Shows
Lead From the SideRugby Football League (RFL) CEO Tony SuttonThis weeks' episode is the Season 2 finale and features Tony Sutton who joins Spencer on the show to discuss his time as the CEO and COO at the RFL along with his other leadership positions such as:Chair of FitmumsCOO of Hull College GroupCEO of Hull FCCaptain of my Sunday League football teamThis show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria University.You can follow Tony and the organizations he is associated at the RFL's various social media handles across, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and more.Seeing...
2023-10-2321 min
Lead From the SideLeeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary HetheringtonIn this week's episode, Gary Hetherington joins Spencer on the show to discuss his time with Leeds Rhinos, the Rugby Football League (RFL), Super League, Premier Rugby League, the Leeds Building Society Foundation and beyond.This show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria University.You can follow Gary and the organizations he is associated with including Leeds Rhinos across social media channels.Do you have an idea for a show guest or ideas for the show or want to become a sponsor and/or partner? Get i...
2023-09-2523 min
Lead From the SideMLB Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Australian Olympian Trent OeltjenIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Trent Oeltjen who played in the MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers.He also earned an Olympic Silver Medal representing Australia & is an expert on high performance sports.Post his playing career, Trent founded Legacy Sports an elite, wellness-first, high-performance program that holistically develops the complete athlete both on and off the field whilst preparing them to embrace all that their careers and lives at the top of their game require. Trent shares his personal journey as a high-performance athlete and now c...
2023-09-1822 min
Lead From the SideAsia Pacific Rugby League COO and PNG Hunters Director Jeremy EdwardsIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Jeremy Edwards, Asia Pacific Rugby League COO and Director of PNG Hunters. Previously, Jeremey has held sports administration roles with the Sydney and Beijing Olympics, and most recently, the London Olympics and Paralympics as the Venue General Manager of Greenwich Park; an event which then-president of the International Olympic Committee, HRH Princess Haya, credited as the best Olympics ever for equestrian sport. Jeremy has also been employed as a sports consultant by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Nanjing, China.Jeremy discussed what it takes to le...
2023-09-1120 min
Lead From the SideCrusaders Rugby CEO Colin MansbridgeIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Colin Mansbridge, CEO of Crusaders RFC in Christchurch, NZ. He has also been the:Head of Agribusiness, Bank of New Zealand (2017)General Manager Consumer Queensland, ANZ (Brisbane) - (2010)Director & Adviser, Sacombank (Vietnam) (2007)Head of Mortgages, Bank of New Zealand (2000)Colin discussed what it takes to lead through tough times, not only in sport but throughout his other roles in banking as well as throughout the Christchurch community in New Zealand.He also explains that there are different styles of leadership but there has to be one thing for a...
2023-09-0422 min
Lead From the SideAustralian Institute of Sport EGM & Director Matti ClementsIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Matti Clements. She is currently the EGM and Director at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).There, she was also the: -Acting Chief Executive Officer,-People Development and Wellbeing, Director and-Deputy Director Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Previously, she also was the-Director and Senior Psychologist of Mental Edge Consulting and other roles at the AFL and AFL Players Association. Matti discusses her leadership history and what brought her from being a psychologist to a leader in the sports indus...
2023-08-2821 min
Lead From the SideBritish Cycling (frmr RLWC) Chief Executive Jon Dutton OBEIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Jon Dutton OBE. He is currently Chief Executive of British Cycling and has been:· Director of Cycling World Championships 2023· Major Events Panel Member, UK Sport· Chief Executive, Rugby League World Cup 2021, · Tournament Commissioner RLWC2017 and · Chief Operating Officer RLWC2013.Jon discusses his leadership experience as well as the cultural differences in running organizations with such different backgrounds and followers.He also lends insight in what it was like to lead RLWC through the lockdowns and the what the process was like in making the right dec...
2023-08-2120 min
Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Lead From The SideHi Chat and Business listeners, you may have noticed on social media that Chat and Business is now Lead From The Side.I'd say it's been a while but we've actually been putting out new episodes where we're still talking to c-suite executives, GMs, coaches, and even captains in sport but now we're doing it in a 20 minute format.If you'd like to get insights from our guests, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube for more content.So, follow us at "Lead From The Side" on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you like...
