#40 - FIFPRO - Michael Leahy - Beyond the Pitch: Advocating for Players in the Changing Global Football Landscape

New LeCorner episode, new sports business topic covered!In our latest episode, we were joined by Chris Gerstle, Director of Strategy and Development at European Leagues - An organisation that stands as the voice of professional Football Leagues across Europe on all matters of common interest.Along the episode, Chris takes us through his professional journey and his admirable passion for the sport of football. He credits the sport for instilling a dynamic persona within him. The conversation then leads into the main purpose of the European Leagues and how it aspires to maintain a competitive balance for professional football leagues across Europe.Additionally, Chris sheds light on the following subjects:✅ The inception of European Leagues and the needs being addressed✅ The intricacies of project 'Elevate' and how it stands as a closed forum for Members✅ European Leagues Role in supporting member leagues via commercial development through betting and broadcast rights.✅ The Medium to Long Term vision of the European Leagues complimenting the vision of member leagues and their respective clubs.If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it.`Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In episode 46 of our LeCorner Podcast, we had the opportunity to welcome Jon Dutton OBE, Chief Executive Officer of British Cycling, the governing body of Cycling in the United Kingdom. Jon engaged in a seamless conversation with LeCorner host and Chief Business Officer at LaSource Leander Monbaliu, taking us through his journey in sports, from fandom to the ambition of building a world of greater good by leveraging the power of sport, particularly cycling. Leading a national sporting federation’s growth isn’t unfamiliar territory for Jon, having occupied the same post for the Rugby League World Cup for over 5 years, where he gained most of his experience. During the conversation, Jon shares his thoughts on the cycling landscape in the UK, and the federation’s responsibility and due diligence in promoting the sport at the grassroots level and at the national level, where athletes have a safeguarded and successful future ahead of themselves. In addition, Jon also sheds light on: ✅The roadmap of British Cycling, focusing on their strategic ambition for growth and their vision of bringing the joy of cycling to everyone✅The maturities of the sports of Rugby and Cycling and the parallels he has drawn having had a taste of working within both sports. ✅British Cycling’s development and growth strategy leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympic games✅The Innovation Culture at British cycling and the measures taken to instil a fundamental, positive mindset within the organisation If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it.Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Episode 45 of our LeCorner International podcast series, we had the pleasure of hosting Christian Theil, CEO and Founder of our client, turfcoach, in a long overdue episode. Christian begins by offering a glimpse into his background and experiences in the agricultural industry. Recognising the unique requirements of grass and after discussions with grounds managers regarding their challenges, he pinpointed a gap in the industry that could be addressed through the use of data, thus giving rise to turfcoach. The episode also sheds light on:The benefits of turf data to multiple stakeholders within a sports organisationHow 'intelligence scheduling' can support grounds managers in best preparing their pitchesHow sustainability concerns can be addressed within a club by adopting turfcoach's cost-saving software solutionHow players can reduce the risk of injuries by better understanding the surface powered by data.Christian and turfcoach have embarked on a mission to revolutionise the sports industry with their AI-driven turf data platform, aiming to level the playing field for all involved. If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click 2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it. Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/ LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Episode 44 of LeCorner International, we welcomed Alison Crowe, the Director of Digital and Data at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Engaging in a conversation with our Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Westberg, Alison recounted her professional journey, which included leadership roles in marketing and digital, before assuming her current position at the ECB.During her current tenure, which has spanned over four years at the ECB, Alison has navigated fascinating trajectories, generously sharing insights into her experiences in this episode. She explored pivotal topics such as the evolving behaviours of fans and consumers, emphasising the imperative for innovation to attract a younger demographic audience. In particular, Alison discussed "The Hundred," a novel domestic cricket league featuring teams from England and Wales competing in a condensed game format. She delved into fan perceptions of this new competition and elucidated how the board strategically prepared their content and digital strategies to maximise engagement.Highlighting the significance of data analytics in staying ahead of the curve, especially in community engagement, Alison emphasised the importance of ensuring a seamless user experience across registration channels for cricket leagues in England.Moreover, the conversation delved into:The ECB's use of first-party data to orchestrate significant value exchanges with fans fosters increased registrations on their platforms.The evolution of content creation, transitioning from traditional match highlights to more immersive "behind-the-scenes" narratives involving players.The role of data in enabling enhanced statistical analysis within the realm of cricket.If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click 😉2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it.Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development. If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click 😉2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it.Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the recent episode of LeCorner, we had the pleasure of hosting Arnaud Lieutenant, Chief Information and Digital Officer, at the Royal Belgian Football Association. Engaging in a conversation with our Chief Business Officer, Leander Monbaliu (making his debut as a host on LeCorner), Arnaud delves into his professional journey leading to his current role at RBFA.Arnaud, with a wealth of experience in the IT and Digital Transformation sector, provides his opinion on the maturation of the football industry regarding the adoption of digital and new technologies. He highlights how RBFA, in particular, has innovated after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, leveraging on-field success to build a comprehensive football ecosystem for enhanced fan engagement, increased followers of Belgian football, and promoted grassroots football.Sharing details about his leadership in a new digital project replacing their existing football management system, Arnaud emphasises the importance of cost-effectiveness and economy in leading initiatives. Drawing from his prior experience in diverse industries and leading similar digital projects, he articulates how this experience positions him to drive viable projects for RBFA.Touching on the leadership and cultural shift theme, Arnaud's entrepreneurial mindset fosters a thoughtful decision-making process within his team. This shift proves crucial as RBFA aspires to elevate its status as one of the global most forward-thinking national football associations.The discussion also sheds light on the following points:How digital capabilities can be enhanced by developing synergies between the federation, leagues and clubs Arnaud highlights the fact that centralisation instead of fragmentation of digital ecosystems would be beneficial to all stakeholders. How “digital” has facilitated other business operations within the associationHow the AI boom can be navigated cost-effectively through leadership If you had a good time listening to this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a tiny click 😉2. By putting 5 stars on the Apple Podcast to help us spread it.Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we are pleased to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk about digital, innovation and strategic development. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this final episode of LeCorner for 2023, join us for a fantastic blend of the most engaging discussions we've had with our esteemed guests. 2023 marked the third season of our international series, and it's safe to say we thoroughly enjoyed recording these 10 episodes with top-tier sports organizations.A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our guests who generously shared their vision, backgrounds, experiences, and anecdotes with us. Your contributions have made our discussions truly memorable, and we appreciate the insights you've brought to our LeCorner community. Here's to a fantastic year of enriching conversations and looking forward to more in the seasons to come! 🎙️🌟Here is what the flow of the episode will sound like (in chronological order) with one extract per episode!ORLANDO MAGIC - Jay Riola: Leveraging Data for Holistic Sucess and Stakeholder SatisfactionOlympics Channel - BENNY BONSU: Leading the charge in a predominantly male-dominated sports broadcasting ecosystem. MOVE AI - Niall Henry: Proving the doubters wrong by utilising a great idea to build a transformational tech product. LIGA MX - Mariana Guttierez: The foundations behind the growth of women’s football in MexicoFORMULA E - Harry Browne: Building diverse and expansive revenue streamsSPORTSTECHMATCH - David Fowler: Streamlining the sale of rights process for both rights holders and vendorsWORLD FOOTBALL SUMMIT - Jan Alessie: The gap WFS continues to fill within the global football industry. BEIN SPORTS - Bhavesh Patel: Personalising content experiences for global audiences. FIFPRO - Michael Leahy: Manoeuvring the complex challenges faced by professional footballers worldwide. EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL - EVAN PLANCHON: Creating loyal fans by building gamified digital tools. Enjoy this new episode !If you had good time listening this episode, do not hesitate to support us:1. By subscribing, it's just a small click :wink:.2. By putting 5 stars on Apple Podcast to help us spread it.Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and/or on our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and/or on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we have the pleasure to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk to us about digital, innovation and strategic development. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the latest episode of LeCorner International, we had the privilege of connecting with Evan Planchon, the Head of Digital at Euroleague Basketball. In this insightful conversation, he shared his captivating journey from previous experiences in digital marketing to his current pivotal role in the continental basketball league. Evan provided an insider's perspective on Euroleague's business model, emphasizing the centralized approach and strategic partnerships that define the league. Speaking with our CEO and Co-founder, Samuel Westberg, Evan delved into the unique license ownership structure within the league and how influential clubs play a crucial role in shaping major decisions for both the present and future of Euroleague. The discussion highlighted Euroleague's selling points and its dedicated commitment to enhancing fan engagement. Evan walked us through the latest digital upgrades, including a new website and app, as well as a gamification strategy aimed at captivating fans worldwide. In the context of the digital transformation era, Evan shed light on Euroleague's strategy, particularly accentuated by the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The focus revolves around promoting Euroleague’s unique selling point of constant entertainment, emphasizing personalization through fan data, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing fan engagement. Evan emphasized the critical role of digital enhancements in maintaining and expanding the league's reach, incorporating practices on social media, websites, fantasy platforms, and a pronounced focus on gamification. This strategic emphasis on gamification aims to extend the entertaining product from the court into the hands of fans. The conversation extended to the global impact of digital initiatives, highlighting the importance of personalization in attracting and retaining fans. It explored the significance of a centralized approach, direct fan engagement through Euroleague ID, and the league's commitment to bridging the gap between digital and commercial aspects. They also covered: The collaborative approach between Euroleague and its clubs, working together to establish a sustainable digital and data structure aligned with a long-term vision and strategy. The focus on player-centric strategies to accommodate the trend shifting away from a club-centric view. Strategies for converting individuals into passionate Euroleague fans through engaging digital experiences. Challenges of changing habits and content consumption patterns among the younger generation Anticipating and adapting to trends in the ever-evolving landscape. Emphasising the crucial role of timing, time management, and risk-taking The financial