enjoy!In todays episode we cover:(00:00) Introduction(04:13) Community Update(08:05) Welcome Liv(10:56) Quick Fire Questions(20:27) Liv’s favorite parts of her role at Sail GP(25:13) How a Sail GP season is structured(28:33) The ownership structure in Sail GP(32:02) How Liv landed her role at Sail GP(38:57) Challenges Liv has faced in her career(42:50) Specific KPIs Liv’s team works towards(48:11) Liv’s role on Race Day vs Non-Race Day(55:12) Skills that have helped Liv in her career(58:06) Liv on looking at a career in Sailing over other major sports(01:02:15) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#22 - Hayley Hamp (Collingwood FC) - How to launch a career in sports marketing#256 - Meet the Sail GP staff on the ground in Saint-TropezWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben WilliamsRyan WalkerSportsGradInstagramTikTokThis episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Chelsea Guy, Partnerships Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist - she has over 10+ years of experience working with Toyota Australia, and now with major events at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.Chelsea is no stranger to a huge partnership, with her role at Toyota leading her to work with the likes of the AFL, and the Australian Olympic Committee.From the reception and admin team at Toyota, she worked her way up to Senior positions through internal promotions, which led her to living both around Australia, and in Japan to work on the Tokyo Olympics.In this episode, she talks about her journey through different positions, how they navigated the Olympics through a pandemic, what responsibilities she has in her role, and the skills needed to work in a partnerships team.If you’re looking to transition from one industry to another, move overseas to work, or learn how to constantly grow and develop within an organisation, this pod is for you!In today's episode we cover: (00:00) Introduction(04:21) Community Update(08:23) Welcome Chelsea(09:54) Quick Fire Questions(18:59) Chelsea’s start in the Sports Industry(24:12) Series of roles leading into the role at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival(31:28) Challenges of working at the Tokyo Olympics during the COVID period(34:08) Impact of COVID on Toyota’s athlete sponsorships(36:20) Chelsea’s role at Toyota post the Tokyo Olympics(46:38) How did Chelsea realize it was time to make a switch from the AFL(47:47) Chelsea’s Day to Day at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival(49:09) Difference between Chelsea’s current role and her previous role at Toyota(51:25) Skills required to work in a partnerships role(52:25) Chelsea’s advice for people starting a role in partnerships(55:00) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#153 - Michael Wolfert Jr (Cincinnati Bengals) - BTS of the Super Bowl#229 - Jordan Iannuzzi (New York Red Bulls) - How to sell sponsorship in the MLSWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalker95/SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsgrad/Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Sean Callanan, founder of Sports Geek - a Tech and Digital agency that works with sport teams to help commercialise their digital assets.With over 15 years of experience in IT development, and a passion and love for sports, he realised the need to combine the two interests. Now, through Sports Geek, he works with the likes of the NFL, amongst many other teams in Australia and the US.Sean also hosts the Sports Geek Podcast, which explores behind the scenes of the marketing and tech world, and is one of the leading sport business podcasts worldwide. It has been running for over 10 years, with more than 350 episodes produced, including with Mark Cuban, billionaire owner of the NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks.In today’s episode, Sean covers how he has navigated the digital world over the past 15+ years, and how he has made an impact on the sporting landscape through tech. He talks about his business methodology, Digital to Dollars, and how he has found success following it.If you’re curious on how sport teams are maximising technology, turning your passions into your professions, or what it’s like working overseas, make sure you tune in - it’s a great one!In today's episode we cover: (07:46) Community Update(11:51) Welcome Sean(13:51) Quick Fire Questions(24:47) Sean’s career before he started Sports Geek(43:25) What should sports pay more attention to?(46:29) How the Digital to Dollars methodology came into fruition(49:34) The story behind the Sports Geek Podcast(53:06) Podcast Guests that helped Sean post a podcast episode(58:50) Sean’s brief stint in Comedy(01:07:29) How Sean got Mark Cuban on the podcast(01:15:22) Sean’s work with the NFL and their expansion into Australia(01:23:49) Why Sean resonates with the book Shoe Dog(01:26:42) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#136 - Rohit Ramasubramanian - How professional teams create new revenue#254 - Guy Redhouse (General Travel Group) - How to work in sports travelWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalker95/SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsgrad/Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Parth Suri, Community Engagement Manager at the Adelaide Crows FC.Parth made the swap into the sports industry after being a banker for 3 years, and holds the record for the fastest SportsGrad member to land a full-time job - just an impressive 29 days after joining the Community.In today’s episode, he joins us to chat about how he navigated