Vivi Dimitriadou is the Chief People Officer at SPORTFIVE. The international sports marketing agency, which operates globally, with offices around the world, was named one of the Most Attractive Employers in Sport by a report published by iWorkinSport. This is one of five interviews with top recruiters in the industry featured in the publication.
The study surveyed more than 1,500 people from all continents, with the majority already working in sport, and asked them a simple question: “If you could choose to work anywhere in sport, where would that be?”
Initially, the respondents chose organisations divided into ten categories, and at the end, they indicated one single preferred choice, overall – the “Employer of their Dreams”.
The publication features rankings of the most attractive employers in sport divided in the following categories: Football Clubs, Sports Teams (other than Football), Sports Teams in the USA, Sports Leagues, Sports Governing Bodies, Event Organisers, Sports Marketing Agencies, Sponsors, Sporting Goods Companies and Sports Tech.
Additionally, the report presents the aspects that candidates rate as most important when deciding where they would like to work.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE.
Interview with Vivi Dimitriadou, Chief People Officer at SPORTFIVE
Why do so many people wish to work at SPORTFIVE?
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 degrees sports marketing agency, we are 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.
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 fearlessness, 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.
How can SPORTFIVE become an even a 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.
● EDI – Understand our role in helping to create an equal, diverse and inclusive sports industry and ensure that this goes beyond initiatives – an aspect which requires constant development
● Moments that Matter – Recognise the experiences that have the greatest impact to our employees, from their very first day with us and throughout their life’s journey both personally and professionally.
For those considering applying for a position at SPORTFIVE, what advice can you give to help them in their application?
● Be one step ahead – Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with our latest job openings. We are in an incredibly exciting growth phase as a company and are always looking to add more talent to our team.
● Get to know SPORTFIVE - Familiarise yourself with our website, values, culture, and mission. Check out our Instagram to get a feel for what it is like to work at SPORTFIVE and if we are a good fit for you.
● 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.
What advice would you give to someone preparing for an interview with you?
Be your most authentic self!
When you join SPORTFIVE, you are welcomed into our team, our family and we want to understand what motivates and engages you. It is 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 and have had the opportunity to understand and see the environment in which you will be working in.