In this episode, we sit down with Rhian Bird, Head of Athlete Wellbeing at Basketball Australia, to explore her inspiring leadership journey and deep insights into athlete welfare. Rhian shares her path from teaching and community engagement to working with elite athletes across sports like archery, rowing, netball, and basketball. Together, we discuss building sustainable wellbeing cultures in high-performance environments, the challenges athletes face when transitioning beyond sport, and the importance of community-driven initiatives. Whether you're a sports professional, leader, or wellbeing advocate, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and supporting athletes on and off the court.

Join us as we sit down with Rob Kennedy, Executive Officer of Badminton WA, to explore what it takes to lead and grow state sporting organisations. With a wealth of leadership experience across cricket, tennis, and now badminton, Rob shares the pivotal lessons that have shaped his career and his forward-thinking vision for badminton’s future in Western Australia.

In this episode, we dive deep into the balancing act between grassroots and high-performance pathways, the role of tech and innovation in modern sport, and what Australia can learn from badminton giants like Denmark and Indonesia. Plus, Rob and I take a moment to chat about life as dads in our Dad’s Corner segment – because leading at home is just as important as leading on the court.

Whether you’re a passionate sports fan, an aspiring leader, or curious about the future of badminton, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don’t miss it! 🎙

🏀 How do you transition from academia to coaching and then to a leadership role in one of the world’s top women’s basketball leagues? Fleur McIntyre, Assistant GM of the Phoenix Mercury, joins High Performing Leaders in Sport to talk about her journey from sport science to the WNBA. We dive into high-performance cultures, the role of data in elite basketball, and how women’s sports are evolving on a global scale. Whether you’re an aspiring sports leader or a fan of the game, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Bowles, CEO of Basketball ACT, to explore her vision for the game in Canberra. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing basketball at both the grassroots and elite levels, how to create sustainable funding models, and why community engagement is key to growing the sport.

Nicole also shares her leadership philosophy, thoughts on the future of women’s basketball, and the importance of partnerships in driving the game forward. Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, a sports administrator, or someone passionate about leadership, this conversation is full of insights on what it takes to grow and sustain a thriving sporting organisation.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Ekert, the Commercial Manager of Rowing Australia, to explore her dynamic career in sports administration. From her early roles at Triathlon WA and Hockey WA to her current position at Rowing Australia, Emiley shares her journey and insights into leadership in the ever-evolving world of sports. We dive into the challenges of balancing competing priorities, managing diverse stakeholder relationships, and adapting to shifts in the sports industry, particularly in the realms of digital engagement, marketing, and sponsorship. Emily also discusses how she fosters successful commercial partnerships, balances tradition with innovation in rowing, and the role of volunteering in career development. In this candid conversation, she provides invaluable advice for aspiring leaders in sports and offers a glimpse into her leadership philosophy, shaping both the present and future of Rowing Australia.

In this episode, we sit down with Yusuf Jackson, General Manager of SA Rugby, to discuss his impressive career and leadership journey. Yusuf shares how his leadership philosophy has evolved over the years, navigating the complex world of international rugby operations, and balancing tradition with innovation in the sport. From managing high-stakes events like the Rugby World Cup Sevens to cultivating international partnerships, he offers a unique perspective on what it takes to lead in such a high-performance environment. Plus, hear his thoughts on player development, mental toughness, and the lessons learned from leading some of the world’s most prestigious rugby events. Whether you're a sports professional or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on achieving excellence in any field.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlie Green-Medina, the Managing Director of Agency X, as she shares her remarkable journey through various industries and her transition into sports marketing. We’ll discuss her work with elite athletes, the critical importance of personal branding, and the balance between data and creativity in successful marketing campaigns. Carlie will also address the strategies for promoting diversity, and the skills future leaders need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Tune in for invaluable insights and inspiring stories from a true leader in the field!

Join us as we chat with Daniel Gibbons, the Community Umpiring and Pathways Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, whose career spans leadership roles across football, cricket, and rowing. Daniel shares his personal journey, the lessons he's learned managing high-performance pathways, and how he fosters collaboration between community clubs and national bodies. He also gives us a glimpse into the future of sport, the role of data and technology, and offers key advice for those looking to lead in sports development. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or aspiring sports leader, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.