Sporting Directions: Recent Episodes
Sporting Directions
This Podcast is careers advice for those wanting to move into the world of sport but who are still unsure or unaware of what this direction means and what they might face along the way.
This Podcast Series has been directed towards inspiring those at the beginning of their own sporting journeys. We hope that by showcasing the variety of sports-based careers on offer in the world we can provide guidance and motivate those looking to move into a sporting career by showing them what options are open to them and how they can navigate their own way into and through such careers.
KEEP BREAKING BARRIERS
The Sporting Directions Podcast this week speaks with Kate Palis and get to hear her amazing story littered. Her story is one littered with setbacks and barriers, however through resilience and staying humble she is proof that if you stay true to yourself and embrace the community of sport you can achieve your dreams! “Failure is a blessing as you can only truly learn from failure…. If you choose to!”
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Sporting Directions Website: https://aksra1984.wixsite.com/simonat...
Kate Palis (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-kat...
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimizing the impact on our planet
A fascinating conversation about how Nutrition is a quickly developing pathway within the sports industry with more and more sports clubs, academies and school recognizing the importance of nutrition to the overall athletics performance of individuals and teams.
Dan Richardson is a performance nutrition expert, supporting school-level and professional athletes. Previously, he worked with professional teams such as Man City, Sale Sharks, and Warrington Wolves, before setting up his own sport nutrition company known as DRN Nutrition. His company specialises in the delivery of sports nutrition programmes in schools and academies, concentrating on a food-first approach and focusing on building nutrition habits to develop healthy and sporty students. He also supports some of the top athletes with his 1:1 nutrition consultancy service, across a wide variety of sports.
Social Links
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danjricha...
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drnnutrition/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/DRNnutri
If you want to get in touch with Dan to discuss setting up a nutrition programme at your school, you can contact him direct at: dan@DRNnutrition.co.uk
Look at who else we have been chatting to on our website: https://aksra1984.wixsite.com/simonat... If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
“You never know who will invite you out for coffee and offer you the opportunity of a lifetime!!”
Ben is a true entrepreneur who has faced some staggering odds to build a truly unique sports business which has branched out into ways you would never expect! Ben tells us about his journey and how he and his team overcame adversity by remaining positive, exploring all opportunities, believing there are no bad ideas and seeing possibilities where so many others gave up hope.
If you are interested in a career in sport but want to explore the road less travelled you need to listen to Ben's fantastic story and his very different direction through the sporting industry.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Ben Cullen (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmathe/
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
“It’s never too late to make the change and chase your dreams!”
Phil shares with us his unique and inspiring story of how he used the skills he learnt in the world of business and sales to become one of the standout PE practitioners in the international world of sports education and development today and author of the new book ‘Happiness Factories’. Seen as one of the ‘go to’ people in the recent ‘Concept Curriculum Revolution’, Phil is a prolific presence on social media as a champion for student engagement in and enjoyment of PE through contextualized learning.
Phil talks to us about the importance of building relationships, volunteerism, giving back and standing up for what you are passionate about. A very experienced international teacher and leader, Phil is a truly inspirational figure head in this industry and advocates above all progress over perfection!
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Phil Mathe (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmathe/
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
In today's episode, Rebecca [Head of Gymnastics Academy (cross-campus) at Bangkok Patana School] talks us through a journey of gymnastics and dance, and what it means to follow your passions. She talks to us about developing her self-awareness of what motivates her, and what it takes sometimes to overcome that nagging feeling of self-doubt in the early stages of finding your career. Listen to her thoughts on the value of volunteering at your local club, and how this simple act helped her to ultimately become the Head of Gymnastics Academy at a leading international school.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions Please use the following Links Below:
Rebecca MawDzatkowski (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-maw-dzatkowski-4131559a/
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-robert-atkinson-bsc-hons-pgce-qts-ma-532362192/
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-taylor/
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-roberts-27756822/
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport
Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
Be willing to do the hard work!
Martin talks to us about the importance of being prepared to put the hard work in. We must all be willing to do what others will not if we want to achieve anything special but remember it is a two-way process and give back to others where we can.
Martin has successfully transitions from successful professional athlete to one of the most sought-after athlete trainers in the middle east. His story is one of numerous lessons on how to achieve against the odds and how through setting good habits early on you can make yourself a success and achieve beyond the odds.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Martin Brockman (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-br...
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
Sally and Dean are both Sports Tech entrepreneurs and innovators who have been changing the way elite athletes have been training and performing at the highest level for many years.
Hear about how they got into this unique and exciting industry which has allowed them to travel the world and work with record breaking athletes developing technology which will fundamentally change the way you will think about the highest level of competition.
Learn about how the world of elite sport is changing and the important part technology is playing in helping athletes train and perform at the highest level. An industry growing more and more each year and many new ideas and tech on the way which will help to take elite athletes to the next level of competition. Certainly, worth a Watch/Listen!
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Sally Lee (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-lee...
Dean Sharples (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-shar...
