The Sports Career Podcast

Hosted by Ed Bowers

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450

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Ed Bowers is the host of The Sports Career Podcast which shares insightful and inspiring interviews from today's Sports Industry Professionals around the World. Subscribe to the podcast to learn: 1. How to turn your sports passion into your profession. 2. Understand how to land your Dream Sports Job 3. Earn a living that excites you! Get ready to make your sports career a reality by learning from today's experts in the sports industry. Follow Ed on Twitter & Instagram here @Edbowers101

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August 13, 20261 hr 6 min

452: Aslı Koç Tiryak- How To Redefine Commercial Strategy, Motherhood and Leadership In Football?

Redefining Football Business: Commercial Strategy, Motherhood & Leadership with Aslı Koç Tiryak This week's podcast special guest is Aslı Koç Tiryak – Football Industry Executive, former Head of Commercial & Sustainability at Istanbul Başakşehir FK , member of the European Club Association / European Football Clubs committees , and founder of LOBA a consultancy focused on strategy, marketing, communications, and sustainability in football. From falling in love with the Premier League as a young girl in Turkey to helping Istanbul Başakşehir become Turkish champions and regulars in European competitions , Aslı's journey shows what happens when you combine curiosity, analytical thinking, and courage to "think differently" in a traditionally male‑dominated industry. She now works with clubs and organisations on redefining commercial strategy with sustainability and social impact at the core. In this conversation, Aslı shares how a non‑linear path (starting in chemistry , moving into events, media, and club football ) shaped her unique way of solving problems, why sustainability became the brand positioning for Başakşehir, how she navigates motherhood and leadership in football, and why she believes football is one of the most powerful tools for social and environmental change. What You'll Discover: From chemistry lab to a Football Club : How Aslı intentionally chose chemistry because of her obsession with asking "why?", and how that scientific, puzzle‑solving mindset now shapes her work in commercial strategy and sponsorship. Redefining a club branding through sustainability: The story behind questioning a "grey kit", why there was no strategic answer, and how that simple "why?" led to Başakşehir positioning sustainability at the heart of its brand, turning alternative kits into a playground for environmental messages and award‑winning campaigns. Becoming Turkish champions and entering Europe: What it meant to join Başakşehir in its fourth year, win the Turkish Super League , qualify for the Champions League , reach a Europa League quarterfinal , and suddenly be responsible for organising matches against European giants – including meeting childhood heroes like Sir Alex Ferguson. Looking ahead to EURO 2032 and Turkish football's transformation: Why co‑hosting EURO 2032 with Italy is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for Turkey, and how governance, structure, and entertainment‑driven experiences must evolve to unlock football's full potential. Motherhood as the ultimate leadership programme: How becoming a mother has changed her leadership – from empathy and vulnerability to sharper focus on where she spends time and energy – and why she wants her daughter (and other girls) to know they do not have to choose between family and an ambitious career. Founding Loba and serving the wider ecosystem: The story behind planning LOBA 18 months before leaving Başakşehir, what Loba actually does for clubs, leagues, brands, and investors, and how it aims to prepare Turkish and European football for a more strategic and sustainable future. Aslı shares how Curiosity, relationships, and authenticity as career cornerstones and much more. Connect with Aslı Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asl%C4%B1-e-ko%C3%A7-tiryaki-b4194629/ Instagram: https://laloba.tr/ Website: https://www.instagram.com/asasinoykusu/

August 6, 20261 hr 0 min

451: Ed Smith-How To Rethink Leadership In Sports & Business With AI?

