Global Sports business education, leadership, and lived experience — from someone still in the heart of the industry

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GamePlan: Sports Business Unlocked by Leap!
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EDGE: Leadership by Leap!
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Keynote by James

About James

Welcome to Leap! Life Without Limits

After 25 years immersed in elite sport and the business that fuels it, I've turned every lesson, breakthrough and defeat into something bold: Leap! Not just a business, a culmination of lived expertise, built to give people insights that actually move the needle.

From locker rooms to boardrooms, I've seen what drives excellence, what motivates the defeated, and what really keeps the ball moving. Now I share those lessons through talks, workshops and courses - starting with Gameplan: Sports Business Unlocked by Leap!

But first, the rapid-fire version of how I got here. Buckle up.

Aged 8, I entered the Premier League academy system, splitting time between bat and ball, winning honors as an England Youth International cricketer before turning professional in football for seven years with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Sport became my lens for understanding business, people, and ambition.

That lens widened over almost a decade in global sports marketing with Nike Inc., Umbro International and the Iconix Brand Group. Sports marketing isn't a side industry, it's at the heart of every brand's success, connecting sport, culture and fashion with a global consumer audience. I signed and worked with Premier League and Champions League-winning captains and teams, generational talent, delivering record-breaking transfers, drove campaigns at global tournaments, and fought negotiations with some of the toughest operators in the business. That Leap! from the field to the business world of sport taught me the real game in sport isn't always played on the grass, in front of the cameras - it's played behind them, but can be equally fulfilling and exciting.

Then came five seasons in the scouting engine room of elite football - international recruitment and player trading for Premier League giants Aston Villa, where talent meets timing and millions are made and lost, often on opinion. From there, into the dark and dangerous world of international sports agency, an industry that dictates how the biggest clubs spend, and shapes the careers of the players scoring the goals. Fascinating. Cut-throat. Barely known outside it.

Today, I lead UK and European territory for Score Capital AG, a global sports finance company, where investment and vision shape the future stability of clubs across the sport, from transfers to stadium builds to top sponsorship deals. Alongside this, I scout emerging talent for the England national teams with the English FA, using my expertise and insight to add value to our national game, still very much in the room where the future of the game is being shaped. As you can see, I am still very much in the heart of the industry, making Leap! even more relevant and real.

I refused to let 25 years of hard-earned, unique insight and experience sit in a forgotten file. Alongside a first-class degree in Sports Media and Broadcasting, a stint at an award-winning international university business school, and a few massive mountains climbed to feed my appetite to explore and achieve, I built Leap! a platform to share that knowledge, and to spark change and ambition in others: from classrooms to boardrooms, using the power of sport to unlock what's possible next.

See the options from Leap! here

Testimonial 1

James' workshop on the Sports Business Industry to our young players and staff was simply fantastic. His knowledge and lived experience is second to none and the delivery was so engaging. Everybody went away with new knowledge, fresh ideas and inspiration, a privilege to be in attendance. He needs to do a Netflix documentary!

John Windows, Head of Academy Cricket, Durham County Cricket Club

Testimonial 2

James came in and completely shifted the way the players think about the sports industry and their futures in it. His Keynote wasn't just informative, it was energizing and inspiring. He spoke their language cleverly, shared real life stories through his journey which is unique. You could see light bulb moments. For most of them , including staff, it was the first time they realised there's a whole world of careers in sport they can be part of away from the pitch, and how their futures could be shaped from this one session. It was fun and exactly what they needed. Went away wanting to hear and learn more!

Jamie Carr, Tottenham Hotspur Academy Manager, ex Man City Youth Team Manager, completed Atlantic solo crossing

Testimonial 3

James experience, achievements, and know how across so many major sectors of the sports business industry at the very top is totally unique. I've worked with him for 20 years, and what you will learn is not only informative, it's motivational. What sets him apart isn't solely his experience - it's his ability connect, energise, and build lasting bonds with people. Whether that be a workshop, climbing a mountain or leading a team or project, he brings the same warmth, drive and authenticity. A natural leader and source of inspiration, in sport and beyond. Soak everything up he shares - just stay away from his adventure invites!

Paulo Araujo, Director of Recruitment at FC Porto, Ex- FC Barcelona Director

Testimonial 4

Beau, as he is known in the industry, is not only a colleague, but a mentor who has helped shaped my career and thinking. A rare mix of energy, creativity, honesty and care. He wants you to win, and knows exactly when to challenge you, and when to lift you up. His own challenges and setbacks have given him a depth and humility that you don't often come across. Every time I hit a crossroads - from career decisions to life choices - he's given me perspective that's changed things for the better. He simply loves the fulfillment of helping people find their success - and e's brilliant at it. Don't miss out on Leap!

Ollie Radford - Head of Global Data and Analytics at CAA Stellar (World no.1 sports agency)

Testimonial 5

' James understands the sports industry inside out - literally. His background as an ex professional footballer at two huge clubs, and subsequent roles with global sports brands, clubs and companies, means he has a unique skillset and story - and Leap! is the perfect platform to bring this experience to life. He knows how to get things done and his influence on people who work with him is powerful'

Chris Dolan, Sports Marketing Lucozade - Suntory brands, Ex global communication manger Nike.inc / ex Head of Brand Marketing Under Armour

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