Sports + Outdoor Mentors

Step into the inspiring journey of Richard Leedham, CEO of Equip Outdoor Technologies, home to iconic brands RAB and Lowe Alpine.

From his humble beginnings as a sales rep to becoming a leader in the outdoor industry, Richard shares invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of loving what you do.

In this engaging conversation, Richard discusses:

✅ The importance of embracing discomfort for growth

✅ How finding you...

Are you tired of hearing the word "sustainable" thrown around without real meaning?

Matt Creighton, founder of Irish Outdoor Lifestyle brand, Bleubird, is too!

In this new episode of Sports & Outdoor Mentors, Matt gets honest about why Bluebird stopped using the word "sustainable" and what they're doing instead to be truly eco-conscious.

Matt chats about the challenges and triumphs of building an integrity-based brand, sh...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rich, founder of Passenger Clothing, as he shares his remarkable journey from electrician to founding a £100M+ outdoor brand. Discover how passion, humility, and the right team transformed a small startup into a global success story.

Key highlights:

• Th...

Discover how Houdini's Former CEO, Eva Karlsson, has been revolutionizing the outdoor apparel industry for over twenty years by pioneering circular business models and driving sustainable innovation.

In this insightful episode, we delve into how Houdini balances environmental responsibility with cutting-edge product design, creating a blueprint for businesses to thrive in the age of sustainability.

Learn about Houdini's journey...

Join us for an open and honest conversation with Will Hayler, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Earth Summit, as he shares his journey from teaching surfing in Cornwall to leading one of the most innovative sustainability platforms in the business world.

Key moments in this episode:

• How Will built his first business, Tickets to Ride, from surf lessons to a global adventure sports company
• The art (or not!) of business acquisitions and...

Learn practical leadership skills from Tim Selby, Merrell's EMEA VP & GM, in this episode of Sports+Outdoor Mentors! 

Key takeaways include: - The power of vulnerability in leadership - Building high-performing teams through empowerment - Overcoming obstacles and achieving ambitious goals - Strategies for navigating the evolving outdoor industry landscape

Tim shares his personal and professional experiences, offering valuable i...

In Episode 38 of the Sports & Outdoor Mentors podcast, we sit down with Dave Bunting MBE, a leader who has pushed boundaries on and off the mountains. From leading a groundbreaking expedition to the West Ridge of Everest to building high-performance teams in the business world, Dave’s journey is packed with life lessons and inspirational stories.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

✳️ The leadership insights Dave gained f...

“You need to know everything; this is bullshit.”

Markus Hupach, CEO of ARION, doesn’t hold back in this episode of Sports+Outdoor Mentors.  

Filmed live on the ISPO Munich main stage, we explore the leadership strategies every modern leader needs to succeed in today’s volatile world.  

🚀 **What You’ll Learn in This Episode:**

• Why trust-based leadership outperforms command-and-control styles.  
• How to empower your team while m...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kim Scholze, a professional with 25 years of experience in the outdoor and sports industry. Kim has seen everything from working with iconic brands like Salomon and Nytro to other roles at ISPO and Sympatex. Her expertise covers sales, marketing, and product creation, but today, her mission is clear: driving sustainability in the industry she's passionate about.

Join us as Kim shares her ...

In this episode, we sit down with Guillaume Linossier, Founder and CEO of SAOLA Shoes, a brand dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly footwear.

Guillaume’s journey is rooted in a commitment to the environment and shaped by over 15 years of experience with the Lafuma Group, where he honed his skills in the outdoor industry.

Guillaume shares the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven brand, from navigating the U.S....

In this episode, we sit down with David Birch, CEO and Founder of Endurance Zone, a company centered on helping athletes harness the power of endurance training to unlock peak performance. David's journey is one of resilience and transformation—from a professional rugby player to a successful entrepreneur after a serious back injury altered his career path. 

David shares insights on navigating the challenges of building and scaling...

In this episode of the Sports and Outdoor Mentors podcast, we sit down with Tobias Grober, the Executive Director of Messe München and the long-time leader of ISPO, the world's largest Sporting Goods trade fair. 

With over 30 years of experience, Tobias shares his insights on the unique benefits of working in sectors beyond sporting goods, the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the industry, and the pivotal role ISPO pl...

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Cox, EMEA President of Pentland Brands, the company behind iconic sports and outdoor brands like Speedo, Berghaus, Endura, and many more. 

With incredible experience in leadership and brand management, Charlotte shares her thoughts on the critical role coaches play in shaping careers and the importance of staying true to yourself in the workplace.

Charlotte explores how diversity can elev...

In this episode, we chat with Mike Seaman, Founder and CEO of Raccoon Media Group. Mike has 20 years of experience in event management and shares his journey from portfolio management to founding and growing his own business. 

As someone who thrives on the community’s energy, Mike ensures the community is at the centre of everything Raccoon Media Group does when promoting healthy, active lifestyles. 

Raccoons award-winning events, ...

Join us in this episode of Sports and Outdoor Mentors as we sit down with Matt Barr, co-founder and co-owner of All Conditions Media, to explore his unique path from travelling the globe as a snowboarder to leading a successful action sports media agency. 

Matt talks candidly about the early days of writing for snowboard magazines, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to a rapidly changing industry. 

Whether ...

In this heartening episode of “Sports & Outdoor Mentors,” we explore the relentless pursuit of dreams with Manu and JC, the dynamic duo behind the iconic surf brand Oxbow. 

With over five decades of collective experience in the sports and outdoor industry, they share their journey through the highs and lows of leadership, from overcoming monumental challenges to acquiring Oxbow. 

Their story is a testament to the power of perse...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tom Bosworth MBE, double Olympian, world record holder, and now a dedicated track and field agent.

In this episode of Sports and Outdoor Mentors, Tom opens up about the highs and lows of his 13+ years as a professional athlete, sharing invaluable lessons on resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of a balanced life.

Discover how Tom has transitioned from breaking records to helping the n...

Dive into the captivating world of outdoor retail with our exclusive interview featuring JD Outdoor Group CEO, Lee Bagnall, an industry veteran.

Discover what makes this field so infectious and rewarding, both from an industry and a retail perspective. Lee shares personal anecdotes about his journey into the outdoor industry, the joys of interacting with enthusiastic customers, and the unique challenges he faces.

Learn about the im...

Join us for a compelling conversation with an accomplished leader in the outdoor industry. Uncover the influence of North African roots, the decision to attend HEC Business School, and the transformative periods at Salomon. Hear about the challenges and successes of the first five years at Salomon and the pivotal transition from sales to product management.

Learn the critical elements of building trust, balancing expertise with man...