Hello friends! 👋

Welcome to the SportsGrad Newsletter. Each week we take a deep dive into how people are growing their careers in sport.

Here you’ll find insights, tactics and tools to help you win jobs, get promoted, work around the world, make an impact, and still get paid fairly in sport.

Plus the latest on what’s happening in the SportsGrad Community - a private group of legends lifting each other toward the careers of their dreams.

Meet Krystle Whittaker, Director of Strategic Projects at Champion Data.

From a casual staff member 13 years ago until now, she has progressed through a multitude of roles in different departments at Champion Data.

Lots to look out for, including in-depth details about her role, how Krystle continually practices professional development, and advice she lives by 👇

Before we jump in…

Just popping in quickly to let you know that SportsGrad Meetups are back!!

These are the perfect opportunity to meet more people in the industry, but in a relaxed and fun environment.

Tickets are now on sale, so grab them while they’re still available!

See you there!

Journey to Director of Strategic Projects at Champion Data, with Krystle Whittaker 

What do you do as Director of Strategic Projects at Champion Data?

As the Director of Strategic Projects, my focus is on spearheading Champion Data’s growth into international markets. This involves executing and supporting the foundations of the business in these regions, managing new and key partnerships, and ensuring overall client success. In addition to these responsibilities, I also provide oversight for crafting and delivering on key strategic business decisions, including brand and marketing strategies, compliance, and operational delivery. This role keeps my day-to-day exciting and diverse, and I am constantly challenged to apply my skills and knowledge to drive the company’s success.

You’ve spent 13 years at Champion Data, how has your role evolved?

I started at Champion Data as a casual team member, working as a keyboarder (main capture operator), inputting all the main statistical data for an AFL match. Which was the best (and most fun) job generally, but particularly during University. I was halfway through my Bachelor of Business when I started, and working in sport was a catalyst for me to pursue further study, as I decided to complete my Masters in Sport Management. I was fortunate that a few months after I finished, I was able to move into a full-time role as an AFL Operations Assistant, which was heavily focused on matchday operations, staff management, rostering and training, QA and the processes to support it all. I spent just under two years in that role before becoming Business Manager for nearly four and a half years. This role was amazing as I was able to view the business from a holistic perspective and learn so many of the different facets. I saw firsthand the calibre of senior leaders and working alongside them, putting my education into real-world practice. I’d go from commercial opportunities to managing staff initiatives and events, through to office management, running key business projects, supporting operations, and through to HR. The variety and learning curve through so many opportunities was undeniably invaluable. I then moved into a People and Culture role for nearly two years. The role, which was originally focused on projects within the P&C space, turned into running the department, so it turned into a significant opportunity, which I loved because, at the core, it was about helping and improving things from a people-led perspective. Most recently, I moved into my current role, as mentioned before, which is the perfect fusion of my skills and expertise in the business and industry, and the kind of challenge I needed!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Without a doubt, it’s the variety! I thrive on being busy and doing a multitude of things. There’s always something new to learn or engage in, so the challenge of it all is something I love. That’s definitely the dynamic environment I flourish best in.

And then I really enjoy the people, those I work with and get to meet along the way. Being at the intersection of sport, broadcast, and technology, I’m fortunate to spend my days learning from and working with them. It’s really rewarding, and, importantly, a lot of fun.

What are the goals of your role? Do you have specific targets or KPIs to hit?

The business strategy and direction largely drive my goals, so often, they are tied to company goals. Still, I have the flexibility to set what goals I can do or support across any given quarter or year.

For my own personal goals related to my role and work, I use the OKR method and tie measurable goals / desired outcomes to a client, or to my colleagues, or the business generally - always driven by my overarching objective of helping others and creating positive change is my continual driver. Knowing your anchor and what motivates you is a sure way to remain aligned to your purpose and stay committed to deliver your goals, however you choose to set and pursue them.

With regard to being a good manager, what is one lesson you’ve learnt in your development that has stuck with you?

I learnt early to manage work, and lead people (not “manage” them!). There are four “E’s” I value and follow: exemplify, empower, empathise, and entrust. My preference when leading team members (or colleagues, since you don’t need to be in a managerial position to lead!) is to do so by example; provide all the tools and be supportive to empower them in their role; delegate and trust them with work; and always show and lead with empathy. This style is most natural to me, and I am drawn to individuals who exhibit similar qualities.

Have you been deliberate with seeking promotions or do you go with the flow and see what comes? If yes. What actions have you taken to be promoted?

Definitely go with the flow! It’s my nature to let life happen and take opportunities as they arise, seeing where it all takes me. It has served me well so far, going with my instinct and taking chances as they happen but in saying that, as I progress in my career, I have become more structured and planned. Which might be more of a product of knowing what I want to do and having refined my skillset.

