The Business of Football

In this week’s episode of The Business of Football Podcast, David goes solo to share a candid and personal reflection on the upcoming FIFA World Cup, speaking not just as a host in the football industry but as a genuine football fan looking forward to what promises to be one of the most fascinating tournaments in recent memory. From the political backdrop surrounding the event to the excitement of seeing more nations involved, David breaks down why this World Cup is about far more than just the football on the pitch. He explores the legacy opportunities for the host nations, the potential impact on grassroots development, and why the tournament could open new doors for football growth across the Americas. David also gives his thoughts on the expansion of the World Cup, the debates around quality versus inclusivity, and why he believes the joy of seeing smaller nations qualify and represent their people is part of what makes the competition so powerful. He reflects on the role of investment, infrastructure, celebrity culture, and the growing influence of football in the United States, while also comparing how different leagues and sporting markets are shaping the global game. Along the way, he shares his own memories of World Cups past, his love for Panini sticker collecting, and why this tournament feels especially meaningful now that he is viewing it from both the fan side and the business side of the sport. If you love football, business, culture, and honest opinions about the future of the game, this episode is for you. Listen now and join the conversation as we count down to the World Cup. ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewformOUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

Drawing from his own experiences, David speaks about the value of presenting your best authentic self, rather than getting caught up in unnecessary pressure about how you look or how you come across. He breaks down why clarity, confidence, and genuine self-awareness matter far more than trying to fit a polished image that doesn’t feel natural. This episode is a reminder that professionalism in football is not just about appearance, but about mindset, communication, and knowing how to show your value in a real and credible way. ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ Youtube: HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this episode, David sits down with Connor Ryan, a former Premier League academy player and the founder of the football equipment startup, Volta Sports. Connor shares his non-linear journey from falling out of love with professional football to working in fashion and construction, before finally finding his true purpose in entrepreneurship. KEY TAKEAWAYS Street football culture is missing in modern academies: Connor created The Cube to bridge the gap between structured, often repetitive academy drills and the joy and creativity of playing in the cages with friends. Ideas are worthless without execution: While it's easy to have a great idea, the hardest and most vital part of entrepreneurship is actually taking the leap, executing, and putting your product out into the real world. Perfection is the enemy of progress: Building a business requires daily problem-solving and iteration. Connor stresses the importance of launching before you feel completely ready, noting that his very first prototype was an unusable 40kg block. Company culture matters from day one: Even with a small team, Connor focuses on building a culture reminiscent of the best sports teams, emphasizing daily collaboration, clear communication, and a shared drive, rather than relying on empty corporate slogans. Embrace the cold outreach: To secure big wins, like getting custom-branded Cubes into Manchester City's fan zone, you have to be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. BEST MOMENTS "I just wanted to create a product that fundamentally can help you develop as a player, but also has the joy and the creativity of street football blended into one essentially." "I have ideas every day, but executing and actually putting yourself out there, that's the hard part." "If you launch and you're 100% happy with your product, you've launched too late." "The hardest thing about running a startup, and I'm completely bootstrapped, is also our superpower... we don't have the budget of the companies we're competing against, but that's where creativity comes in." "Culture isn't writing ten things on a wall saying 'do this, do that'... Culture is what you do every day daily." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this solo episode of the Business of Football Network podcast, we take a break from guest interviews to tackle a harsh reality of the sports industry: why your generic CV is probably getting ignored. Dealing with a bit of spring hay fever, our host delivers some much-needed candid advice about what it actually takes to get hired by a football club. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ditch the "mass apply" strategy: Firing off the same generic CV to dozens of clubs doesn't work; hiring managers are incredibly busy and simply do not have the time to sift through thousands of identical applications. Show your "proof of work": Instead of just listing that you have a degree or claiming you are a team player, you need to highlight specific projects you've completed and the actual results they produced. Create your own opportunities: If you don't have direct industry experience, you need to go out and build it yourself by starting a blog, volunteering, or pitching a well-thought-out project directly to a club. Pre-impressions matter immensely: Hiring managers will likely form an opinion of you by reviewing your past projects and your LinkedIn profile long before you ever shake hands in an interview. Leave the entitlement at the door: You have to understand that football clubs don't owe you an opportunity just because you are passionate; you must bring a humble attitude and prove you can actively help them win on or off the pitch. BEST MOMENTS "What actually matters is a proof of work. Your CV is fantastic, and your CV is important... but I want to look at the projects that they've done." "You have to remember that the hiring managers have got a lot on their plates already. They've got so much that they've gotta do." "That's great, but what did you actually do? How did you actually help them move forward? What were your tangible results or intangible results?" "Your first impression isn't even you. It's like you always have pre-impressions before you get to the first impression." "No, they're not. They're not. This is not a... 