A Global Journey of Learning and Discovery in the World of Sports & Geopolitics

From Manchester to New Delhi, India, last week Monday I returned to the UK, and with less than a couple of hours’ sleep, headed straight to Glasgow for the Indoor World Athletics Championships.

The last couple of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind of experiences that has left me feeling incredibly grateful and inspired.

The Quest for Growth

The main question I’ve been asked about these trips is – What were you doing there?

Well, the big picture answer is growth. With over 20 years in the sports world, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about sport and high performance, but I wanted to delve deeper. I wanted to make a positive difference in sport, particularly in my field – track and field athletics – but, of course the whole sporting ecosystem.

Exploring New Territories: Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi

My adventure began in New Delhi, India, where I had the honour of attending the Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs. It is ‘India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics’, and I was there as part of the inaugural India x Nigeria Bridge – facilitating collaborative opportunities, a literal exchange of people and ideas within the Global South to strengthen its global political relations and impact, fuel innovation and create greater holistic prosperity. I will be publishing a more in-depth reflective piece, or even series of pieces over the next few weeks. Look out for these…

Immersed in the World of Athletics: Indoor World Athletics Championships in Glasgow

After India, I retuned to familiar territory (the sports world), where I ventured to Glasgow, Scotland, to immerse myself in the world of televised and stadium athletics during the Indoor World Athletics Championships. One burning question I have had for many many years is: why do broadcasters show so little field event action on TV? Through conversations with the broadcasting team and witnessing first-hand the meticulous planning and execution required to cover multiple disciplines simultaneously, I gained a newfound appreciation for the complexities involved.

The Intricacies of Televised Athletics

Despite my decades in the world of sports, I was surprised to discover the intricate level of detail and specificity involved in televised athletics. It’s not just about capturing the action; it’s about the precision of timing within every track and field event. From athlete presentations and introductions to replays and even the delays caused by processes like raking a pit or awaiting a measurement or protest resolution; every moment is meticulously accounted for. This precision can make it challenging to showcase field events live or even certain jumps as replays, despite the producer’s genuine desire to narrate the event’s story and the athletes’ journeys to the podium for viewers.

Behind the Scenes: The Director’s Flow

Mark, the producer, operated within the constraints of an exacting schedule meticulously timed down to the second. Let me emphasise that: timed TO THE SECOND. Leading up to the three-day Championships, he dedicated a solid two days crafting a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet detailing every aspect of the event. From athlete entrances and presentations to medal ceremonies and everything you see on your screens, no detail was overlooked.

Imagine the complexity of directing and broadcasting live athletics via over 20 cameras set up across the arena, with up to four separate disciplines happening simultaneously! The level of focus, precision, and intentionality required is nothing short of remarkable. Witnessing the seamless coordination between the director, producer, and assistant producer (aka ‘AP’) in the control room was akin to observing Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of ‘flow’ in action – but on a collective scale, like a perfectly synchronized record-breaking rowing squad (think – Boys In The Boat).

Yet, unlike the comparatively fleeting moments of flow experienced in competition, this team maintained their synchronicity for hours on end, spanning several days – and sometimes even beyond a week for longer events like an outdoor World Championships.

Reflections: Embracing Our Worth

The sheer dedication and expertise displayed left me in awe. I gained far more from both of these trips than I ever anticipated, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

Reflecting on these two experiences, I’ve come to a profound realization: I possess far more power and value than I ever realised. My journey has been filled with diverse and meaningful experiences – from overcoming injuries and retirement to becoming an Olympic finalist; building a business from zero to a six-figure revenue; and inspiring and equipping young people in schools, working professionals in large corporations & SMEs, or female founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

It’s astonishing to me how much I’ve underestimated and undervalued myself. What’s even crazier is that by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory, I’ve actually gained a clearer understanding of my own worth. It’s almost paradoxical. I dove into the deep end, recognising my initial discomfort, yet persisted with dogged determination. And you know what? I emerged on the other side with a newfound perspective, a wealth of stories, and a heightened sense of confidence in my abilities and contributions to the world.

Embrace the Challenges: Unlocking Our Full Potential

As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but feel like I’m preaching to myself. But I hope these words resonate with you as well. You, too, are more than you realise. Embrace the challenges, dive into the unknown, and trust in your own inherent value. You’ll be amazed at what you discover.

Phew, that felt like a sermon! But hey, sometimes the most powerful messages come from random ramblings and reflections on a train journey back from Glasgow to Manchester. Here’s to embracing our worth and unlocking our full potential!

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Dr. Ayaode Alakija aka Aunty Yodi (a renowned global health and humanitarian leader) and Samir Saran (President of the ORF, India’s premier think-tank) for this beautiful brainchild – the India x Nigeria Bridge. Thanks to Princess President, Danielle Alakija for pulling the concept into reality in three short months, and the incredible team at ORF, particularly Sunaina and Megha for your logistical and operational management during our stay in India. Thanks to the rest of the Indian and Nigerian contingent for your amicable nature and inspiring conversations.

Thanks to the whole ITN broadcasting team and World Athletics’ organisers – Claire, Mark, Lorna, Mel, India, Charlotte, Catherine, Shabir, Ellie, Alastair, Rhona, other Ellie, Cara, Gary, Ricky, Alex, Fred, Karen, Tony, Kate, the runners – Seb, Olivia, Aron… (it’s a dangerous game to play listing out names because I’ll undoubtedly have missed a name or five out.) And a huge thank you to Cherry Alexander for saying ‘yes’ to my request to shadow the LOC broadcast team for this event.

Thanks to the Almighty for opening doors no one can shut.

‘What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.’

Revelation 3:7 NIV

Call to Action: Embrace Your Potential and Join the Journey

Are you ready to unlock your full potential and embark on your own journey of growth and discovery? Whether you’re passionate about sports, leadership, or making a positive impact in the world, now is the time to take action.

Join me in embracing the challenges, diving into the unknown, and trusting in your own inherent value. Together, let’s push ourselves out of our comfort zones, explore new territories, and make a difference in our communities and beyond.