his way into his dream role through utilizing his prior experiences, resources, and connections he made in the Community, and the contrasts he found undergoing the industry transition.If you’re curious about what it takes to swap careers, or the inside scoop on a day at an AFL club, this episode is for you - Parth has mastered how to make work ‘not feel like work’, and shares his tips on how you can feel the same.Make sure you tune in, it’s a great one!In today's episode we cover: (00:00) Introduction(07:50) Community Update(11:15) Highlights of Parth's role at Westpac vs the Adelaide Crows(12:55) Quick Fire Questions(22:01) How Parth landed a role in sport only 29 days after becoming a SportsGrad member(33:24) Parth's role as Community Engagement Manager at the Adelaide Crows(36:00) 'Pinch Me' moments in Parth's time at Adelaide Crows(44:21) What a typical week looks like for Parth(49:49) Essential skills to work as Community Engagement Manager(55:09) Parth's advice to people looking to swap careers into sport(01:00:55) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#239: Journey to Head of Community at Melbourne City FC with Sunil Menon#260: Landing jobs at the Brisbane Broncos & FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 with Maddie ReithWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalker95/SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsgrad/Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Jason Russell-Jones, Head of Community Legacy Projects at Rugby Australia.Australia is hosting the 2027 and 2029 Men's and Women's Rugby World Cups, and RA has the responsibility of leveraging them to grow the game - Jason is one of the people tasked with making that happen.Jase has an epic background, having worked at the Australian Sports Commission, Cricket Australia, Cricket NSW, and living over in the UK whilst at the England & Wales Cricket Board.Today on the pod, he joins us to talk about how he landed roles at dream organisations, navigating overseas travel, and skills that have contributed to his success. We chat about the impact of mentors, and his vision for Rugby Australia’s legacy.Make sure you tune in, it’s a great one!In today's episode we cover:(00:00) Introduction(13:23) What has been Jason’s favorite role in his career in sport(14:36) Quick Fire Questions(20:47) Jason’s current role with Rugby Australia(25:06) How Jason landed his role at Rugby Australia(30:58) How Jason found his calling for working in sport overseas(35:21) Planning in the lead up to the Rugby World Cups(40:20) Key skills Jason needed to perform in Jason’s role(42:48) The complexities of working with NSO’s and SSO’s(46:57) How Jason received support from his network throughout his career(51:35) What the future looks like for Jason(54:31) Jason’s advice to his younger self(57:53) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy:#239: Journey to Head of Community at Melbourne City FC with Sunil Menon#254: How to work in sports travel with Guy RedhouseWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalker95/SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsgrad/Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Sarah Burt, freelance sports journalist, commentator, MC and presenter!Recently, Sarah has moved on from Channel 7 to pursue working for herself, has stepped up to host 3AW’s AFLW broadcast, and also has past experience in media roles at the AFL, The Age Newspaper, Fox Sports, ESPN, and the Hawthorn FC - she has a plethora of experience, and jumps on the pod today to share it with us.She covers all things freelancing, such as what a day in her life looks like, how to navigate the pathway into working for yourself, and how to source jobs. Additionally, she chats about the skills needed to be a journalist, her tips on how to deal with networking (and the nerves that can come with it), and how she prepares for game-days and interviews.This is a great episode if you’re curious on how the sports media industry operates, or you’re wanting to get a taste on the route to freelance work - make sure you tune in!In today's episode we cover:(0:00) - Introduction(07:18) Community Update(14:09) Quick Fire Questions(19:39) What Sarah’s professional career revolves around(27:04) Sarah’s trajectory into sports media(37:04) What goes in to covering an AFLW match day(43:53) Key skills and experiences needed to excel as a Sports Journalist(49:24) Overcoming nerves when walking up to interview people(58:57) Advice Sarah would give her younger self starting out(01:00:22) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#244 - Katie Staniforth (Cricket Australia) - Event Manager at Cricket Australia#243 - Tom Hickey (Brisbane 2032 Olympics) - Living the dream at the NFL, IOC & Brisbane 2032 OlympicsWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talentIf you want to learn more about us, connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalker95/SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsgrad/Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Francesca Teh (or as we call her, Franny), the World Cup Legacy Program Manager at Football Australia.Dubbing her role at FA as ‘one of [her] greatest career decisions so far’, she joins us on the pod today to talk about her role as a Legacy Manager, and the positive impact that working on the FIFA Women’s World Cup has had.In this episode, she covers how she landed her first full-time job at Cricket Australia (whilst at uni), how she determined the path she wanted to follow, and the importance of continually up-skilling and developing, so that you don’t pigeonhole yourself in one area. If you’re interested in women’s sport development, legacy management, events, and operations, or you’re wanting to learn how to land a role at one of your dream organisations, this episode is for you.Franny will also be joining us at the Sydney Meetup on November 16th, so you can come along and meet her! Make sure you tune in, it’s a great one.