'oh, let's try and give people an opportunity' type thing. No. We are... but football clubs aren't. They've gotta win." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David sits down with Jan Esteller Subirats, the visionary founder of Unique Sports, to explore the intersection of high-performance coaching and international sports management. Drawing from his extensive background as a former coach and his professional experience at major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. KEY TAKEAWAYS The "Smart Football" Philosophy: True player development occurs when coaches move away from PlayStation coachingand instead ask the right questions to foster player autonomy. Logistics of Scale: Organizing international tournaments requires balancing intricate details from airport transfers and Olympic village-style accommodations to ensuring high-quality officiating. Football as a Life Skill: Youth tournaments are about more than just the score; they provide essential life experiences in team bonding, travel, and cultural adaptation. The Power of Feedback: Constant improvement in sports management is driven by real-time feedback loops where staff identify small logistical tweaks that significantly enhance the participant experience. Adapting to the Environment: Successful leadership in sports requires a "DJ-like" adaptability, tuning your management or coaching style to the specific needs and levels of your audience. BEST MOMENTS "I would compare a coach to a DJ... there is no good or bad DJ, it depends on the moment, the club, and your audience." "It’s super easy to give an instruction like 'pass the ball,' but the real challenge is finding the right question to help the player discover that they should pass it." "If we do the same things as everyone else, we’re just going to be the same. To grow, you have to be creative and assume the risk of doing things differently." "Most of these kids won't remember the final score of a tournament five years later, but they’ll remember the trip, the teammates, and the shared experiences." "Sports management is about taking the stress away from the coaches so they can focus entirely on the pitch." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this premiere guest episode of 2026, David sits down with Jack Glennon, the co-founder of Behind Sport. Jack shares his inspiring journey from graduating from UCFB and volunteering at Salford City to launching a successful sports media platform during the 2020 lockdown. KEY TAKEAWAYS Championing the "Behind the Scenes" Professionals: Behind Sport was founded to celebrate the people and the business side of the sports industry that often go unnoticed by the general public. The Power of Practical Experience: Jack’s experience at Salford City, starting with a blog and moving into match-day social media work, was instrumental in building the connections and knowledge needed to launch his own venture. Consistency and Patience are Vital: Building a successful platform takes time; Jack emphasizes the need to keep showing up and creating content even when the initial engagement is low. Authenticity Resonates: A core part of Behind Sport’s success is maintaining an authentic voice that reflects the founders' true personalities rather than adopting a forced professional persona. The Importance of Niche and Unique Perspective: To stand out in a crowded market, Jack advises new creators to find a unique angle or niche that they are genuinely passionate about. BEST MOMENTS "We are all about celebrating and championing the people and the incredible work that goes on in the industry because we feel like it doesn’t get and they don’t get the plaudits that they deserve." "Behind Sport doesn’t exist if I don’t go to UCFB and don’t do work experience at Salford City." "Consistency is key... you’ve got to keep showing up even in the beginning when you might not necessarily be getting the numbers you think it kind of deserves." "We’ve built our brand tone of voice in exactly the same way that Ryan and I speak... we’re not having to put on this kind of fake persona." "I think you have to find that one thing that sets you apart that’s uniquely yours... find out the one thing that works for you and then just kind of set the goal of being like I’m going to create a piece of content." TO CONNECT WITH JACK https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-glennon-2b6a85a8/ OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David returns to share exciting updates and fresh perspectives for the new year. Reflecting on the podcast's journey, David discusses the relaunch of their social media platforms and the ambitious goal of uploading every podcast episode to YouTube, including previously unrecorded ones. KEY TAKEAWAYS Content Expansion: The podcast is relaunching its social media platforms and YouTube channel, aiming to provide more insightful content, including behind-the-scenes footage and matchday experiences. Consistency and Growth: The importance of releasing podcast episodes consistently has been highlighted as a key factor in building a loyal audience and establishing credibility within the football industry. Evolving in the Industry: There is a strong emphasis on personal and professional development in the football industry, encouraging individuals to adapt and develop specific skills to remain relevant and competitive. Community Engagement: The podcast aims to foster greater interaction with its audience, inviting suggestions for guests and topics, and emphasizing the value of helping even a single person through shared knowledge and experiences. New Opportunities: The speaker expresses excitement about the potential for new opportunities in 2026, particularly with the upcoming World Cup, and encourages listeners to actively seek ways to contribute and make a difference in the football community. BEST MOMENTS "We want to bring and deliver a lot more content around, not just myself, not just the podcast, but also around-the-clock content when it comes to football." "This industry is so stubborn. It's so difficult that being stubborn, even more stubborn, to not stop and to just keep going is a key lesson." "What evolutionary process are you going to have to go through to make yourself the person, the candidate, the leader, the inspiration that is going to make a change?" "If you can help one person and change one person's trajectory, then that's a big win. That's a massive win." "We plan to go on a fantastic journey. The podcast is back. We're going to have more podcast episodes, more guests coming on." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David delves into the growth and evolution of women's football, sharing personal experiences from volunteering at the 2022 Women's Euros and discussing the current landscape of the women's game. David highlights the increasing investment, commercial growth, and emerging career opportunities within the sector, emphasising the importance of player protection and professional support as the game transitions from semi-professional to fully professional. KEY TAKEAWAYS Growth of Women's Football: Women's football is experiencing significant growth, with increasing investment and commercial opportunities. Career Opportunities: As the women's game expands, new job roles are emerging in areas such as marketing, partnerships, fan engagement, and sports science. Player Protection and Rights: Recent regulations, including FIFA's maternity leave policies and the NWSL's new collective bargaining agreement, are enhancing player protections. Innovative Approaches: The women's game allows for creativity and innovation in marketing and fan engagement strategies, as it is still in a relatively nascent stage compared to men's football. Importance of Professionalism: As women's teams transition from semi-professional to fully professional, there is a need for improved infrastructure, including HR and medical support. BEST MOMENTS “I still believe it is in an infancy stage, but it was super raw. We hadn't won the Euros yet, so there wasn't the same level of buzz that was created after it." "Women's football is fighting for credibility, it's fighting for legitimacy, right? And the business for it to survive... the women's game is always going to be fighting for legitimacy." "If you want a game to be respected... how do you deal with that balance? Are you dealing with it from the perspective of we're going to try and be jokey, funny?" "Match day revenue is becoming a massive, massive part of the overall growth of the game. We're seeing more games in main stadiums." "The reason why this game will grow... is starting by protecting the players, starting by protecting these freelancers, because that's what athletes are, right?" OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this deeply honest episode, David checks in to share his personal journey and the often-unseen struggles of building a career in the football industry. David speaks openly about battling the impostor, the feeling of being an "outsider" despite his passion and hard work. David addresses the reality of constant rejection from job applications and opportunities, sharing his frustration with the industry's slow pace and his own internal struggle with impatience. KEY TAKEAWAYS Impostor Syndrome is Real: Despite having built a recognized podcast and network, David still struggles with feeling like an outsider or not fully belonging in the football industry, especially after starting the business entirely on his own. Rejection is a Constant Battle: David shares the difficult truth that he has faced and still faces rejection from job applications and opportunities within football, making it hard to find his place and identity within the industry. Balance Resilience with Impatience: A major personal challenge is balancing the need for patience and consistent effort against the internal frustration and desire for things to happen right now, a common struggle for young professionals. Don't Give Up When Told "No": The underlying message is that repeated "no's' and stagnation should not be interpreted as a reflection of personal worth or capability. The correct response is to re-evaluate, pivot, and remain persistent, trusting that the right opportunity will eventually arise. Everyone has a Story and Value: The podcast network was started to showcase the untold stories of people who are making a difference in football and sport. The belief is that every person, even those struggling or starting, has a unique skill set that will be valuable to the industry. BEST MOMENTS "It's always, I think, valuable to showcase when that necessarily isn't the way that things are going." "I still definitely feel like an outsider." "I think because I started it myself... I think maybe sometimes I have that level of impostor syndrome." "How on earth, why would I continue when it's just going the other way?" "The only thing that stops us from experiencing these versions of ourselves is often not the external world, but our internal programming." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David reflects on some of the most impactful conversations from the year, highlighting the journey of football enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs. The discussion delves into the personal experiences of guests who share their passion for football. From the importance of grassroots support to the evolution of media in football, the episode captures the essence of dedication and creativity in the business side of the sport. KEY TAKEAWAYS Passion for Football: The host has a deep-rooted passion for football, stemming from a childhood spent in a football-mad household. This passion not only influenced personal experiences but also shaped entrepreneurial ventures in the football industry. Entrepreneurial Spirit: From a young age, there was a strong inclination towards entrepreneurship, demonstrated through various ventures like flipping phones and exploring domain URLs. Creating a Voice for Young Players: The establishment of Rising Borders aimed to provide a platform for young footballers who often go unnoticed by mainstream media. Challenges of Running a Small Team: Operating with a small team requires prioritization and discipline. The focus is on what will drive the business forward, balancing the desire to innovate with the need to manage resources effectively. Navigating the Sports Industry: Transitioning from a corporate role to consulting in the sports industry presents challenges, particularly in convincing clients to adopt new strategies. BEST MOMENTS “I always loved football my whole life. Just as a fan, but then obviously the impact that it has on people." "We didn't really think anyone was really talking to a young football fan in a way that they actually engage with whatsoever." "We felt like it was a really tough environment for young players to grow up in and succeed and make it." "The more content you create, the more you can monetize it, the more you can then invest that in a new resource." "I can make you more money out of the stuff you already do, let alone having to bring in new products and services." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David reflects on their journey nearly a year and a half after graduating with a degree in International Football Business. David discusses the realities of entering the competitive football industry, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations and understanding the diverse career paths available. David shares personal experiences, insights from industry professionals, and practical advice for recent graduates, including the significance of networking, volunteering, and maintaining visibility in the field. KEY TAKEAWAYS Manage Expectations: Graduates often expect to land jobs in the competitive football industry quickly. It's important to understand that many graduates are vying for the same roles. Stay Visible and Relevant: Volunteering, writing thought pieces, or starting projects like a podcast can help maintain visibility in the industry while searching for a job. Purposeful Experience: Gaining experience during university should be intentional. Rather than volunteering for the sake of it, focus on opportunities that align with your career goals and can lead to tangible outcomes. Explore Diverse Opportunities: The football industry offers a wide range of roles beyond traditional club positions, including marketing, data analysis, and community engagement. Networking and Tailoring Applications: Building a professional network through alumni connections and attending industry events is crucial. BEST MOMENTS "You have to treat rejections as redirection. Sometimes it might not be the first step that you get, but take it in good faith." "Your preparation for post-graduate life starts as early as you can make it start." "There is just no set way to do it in the industry... There isn't a singular way to do things, right?" "If you can make yourself worthy and ready to adapt to those skills really well, you put yourself at an advantage." "You can feel like an outsider quite a lot of the time... it can be challenging to know if you're doing the right thing or not." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David discusses effective networking strategies for breaking into and thriving within the competitive, closed-off football industry ecosystem. David emphasizes that the vast majority of jobs are filled through internal promotion or existing networks, not external recruitment. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Industry is a Closed Ecosystem: Only 15-20% of job vacancies in football are externally recruited, with over 70% filled by internal promotions, making a strong network essential for access. Build a Recognizable Personal Brand: Creating a unique, consistent public presence (via social media, podcasts, etc.) is a highly effective networking strategy, as it allows others to pre-vet and download data on you, making outreach easier. Volunteer for Your Breakthrough: Volunteering and project work are the most accessible, low-risk, and free ways to acquire evidence of your ambition and capabilities. Lead with Value and Sincerity: When connecting, focus on what you can offer the other person. Avoid being overly pushy or having a short-term, transactional mindset, as successful relationships are built on long-term investment, authenticity, and mutual trust. Use LinkedIn as a Showcase, Not a Deal Closer: LinkedIn is vital for establishing your credentials and public image, but the real, deep networking and relationship-building often happen away from the platform, at events, or in private groups. BEST MOMENTS "I saw a really harrowing statistic that came to my attention that only 15 to 20% of all job vacancies in football are externally recruited." "Everything I've spoken about before. Anyone can run the football business ecosystem. non-executive owners, non-league football clubs, C-level executives, private business owners." "Building a brand, this can be as simple or as complex as you decide. In my journey, I have gone for a podcast." "You have to be consistent with your own results and the work that you're doing. You have to show results." "A lot of the actual intricate, deep networking takes place away from LinkedIn, group chats, football business groups, and networking events." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David engages in a lively conversation with Dani Gonçalves, a co-founder of a fantasy football platform dedicated to women's football. They discuss the rapid growth of the women's game, particularly following the Lionesses' success in the Euros, and how this surge in popularity has influenced their business. Dani shares insights into their journey from being casual fans to creating a fantasy game that enhances the fandom experience, highlighting the importance of community feedback and innovative features like visionary points. KEY TAKEAWAYS Growth of Women's Football: The women's game has seen significant growth, especially following major tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup. Fantasy Football as a Gateway: Fantasy football serves as an important entry point for new fans, helping them engage with the sport and learn about players and teams. Community Engagement: Building a strong community around the fantasy game has been crucial. Users actively provide feedback and connect, creating a supportive environment that fosters a deeper connection to women's football. Challenges of Running a Startup: Running a fantasy football business comes with challenges, including balancing day jobs and managing user expectations. Statistical Analysis vs. Emotional Engagement: There is a balance between statistical analysis and the emotional aspects of football. While some fans focus on stats, others engage with the sport for the excitement and storytelling it offers. BEST MOMENTS "We started watching the women's Euros, and then when it ended, we were kind of like, why aren't we watching women's football actually?" "We both grew up as United fans... but if you had to guess who you thought was like the most invested fan, you probably wouldn't have guessed me." "Fantasy is a big part of a person and a consumer's touchpoint into growing the game." "We had a hunch... that if we make this game and design it in a specific way, people will expand their knowledge, not just of the team that they support, but other players." "There's always so much conversation around the sustainability of it... but there's still the appetite for risk to try to continue." TO CONNECT WITH DANI https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-goncalves/ OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/