2023-08-1900 min
Lead From the SideMelbourne Storm CEO Justin RodskiIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Justin Rodski, CEO of Melbourne Storm rugby league football club. In his extensive career, he has also been:Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Customer Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer while at Essendon Bombers FC as well as a producer and journalist both at the Australian Football League (AFL) and Channel 9.This show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria University.You can follow Justin and and the organizations he’s currently involved with @storm on various social media platforms.
2023-08-1423 min
Lead From the SideMelbourne Ice's Chair Peter Jon Harshorne and Head Coach Kerry GouletIn this week's episode, an Englishman (PJ Harshorne), a Canadian (Kerry Goulet), and an American etc (Spencer Kassimir) sit down in Australia to talk ice hockey.Sounds like the beginning of a joke but today it is the forum for a fantastically insightful conversation about their leadership at Melbourne Ice and, inherently, internationalism in the world of sport.PJ Harshorne is and has been in such leadership roles as:-Chairman of Melbourne Ice-Chair of the Australian Ice Hockey League-Chair of Softball Australia-Director of Kidney Health Australia and...
2023-08-0723 min
Lead From the SideRugby Football League (RFL) Chair Simon JohnsonIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Simon Johnson, Chair of the Rugby Football League (RFL) in England. In his extensive career, he has also been:Director of Corporate Affairs - The FACOO, England 2018Board Member, Swim EnglandBoard Member, International Rugby League This show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria University.You can follow Simon and the organizations he’s currently involved with @sjrbsimon, @therfl, and @sisltd.Email: leadfromtheside@gmail.comTwitter: @BallsOutPhD, @leadfromthesideLinked In: Lead From the SideYouTube: @LeadFromTheSide...
2023-07-3121 min
Lead From the SideFamily of League (formerly Men of League) Chair Helen Wood GrantIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Family of League (formerly Men of League) Chair, Helen Wood Grant who's extensive leadership career spans from the sports world and beyond.This show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria University.Guest Details-Website: familyofleague.org.auTwitter: @familyofleagueLinkedIn and other social media: Family of LeagueEmail: leadfromtheside@gmail.comTwitter: @BallsOutPhD, @leadfromthesideLinked In: Lead From the SideYouTube: @LeadFromTheSideThis podcast is produced by Spencer Kassimir, edited by...
2023-07-2422 min
Lead From the SideWestern Bulldogs AFL Grand Final Winning Captain Easton WoodIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with the AFL Western Bulldogs' 2016 Grand Final Captain Easton Wood., After being drafted in 2007, he made his AFL debut in 2009, and further consolidating his place in the team in 2010. Since then he had a decorated football career. 2015 Charles Sutton Medal winner, the Club’s best and fairest, Premiership player and captain of the side in 2016 Grand Final, Full-time Captain of the Western Bulldogs 2018-2019 Season, and an All-Australian (2015), a two-time Australian International Rules Series representative (2011, 2015).This show is made in partnership Performance Leadership, a co-venture of Western Bulldogs and Victoria Uni...
2023-07-1723 min
Lead From the SideNRL Head of Football Graham Annesley RevisitedIn this week's episode, Spencer has talks with Graham Annesley, currently the head of elite football operations for the NRL (National Rugby League), a former chief executive officer of the Gold Coast Titans, chief operating officer of the NRL and a leading rugby league referee. Graham was a former member of politician in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing Miranda and was the Minister for Sport and Recreation from 2011-2013.0:45 - NRL rule changes1:30 - Scrum chat2:50 - What he's up to3:30 - International opportunities5:10 - Maintaining the talent pool6:45...
2023-07-1122 min
Lead From the SideNBL CEO David Stevenson RevisitedDavid Stevenson is the CEO of the NBL Spencer, however at the time of this interview, David was GM of Operations at the AFL (Australian Football League). In this unique interview, Spencer talks to David about the importance of great leadership and the impact it has had on his career. Previously, Stevenson was the CEO of Western Bulldogs and had a 17 year career across the world at Nike. Starting at the AFL HQ roughly five years ago as the GM of China, India and AFLX, he then became GM of China and India, Head of Audiences as w...
