The Game Changers

“When I first walked into the FA, I felt completely out of place - like an alien at someone else’s party. The culture was so unfamiliar that I doubted whether I belonged at all. But by finding allies and quietly building a team who believed in change, I realised I could make an impact.” Baroness Sue Campbell is one of the most influential leaders in British sport, a woman whose entire career has been driven by a single mission: to use sport to change lives. Recorded live at the Leaders in Sport 2025 Summit, this conversation revisits her extraordinary impact at the FA, her pivotal role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph and her new chapter chairing England Netball. She talks openly about resilience rooted in moral purpose and the power of authentic leadership. We explore how staying focused on her mission, and not personal ego, has carried her through moments of doubt, sexism and deep personal challenge. Sue speaks movingly about the Lionesses’ journey, working with Sarina Wiegman and the unforgettable night at Wembley when years of pressure and self-doubt melted into joy. But she also warns of the current “illusion” of success in women’s sport, urging urgent investment in the ‘missing middle’ - the semi-professional pathways that must be strengthened if young women are truly to build sustainable careers in sport. Now leading England Netball, Sue shares her passion for growing the sport’s profile and protecting the unique culture that makes women’s sport so special - community, safety, authenticity and connection. Her message for future leaders is clear and compelling: stay authentic, find your purpose, learn relentlessly and never underestimate the power of one determined individual to change the world. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

“We’re at an inflection point - fans, sponsors and the next generation are demanding better. Sport has to decide what future it wants.” Human rights lawyer and Athlead CEO Kat Craig joins Sue with a perceptive take on how sport can change the world, yet why it too often simply replicates its worst injustices. From an “allergic reaction to injustice” to frontline legal work and a decade in sport, Kat explains why she built Athlead to turn athlete voice, sport-for-good strategy and rights-based governance into real, lasting culture change. Kat breaks down the hard truths: sport’s centralised power and insularity create blind spots that exclude those harmed by discrimination and abuse. The fix isn’t a workshop or a press release - it’s leadership with lived experience, transparency and the courage to embed safeguarding and human rights across everything an organisation does. Kat unpacks athlete activism in a polarised era, where authenticity matters, scope matters and small, smart acts of allyship can move mountains. At grassroots level, Kat shares how clear values at her community-owned club empowered young men to stand with women and reject misogyny - even when the backlash came. And she’s clear about the moment we’re in - fans and sponsors now expect accountability, the next generation is demanding better and sport sits at an inflection point where brave decisions will define its future. A compelling blueprint from a pioneering voice on how to swap statements for structure and build safer, fairer sport for everyone. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Ramla Ali: Fighting for Change “I carried the hopes of a nation into the ring - but also the dreams of every young girl who’d been told no.” Boxer, Olympian, model and UNICEF UK ambassador Ramla Ali shares her extraordinary journey from fleeing conflict in Somalia to making history in the boxing ring. The first Somali, male or female, to compete for a world title, Ramla’s story is one of resilience, representation and the relentless pursuit of change. In this conversation with Sue Anstiss, Ramla reflects on a recent visit to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya where she witnessed both the devastating impact of aid cuts and the extraordinary hope of young women determined to build a better future. She speaks openly about her own family’s escape from Somalia, the courage of her parents and the sacrifices that shaped her life in the UK. Ramla reveals how she discovered boxing almost by accident, keeping her training secret from her family until they came to embrace her achievements with pride. She discusses what it meant to walk into the Olympic arena carrying Somalia’s flag and the trail she’s blazed for others to follow. Ramla talks proudly of the power of Sisters Club, the organisation she founded to give women and girls safe access to sport. From walking into a Boxercise class as a teenager to being the subject of an upcoming Hollywood film, Ramla has consistently challenged stereotypes and redefined what’s possible. Whether in the ring, in fashion, or in refugee camps, Ramla uses her platform to inspire change and to call for dignity, opportunity and equality for all. This is the story of a fighter whose greatest victories extend far beyond sport. **** Ramla Ali is a UNICEF UK Ambassador. Join UNICEF UK and write to your MP today to prioritise children in the UK aid budget here. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Paralympic champion turned open-water pioneer Melanie Barratt shares her extraordinary story of resilience, courage and reinvention. Born with severe visual impairment, Melanie rose to the top of British swimming before stepping away from elite competition to explore new challenges. In 2024, Melanie made history as the first blind woman to swim the English Channel solo - an achievement she says means even more to her than her Paralympic gold medals. In this powerful conversation with Sue Anstiss, Melanie reflects on the joy of discovering water as a child, the pressures and triumphs of Atlanta and Sydney and why she walked away at the height of her career. She explains how open water swimming became her “happy place,” and why conquering the Channel was truly life-changing. Melanie also talks about “blind pride,” her golden prosthetic eye and the importance of representation, as well as her current mission to make open water events more accessible for swimmers with disabilities. Her story is one of breaking barriers, redefining limits and finding empowerment in nature. A conversation that will inspire us all to believe we can overcome fear and dive headfirst into whatever challenge calls us next. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

