Having a Voice
We're all guilty of it, not making a song and dance about our own success stories and taking the time to grow our presence in the industry.
I'm not talking about just another case study on your website. Whilst that's important, what's more impactful is having a voice.
A 2020 Edelman-LinkedIn B2B Thought Leadership Impact Study revealed that nearly 50% of decision makers spend at least an hour a week consuming thought leadership, with 89% of decision makers claiming that thought leadership is a fundamental tool to enhance perception of an organisation.
I'm talking op-eds, comment, blogs, columns - all of the above. It's even important to consider topical and current broadcast outlets, including radio programmes.
We recognise the benefits of thought leadership, so wanted to share a few recent op-eds for one of our clients, thinkBeyond. Enjoy!
SportBusiness | The importance of sport in the post-Covid rebuild
Pete Fitzboydon, managing director of thinkBeyond, describes how sport can be at the centre of the social and economic recovery from Covid-19.
Have a read, here.
City AM | Doing good is now part of doing business
thinkBeyond MD, Pete Fitzboydon, takes a deep dive into why every sports brand and athlete needs to help society in order to find commercial success.
Read the full article here.
SportsPro | #ChooseToChallenge has to be more than a hashtag to make sport inclusive for all women
Radha Balani, director of design and facilitation at social cause sports consultancy ThinkBeyond, explains why the industry needs to recognise its responsibility to increase access and opportunities for women in under-represented ethnic groups to experience sport.
Dive in, here.
Sport Industry | The Importance of sport in corporate strategies
As lockdown measures begin to be relaxed, and sport begins to see the end of the pandemic's restrictions on its events, Pete Fitzboydon, the newly-appointed Managing Director, thinkBeyond, looks at why it's important for businesses to put sport front and centre as they look to support communities in the coming months.
Take a look, here.
We even secured a slot for thinkBeyond on a key radio show ...
BBC Radio London | The Women's Sport Show
Following her piece in SportsPro, thinkBeyond Director Radha Balani joined Jeanette Kwakye on BBC Radio London to discuss the role women play in sport, and how we can break down the equality and diversity barriers.
Listen here.
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About the Client
Team of the Week - 03.04.26
Team of the Week - 27.03.26
About the Client
Team of the Week - 20.03.26
Team of the Week - 13.03.26
Team of the Week - 06.03.26
A recent report from Sky News' Rob Harris has highlighted England players’ concerns about feeling pressured to speak out on political issues at major tournaments. Reading this was disappointing, but not surprising. It reflects a growing tension in modern sport: athletes sit at the centre of public conversation, yet many don’t feel supported, prepared or protected when that conversation turns political. Athlete platforms are powerful, their reach is undeniable. But that should not automatically mean they should be the frontline voices on every political or geopolitical issue. It's also fair to assume that not only to many not feel comfortable or qualified to hold that role. The burden of expectation Sporting bodies, brands and even fans now look to athletes to offer a stance whenever a sensitive global issue arises. The expectation is heavy, and the scrutiny is unforgiving. This raises an important question for the industry: Are we empowering athletes to use their platforms responsibly, or are we leaning on them to take positions that organisations themselves are hesitant to lead on? Too often, what starts as an opportunity for authenticity becomes a burden that athletes never asked to shoulder. Where athlete advocacy fits Athletes can, and do, drive meaningful social impact — especially when speaking from lived experience. And perhaps this is where the industry should be focusing its support. There is enormous value in athletes championing social and economic issues that feel natural, relevant and constructive, such as: Improving access to sport Inspiring participation Championing inclusivity Supporting community programmes Highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits of activity Addressing inequalities These are not 'soft' issues, ultimately they shape society and improve lives. This is where athletes are uniquely positioned to influence, without being dragged into politically charged territory. Who should really lead political conversations? If governing bodies, rights holders or organisations wish to take political or ethical positions, they should lead from the front — not rely on athletes to be the public face of those complexities. Athletes can support, amplify and add humanity to important discussions, b ut they should not be the default spokesperson for institutional viewpoints. As the role of athletes continues to evolve, the industry needs a clearer, more responsible framework for how we support them. That means: Giving athletes the freedom to choose if and how they speak Providing education, guidance and safeguarding when they do Reducing pressure to comment on politically sensitive issues Elevating athlete voices in areas where they have genuine authority Ensuring organisations do not outsource political leadership to individuals Ultimately, the goal should be to empower athletes — not overwhelm them. And back them up when they do. Their platforms are at their most powerful not when they’re forced into political commentary, but when they’re sharing stories, insights and perspectives that inspire participation, change communities and open doors for others.
Team of the Week - 27.02.26
Team of the Week - 20.02.26