Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
Have to mention the outstanding partnership between Nivea For Men and Liverpool. Their ‘Dear Liverpool’ campaign has been incredible and has made a genuine difference to so many people who have been through difficult times.
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
I’m lucky enough to work with some incredible agencies across multiple disciplines alongside the talent we represent. I love working with the likes of MKTG, Ear To The Ground and 160/90 among many others that I could mention, and it’s far too difficult to choose just one!
Best young industry talent:
Too many to mention but Andy Cahill at MKTG is a superb operator.
Best sporting event attended:
I have two. The Liverpool v Spurs 2019 Champions League Final (for professional reasons rather than personal ones being a Spurs fan!) and my good friend and client George Groves’ world title win against Fedor Chudinov at Bramall Lane in 2017.
Best sporting event on TV:
Have to give a top 3. The Football World Cup, Tour de France and Lions series.
Best brand ambassador (for a client that isn’t yours):
Other than all of the great ambassadorial work our clients do with brands (J) on a personal level I loved the early work Nike did with Ronaldoinho in the early-mid 00’s. The association and campaign activations inspired a generation of football crazy fans and players.
Best industry event or conference:
Said many times by many people but the Sport Industry Awards. Great people who run an unrivalled event.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Any Given Sunday. A timeless classic.
Best book recommendation:
The Art of Reslience, Ross Edgley
Best bar or pub:
Smithy’s Tavern, Alpe D’Huez
Best restaurant:
Anywhere with a rooftop view!
Best holiday resort:
Alpe D’Huez, France. Lived and worked there for three years in a past lifetime.
Best box set:
Band of Brothers.
Best influence on your career:
My Mum and Dad, the biggest influencers on all areas of my life.
Best dinner companions not including your clients (min 4, max 6):
For different reasons… Ricky Gervais, Teddy Sheringham, Jonny Wilkinson, Ed Sheeran, Serena Williams and The Queen!
Best job in the sports biz:
Being an athlete. Second to that (and for most of us who aren’t good enough to be an athlete!) any job in sport if it’s an industry you love!
Best professional regret:
As Robbie Williams once said, No regrets!
Best skill you most covet:
To speak multiple languages
Best trait you admire in others:
Empathy and compassion.
Best ambition:
To make a difference.