“Human before athlete - that’s non-negotiable.” Giselle Mather is one of the most influential and pioneering figures in rugby. A former England international and World Cup winner, Giselle's extraordinary coaching career has seen her consistently break new ground in the sport. Giselle was the first woman to earn the RFU’s Level 4 coaching qualification and has gone on to lead at the very highest levels of both the men’s and women’s professional game. In this candid conversation, Giselle relives the raw early years of the women’s game, from the first Women’s World Cup in 1991 to lifting the trophy in 1994, and explains how those experiences forged a coaching philosophy that puts the human before the athlete. Combining elite coaching with a busy family life as a mother of three, Giselle has coached at Wasps, London Irish, Teddington, Ealing Trailfinders and internationally as a coach for England Women and Head Coach for Team GB Women’s Rugby 7s, along with the inaugural Women’s Barbarians. Gisellle shares how she’s earned respect in men’s environments, the principles that underpin her sessions and the leadership needed to build diverse staff teams where every player can connect and thrive. We talk about how visibility is the fastest route to equality for women’s rugby, why elite athletes deserve the very best qualified coaches and how blunt gender quotas in coaching can backfire. Renowned for her vision, passion and commitment to developing people, Giselle has inspired players and coaches across generations. She’s an extraordinary leader on and off the pitch. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Emma Wilson: Flying on Foils, Keeping the Joy “Two bronzes, two completely different emotions. Tokyo was joy. Paris… it broke me inside. It’s taken a long time to process and move forward.” Emma Wilson is transforming the face of British windsurfing. A world champion at every age group, Olympic bronze medallist in Tokyo, and now the youngest Briton ever to claim a senior world title, Emma talks openly about the highs and lows of life on the water. She reflects on growing up in a family of elite athletes, the sibling rivalry that drove her forward and the tough leap from youth prodigy to senior racing. Emma relives the joy of her first Olympic medal, the heartbreak of Paris 2024 and the resilience it took to come back stronger as world number one. From mastering the switch to foiling and the crashes that followed to rediscovering the fun that first inspired her, Emma’s story is one of courage, reinvention and embracing joy. A fearless competitor with an infectious love for her sport, Emma Wilson is proof that when you protect that joy, the medals will follow. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

“It’s so easy to chase perfection, but it doesn’t exist. The whole world is built on imperfection - and that’s what makes it beautiful.” World Cup winner and Bristol Bears tighthead Sarah Bern joins Sue to relive a history-making day at Twickenham and the whirlwind that followed. She talks candidly about the moment the final whistle blew - equal parts joy, relief and pride – and takes us into an England scrum, where control, courage and “chess with aggression” set the tone. Sarah reflects on a team culture that balances fun with fierce standards, rejecting old templates to let personalities shine and welcome new fans into the game. She traces her journey from back row to tighthead, and from a teenager wrestling with body image to a visible role model for strong, muscular women. Authentic on and off the pitch, Sarah shares how Ilona Maher’s arrival at Bristol Bears helped her find her own voice on social media - a powerful tool to build community, drive change and open vital commercial doors for women’s sport. We hear about the tunnel walk chills, Zoe Aldcroft’s cathartic tears and the surge of support that sells out stadiums, crashes merch drops and creates real demand for women’s sport. Fashion meets rugby as Sarah recounts her appearance in Vogue, a Barbie collaboration and launching Below The Shoulder with her teammates - reframing rugby as stylish, rebellious and modern. Looking ahead, Sarah calls for true equality across sport as we judge female athletes by what happens on the pitch, not by their appearance. Her legacy goal is simple and powerful - to help people feel comfortable in their own skin so they can attack life with purpose and joy. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