Rethinking Leadership in Sport & Business: How Ed Smith Uses Humanities & AI to Shape Future Leaders This week's podcast special guest is Ed Smith – former professional cricketer, author, broadcaster, ex-Chief Selector for England Cricket (2018–2021), President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and Director of the Institute for Sport and Humanites (ISH). From opening the batting for Kent as a teenager to helping England win the Cricket World Cup and now shaping leaders through education and AI, Ed's career spans elite performance, leadership, and deep thinking about what sport can teach us about life. He's uniquely placed at the intersection of high-performance sport, humanities, and emerging technologies like AI. In this conversation, Ed shares how his experiences in professional cricket, writing, and academic leadership have shaped his philosophy on amateur vs professional mindsets, balance vs obsession, and how education and AI can help us rethink leadership in both sport and business. What You'll Discover: li::marker]:font-[sans-serif]" start= "1"> Ed's unexpected leap into professional cricket: How he went from Kent U19s to opening the batting in the County Championship almost overnight – and why loving the game and being a good learner matters more than being "ahead" when you're young. Amateur vs professional mindset – and why we need both: The core ideas from his book What Sport Tells Us About Life – why "amateur" shouldn't mean sloppy, how to protect the joy that got you into sport in the first place, and how to carry that into a professional environment. The real meaning of balance in high performance: Why Ed's best seasons (1997 and 2003) came when he was stretched off the field – studying for university exams and writing a book – and what this teaches athletes and leaders about not sacrificing everything for performance. Using your 'extra' time as an athlete wisely: Ed's candid view that many professional athletes have more time than they think – and how using that time for education, reflection, or a second discipline can actually improve on-field performance. The Institute for Sport and Humanities (ISH) and leadership development: How Ed founded ISH while serving as England's Chief Selector, the type of leaders they're developing (from players like Matt Fisher and Heather Knight to professionals across sports), and why critical thinking, humanities, and AI now sit at the heart of modern leadership. Flow state, form, and the 'absence of irrelevant thought': Ed's practical take on flow – how to focus on enjoying concentration rather than runs or results, how to handle bad form, and why being fully present (and not thinking about anything else) is a powerful competitive advantage. Lessons for business leaders from elite sport: How ideas like balance, deep focus, love of the work, and intelligent use of technology (including AI) translate directly from the dressing room to the boardroom – and what leaders in any industry can borrow from Ed's playbook. Connect with Ed here: Website: https://www.edsmithwriter.com/ ISH Website: https://www.sportshumanities.org/

July 30, 20261 hr 46 min

450: Janine Mostyn- How to recruit Effectively in the Sports & Entertainment Industry?

Beyond the Job Board: Inside Sports Recruitment with Janine Mostyn This week's podcast special guest is Janine Mostyn , Managing Director of Huckleberry Sport and one of the most respected specialist recruiters in the sports and entertainment industry. With 20 years in recruitment (and nearly a decade running Huckleberry Sport), Janine has helped rights holders, clubs, agencies and brands build high-performing teams, and supported hundreds of candidates into dream roles across football, motorsport, entertainment, and beyond. In this conversation, Janine lifts the lid on what really happens in sports recruitment: how clients should work with headhunters, what candidates must do (and stop doing) to stand out, and how great recruiters operate with integrity in a competitive industry. She also shares powerful advice on networking and becoming a genuine connector in sport. What You'll Discover: 1.Janine's journey into recruitment and sport: The moment she realised generic sectors weren't exciting enough – and why sport and football felt like "the best feeling ever." 2. From public sector to sports & entertainment: How working at a creative agency, bringing in clients across sectors, led her to naturally gravitate to sports clients . 3. Transferable skills and the "blueprint" for recruitment: The non-negotiables: being thorough, not shortcutting shortlists, and genuinely considering every candidate. 4. Quality over quantity in the sports recruitment space: Why Janine prioritises long-term, high-quality relationships over chasing volume. 5. Do's and Don'ts for clients working with recruiters: How to set realistic expectations (no "unicorn hunting" for 6 months) and define what the essential 80% really is. 6. Do's and Don'ts for candidates in the sports industry: The problem with "apply, apply, apply" and why mass applications (300+ roles) rarely work. 7. The recruiter's perspective: standards, ethics & feedback: What great recruiters actually do behind the scenes: mapping markets, longlisting, referencing, coaching, and much more. Connect with Janine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinemostyn/ Website: http://www.huckleberrysport.com

July 24, 20261 hr 21 min

449: Sharon Muxworthy - How to get more Female Coaches in Football?

