Ulster Sports Academy and the Ulster Business School to offer leaders and managers in Northern Ireland a unique event.

Dame Mary Peters, Podiem co-director Kevin Kelly, Ulster Sports Academy co-director Dr Nigel Dobson and world-champion water skier Dr Janet Gray

“You may think that business and sport have nothing in common,” said Kevin Kelly, co-director of management development and events company Podiem.  “In actual fact, the characteristics that drive winners in business and sport are very similar, which is why we came up with the Raise Your Game event.

“For such a small country, Northern Ireland has always punched above its weight in terms of sport and has produced some of the world’s greatest sportsmen and athletes. Through Raise Your Game on 26th May this year, we want to show our managers and leaders that we can do the same in business”.

Delegates attending the conference at the University of Ulster 3G Arena will hear from champion jockey Richard Dunwoody, world-champion water skier Dr Janet Gray and three-time all-Ireland winning Gaelic football coach, Mickey Harte.  They will also gain insight from Jonathan Gregory, commercial director of the Wembley Stadium and member of the England 2018 World Cup bid team.

“Recruiting an impressive line-up of sporting heroes is about teaching the delegates memorable lessons, which they can understand and identify with, rather than plying them with market research and statistics,” explained Mr Kelly.

“With such a variety of sporting achievers in the line-up, the conference is sure to offer something for every manager regardless of size or sector.

“From Richard Dunwoody’s drive to win, Janet Gray’s inspiration, Mickey Harte’s motivation and the business acumen of Jonathan Gregory, the delegates will leave the event galvanised and full of ideas and action. The conference is also timely given the commercial opportunities that will arise from sport in the lead up to London 2012”.

Nick Read from the Ulster Business School said: “We are committed to the pursuit of outstanding management and leadership in Northern Ireland.  The Raise Your Game conference is an excellent means of engaging the business and management community in an innovative way.

 “As well as the speakers, there will also be an exhibition at the event, offering attendees the chance to roll up their sleeves and get their competitive juices flowing with a series of interactive stands. 

“This will allow business support and sporting organisations the opportunity to showcase their offering. The half day event will also provide excellent opportunities for networking.”

For Dr Nigel Dobson, co-director of the Ulster Sports Academy, the decision to partner on this project was easy.  “The purpose of this event mirrors our key focuses with our athletes at the Academy - to develop leadership, management and teamwork skills in order to succeed and come out on top.

“It seemed only fitting, therefore, that we should partner with Podiem and the Ulster Business School to roll-out this event at our high performance centre and world-class 3G Arena.”

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RAISE YOUR GAME – Management & Leadership Lessons from Sport
Wednesday 26 May, 8:00am-2:00pm
The 3G Arena, University of Ulster, Jordanstown
Book your place here www.podiem.com/RaiseYourGame