In series 21 we’re shining a light on the trailblazing women who are transforming sport and society. You’ll hear from Baroness Sue Campbell, one of the most respected and influential figures in British sport, as she candidly shares her leadership journey and lessons learnt from time working in Olympic and Paralympic Sport, Women’s football and now as Chair of England Netball. We meet Melanie Barrett, the Paralympic swimmer who made history last year as the first blind woman to swim the English Channel, as she tells her remarkable story of courage and determination. Champion boxer, fashion model and UNICEF UK ambassador Ramla Ali opens up about her extraordinary journey from refugee to Olympian and global role model. Entrepreneur Mari Thomas-Welland shares how she founded Maaree sports bras, creating innovative kit that empowers women to move with confidence and we hear about what happened when global icon Serena Williams shared photos of her in the Maree sports bra. Rugby pioneer, and World Cup winner, Giselle Mather reveals the lessons she’s learned from a career that’s broken new ground as both player and professional coach in the men’s and women’s game. Olympic windsurfing sensation Emma Wilson talks about her meteoric rise to the top of world sailing, the heartbreak of Paris 2024 and the resilience it takes to compete at the highest level whilst retaining your sense of self. Award winning, human rights lawyer Kat Craig discusses her mission to protect athletes and hold sport to account on the issues that matter most. And World Cup winning rugby player Sarah Bern reflects on her experiences in elite rugby and her ambition to redefine what strength really means for women and girls. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport. The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website at fearlesswomen.co.uk. That’s also where you’ll find details of the Women’s Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for 14,000 women working in sport. Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast and the Women’s Sport Collective through a National Lottery Award. Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Sports engineer turned founder, Mari Thomas-Welland is reinventing performance wear with Maaree, the sports-bra brand built on science, not guesswork. From early lab testing at Loughborough to a DIY prototype that sparked her patented Overband® concept, Mari explains how understanding breast movement as a figure-of-eight - not just up and down - led to a step change in comfort and control. Mari shares the impact of seeing Serena Williams wearing a Maaree bra, why bra fit is as vital as getting the right footwear and how online fittings launched in a Covid lockdown became a cornerstone of the brand’s community. We talk about the myths of bra sizing, the challenges of moving into retail and how Mari is growing a wider range of athletic clothing whilst staying laser-focused on support. Authentic, practical and purpose-driven, Mari shows us all how rigorous engineering and real empathy can help keep more girls and women active. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Lucy Adams has spent her life on a skateboard – but it’s her impact off the ramps that’s transforming the sport forever. From being one of only a handful of women in UK skateboarding in the ’90s to leading the charge for equity and inclusion today, Lucy has carved out a path where others once shut the door. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lucy shares what it’s really like to break into a male-dominated sport, fight for recognition and push for a future where every girl feels welcome on a skateboard. In this episode, Lucy reveals: From small-town skate parks to global stages, Lucy Adams has paved the way for thousands of women and girls to ride free. This is the story of resilience, rebellion and reshaping a sport for good. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Diane Edwards (Modhal) was one of Britain’s brightest middle-distance stars, a Commonwealth gold medallist and four-time Olympian whose remarkable career was thrown into turmoil when she was wrongly accused of doping in 1994. What followed was a devastating two-year battle to clear her name – a fight that cost her financially, emotionally, and professionally – but could not break her spirit. In this compelling and emotional conversation, Diane shares: This is a story of extraordinary talent, unthinkable injustice, and relentless determination to fight for truth and fairness in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

In this episode of The Game Changers, we explore what it takes to truly accelerate progress for women’s rugby – and women’s sport – worldwide. From creating professional pathways to building commercial success and driving global participation, this conversation is all about vision, determination and game-changing leadership in action. We talk about: An inspiring look at the future of women’s rugby – and how bold leadership can help shape it. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Former England netball international, Eboni Usoro-Brown, has worn the red dress 117 times across an extraordinary 15-year career, including that unforgettable Commonwealth Games gold medal win in 2018. A trailblazer both on and off the court, Eboni has balanced elite sport with a career in law, becoming a powerful advocate for dual careers in sport and inspiring many through her return to professional netball after becoming a mother. In this episode of The Game Changers, Eboni shares her remarkable story of determination, leadership and breaking barriers, as she reflects on the highs and challenges of life at the very top of her sport. We talk about: A powerful and inspiring conversation about chasing your dreams, overcoming challenges and leaving a legacy that opens doors for others. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Scottish international rugby star Rhona Lloyd shares her remarkable journey from a young girl defying stereotypes to becoming one of Scotland’s fastest and most dynamic players. With 57 caps and 25 tries for her country, Rhona’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and redefining what it means to be strong. In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear: Rhona’s honesty about setbacks, mental health, and resilience is both moving and empowering – a must-listen for anyone chasing big dreams or championing women’s sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