investment and return on investment of digital efforts Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The LeCorner Podcast is back for another episode, this time featuring Michael Leahy, Global Policy & Strategic Projects Advisor at FIFPRO. Listeners gain unique insights into his transformative journey from a professional footballer to a critical figure in the football industry advocating for Players’ Rights. Michael draws from his extensive experience at FIFPRO, emphasising the importance of future-proofing personal plans for players beyond the elite 1%. The discussion delves into the organisation's mission, with 65 member unions globally working towards wage stability and improved opportunities for players to enhance their contracts and careers. Micheal provides a look into the future, discussing top priorities for the organisation. This includes player education, the responsible use of player data, safety issues in the football workplace, and workload management, with Workload management being a key area of conversation recently for FIFPRO. Michael highlights the growing influence of players in shaping the commercial success of the sport and emphasizes the shift from a club-centric to a player-centric focus. Players have more power than previously, especially when they join together and provide a collective voice. The conversation delves into the critical role of collective action at the core of FIFPRO, stressing the importance of players having a unified voice to advocate for their conditions and quality of life, especially in challenging and stressful situations. Topics also covered on the podcast include:  His previous playing career and the difference of being changing from on-the-pitch to in-the-office  The impact of technology and innovation on the football workplace The impact of technology and innovation for players on the pitch  Case Studies of player advocacy in difficult situations Fifpro’s Player IQ Knowledge Center. Navigating the sports union structures in Europe vs North America The complexities of navigating different organisers, stakeholders, legal environments, cultures, and workload issues Michael Leahy provides a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the global football landscape, offering valuable lessons for both players and industry professionals alike. Enjoy this new episode ! If you had good time listening this episode, do not hesitate to support us: 1. By subscribing, it's just a small click :wink:. 2. By putting 5 stars on Apple Podcast to help us spread it. Finally, if you want to know more about LaSource's activity, a small tour on our website and/or on our Linkedin page never hurts: https://www.lasource.io and/or on our Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinlasource/ LeCorner is a podcast dedicated to sports and digital. Every two weeks, we have the pleasure to receive a distinguished guest from the sports industry to talk to us about digital, innovation and strategic development. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the newest episode of LeCorner, we welcome Bhavesh Patel, a digital media pioneer with a two-decade career marked by innovation and impact. Currently the Global Digital Director at beIN MEDIA GROUP, Bhavesh has been a driving force behind global digital strategy, product development, and monetization. Bhavesh's impressive journey also includes launching FOX's first direct-to-consumer OTT service as VP of interactive Media and his time as global Digital Media Director with the NBA. He discusses the importance of the dedication to serving fans globally, transforming casual enthusiasts into fervent supporters held by sports organizations, whether that be leagues or broadcasters. These entities no longer have a passive relationship but rather focus on co-production and close partnerships. They work together to attract current and potential fans, fostering connections and encouraging fans to lean in and engage more deeply with the sport. ‌ Bhavesh stresses the importance of authentic and compelling storytelling tailored to different audiences. This is done through curating and creating different content optimized to the consumption trends of different platforms, like through short form behind-the-scenes content for the GEN Z audience on TikTok or Snapchat, or content specialized in different languages. Listen in for Bhavesh’s thoughts on content choice and curation for different audiences and platforms the exciting future of digital sports entertainment and more!he product for different audiences while keeping their traditional stream available. We also discuss: The future of linear versus digital consumption The centralized merger of content creation for these two channels The rise of FAST and its importance in creating future fans The importance of authentic storytelling and understanding your audience The constantly changing nature of the digital world ‌ Listen in for Bhavesh’s thoughts on content choice and curation for different audiences and platforms, the exciting future of digital sports entertainment and more!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches on the horizon, North America stands poised to assert itself as a global football powerhouse. Spearheading this trajectory is CONCACAF, the region's governing body, which is driving significant advancements in the realm of football development and competition. In this new LeCorner Highlight, we are featuring an episode we recorded in 2022 with Jason Roberts, Director of Development at CONCACAF. Jason talks about how CONCACAF is employing progressive data-driven strategies to cultivate the growth of national football associations. Through cutting-edge insights, they are sculpting the region's football landscape for the future. Notably, initiatives like MLS Next are harnessed to foster young talent, paving robust pathways for development. By harnessing the potential of player performance data, emerging stars are identified and training programs are custom-tailored, resulting in a flourishing talent pipeline dedicated to national teams' success. Reflecting on the sphere of competitions, Jason enlightens listeners on how CONCACAF is harnessing data as a transformative tool to elevate football standards through tournaments such as the Gold Cup.  CONCACAF's innovative data-driven approach not only catalyzes the evolution of national football associations but also elevates the caliber and allure of pivotal competitions. In the grand tapestry of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, it is a driving force fortifying the very foundations of the football ecosystem. We hope you enjoy it! If you would like to acquire an extensive understanding of Jason's journey as a former professional player to now developing the game across the continent, please listen to the full episode on LeCorner International. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.