Global Sports Business Industry education and insights powered by 25 years of unique experience

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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 JB:

Welcome to Leap! Life without Limits

After more than 25 years immersed in the high-performance worlds of elite sport and the business environment that fuels the industry, I’ve channelled every experience, challenge, breakthrough and defeat into creating something bold and impactful. Leap! It isn’t just a business - It’s a culmination of lived expertise, designed to serve diverse markets and empower individuals with insights that truly move the needle.

From locker rooms to boardrooms, I’ve witnessed what drives excellence, motivates the defeated and what really keeps that ball moving. Now, I’m here to share those lessons and insights to inform and inspire various audiences through talks, workshops and courses with Gameplan: Sports Business Unlocked by Leap!

But before we dive in, let me give you a rapid-fire tour of the journey that brought me here. Buckle up - It’s been quite the ride.

From the crease to the pitch and back again. Aged 8, I entered the world of the Premier League Football Academy system, combining boots with bats, in winning honours as an England Youth International cricketer before stepping into the world of professional football for seven years with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Sport wasn’t just a passion, it became my lens for understanding business, people, and evolving my ambitions.

That lens widened over a decade in Global Sports Marketing with Nike Inc., Umbro International, and the Iconix Brand Group, partnering with iconic teams, leagues, federations, and athletes across the globe. I’ve seen how brands influence society, how stories shape legacies, and how sport connects continents and cultures. All whilst having a great time!

Then came five seasons in the scouting engine room of elite football; International recruitment and player trading for Premier League giants Aston Villa FC, where talent meets timing, where millions are made and lost. I later stepped into the dynamic and dangerous world of international sports entertainment and agency, collaborating with some of the biggest companies in the agency world.
This industry dictates the spending of the greatest teams in sports, and shapes the careers of those scoring the goals. A secret, crazy, fascinating world that is all but a secret!

Now, I lead UK and European territories for Score Capital AG, a global sports finance company, where data, investment, and vision converge to shape the future stability of the clubs within the sport. My value has been moulded by experiences gained by taking a Leap! and testing myself when the easy option looked so appealing.

I refused to let decades of hard-earned insight sit idle in a forgotten file. That’s why I created Leap! Life Without Limits - A platform built to share, support, and spark change.

With deep roots across global sport, Leap! empowers people of all ages through education, mentorship, workshops and real-world experience. From classrooms to communities to the boardroom and back, we’re using the power of sport through my journey to shape brighter futures and unlock potential.

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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