2023-07-0321 min
Lead From the SideAFL, NFL, and first Super Bowl Australian Ben Graham RevisitedIn this week's episode, Spencer has an in-depth conversation with the first Australian to ever play in the Super Bowl, Ben Graham. Talking from his home base in Geelong, we discuss Graham's transitions, innovations and hurdles from his time playing for the AFL's Geelong Cats and then playing in the NFL for the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and then Detroit Lions.Follow Ben on Twitter @BenGraham7 Email: leadfromtheside@gmail.com Twitter: @BallsOutPhD, @leadfromtheside Linked In: Lead From the Side YouTube: @LeadFromTheSideThis podcast is produced by S...
2023-06-2620 min
Lead From the SideFijian Drua CEO Mark Evans RevisitedIn this episode, we chat about leadership in an in depth interview featuring current Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans. Marks previous roles include Director of Rugby at Saracens FC; CEO of Harlequins FC (during the London Broncos/Harlequins RLFC effort); CEO of Melbourne Storm; Chairman of Vitality Netball Super League and CEO of Global Rapid Rugby.Mark also played first XVs for Saracens FC and was their forwards coach.In this episode, we discuss Mark's story on pivoting from player to coach and then administrator, as well as how he has adjusted his l...
2023-06-1920 min
Lead From the SideCEO of Sport NZ & High Performance NZ Raelene Castle RevisitedThis week we chat about the trials and tribulations of leadership in an in-depth interview with Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand & High Performance Sport New Zealand. Previously, Castle was the CEO Rugby Australia, the NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and Netball New Zealand.Raelene discusses what she’s been up to, how to attract and retain talent, how she got started and how she’s responded to public criticism throughout her various executive roles in both Australia and New Zealand.0:40 - What's new with Raelene?1:50 - How to retain/attract talent with more spor...
2023-06-1220 min
Lead From the SideRL Super Coach Roy Masters and Melbourne Storm GM Frank Ponissi RevisitedWe're here to chat about leadership in an in depth interview about the NRL, Rugby League and a whole lot more with Super Coach Roy Masters and Melbourne Storm GM Frank Ponissi.Masters is the former coach of the Western Suburbs Magpies where he is named Coach of the Century and St George Dragons where he is their longest serving coach. Since 1988, he has also been a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald an ASC board member for a record 23 years.Ponissi is on his 16th season with Melbourne Storm and spent five seasons previously...
2023-06-0519 min
Lead From the SideLead From The Side - The TrailerWhen you're at the top, you need to know how to lead from the side.Join host Spencer Kassimir as he interviews the biggest names in Australian sport, to learn what it takes to lead from the side. Leading in a CRISIS? Leading during times of INNOVATION? This show provides insight into how seasoned leaders in the pressure cooker industry of sports are able to effectively influence and mobilise their teams, while achieving their goals and meeting milestones.Email: leadfromtheside@gmail.com Twitter: @BallsOutPhD, @leadfromtheside Linked In: Lead From the Side
2023-04-0301 min
Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Soccer/Association Football's Lou SticcaLou Sticca is more than just a FIFA Match Agent, Director at Tribal Sports Group Pty Ltd and Alpha Ostia Procurement Pty Ltd. He is also a passionate supporter of the world's round ball game!He has brought countless top soccer/association football matches to Australia over the years and has been a cornerstone and champion of the round-ball code for even longer.His company, Tribal Sports Group, "is a multifaceted sports management, marketing and entertainment agency which was established 20 years ago and has grown to be a major player in sport & entertainment - with...
2022-08-0249 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with AFL/NFL's Nathan Chapman, Founder of Prokick AustraliaWelcome back to Chat and Business, where we chat about the sports business.Nathan Chapman, born in Bendigo, VIC, had a successful career playing in the AFL for the Brisbane Bears/Lions and Hawthorn.He then made the leap to the NFL with time at the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Cincinnati Bengals but it was when he returned to Australia that things became clear.He started Prokick Australia the following year in 2007 and by 2009, the first 3 students went to USA on scholarship.Currently, having completed their 200th scholarship, Prokick n...
2022-07-261h 14Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Ninh Ly of YouTube's Ninh Explains!Welcome back to Chat and Business, where we chat about the sports business.Ninh Ly is best known for his YouTube Channel 'Ninh Explains' where he provides accessible, concise, and wildly popular videos on the rules of nearly any sport one can imagine. In fact, it is "the #1 resource with the most popular sports explainer videos in the world" along with other sports videos too.However, he also has other interests, shows, aspirations, insights, and opinions on sport, the sports industry, and beyond.Come hear Ninh's insights here and follow him at his Y...
