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Sport Industry Series Podcast
Melissa Moncada: Revolutionising Cycling in the UAE
Welcome to the Sport Industry Series Podcast. You are listening to an exclusive episode from the Sport Industry Forum 2024 Mini-Series, hosted by Carla Ward live in Abu Dhabi.
In this episode, Carla interviews Melissa Moncada, Founder & CEO of Aurora Rise Group, and Executive Vice Chairwoman of Colnago, a leading figure in the UAE’s cycling revolution. Melissa shares her insights on advancing women’s sports, fostering leadership, and breathing new life into the iconic Colnago brand.
Discussion Highlights:
- The role of leadership in creating a cohesive and successful cycling team.
- Empowering Emirati cyclists and female leaders through initiatives.
- Revitalising the Colnago brand with a focus on art, tradition, and innovation.
- Cycling as a tool for wellness, community building, and lifestyle transformation.
- The UAE’s cycling landscape, including world-class infrastructure and initiatives.
About Melissa Moncada
Melissa founded Colombia’s first continental female cycling team, achieving historic victories. As Executive Vice Chairwoman of Colnago and Head of Team for UAE Team ADQ, Melissa is driving innovation in cycling. Through Aurora Rise Group, she is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being and positioning the UAE as a global wellness hub.
About Carla Ward
Carla Ward is a football coach and former midfielder who has established herself as one of the most dynamic leaders in women’s football. Known for her transformative managerial style, Carla has managed prominent clubs like Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).
Interested in partnering with Sport Industry Series? Email us at contact@interacthealthy.com
Website: www.sportindustryseries.com
Twitter: @sportindSeries
Instagram: @sportindustryseries
LinkedIn: Sport Industry Series
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Shaima Al Husseini: the journey to a more active Saudi Arabia
28:12|Welcome to the Sport Industry Podcast with Sally Corander, founder of the Sport Industry Forum. The Sport Industry Forum was established in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2016. The annual forum brings together influential sport business leaders to discuss the latest challenges relevant to the region. During day 2 of Sport Industry Forum 2023, Chris McHardy, Head of Sport for Arabian Radio Network, welcomes Shaima al Husseini, Managing Director of Saudi Sports For All Federation. The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) is the main body responsible for developing community sports in the Kingdom and is mandated to achieve the Vision 2030 target of raising physical activity levels in Saudi Arabia.Discussion Highlights:Achievements and developments at the Saudi Sports For All Federation (SFA)The importance of physical and mental health for the Kingdom and its relation to Vision 2030Esports in Saudi Arabia: Making physical activity attractive to gamersOpportunities for Women in Sports: Closing the gender gap respectfullyDevelopment of female leaders and role models in sports and leadershipCreating awareness on the link between physical activity and mental healthIntegration of sustainability and ESG in SFA's programsSupport Required from international and UAE companiesFor more information, visit www.sportsforall.com.saInterested in partnering with Sport Industry Forum? Contact sally@interacthealthy.comWEBSITE: www.sportindustryseries.comTWITTER: @sportindSeriesLINKEDIN: Sport Industry SeriesINSTAGRAM: @sportindustryeseries
NBA CEOs: Stories of leadership, life lessons and resilience
01:13:36|Welcome to the Sport Industry Podcast with Sally Corander, founder of the Sport Industry Forum. The Sport Industry Forum was established in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2016. The annual forum brings together influential sport business leaders to discuss the latest challenges relevant to the region. The Sport Industry Forum Abu Dhabi 2023 is held alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi games. During the 2023 edition, we had the privilege to host two incredible NBA leaders:- Cynt Marshall, CEO of Dallas Mavericks- Ethan Casson, CEO of Minnesota TimberwolvesIn an unfiltered interview with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport for Arabian Radio Network, Cynt and Ethan shared their remarkable stories.Discussion Highlights:Cynt and Ethan’s incredible stories; how their childhood and early careers brought them to where they are todayReflections on their extraordinary roles as CEOs and the transformative impact of sportsOvercoming adversity and personal challenges to achieve success in their professional journeysChampioning a positive and inclusive workplace culture Sharing key leadership lessons and insights gained from their exceptional experiences running NBA franchisesThe significance of the NBA Abu Dhabi games for the region and beyondInterested in partnering with Sport Industry Forum? Contact sally@interacthealthy.com.WEBSITE: www.sportindustryseries.comTWITTER: @sportindSeriesLINKEDIN: Sport Industry SeriesINSTAGRAM: @sportindustryeseries
Lisa Pinder: Sponsorships that Drive Change
29:35|Summary:Welcome to the Sport Industry Series Podcast. You are listening to an exclusive episode from the Sport Industry Forum 2024 Mini-Series, hosted by Carla Ward live in Abu Dhabi.In this episode, Carla speaks with Lisa Pinder, Head of Sponsorship at ADNOC, about her journey in sports sponsorship, her transformative role at ADNOC, and the broader impact of sponsorships on communities. Lisa shares her unique insights on creating meaningful partnerships, building social value, and promoting an active lifestyle through events like the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.Discussion Highlights:The role of ADNOC’s sponsorships in addressing inactivity and obesity.ADNOC’s involvement in shaping events like the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.Overcoming challenges in sports sponsorships in the UAE’s dynamic market.Measuring the success of sponsorships through brand and social value metrics.About Lisa Pinder:Lisa Pinder is a seasoned sponsorship professional with a rich background in global sports. Currently Head of Sponsorship at ADNOC, she leads transformative initiatives that leverage sponsorships to create lasting community impact. About Carla Ward:Carla Ward is a football coach and former midfielder who has established herself as one of the most dynamic leaders in women’s football. Known for her transformative managerial style, Carla has managed prominent clubs like Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).Interested in partnering with Sport Industry Series? Email us at contact@sportindustryseries.comWebsite: www.sportindustryseries.comTwitter: @sportindSeriesInstagram: @sportindustryseriesLinkedIn: Sport Industry Series
