5 Quick Questions with SPORTFIVE’s Chief People Officer - iWorkinSport x SPORTFIVE Interview
In June 2023, SPORTFIVE was announced as ‘The Most Attractive Sports Marketing Agency’ as well as being named the sixth most attractive employer in the entire sports industry by iWorkinSport.
Following the announcement, SPORTFIVE’s Chief People Officer, Vivi Dimitriadou sat down with global recruitment and sporting career specialists iWorkinSport to answer five quick questions on life at one of the world’s biggest sports marketing agencies.
Dominic Mills
Published on June 8th, 2023
In this Insight:
On Thursday 1st June, 2023, global recruitment and sporting career specialists iWorkinSport announced the sports industry’s most attractive employers at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Featuring some of the most recognisable organisations in sport, the awards celebrated the winners from iWorkInSport’s comprehensive survey which compiled feedback from professionals from over 90 countries on the best employers in the industry.
The awards saw SPORTFIVE announced as ‘The Most Attractive Sports Marketing Agency’ as well as being named the sixth most attractive employer in the entire sports industry, alongside organisations such as esteemed peers from industry such as FC Barcelona, FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Nike and Manchester United.
In the aftermath of the announcement, SPORTFIVE’s Chief People Officer, Vivi Dimitriadou sat down with iWorkinSport to discuss what makes SPORTFIVE such a special place to work and why it’s the only sports marketing agency to feature in the top 10 most attractive employers in their survey.
Why is SPORTFIVE seen as one of the most attractive employers in sport?
"Whether someone is looking to take their first steps in the sport industry or seeking that final piece in their career puzzle, SPORTFIVE offers an environment focused on development and growth.
We are a values-led organisation, which is an aspect that transcends our business and creates a culture of openness and unity - creating an environment much stronger than a workplace, it creates a TEAM.
As a 360 degree sports marketing agency, we’re able to work with every part of the sports industry, from rightsholders and brands to media platforms and fans, giving our employees the best exposure to the most exciting industry in the world.
Our truly global scope, with over 50 locations across five continents also gives the SPORTFIVE team around the world the ideal network to connect, develop and provide the best quality of work - no matter the sport."
“Our greatest strength as an employer is our people, and our job as an employer is to empower our people.”
Vivi Dimitriadou - SPORTFIVE, Chief People Officer
What makes SPORTFIVE a great employer?
"Our greatest strength as an employer is our people, and our job as an employer is to empower our people.
Across all levels, our people embody our values of fearlessnesses, freedom, unity, resilience and openness. These values were moulded by our employees, not by a management team, and summarise what it means to be part of the SPORTFIVE team.
Through empowering our people we provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
These tools include the basics such as a supportive and caring leadership team, clear communication and professional development. They also include opportunities to access global and inspiring work environments."
OUR FIVE CORE VALUES
OPENNESS
Openness is about the trust, transparency and authenticity that we expect from all our people across the business, from top to bottom, across every continent. With this, comes a willingness to collaborate, and empathise with colleagues as well as clients.
UNITY
Unity means promoting and encouraging a sense of belonging. It means bringing together the rich diversity across our organization, respecting and embracing what makes us different as individuals, to make us stronger as a whole.
FREEDOM
We believe our people have the freedom to succeed, the freedom to fail. We trust our people and always encourage them to voice their opinions, champion causes, question decisions, challenge leadership, and push for change – and will never judge them for doing so.
RESILIENCE
Anything worth doing is never easy. We know that all jobs have difficult days and life outside of work can be unpredictable. In these moments, more than ever, we want you to feel supported and know that as one, we will persevere.
FEARLESSNESS
We want our people to make great things happen in our industry. Great things take time and a willingness to question the ordinary and doubt the norms. Changing the tide and trying new paths to success takes a fearlessness which we strive to cement in our everyday life.
How can SPORTFIVE become an even better employer?
"Being a better employer involves creating a positive and productive work environment that supports employee growth, engagement, and satisfaction. Here’s how we strive to do that;
Communication - Establish clear and transparent communication channels that encourage open dialogue and feedback. Ensure that our employees know what is expected of them, and be sure to provide regular updates and feedback on their performance.
Empowerment - Encourage our employees to take ownership of their work and provide them with the resources and support they need to be successful. Give them autonomy and trust their abilities.
Recognition - Recognize and reward our employees for their hard work and achievements. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments, and show appreciation for their contributions.
Work-life balance - Ensure that our employees have a healthy work-life balance by providing flexible work schedules and create a culture that values self-care."
For those considering applying for a position at SPORTFIVE, what advice can you give to help them in their application?
"Read the job description carefully - Make sure you understand the role and responsibilities, as well as the qualifications and experience required for the position. This will help you tailor your application to the specific job.
Get to know SPORTFIVE - Familiarise yourself with our website, values, culture, and mission. This will help you understand if we are a good fit for you
Highlight your accomplishments - Use examples to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate how you can add value to the company.
Be patient - Remember that the hiring process can take time and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can."
What advice would you give to someone preparing for an interview with you?
"Be your most authentic self!
When you join SPORTFIVE, you’re welcomed into our team, our family and we want to understand what motivates and engages you. It’s important to be proud of your skills and to be honest about your development needs.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge what you don’t know, as these can be areas we can look to develop together.
Finally, remember that you are interviewing us too, so ensure that you prepare some questions about what matters to you, and make sure that you leave with a full understanding of the requirements of the role."
SPORTFIVE - a career in sports marketing
Workplaces are constantly evolving - and so is the growing significance of workplaces and employers in our everyday lives.
Today, most people will spend an estimated 25 to 30 years of their lives working. With approximately one third of our lives dedicated to our careers, it’s important to stop and understand our workplace and our employers.
The above interview is designed to give a glimpse into what SPORTFIVE is like as an employer and how our people, all over the world, are at the core of everything we do.
You can read the full iWorkinSport report on the best employers in the sports industry here.
If you are considering a career in sports marketing, explore our dedicated Careers Page and learn more about who we are, what we do and why we do it.