2022-07-121h 09Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Hon Troy Grant - IRL Chairman and Beyond!Welcome to Chat and Business!Our guest this week is Troy Grant, was born in Maitland but grew up near the Golden Guitar in Tamworth. He is currently chairman of International Rugby League.His NSW Country referees kits are on display in the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence at Homebush for starters but its worth mentioning that it took four knee reconstructions to get him to stop playing!In 2011 he was elected to Parliament in NSW where he continued his political career then being promoted to NSW Government Ministry as Minister for H...
2022-07-041h 26Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Brian Canavan - QRL South East Chairman and Former CEO/COO Sydney Roosters, CEO Newcastle Knights, and NRL Head of FootballWelcome to Chat and Business!Our guest this week is Brian Canavan, who was born in Warwick Queensland and studied at the University of Queensland. He is currently the QRL South East Chairman.Canavan played and coached in the Brisbane Rugby League competition with the Fortitude Valleys Club for a period of 12 years whilst being a secondary school teacher and administrator before joining the Brisbane Broncos in its inaugural year in the national competition as Strength and Conditioning Coach.He then continued his involvement with rugby league, working with Queensland and National Rugby L...
2022-06-0658 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Professor Tony Collins PhD - THE Guru of all Football Codes! PART 2This is part two of two episodes with Professor Tony Collins!Professor Tony Collins is currently Emeritus Professor of History at De Montfort University in Leicester, England, and also Senior Fellow in the Institute of Sport Humanities at the University of Buckingham. He’s consulted on heritage issues for the Rugby Football League, the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham, as well as the National Football Museum in England and has written about the history of all the football codes, most notably in ‘How Football Began: a global history of the birth of the world’s footbal...
2022-05-3158 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Professor Tony Collins PhD - THE Guru of all Football Codes! PART 1This will be a two part episode; the first of its kind here!Professor Tony Collins is currently Emeritus Professor of History at De Montfort University in Leicester, England, and also Senior Fellow in the Institute of Sport Humanities at the University of Buckingham. He’s consulted on heritage issues for the Rugby Football League, the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham, as well as the National Football Museum in England and has written about the history of all the football codes, most notably in ‘How Football Began: a global history of the birth of the world...
2022-05-231h 00Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Pat Daly - GAA Director of Games Development & ResearchPat Daly is currently the Director of Games Development and Research at the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).The organization that oversees the sports of Hurling, Gaelic football, Handball, Rounders, Camogie and Ladies Football across provinces, counties and clubs but also Irish culture, the Gaelic language, dance and the arts.Unlike other sports organizations, the athletes of the GAA are all amateur yet still very different from the likes of the NCAA and yesterday's now professional codes.With 41 years of experience, Pat Daly provides us insights into the development of the sports, the GAA...
2022-05-171h 14Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Graham Annesley - NRL Executive General Manager, Elite Football, former Gold Coast Titans CEO, State of Origin and International Referee, and MPGraham Annesley is not only a guest of the show but also a colleague I’ve known since just after coming to Australia.Currently, he is the NRL Executive General Manager, Elite Football and has an extensive career in business, sport, and politics. A successful corporate career combined with 15 years as an elite match official and sports administrator, led to election to Parliament and appointment as Minister for Sport and Recreation in the NSW Government.After politics, he returned to Rugby League as Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Coast Titans in 2013 before ret...
2022-05-091h 05Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview Josh Spence - MLB (San Diego Padres) and Australian Pitcher - Now Head of BuiltBaseballJosh Spence is an Aussie with an interesting career.29th of only 38 Australians to ever make the MLB when he played for the San Diego Padres, Spence is the head of Built Baseball where he passes on his knowledge and experience of the game.Growing up in Australia, he- Represented Australia several times in World Events, Traveling to Taiwan and Cuba. - 3 National Championships playing for VIC (two u/14 and one u/16)- Participated in the MLB Australian Academy for 4 years. - Turned down a Free Agent contract with the Minnesota...
2022-05-031h 02Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Mark Evans - Director @ Capacity Consulting and Former CEO of Melbourne Storm, Harlequins FC etc.We're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview with Capacity Consulting Director Mark Evans who has also been:-Director of Rugby at Saracens FC-CEO of Harlequins FC (during the London Broncos/Harlequins RLFC effort)-CEO of Melbourne Storm-Chairman of Vitality Netball Super League and- CEO of Global Rapid Rugby.Mark also played first XVs for Saracens FC and was their forward coach.He can be followed on Twitter @evans_marke.Follow our show on Twitter @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can be followed o...