How to Get More Women Coaching in Football with FA EDI Lead Sharon Muxworthy This week's podcast special guest is Sharon Muxworthy , Educational Inequality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead for the Female Game at The FA and Head Coach of the University of Brighton Women's First Team . A former PE teacher turned coach, coach developer, and national EDI lead, Sharon has spent over a decade at The FA designing and delivering programmes that open doors for more women – and more diverse voices – in coaching. From grassroots to the top of the women's game, she focuses on inclusion, confidence, and building a sustainable, diverse coaching workforce. In this conversation, Sharon shares her journey from playing street football in 1970s Wales to leading national coach development, and breaks down what it really takes to create environments where women can thrive as coaches. What You'll Discover: Sharon's journey into football and coaching From playing in the street and being excluded from school teams, to rediscovering football at university, teaching PE, and coaching at academy and university level. Teaching as the foundation for great coaching How classroom skills—questioning, communication, and assessment for learning—shaped her approach to coaching and coach development. Creating inclusive environments that keep girls in sport Practical examples of welcoming girls into teams, making sport fun, and why belonging and joy must come before performance. Trust, challenge, resilience and team values Why challenge only works when trust is in place, how sport naturally teaches resilience, and how clear "above the line" behaviours guide team culture. Her current FA role and key programmes What Sharon does as EDI Lead for the female game: growing a more diverse coaching workforce through club placements, mentee development, and targeted support. Digital learning and accessibility for new coaches How courses like EE Playmaker and Introduction to Coaching Football lower barriers, especially for women who might not feel ready to walk into a course in person. Practical advice for aspiring women's football coaches The importance of knowing your why, volunteering to gain experience, being your authentic self, and surrounding yourself with mentors and supportive Connect with Sharon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-muxworthy-06b26b44/ FA Website: https://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football The Powerhouse Project Website: https://www.thepowerhouseproject.co.uk/

July 16, 20261 hr 12 min

448: Ursula Romero- What it takes to be the CEO of a Sports Broadcasting Company?

What It Takes to Lead Sports Host Broadcasting: Inside ISB with CEO Ursula Romero This week's podcast special guest is Ursula Romero , CEO and Managing Director of International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) , a global leader in host broadcasting operations for the world's biggest sporting events. With over two decades of experience shaping modern broadcast standards, Ursula has worked on every Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1996 , as well as major global events including the FIFA World Cup and the Invictus Games . An award-winning producer and director, she is also a passionate filmmaker with a Master's in Cinematography from the London Film Academy . Today, she leads ISB into a new era of technological innovation, diversifying global sports coverage and driving the future of live sports production. In this conversation, Ursula opens up about what it really takes to build a career in sports broadcasting from the ground up, how she navigated the transition from producer to CEO, and why storytelling still sits at the heart of great sports coverage—despite all the technological change. What You'll Discover: How Ursula built a 30-year career in global sports broadcasting From summer jobs as a liaison officer and driver at World Cups and World Championships to directing live sport and leading host broadcasting for Global Sporting Events What it actually takes to be a CEO in sports broadcasting Ursula unpacks the shift from head of production to running ISB, taking over during the pandemic, handling bids, clients, pressure, and the emotional reality of stepping into her late father's role. Why storytelling will always beat technology How Ursula thinks about live sport as storytelling, what's changed (and what hasn't) from the 1980s to the age of TikTok, and how to use new platforms without losing narrative quality. The future of live production, social media, and AI in sport Ursula shares how vertical video, second-screen experiences, fan engagement tools, and AI are reshaping coverage—and how to use these tools without diluting the human side of sport. Practical career advice for aspiring sports broadcasters Why work experience beats classroom theory, how to get your foot in the door, the importance of saying "yes" to unglamorous roles, and why exploring non-mainstream sports can be your edge—and much more. Connect with Ursula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-romero-1b938810/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ualecrim/ SBI Website: https://isbtv.es/ SBI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isbc_live

July 10, 202655 min

447: Dominic Baldwin-How Important is a Wealth Management Plan for Professional Footballers?

