ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, my guest is Claire Bowden-Hughes, CEO and Founder at En2End, a leading sports fan engagement agency, founded on trust, respect, and reciprocity in relationships and leadership.

In our conversation Claire shares valuable insights into:

• The Balancing Act of thriving as a mother and as an entrepreneur: The real life challenges and triumphs of juggling these 2 demanding but extremely rewarding roles.
• Excelling in a male dominated industry: The journey of being a female entrepreneur in the sports events world.
• The art of making lasting connections and exceeding expectations: The importance of building and nurturing a professional network in the sports event industry, how to make lasting connections and how relationships have been pivotal is driving business success.

1. Define the direction and hold the vision, but invite others into the journey: You have to take space for others to be able to be part of your journey. You won't be able to get there on your own.
2. Stay curious and adaptable because nothing ever stays the same: The landscape is always shifting. Technologies are always evolving, behaviors are always changing.
3. Your attitude sets the tone: The way that you come across, and the energy that you bring is something that can really inspire others and create momentum.

LinkedIn: Claire Bowden Hughes

Website: www.en2end.com

Instagram: @en2endltd

About Claire Bowden-Hughes:

Early Life and Education: A sheep farmer’s daughter from Mid Wales, Claire Hughes has always been ambitious and adventurous. Her journey began at the University of Central Lancashire, where she pursued a BA in languages ( French, German and Spanish with Tourism), laying the foundation for her career.

World Traveller: After university, she embarked on a 9-month world tour, absorbing cultures across Singapore, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and America. This global exposure honed her adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and language skills, particularly French, which would become invaluable in her career.

Luxury Retail in London: Claire’s first foray into the professional world was in London’s prestigious New Bond Street, where she leveraged her fluency in French to excel in sales and account management for a high-end luxury brand, Lalique. Here, she mastered the art of client relations and high-stakes negotiation.

Sports Event Management: Moving to Manchester, Claire joined a small sports events agency, diving into the world of sportsman’s lunches and dinners with notable sporting legends such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gareth Edwards, Shane Warne, Frank Bruno and more! This role expanded her network significantly and introduced her to the intricacies of event management and sports marketing.

TSMGI and Liverpool FC: Her career took a significant turn when she joined TSMGI, an American agency, where she was integral in the Aon-Man Utd shirt deal delivery. Subsequently, at Liverpool FC as Head of Partner Experience, she managed VIP match days, sponsor relations & international event programmes, further honing her skills in stakeholder management and sports activation.

Entrepreneurial Leap: Leveraging her extensive experience and network, Claire founded her own sports events agency. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, she innovatively pivoted to virtual matchday experiences, gaining recognition from UEFA and other prominent sports organisations.

Personal Life: At 45, Claire embraced motherhood with her daughter Bryony, marking a new chapter of personal growth and joy. With husband Andy by her side, she balances her passion for her work with the joys of family life, continuing to innovate in the sports marketing world while cherishing every moment as a mother and wife.

Current Focus: Post-maternity leave, Claire is back, driving forward new projects with AXA, UEFA, Visa and other exciting ventures, showcasing her resilience and innovation in the face of any challenge.

Values and Vision: Throughout her dynamic career and personal life, Claire remains committed to excellence, innovation, and nurturing relationships. Her journey from a rural upbringing to global business success is a testament to her adaptability, vision, and relentless drive.

To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.com

A big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.

To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.