*In today's episode we cover:(00:00) Introduction(06:48) Community Update(11:54) How Franny got recommended to a role at Cricket Australia while still at Uni(14:10) Quick Fire Questions(18:05) Highlights of working at the FIFA Women’s World Cup(21:29) Franny’s reaction to landing her role with Football Australia(24:42) The sequence of roles prior to the role at Football Australia(27:05) How Franny realised that game development / participation pathway was her way forward in sport(29:27) What does the day of a Legacy Program Manager look like?(33:26) How has Franny’s day to day work changed post the FIFA World Cup(39:19) Challenges/Hurdles Franny faced in her journey(46:43) Skills Franny finds important to perform her role(50:26) What does the future look like for Franny (53:04) Advice for people looking to follow Franny’s path*Additional episodes you may enjoy 👇#247: How to be the Event Manager at Football Australia with Sam Hickson#238: Journey to Sports Diversity & Inclusion Consultant with Rana Hussain*Want to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I failed to hit a 12-month goal and it really bloody stung.I learnt a tough lesson about how NOT to race a half-marathon.At first, I was upset and thought what a waste of all that training when I could have been out seeing the world.But then I realised it actually might be an important bump in the road needed to hit my goal - if I learn from it correctly.So how do you turn a failure into your next success?In today's pod I break down where I went wrong and how you can apply my approach of analysing a failure to succeed in your next goal.*In this episode we cover:(0:00) - Introduction(03:45) - Community Update(05:47) - The process behind running the Lisbon Half-Marathon(09:11) - Melbourne Half Marathon 2022 vs Lisbon Half Marathon 2023(11:12) - How Reuben reflected at his failed PB attempt(17:49) - What Reuben would have done differently(20:11) - A sub-optimal start to race day(25:22) - ASK SPORTSGRAD*Additional episodes you may enjoy 👇#223 - Tom Scollay (Cricket Mentoring) - How to turn your passion into your profession#255 - Reuben Williams - The Career Operating System that changed my life*Want to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad Newsletter:http://www.sportsgrad.com.au/newsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?Become a SportsGrad Member and get exclusive access to hidden job opportunities, networking events, resources and recruiters.👉 Become a SportsGrad Member:http://www.sportsgrad.com.au/communityWant to hire the best grads in sport? Let us help you recruit.👉 Help me recruit talent:https://www.sportsgrad.com.au/hireIf you want to learn more about us, feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn!Reuben Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reubenjw/Ryan Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwalke...SportsGrad: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spor...Instagram: @sportsgradTikTok: @sportsgrad_*This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.au*If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and really makes a difference in helping to land guests.Review here: https://apple.co/3ojqo9ZThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Maddie Reith, the ultimate go-getter, who took her Early Childhood profession and turned it into a life in the sports industry…If you’ve ever wanted to work for your favourite sporting team, or land positions at some of the biggest events in the world, then this episode is for you. Maddie takes us through the process of how she ended up as the top Membership Sales person at the Brisbane Broncos, to working at the FWWC, to now leading 700+ people at the Gabba with the O’Brien Group. Learn how to nail those job applications, the importance of being yourself, and how you can find THE FWWC quarter-final penalty shoot-out ball in your house (yes, we freaked out over this too).Maddie is a wealth of knowledge, with tonnes of great tips and tricks - make sure you tune in!In this episode we cover:(0:00) Introduction(01:35) Reuben’s Portugal Experience (09:18) Community Update(12:14) Welcome Maddie(14:00) Quick Fire Questions(18:21) How Maddie realized she wanted to work in sport(20:54) How Maddy got her first sport experience(22:19) How Maddie articulated her transferable skills into sport(24:21) Application Process at Broncos(35:16) Maddie’s experience at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup(39:50) How Maddie secured a match ball from the Australia v France Quarterfinal(46:20) Maddie’s advice for people applying for role in sport(48:25) Maddie’s Day to Day with O’Brien Group at the Gabba(53:57) Advice for people looking to transition into the sport industry(59:50) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy 👇#208 - Kerry Gassner (MOPT) - How to make a career change into the sports industry#257 - Maddy Ryan (Carlton FC) - How to be a Membership Sales Officer in the AFLWant to stay up today with all the new podcasts, events, and blogs to help you get a job in sport?👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterNeed help landing a job in sport?👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.