I am investing in myself more to keep growing, through things like personal coaching, extra study, and networking, so when the next opportunity or promotion comes up, I’ll be ready. A coach of mine called it spontaneity with a small degree of a plan, so I can still be true to my openness but also not completely leave everything to chance.

What’s one thing you’ve done consistently for 5-10 years that’s made a tangible impact on your career growth?

From school, through Uni and into work, I have consistently dedicated extra hours to propel my personal development and challenge myself. This commitment has accelerated my learning and growth. Although, extra hours shouldn’t be at the detriment of life (we all need balance!), it’s about making the best use of the extra time you can afford to contribute on any given day/week/month/year. Be disciplined with the time you spend by using it wisely and find your intrinsic motivator. For me, it’s curiosity – what else can I learn, what new work can I be involved in, how can I understand something more, can I get a better outcome if I invest more effort into it – and the challenge, knowing there’s no substitute for hard work – both of which I find highly rewarding.

Are there any setbacks in your career that have later set you up for future success?

In retrospect, 2020 felt like a big setback at the time (didn’t it for most of us?). After a positive 2019, I was feeling invigorated and excited for the year of work ahead, figuring out what I wanted to do next and how to get there. Then, with the sport industry being so disrupted just months later, the landscape and opportunities shifted exponentially. So, the road I envisioned I would venture down was no longer an option. While it was disappointing in the moment (albeit minor in the grand scheme of things), it was a good opportunity to reflect and recalibrate, something I didn’t appreciate until afterwards. It was a needed reminder and grounding to focus on myself and what I can control – there’s a lot that we can’t – and accept redirection, as sometimes it’s the best thing, and knowing I always end up where I’m meant to (this is the go with the flow side of me!).

What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?

“You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason” - this wasn’t necessarily career advice when I heard it, but I’ve definitely applied it to my professional life. The sentiment of listening more (or twice as much!) as you speak, has stuck with me over the journey. I believe you will always learn more by actively listening, observing others, and genuinely taking an interest in what you’re hearing. I find that truly listening enhances my responses to be more considered and thoughtful, allowing me to be more understanding and impartial, it shows respect to others and makes them feel heard, and it gives me the ability to see and approach work, a problem, or a task with a clearer view. It also means when you do speak, your voice and thoughts often come with a bit more weight because when you offer advice or a solution or opinion, it will have been genuinely thought about, which has always been important to me.

What’s happening in the Community?

Community Wins ⭐️

Here’s what SportsGrad Members got up to last week...

Cat Bartholomew received a position as a Membership Club Support Coordinator at the AFL 

Minh Pham is joining the South Australian Motor Sport Board as a Membership and Ticketing Specialist

Sam Roestbakken secured a sports coordinator role at Reclink Australia 

Juri Bilcich landed a WAFL Match Reporter position with Seven West Media

SportsGrad Members have landed over 610+ jobs in sport.

If you've had a win, share it with us in the #wins channel on Discord!

Upcoming Member Events 💛

Members, to join an event, RSVP via Discord.

Pro Member Events:

🤝 Pro Speed Networking - April 23rd 7pm AEDT

🤝 Pro Speed Networking - May 21st 7pm AEDT

✏️ Masterclass with Holly Bailey (Play Like A Girl) - May 23rd 12pm AEST

Do you work in sport? Apply to become a SportsGrad Pro Member

Rookie Member Events:

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking - April 22nd 7pm AEST

🏉 Job Fair with Steph Di Julio (HR Coordinator at Melbourne FC) - April 24th AEST

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking (New Member Edition)!! - May 14th 7pm AEST

✏️ Masterclass with Holly Bailey (Play Like A Girl) - May 23rd 12pm AEST

Do you want to work in sport? Join the list to become a SportsGrad Rookie Member

Job Opportunities 💼

Looking for a new gig? Here’s a few organisations who want to hire SportsGrad Members (Members, you check out which organisations they are in the Discord):

🎟 Ticketing & Accreditation Coordinator - Full-time | Melbourne

🤝 Business Development Executive - Full-time | Melbourne

🏏 Cricket Manager - Full-time | Sydney

🏍 Programs & Inclusions Officer - Full-time | Sydney

🏉 Casual Match Day & Non-Match Day Assistants | Melbourne

🏟 Venue Operations Officer - casual | Melbourne

📞 Customer Experience Officer - casual | Melbourne

🥇 Programs Officer - casual | Melbourne

🏉 Match Day Casuals - casual | Melbourne

🏐 Game Day Volunteers - volunteer | Melbourne

Need help hiring sports industry talent? Get in touch with Ryan.

Thanks for reading!

Catch you soon,

Acacia 💛

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