2022-04-211h 16Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Paul Sergeant OBE - EVP Ops Asia & The Gulf Region at ASM Global (AEG Ogden). Former CEO of Llanelli Scarlets Rugby.We're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview with Paul Sergeant OBE, Executive Vice President of Operations Asia & the Gulf Region for ASM Global.With a 40 years career, Sergeant was the CEO of Llanelli Scarlets rugby union, Stadium and Commercial Director at Wembley Stadium & Arena, and various leadership roles at AEG Ogden/ASM Global as well as many more.Follow our show on Twitter @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn @BallsOutPhD.As always, apologies for audio imperfections!
2022-04-151h 11Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Mary Konstantopoulos aka Ladies Who League/Legspin/Lineout/LeapWe're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview with Mary Konstantopoulos, creator of @LadiesWhoLeague/Legspin/Lineout/Leap!Mary Kaye is also a lawyer with and extensive career in litigation, corporate and financial services.Follow her on Twitter @LadiesWhoLeague and our show @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn @BallsOutPhD.As always, apologies for audio imperfections and additionally for, despite knowing her for many years (and knowing myself even longer), I managed to botch both of our surnames!
2022-04-0749 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Raelene Castle - CEO of Sport New Zealand & High Performance Sport New ZealandWe're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview with Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand & High Performance Sport New Zealand. Previously, Castle was the CEO Rugby Australia, the NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and Netball New Zealand.Follow our show on Twitter @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn @BallsOutPhD.Raelene can be followed on Twitter @RaeleneCastleAs always, apologies for audio imperfections!
2022-04-0158 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Rugby League Super Coach Roy Masters and Melbourne Storm GM Frank PonissiWe're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview about the NRL, Rugby League and a whole lot more with Super Coach Roy Masters and Melbourne Storm GM Frank Ponissi.Masters is the former coach of the Western Suburbs Magpies where he is named Coach of the Century and St George Dragons where he is their longest serving coach. Since 1988, he has also been a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald an ASC board member for a record 23 years.Ponissi is on his 15th season with Melbourne Storm and spent five s...
2022-03-161h 16Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with David Stevenson AFL (Australian Football League) GM Operations (previously CEO of Western Bulldogs and 17 Years at Nike)We're here to chat about the sports business in an in depth interview with David Stevenson, GM of Operations at the AFL (Australian Football League).Previously, Stevenson was the CEO of Western Bulldogs and had a 17 year career across the world at Nike.Starting at the AFL HQ roughly five years ago as the GM of China, India and AFLX, he then became GM of China and India, Head of Audiences as well as Products & Integration with his most recent position being GM of Operations.Follow our show on Twitter @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can b...
2022-03-101h 04Chat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Chat and Business Interview with Ben GrahamWe're here to chat about the sports business this time with an in depth interview with the first Australian to play in the Super Bowl, Ben Graham.From Geelong, VIC (an hour from Melbourne), we discuss Graham's transitions, innovations and hurdles from his time playing for the AFL's Geelong Cats and then playing in the NFL for the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and then Detroit Lions.Follow Ben on Twitter @BenGraham7 and follow our show @ChatandBusiness. Spencer can be followed on Twitter and LinkedIn @BallsOutPhD.
2022-02-0851 minChat and Business (NEW SHOWS @ LEAD FROM THE SIDE)Welcome to Chat and BusinessThe show has landed! Welcome to the Chat and Business podcast where we will chat about the sports business with c-suite executives, athletes, and industry leaders.Stay tuned for the soon to be released first episode with all announcements being made on Twitter @ChatandBusiness as well a @BallsOutPhD on both Twitter and LinkedIn.
2022-02-0800 min
The Vault Studio NFL Podcast!Special Edition- Spencer Kassimir from @BallsOutPHD!Aaron is joined by special guest from @BallsOutPHD Spencer Kassimir.
If you are in to the origins of American football, the connections with rugby and AFL and want to get an idea of the current state of play in college football, then this is the interview for you.
We discuss the current thinking behind college football and the direction of sport on the gridiron. Spencer has years of experience in this field and has worked with a number of professional teams, both here is Australia and internationally.
It was a pleasure bringing it to...
2021-11-211h 33