Charlie spent the first decade of her career producing TV, radio and film for the biggest UK networks and companies, including the very popular radio show Fighting Talk. During this time, she worked closely with talent, where she witnessed their unfiltered, off-duty, human side and started to think about creating a world where fans could gain access to this too. Disenchanted by the unimaginative, boring, predictable events she attended, where talent was reduced to scripted conversations and stifled interactions, Charlie saw the need for something radically different. She envisioned a space where talent could show up as their authentic selves and connect with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level. Her passion for creating fresh, immersive, personality-driven experiences has pushed Underground Fan Club to break the mould of traditional fan experiences, attracting some of the biggest talent and brands to join her ‘Underground’ revolution.
--------
31:16
--------
31:16
The Business of Sport - Ben Baroody
Formerly the Director of Leadership, Organizational Development, & Mental Wellness for the Texas Rangers, Baroody brings over 20 years experience in professional sports, having overseen leadership, mental wellness and organizational development programs for the Texas Rangers Baseball Operations Department. During his tenure with the Rangers, he spearheaded the revolutionary ‘Rangers U Player Pathway’ in partnership with ACU, creating bilingual, custom educational programs aimed at enriching players’ personal development and advancing their careers. He also played an integral role in leadership programs for professional sports staff, such as the Rangers ‘Leadership Academy’ for players, coaches and front-office personnel. Baroody now leads the expansion and promotion of ACU’s robust portfolio of sports-related academic and continuing education programmes.
--------
33:41
--------
33:41
The Business of Sport - Josh Harrington
Josh is a digital media professional with a comprehensive understanding of the OTT ecosystem. He joined Simplestream in 2015 and has been a part of their commercial and business development team since then. His primary responsibility is to create, launch, and manage OTT services for various broadcasters, rights holders, and publishers such as British Forces Broadcasting Service, GAAGO, PBS America, Telus, Racing UK, TVSN, and NewsCorp. Before joining Simplestream, he worked with digital rights experts at Perform Group which has since become Stats Perform and DAZN.
--------
28:33
--------
28:33
The Business of Sport - Cedric Vanden Bogaerde
Cedric VdB has been the Executive Director of AISTS, the International Academy of Sport Science and Technology, based in Lausanne, Switzerland since October 2023. Prior to that, Cedric was the head of Strategy and Education at AISTS, overseeing the development of world-leading sports and education programmes, including the Master (MAS) in Sport Administration and Technology, from which he graduated in 2009. An electronics and telecommunications engineer by training, Cedric has spent over a decade working for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on several strategic initiatives such as: - Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5 - the strategic roadmaps for the Olympic movement. - The New Norm - the in depth review of the delivery model of the Olympic Games implemented for the first time in Paris in 2024 - the IOC’ strategic brand management programme. Cedric has also headed the press and media operations for Athletissima, the Lausanne Diamond League meeting. A former 400m runner, he is now active in endurance sports including triathlon and Ironman and is also a keen surfer.
--------
35:46
--------
35:46
The Business of Sport - Dave Slemen and Anna Edwards
Elite Performance Partners are a global business, focussed on taking the best principles of elite sport performance into the boardroom. Founded by the former Harlequins and Connacht Rugby Union full-back Dave Slemen in 2013, EPP provides recruitment, leadership and advice for professional sports, including football, rugby, cricket and tennis, as well as the GB and Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams. Managing Partner Anna Edwards brings a wealth of experience from a 12 year career with some of London’s top advertising agencies, working with brands including Amazon, IKEA, Bacardi and Lego. Anna is also a leading head-hunter of talent across the media, sport and entertainment sectors.