What can Adrian do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
Football coach
AFL coach
AFL game development officer
ESL teacher
Gym operations assistant
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
Delivered AFL programs in North Shore where we reached highest numbers in history and in the whole of NSW, direct marketing at Sydney Lions where we earned a 150% increase in Mini Lions program intake
Organised meetings with prospective kit supplier (Under Armour) for Sydney Lions.
As an ESl teacher I was recruited to open our first operations in Northern Japan where we delivered above recruitment targets every quarter and more than doubled our customer base from year 1 to 2 in a highly competitive environment.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
Coaching
Management
Writing
Communications
Strategic planning
Sales
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
Word
Excel
Canva
Connecteam
Zoom
Wix
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
Bachelor of Communications (Writing and Cultural Studies), C Licence Football
I’ve never taken the easy road, valuing the process and steps in order to better myself and grow.
I’m always willing to meet and exceed a challenge. I’ve worked at the bottom in order to grow and started again in a new industry to achieve an ultimate goal. My humility and determination for self improvement is what makes me unique to other candidates.
What steps has Adrian taken to break into the sport industry?
Started LinkedIn profile
Joined SportsGrad
Worked four roles simultaneously to develop skills
Used network to make connections such as with Under Armour and GWS team members
Took on added role at AFL such as with wheelchair AFL and coaching
Learned new skills to assist Sydney Lions with direct marketing and client relations.
Adrian’s interest in sport all started whilst kicking a Sherrin with his father
Sports for me has always been about connection. It connected me closely with my father as we kicked a sherrin around every Sunday at the local park. It’s helped me make friends especially overseas where I didn’t know the language. Being a part of this industry I can continue to connect with others. I can also help others connect.
Where does Adrian want to go?
Next six-12 months | Next 5-10 years |
|---|---|
I’m determined to progress to a B licence in football. Manage a 11 a side club team. Operate and institute a training program for youth players focused on development. Client outreach and delivering more specialised coaching plans. Develop key relationships with stakeholders to provide sponsorship and enable worldwide partnerships. | Leading and running a club/team with a strong culture. Established worldwide sports network and relationships. |
What sporting problem keeps Adrian up at night, and how would they solve it?
I’d love to solve football’s declining popularity on TV. Id also like to see baseball and American football build a larger playing base here. I’d also love to make sure kids are staying in sport longer and not quitting early.
What is Adrian like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
Competitive, innovative, not afraid to fail with positive people
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
When I worked in Japan I had to adapt to new work culture. During COVID I demonstrated loyalty to my company and worked a 6 day schedule to ensure we kept clients. I returned to Australia determined to work in sport after being away for over 7 years and have worked 4 jobs at once to ensure I have the skills needed to succeed in sport.
What about Adrian’s interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
Reading
Writing
Studying Japanese
What is your favourite sporting moment?
Australia qualification to World Cup in 2005, Texas rangers first World Series win, Swans winning flag in 05
What’s your ideal holiday?
US road trip from east to west
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
Carlo Ancelotti because of his success in coaching at the highest level with players of differing backgrounds and talents.
What’s book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
Quiet leadership because it validated my individual style and adherence to who I am in order to achieve success.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Sydney, but open to work anywhere
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
Professional development
Good work culture
What others say about Adrian
My boss in Japan said I was always extra prepared for tasks, never content with doing bare minimum.
My coworkers at Sydney Lions were surprised by my diligence in session preparation and speed at which I took to my role.
At Hills Sports as a coach the AFL director praised my ability to coach at an individual level understanding the person not just the player in order to get the most out of them.
What questions does Adrian have for employers?
What is the culture like here?
How do you go about encouraging innovation and forward thinking?
What is your company looking to achieve in the next 12 months?
What is the pathway from this role that may lead to added responsibilities?
What are your expectations of the ideal candidate for this position?
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