How Important Is a Wealth Management Plan for Professional Footballers? Dominic Baldwin on Trust, Values, and Financial Security in Elite Sport This week's guest is Dominic Baldwin , founder and CEO of Xentum Financial Planning, an independent, UK-based financial planning firm based in Knutsford, Cheshire — and founder of Xentum Sport , built specifically for people in sport who want control, clarity, and coaching to make decisions with their money. Dominic launched Xentum in 2004 after seeing firsthand the shortcomings of commission-based financial advice, having watched it negatively impact his own father's wealth and wellbeing. That experience shaped his mission ever since: providing clear, accountable, long-term financial guidance — first for business owners approaching an exit and high-net-worth families protecting generational wealth, and now, through Xentum Sport, for elite footballers navigating short careers and life-changing income. Xentum Sport is supported by Chris Smalling and Bryan Robson , and built on a simple principle: Have a Plan. In this conversation, Dominic opens up about why trust has to be earned through genuine presence, not process — and what he's learned working with high-performing individuals about building wealth that actually lasts beyond the game. What You'll Discover: How to build authentic trust with elite athletes — Dominic explains why being genuinely present, not just professionally competent, is what separates a real advisor relationship from a transactional one. Why personal values matter when creating wealth — how Dominic's own approach to financial planning is shaped by the values he holds, not just the numbers on a spreadsheet. Two key values Dominic has learned from high-performing individuals — the recurring traits he's seen across successful athletes and business owners when it comes to building and protecting wealth. How to make effective decisions about your personal wealth — practical thinking for cutting through noise and pressure when the stakes (and the numbers) are high. Dominic's vision for Xentum Sport — how the partnership with Chris Smalling and Bryan Robson came together, and what it means to build financial support specifically for footballers, by people who understand the game — and much more. Connect with Dominic: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-baldwin/ Website: http://www.xentum.co.uk

July 2, 20261 hr 0 min

446: Paul Barber OBE - How to Lead a Premier League Football Club?

How to Lead a Premier League Football Club: Paul Barber OBE on Leadership, Governance, and Growing the Women's Game This week's guest is Paul Barber OBE , Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion and non-executive director at Women in Football . Paul has spent over 30 years in the game, working across the FA, EFL, Premier League clubs, and MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps . In this conversation, he opens up about what it actually takes to lead a modern football club – from managing pressure and making hundreds of decisions a month, to building culture across two sites and being visible to every member of staff. This is a grounded, honest masterclass on leadership, governance, allyship, and long-term thinking in football. What You'll Discover: Why football clubs are small businesses with huge impact Behind the Premier League spotlight, most clubs run with relatively small off-field teams , working seven days a week across stadium and training ground. How corporate skills transfer to elite sport Paul's years at Barclays gave him rigorous training in planning, budgeting, management, and people development . Composure, pressure and the 'acting skills' of a Football CEO Results swing, league tables change, pressure intensifies. Paul explains how he's learned to stay calm externally even when he feels exactly like the fans internally — and why consistency, perspective, and responsibility to his staff shape how he shows up on matchday and in crisis. Building Europe's first purpose-built women's stadium Paul unpacks Brighton's bold plan to invest £75–80 million in a purpose-built stadium for their women's team — designed through a female performance lens and a different audience profile. He explains why this is both the right thing for athletes and a long-term business play , and how it can set a standard for other clubs. Humour as a strategic leadership tool (with Jeff Mostyn) Through stories of former AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn — including hiding under a boardroom table and cutting tension in Premier League meetings — Paul shows how humour can defuse conflict, build relationships, and keep people going through intense periods like COVID. Paul shares three practical tips for building a career in football Paul closes with three simple, powerful principles for anyone who wants to work in football and much more! Connect with Paul Here: Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-barber-obe-164552a/ Related Podcasts: 428: Jeff Mostyn-What is the Role of a Football Chairman? 442: Anush Ananyan- How To Be A CEO At A Football Club?

