As Topodium Group celebrates overcoming a challenging 2020, we are more focused than ever on driving the success of our ecosystem and providing valuable support and collaboration for our partners.

As part of Topodium Groups strategic growth plan, we are delighted to introduce Charlotte Owen, who joins the team as our new Head of Business Development. Charlotte will assist the wider team in growing Topodium Groups success, partner-base, and providing exceptional project management to our community of Podium Makers.

Charlotte’s passion for sport is so strong it’s almost tangible. She started coaching at sixteen, and went on to study Sports Development and Physical Education at Leeds Beckett University, formerly known as Leeds Metropolitan, then went on to a Masters in Sports Events Management.

Her educational experience saw Charlotte travel around the United States, directing soccer camps and delivery youth sports programmes to children of all ages. In 2015, Charlotte took a permanent position as an Account Manager with Challenger Sports, the largest provider of soccer coaching and camps across the United States and Canada. She quickly climbed the ranks and became a Regional Director within a year.

Charlotte’s dedication, passion and skill as a sales and business development professional saw her become Head of Business Development for the TinyTykes division of Challenger Sports camps offering. She was leading on growth and development strategies and managing key partnerships, driving revenue and income streams for the business. 2019 saw Charlotte promoted to Regional Business Manager, overseeing the mid-Atlantic region of Challenger Sports, spanning New York to Virginia, and the first female to sit in a managerial position of this level within the company.

In 2020, Charlotte made the decision to return to the UK to be closer to family, and to start the next chapter of her exciting career.

Welcome to the team, Charlotte. Tell us a bit about yourself.

From a very early age I have always been involved in sport. Throughout my childhood I participated in every activity under the sun! My family is very active, so being physical was a normal way of life for me growing up.

At youth level I competed at national and international level for eight years. I was exposed to so much sport, leisure and travel, which gave me a clear vision on what I wanted to achieve in my career.

I’ve been working in the sport, health and leisure industry for sixteen years, spanning various roles from coaching and delivering services, to business development and strategic planning. A large part of my career has been spent working in the US contributing to the overall growth of youth soccer. I am very passionate about sport, leisure and health and love working with likeminded people to inspire business growth and turn vision into success.

As I take the next step in my journey I am excited to be joining the very talented team at Topodium Group.

What has been one of your greatest highlight over the course of your career?

Having the opportunity to work alongside some inspiring people and legends such as Tony DiCicco has to be one of the highlights of my career. The success Tony had with the US Women’s National Team sparked huge growth in youth soccer in the US, yet his humble nature and passion for the game were equally as admirable.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for sports, health and fitness, and leisure businesses in 2021?

2020 has been an extremely challenging year for everybody; a year within which the importance of physical and mental health has been amplified. As we try to navigate the effects of the pandemic, a lot of businesses have had to adapt to produce creative solutions to connect with their audiences.

For some, this has unveiled a whole new virtual and digital world. I’m excited to start communicating Topodium Groups vast array of innovation, marketing, kids and active products and services to partners, and to see how we can provide value and help steer a path through uncertain times for many businesses.

The sport, health and leisure industries are continuing to innovate, grow and develop so I am excited to see how businesses bounce back in 2021, and how they embrace creative, hybrid solutions to strike a balance between the new-normal and their pre-pandemic activities.

What made you want to work for Topodium Group?

The mission, vision and values of Topodium Group echo everything I look for in a company. The team prides themselves on putting their partners first and working collaboratively to help achieve their goals. The success they’ve had in their first year (during a pandemic!) is admirable, and I am excited to be a part of and drive the future success of the business.

What’s your must read, watch or listen for professionals in the sports, health and fitness world?

Start With Why by Simon Sinek was one of the first books I read early in my career. Identifying what inspires you, and understanding why you do what you do, really helps set you up for success. On the other end of the spectrum is That Peter Crouch Podcast that can provide hours of thoughtless entertainment when you need to unwind.

Name a product you can’t live without, and tell us why.

My coffee machine. I only started drinking coffee at the age of 24, but now I’m a bit of a coffee snob!

You’re hosting a dinner party, which 3 famous guests are you inviting and why?

Michelle Obama, David Beckham and James Corden.

Michelle Obama is such an inspiration. I love the way she uses her platform to advocate for such great causes. (It would also be a bonus if she brought Barack as her plus one!) David Beckham is someone I have been a fan of for as long as I can remember. I’m sure he’s got some great stories to tell. And finally, James Corden can provide the entertainment, both at dinner and in the carpool home!

What would you say are the key personal and professional attributes for Sales and Business Development professionals to succeed?

Ambition, creativity and communication are key. Having the ability to truly listen and understand the goals and mission of a business, while focusing on a long-term vision for success is important. Quick fixes are easy, however, true business development is about looking to the future, working collaboratively and building relationships.

Finish this sentence. If I weren’t a Business Dev professional, I would be…

I always wanted to be a professional athlete, though those dreams soon went down the pan! I would work in some sort of role combining two of my big passions; sport and travel.

We’re delighted to welcome Charlotte to the team, and she can’t wait to meet lots of our existing partners, and get talking to new ones about exciting projects and collaborations! Meet more of the Topodium Group team.