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
“Look Forwards | Plan Backwards”
Gareth’s journey is one of always looking and being open to changing interests and learning new things, a journey of wanting to be better with each interaction and every new opportunity to learn.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following Links Below:
Gareth Morris (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-mo...
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rob...
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-t...
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-rob...
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport: Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
“I can do hard things – my thoughts are not true – always pause before you speak”
Tanya talks us through her journey in the world of dance instruction. She talks to us about ensuring that there is balance in your life that you should never lose sight off, but that you should never let things stand in the way of your dreams and goals.
A heartwarming conversation with Tanya shows us that it is important to be courageous, be proud of our achievements but always strike to continue to learn.
Will started his career in professional rugby at the age of 18, and played a further 11 years in England’s top teams, captaining and representing club and country. Unfortunately he suffered a career-ending neck injury at the age of 28, and so put his Open University degree and passion for business and sport to use by remaining at his London club as Head of Sales.
Will spent a further three years on the commercial side of professional rugby before moving to Singapore in 2016, where he began his role as Commercial Director for UFIT Urban Fitness. After 18 months, Will took on the role of CEO and looked to restructure and rebrand the company to what it is today. Now operating as UFIT Health and Fitness, the company integrates its four pillars of Health, Fitness, Sports and Corporate through its core domains of UFIT Hubs, UFIT Corporate Gyms, UFIT Clubs, UFIT Studios and UFIT Online.
In this jam-packed episode, Will Skinner sits down with Sporting Directions to discuss his physical and mental transition from sport in to business, his views on communication and what it takes to be a great leader. Make sure you stay to the end to hear What sort of advice Will would you give somebody wanting to move into the fitness industry and what is needed for progress to be successful. His answer might surprise you.
In todays' episode, Cindy Adair (Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Coach and Swimming Specialist) sits down with the Sporting Directions team to discuss what it was like growing up in 'sporty' family and how sport was instrumental for her to developing resilience and a growth mindset. Which isn't easy in the competitive world of swimming. Cindy dives headfirst into the barriers that she's faced, and what it takes to follow your passions and developing professional relationships that matter while staying authentic and being true to yourself. If you've ever had self-doubts about your position in the sporting industry, life or leadership, this is the episode for you, and stay listening to the end to hear Cindy's tips on how to improve your mood when you're having a bad day!
Happy Fridays!
Jack talks to us about his journey into becoming an international football coach. He describes his journey from being a confused teenager into supporting those from difficult backgrounds through the vehicle of Football. He tells us some amazing stories of difficult times he had to face, before making the courageous move overseas.
An inspiration story of appreciating what you have, but always trying to be better, and helping as many people as you can along the way.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions Please use the following Links Below:
Jack Cassidy (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidyjack/
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-robert-atkinson-bsc-hons-pgce-qts-ma-532362192/
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-taylor/
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-roberts-27756822/
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport
Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
Always work hard – you never know who is watching”
Jennys journey starts from a different direction – moving from one industry into the very complex world of sports appraisal. Jenny talks us through her journey, the barriers put in place for young women in the industry, and how she had other inspirational women to help and guide her.
A fascinating story in an industry and that is growing, Jenny is a true inspiration and helps those listening who are interested in fashion learn how to make that jump into a highly developing and upcoming career pathway.
The Athletics for Life team (CD Johnson & Jeff Koops) and the Sporting Directions Podcast teams get together to share their journeys and the directions their careers have taken them over the years. 5 very experienced, well-travelled and knowledgeable Athletic Directors share stories on how they discovered their passion for sport, moved into teaching and eventually found their way into international Athletic Director roles.
All 5 stories are different and all 5 will inspire with hints and tips on how to find jobs, develop as professionals and even how to approach the dreaded interview process.
Key take aways: Be Prepared | Turn Up | 1st Impressions Count | Do what the other person is not prepared to do | Keep learning and keep growing.
Thomas Hitchings [Assistant Headteacher | Director of Physical Education and Sport @ British International School Shanghai, Puxi Campus] Thomas talks to us about his journey from a promising career in UK cycling to being one of the most influential directors of sport in Asia, overcoming significant personal barriers and failure to come out stronger and more reliant that ever before. A true advocate of Growth Mindset, Thomas discusses with us the importance of recognizing little victories but being open to new ideas and change. Balance is key to Thomas’s success and remembering to pick up the crumbs of each day.
If you would like to know more about any of our Guests or Hosts of Sporting Directions, please use the following links:
Thomas Hitchings (Guest) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-hitchings-m-ed-1a033637
Simon Atkinson (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-robert-atkinson-bsc-hons-pgce-qts-ma-532362192
Gavin Taylor (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-l-taylor
Tavis Roberts (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavis-roberts-27756822/
Proudly Sponsored by Tsunami Sport
Tsunami Sport works in partnership with clients to provide creative designs, high quality product and excellent customer service based on an active knowledge of sports lifestyle and team culture. They produce the world’s most sustainable Eco apparel, minimising the impact on our planet
Listen to 5 podcasts hosts describe what they had to do to get their first job as a Sports Teacher.