June 25, 20262 hr 1 min

445: Lina Boussaha- How To Develop your Resilience in Women's Football?

From Street Football to the Saudi Pro League: Lina Boussaha on Identity, Ubuntu, and What It Really Takes To be a Professional Footballer This week's guest is professional footballer Lina Boussaha, currently playing for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Women's Professional League and representing the Algerian national team. Lina opens up about a journey that began on the streets, playing alongside boys, and led to competing at the highest level of the women's game. She reflects on how those early years — unstructured, joyful, relentless — quietly built the technical ability, mental toughness, and identity that define her today. This is a conversation about resilience, faith, curiosity, and what it really means to grow as both an athlete and a person. Lina's story is grounded, honest, and full of lessons that go well beyond football. What You'll Discover 1. Why street football builds world-class players Playing for hours without a clock, without a coach, and without consequence gave Lina something structured training rarely can — close control, creativity, and an instinct for the game that became second nature. 2. How resilience is built before you know you're training Doing it "again and again and again" wasn't a regime. It was just football. But that repetition laid the mental foundations Lina would rely on at every level of her career. 3. Ubuntu and the Al Ittihad way I am because we are. How the spirit of Ubuntu and Al Ittihad's culture of unity shape Lina's understanding of teamwork and leadership — and why no player ever succeeds alone. 4. Keeping joy alive under pressure The shift from carefree street football to the demands of elite competition is real. Lina talks honestly about how to hold onto the love of the game when the stakes get higher. 5. Principles you can take into your own career From embracing discomfort to using your everyday environment as a training ground — practical, transferable lessons for anyone building a career in sport. Connect with Lina: Instagram: instagram.com/lina.boussaha Related Podcasts: 436: Zala Meršnik- How can intuition improve a goalkeeper's performance on and off the pitch? 434: Ashleigh Plumptre OON - How can Trust, Leadership & Resilience Develop Success Teams in Football & Business? Image Credit: @ittihadladiesclub

June 19, 20261 hr 30 min

444: Lili Iskandar-How can Psychological Skills support Female Amateur and Professional Football Players?

The Mind Behind the Game: Lili Iskandar's Journey to Professional Football This week's podcast special guest is Lili Iskandar, professional football player, who plays as a forward for French club En Avant Guingamp and the Lebanon National Team. In this episode, we explore: 1. What it takes to be a female professional football player 2.Why research matters in the development of women's football 3.Lili shares how getting out of her comfort zone was key to her football development 4. Lili explains the difference between being an amateur and professional football playe 5. You will learn Lili's passion for psychology and her latest football psychology research project 6. Lili shares the power of dreaming big with positive habits and much more Connect with Lili: Survey Link: https://shorturl.at/melKV LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lili-iskandar-526533206/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lili.iskandar/

June 11, 20261 hr 44 min

443: Glenn Crooks-How's Women's Football Developed In The Last 30 Years In The USA?

From Carli Lloyd To Rutgers: Glenn Crooks' 50 Years In Women's Football This week's podcast special guest is with Glenn Crooks, soccer coach, broadcaster, and host of SiriusXM's The Coaching Academy. With over 50 years in the game as a player, coach, and analyst, Glenn has seen the women's game transform from the ground up. From calling NYCFC matches to building Rutgers University's Women's Football Programme over 14 years, and coaching the likes of Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath, his insights are as rich as his career. In this episode, we explore: What 50 years in soccer teaches you about the women's game Why language is the key to becoming a great soccer coach How Glenn built Rutgers University's women's programme over 14 years Glenn's passion for journalism and media in women's football What Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd had in common that made them great football players Glenn's new book Put It On Frame — Volume 2 and much more. Connect with Glenn: Website: https://glenncrookssoccer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-crooks-6b8296b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crooks.glenn/