When a photograph of Sophie Power breastfeeding her three-month-old baby mid-race went viral, it sparked a global conversation about motherhood, sport, and equality. But for Sophie, the moment was never about heroics - it was about the barriers women face just to reach a start line. In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Sophie – a world record-breaking ultra-runner and founder of SheRACES – shares how she’s challenging a sport designed for men, campaigning for pregnancy deferrals, fair cut-offs and real equity for women in endurance events worldwide. In this episode, Sophie reveals: thatFrom running 347 miles across Ireland to smashing a 48-hour treadmill world record, Sophie Power is redefining what’s possible and refusing to leave other women behind. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

From jumpers for goalposts on a council estate to managing at the highest level of women’s football, Carla Ward’s journey is one of courage, resilience and breaking through barriers. Now leading the Republic of Ireland women’s national team with ambitions to reach the 2027 World Cup, Carla has navigated a fast rise from player to coach, defied expectations, and spoken openly about the reality of balancing a demanding football career with motherhood. In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Carla shares the unfiltered truth about life in football, leadership, and the challenges female coaches face in the modern game. We talk about: An honest and eye-opening conversation about risk-taking, resilience and the fight for equality in women’s football. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Sammi Kinghorn’s journey from a life-changing farming accident to the top of the Paralympic podium is nothing short of extraordinary. A double world champion, Commonwealth medallist, Paralympic gold winner and now a popular BBC presenter, Sammi’s story is one of unbreakable resilience. In this powerful conversation, Sammi opens up about: Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Welcome to The Game Changers – the podcast that celebrates extraordinary women in sport. In Series 20, we’re shining a light on the courageous, pioneering and fiercely passionate women who are re-defining the future of sport. You’ll hear from Diane Modahl, the Commonwealth 800m champion who overcame a devastating injustice and fought a landmark legal battle to clear her name before becoming a powerful advocate for inclusion and opportunity in sport. Pioneering skateboarder, Lucy Adams, shares how she carved her path in a male-dominated sport – breaking boundaries, staying true to herself and inspiring young people, from all backgrounds, to step onto a board. Respected both as a former player and now as a top-flight coach, Carla Ward reveals what it really takes to lead in the high-pressure world of women’s football, while ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power opens up about motherhood and rewriting the rules for women in endurance sport. We talk to Scottish rugby star Rhona Lloydabout body image and using her platform to challenge attitudes in society, and England netball icon Eboni Usoro-Brown about the challenges of motherhood in elite sport and her evolving mission to drive change on and off the court. We hear from Sally Horrox, now shaping the global women’s game at World Rugby, as she shares insights from a groundbreaking career that’s spanned the commercial rise of netball and women’s football – including the creation of two Super Leagues. And Sammi Kinghorn, Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder on her extraordinary story of grit, growth and overcoming the unimaginable. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport. New episodes in this series will be released throughout August on Mondays and Wednesdays each week, so please follow or subscribe now and you’ll be the first to hear from these extraordinary trailblazers. The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website @fearless.women.co.uk. The website is also where you’ll find details of the Women’s Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for all women working in sport. Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast (and the Women’s Sport Collective) through with a National Lottery Award. The Game Changers – Series 20. Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

"Great athletes aren’t just terrified of losing – they’re traumatised by it. That’s what drives them." In this powerful and inspiring episode, Sue Anstiss is joined by one of the most influential figures in British sport, Mel Marshall. A former Olympian turned world-renowned coach, Mel is best known for guiding Adam Peaty to Olympic gold and multiple world records – but her story is so much more than medals and podiums. From her early days as a fiercely competitive swimmer to her current role leading an elite performance hub in Australia, Mel shares the highs, the heartbreaks and the lessons learned along the way. She speaks openly about the pressure of elite sport, the emotional cost of coaching and the values that have shaped her remarkable career. Mel reflects on the extraordinary partnership with Adam Peaty, the importance of empathy in high performance and why we must do more to support and spotlight female coaches. She also reveals what’s next in her journey – and why she believes her best days are still to come. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention and the people who quietly shape greatness from the sidelines. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

"I hate mediocrity. As soon as it feels like we’re sitting in the status quo, I feel like I’m failing." In this brilliant episode of The Game Changers, Sue Anstiss is joined by Jess Thirlby, Head Coach of the Vitality Roses and one of the most respected leaders in world netball. From growing up in a deeply sporting family in the South West to representing England at the Commonwealth Games and ultimately leading the national side, Jess shares an extraordinary journey through sport. Jess’s warmth and candour are apparent as she reflects on: Jess speaks powerfully about the evolution of netball, her hopes for Super League 2.0, and why the sport must remain unapologetically female-first while building a more inclusive and sustainable future. A compelling conversation that highlights what it takes to lead with integrity in the spotlight, inspire the next generation and stay grounded — even when chasing that elusive World Cup Gold. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production