About this podcast
sportH.E is the podcast that brings you insights and learning from across the Higher Education sport sector. Ben O'Connell, Director of Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University speaks to leaders and those delivering cutting-edge programmes to reveal the keys to their success. In each episode, Ben will reveal how his guests have navigated challenges, driven successful change and the lessons learnt along the way.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 36 episodes
- Catherine Baker: Staying the Distance (Ep.35) · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 56In this conversation, Catherine Baker shares her journey from being a sporty child to a successful career in law and leadership. She discusses the importance of sport in building…
- Mark Brian: Developing sport at one of the worlds leading Universities (Ep34) · 1 h 11 min · Season 3 Episode 34In this insightful interview, Mark Brian, Director of Sport at the University of Cambridge, shares his extensive career journey, unique experiences at Cambridge, and his…
- Stew Fowlie: Leading student sport in Scotland and across the globe at the World University Games (Ep 33) · 1 h 4 minIn this conversation, Stew Fowlie shares his journey from early memories in sport to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Student Sport. He discusses the evolution of…
- Katy Storie: Creating opportunity for young women and girls (Ep 32) · 1 h 6 minKaty Storie shares her inspiring journey from early sport experiences to competing internationally and becoming Director of Sport at Newcastle University. She discusses the…
- Neil Brown: Building and running a £31m sport centre, choosing your attitude and changing perceptions (Ep.31) · 48 min · Season 3 Episode 31Neil Brown, Director of Sport & Active Health at the University of Strathclyde, shares his journey from early sports memories to leading the development of Strathclyde's…
- Tim Hollingsworth: How knowing what I didn't know paved the way for success in leading at the highest levels of British sport (Ep30) · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 30In this insightful interview, Tim Hollingsworth OBE shares his unique journey from studying drama at Exeter University to leading major sports organisations in the UK. Tim…
- Dr Emma Ross: Empowering EVERYONE to support women's health & wellbeing (Ep 29) · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 29Dr Emma Ross co-founded The Well HQ an expert consultancy that combines decades of experience in science, medicine and sports to create impactful solutions that close the culture…
- Ken Masser: Leading in complex systems (Ep28) · 58 min · Season 3 Episode 28In this episode of SportH.E Ben O'Connell welcomes Ken Masser, a seasoned professional in organisational psychology and leadership, to discuss his career journey and the founding…
- Will Roberts, BUCS CEO: Leading With Empathy (Ep27) · 1 h 3 min · Season 3 Episode 27In this episode of SportH.E, host Ben O'Connell welcomes Will Roberts, the CEO of BUCS, to discuss his journey in sport and leadership. Will shares his early experiences with…
- The Student Sport Voice: Live Edition, BUCS Conference 2025 · 55 minThis year sportH.E was invtied back to BUCS conference to record another live episode. In this special edition, I was joined on stage by 4 inspiring students who shared their…
- Phil Malatesta: From apprenticeship to Head of Sport at University of Southampton · 41 minIn this conversation, Phil Malatesta shares his unique journey into the world of H.E sport, from an original apprenticeship, then stints in the private sector, and a number of…
- Danielle Farrell: Being deliberately different at UA92 · 1 h 7 minIn this conversation, Danielle Farrell shares her journey from growing up in Ireland and pursuing a career in sports education to becoming the Head of Sport at UA92. She…
- Mark Munro: From managing through turmoil at UKA to leading at the University of Edinburgh · 1 h 4 minIn this conversation, Mark Munro, Director of Sport & Active Health at the University of Edinburgh shares his extensive journey in sports management, detailing his experiences…
- Keith Morris: The standard you walk by is the standard you accept - building a great culture at York Sport · 48 minIn this conversation, Keith Morris, Director of Sport at the University of York, shares his journey in sport management, detailing his experiences from his early career. He…
- Vicky Ackerley: Level 5 Leadership · 54 minIn this conversation, Vicky Ackerley shares her journey from a passionate athlete to the Director of Residences and Sport at the University of Manchester. We discuss the…
- Paul Bedford: Retention Guru · 49 minIn this conversation, I had the immense pleasure of being joined by Paul Bedford from Retention Guru to discuss all things health & fitness, sales and retention. Paul shares his…
- Euan Smith: Unlocking potential - my journey in Executive Coaching · 59 minIn this conversation, Euan Smith shares his career journey to the Director of Sport at the University of Glasgow. He discusses his ambition, the importance of understanding…
- Gavin Ward: Race & Equality in H.E. sport · 56 minIn this conversation, Gavin Ward, a senior lecturer in physical education at the University of Wolverhampton, discusses his research on race and equality in sport, particularly…
- Phil Steele: It takes time to build trust but you can demolish it in a second · 1 h 1 minIn this conversation, Phil shares his diverse career journey leading to his role as Director of Sport at the University of East Anglia. He discusses his experiences in Saudi…
- Andy Allford: A Strong Opinion but Loosely Held · 1 h 10 min · Season 2 Episode 16In this week's episode, I am delighted to be joined by Andy Allford, Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham. Andy discusses his career journey and we take a deep dive…