Paul McVeigh: The Power of Mindset in Football and Business
32:50|Welcome to the Sport Industry Series Podcast. You are listening to an exclusive episode from the Sport Industry Forum 2024 Mini-Series, hosted by Carla Ward live in Abu Dhabi.In this episode, Carla speaks with Paul McVeigh, a former Premier League footballer turned keynote speaker and performance psychologist. Paul shares his fascinating journey from playing in top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur to transitioning into the corporate world, focusing on the power of mindset and mental resilience. Discussion Highlights:From professional footballer to performance psychologist and keynote speaker.How principles from elite sport apply to business leadership.Why mindset is the key to becoming a world-class performer.Insights from Paul’s book The Stupid Footballer is Dead on mental resilience.Paul’s Leadership Club, bringing together sports icons, business leaders, and academics.About Paul McVeigh:Paul McVeigh is a Keynote Speaker and Performance Psychologist. After playing for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, Paul now helps businesses and individuals improve their performance through mindset training. He is the author of The Stupid Footballer is Dead and regularly speaks at top organisations such as Microsoft, Rolls Royce, and KPMG. About Carla Ward:Carla Ward is a football coach and former midfielder who has established herself as one of the most dynamic leaders in women’s football. Known for her transformative managerial style, Carla has managed prominent clubs like Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).Interested in partnering with Sport Industry Series? Email us at contact@interacthealthy.comWebsite: www.sportindustryseries.comTwitter: @sportindSeriesInstagram: @sportindustryseriesLinkedIn: Sport Industry Series
Seth Amoafo: Building UAE's Largest Youth Football League
12:46|Welcome to the Sport Industry Series Podcast. You are listening to an exclusive episode from the Sport Industry Forum 2024 Mini-Series, hosted by Carla Ward live in Abu Dhabi.In this episode, Carla sits down with Seth Amoafo, founder of PASS Abu Dhabi, the leading community football organisation in the UAE's capital. Seth shares his journey from law graduate to football coach and entrepreneur, founding PASS and launching the UAE's largest youth football league. He discusses his passion for creating meaningful impact in the community and the challenges of growing grassroots football in the region.Discussion Highlights:The inspiration behind founding PASS Abu Dhabi and its growth.Seth’s journey from coaching at Chelsea to sports entrepreneur in Abu Dhabi.Overcoming challenges in building youth football infrastructure in the UAE.The importance of leadership and emotional intelligence in sports management.About Seth Amoafo:Seth Amoafo, founder of PASS Abu Dhabi, is a football coach, teacher, and sports leader with a Masters in Sports Directorship. He has been involved in major events like the FIFA U17 World Cup and 2019 Special Olympics. Seth is passionate about using sport to instill values in young people and has founded the UAE's largest youth football league.About Carla Ward:Carla Ward is a football coach and former midfielder who has established herself as one of the most dynamic leaders in women’s football. Known for her transformative managerial style, Carla has managed prominent clubs like Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).Interested in partnering with Sport Industry Series? Email us at contact@interacthealthy.comWebsite: www.sportindustryseries.comTwitter: @sportindSeriesInstagram: @sportindustryseriesLinkedIn: Sport Industry Series
Tom Foley: Expanding Go Sport’s Vision Across the Middle East
16:44|Welcome to the Sport Industry Series Podcast. You are listening to an exclusive episode from the Sport Industry Forum 2024 Mini-Series, hosted by Carla Ward live in Abu Dhabi.In this episode, Carla interviews Tom Foley, CEO of Go Sport, about the brand’s transformation from a French franchise to a UAE-led global sporting retailer. Tom shares insights on Go Sport’s innovative approach to sports retail, its community-driven initiatives, and its ambitious plans to expand across the Middle East and emerging markets.Discussion Highlights:The journey of Go Sport, from its French origins to becoming a UAE-grown brand.Promoting sports participation in the UAE: partnerships with schools and communities.Supporting the growing market for women’s sports and fitness in the Middle East.Embracing new sports trends and introducing innovative brands to the region.The role of Go Sport in fostering active lifestyles through community engagement.Go Sport’s future in markets like Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, and North Africa.About Tom Foley:Tom Foley, CEO of Go Sport, brings over 20 years of expertise in international sports retail. With a strong focus on consumer needs and emerging trends, Tom has successfully driven growth and profitability through adaptable retail strategies, helping Go Sport expand its presence and impact across the Middle East and beyond.About Carla Ward:Carla Ward is a football coach and former midfielder who has established herself as one of the most dynamic leaders in women’s football. Known for her transformative managerial style, Carla has managed prominent clubs like Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL).Interested in partnering with Sport Industry Series? Email us at contact@interacthealthy.comWebsite: www.sportindustryseries.comTwitter: @sportindSeriesInstagram: @sportindustryseriesLinkedIn: Sport Industry Series