“Soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030”
— Deloitte
Harper Wood has in depth processes that will allow you to see the true potential of the individual. We will analyse the requirements of culture fit, values, behaviours and vision and align it to match the athlete and the employer. This will allow the athlete’s true strengths to flourish.
Below are stories direct from senior management, partners we work with and employees about athlete transition and the success that businesses like yours can enjoy when recruiting elite athletes in to their workforce.
“Athletes are incredibly focused. When you give them a very clear brief it motivates them to run after it. They have that winning mentality when you set them a task they want to do their best to achieve and to close the deal and to bring value to the business.”
— David Gore – Head of Industries at BJSS
Michael Saunders Former International Golfer
“I was a Pro golfer for 7 years and decided to look for a career change when I felt I’d reached my peak and needed a new challenge. I wanted to pursue a career which had a more stable income and certainty but also still gave me the challenges and same rewards as professional sport.
I spoke to Harper Wood and laid my cards on the table with what I wanted from my next career. They sent over suitable options and made it very easy to transition over. I’m very thankful for that.
I think the traits I’ve brought across in my new role are knowing how to deal with different individuals. I was used to travelling with sport and meeting a variety of different nationalities and ethnicities, and the ability to adapt to work with them.
Also it’s the work ethic, dedication and sacrifice which athletes have in abundance to get them to the top of their game. Teamwork is also key to my role and something that really benefits the team and company when we all work together to achieve our goal. Thanks again to the team at Harper Wood!”
“They’re extremely focused and clear on what success looks like. They have an exact goal on what they want to achieve and are driven to get there. Years of playing sport at the highest level has given them the ability to have absolute clarity on their goal.”
— Paul Williamson – MD at Realia Marketing
Listen to employers and ex-athletes on their experience with
transitioning from sport to the corporate world.
Did you know?
94% of C-suite women played sports
Former athletes earn 5% to 15% more than their non-athlete peers
95% of Fortune 500 executives participated in sport.
“My advice to athletes is “it’s your journey”. Find somewhere that’s going to allow you, to be you. Pick somewhere that will allow you to perform on a stage and that will nurture and cultivate your strengths and your skills and really support you.”
— Steve Rowbotham - CCO at Ink and Olympic Bronze Medalist Rower
Henry Taylor – Ex Northampton Saints Rugby Player
I wanted to get out of professional sport as I couldn’t see myself progressing any further. Before the end of my contract, I started to reach out to people I had met through sport. A network of people I had been introduced to over my 10 years in sport. It was suggested that I speak to one of Harper Wood's team who introduced me to a company called Oil Brokerage. This company is renowned as one of the best oil broking firms in the world.
After a number of days in the office and a few meetings with the owner and COO I was offered a job. With this, I was now in a position to make a choice; to carry on in sport or retire to start building a new career. Harper Wood allowed me to retire on my own terms, by finding me the right opportunity in the city, taking off the financial pressures of retirement. I cant thank the team at Harper Wood enough for making this process so smooth for everyone involved!”
“Athletes’ innate behaviours of drive, determination and work ethic really drives our other employees and develops our team culture. It’s this culture that has undoubtedly been a big key to our success.”
— Ryan O’Neill – COO at Oil Brokerage