Sports + Outdoor Mentors

Join our community as we build the definitive content source to inspire and motivate sports and outdoor industry leaders, providing practical career and business insights.

We started with a podcast and YouTube channel, and in 2025, we’ll be adding the following:

✳️ Webinars
✳️ Newsletters
✳️ And much more!

Click the follow button to keep updated and join the community.

You can watch the podcast on YouTube and Spotify or listen to it on your favourite podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify.

Thanks for your support, and see you soon. 🙏

Episodes

Sep 21, 2025

1hr 9 min

 
In this episode, NNormal CEO Sito Luis Salas shares his honest perspective on the outdoor industry's challenges and explains why his brand is taking a different path forward.
From challenging the dominance of other sports brands to building authentic values in a world of marketing hype, ex-Campers, Sito reveals the uncomfortable truths about brand building that most executives won't admit.
Discover why being "normal" is actually radical, how trail running shaped a business philosophy, and the unexpected influence of ultra-running legend Kylian Jornet on building a disruptive outdoor brand.
Plus, the strategic moves behind launching a company that refuses to play by industry rules.
This isn't your typical founder story; it's a masterclass in disruption from someone who's betting everything on doing things differently.
Follow Sito Luis Salas https://www.linkedin.com/in/sito-luis-salas-15255b
Follow Dan Trapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
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Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
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Aug 24, 2025

1hr 5 min

 
Get inspired by Laura Ball, Group Marketing Director at Nikwax, as she shares her remarkable journey working with global brands such as Nickelodeon and the Jamie Oliver Group, and her current role as a leader in sustainable outdoor products.
 
She's a perfect example of what "outside of the industry leaders" can bring to the game!
 
In this episode, Laura reveals how she has combined high-performance strategies with purpose-driven storytelling to foster authentic brand growth, through leadership, lessons in adaptability and the unique challenges of transitioning between industries.
 
This episode is perfect for future leaders, marketers, and anyone interested in the ever-evolving outdoor and sports industry!
 
Please like, comment and subscribe to help us reach more people. 🙏
 
Follow Laura Ball
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ball-group-marketing-director-nikwax
Follow Dan Trapp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
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Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors 
https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
#sportsandoutdoormentors

Jul 27, 2025

1hr 4 min

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Liz Wilson, a pioneering female leader in the sports and outdoor industry.
 
In this in-depth interview, Liz shares her remarkable journey, spanning 30 years of building world-class products and teams at iconic brands, including Nike and The North Face, and now as the General Manager for Softgoods at the Rossignol Group.
 
Episode highlights:
✳️ Career ambition and progression
✳️ Leadership Philosophy
✳️ Women's Mentorship
✳️ Industry Challenges
✳️ Advice for Future Leaders
 
Whether you're interested in leadership, career growth, or the evolving landscape of the sports and outdoor industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.
 
Please leave us a review and follow us to help us reach more people. 🙏
 
Follow Liz Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwilson3739/
 
Follow Dan Trapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
 
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin
 
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
 
#sportsandoutdoormentors

Jun 22, 2025

1hr 10 min

In this episode, Cedric Georges, CEO of North Action Sports Group, recounts his impactful career trajectory, beginning with 12 foundational years at Procter & Gamble, followed by his transition to Odlo.
He details how these experiences instilled critical sales, management, and leadership skills, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and embracing challenges.
He also reminds us of the importance of incorporating external perspectives and his commitment to giving back through his leadership role at Outdoor Sports Valley (OSV).
He discusses his hands-on approach to leadership, emphasising the importance of setting a clear vision, executing effective strategies, and fostering a supportive team environment.
According to Cedric, anyone can be a "CEO of their job" by taking ownership and continuously striving for excellence.
If you want to find out how he did it, you must listen to this episode! 📺
Follow Cedric Georges https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-georges-b2b9115
Follow Dan Trapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
#sportsandoutdoormentors

May 25, 2025

59 min

Step into the inspiring journey of Richard Leedham, CEO of Equip Outdoor Technologies, home to iconic brands RAB and Lowe Alpine.
From his humble beginnings as a sales rep to becoming a leader in the outdoor industry, Richard shares invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of loving what you do.
In this engaging conversation, Richard discusses:
✅ The importance of embracing discomfort for growth
✅ How finding your "tribe" transforms your career
✅ Balancing passion, sustainability, and business success
Whether you're looking to navigate your career, lead a team, or find inspiration to fuel your passion, this is a must-watch for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
🎧 Listen now to learn from one of the industry's most respected leaders!
Follow Richard Leedham https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-leedham
Follow Dan Trapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
 
 #sportsandoutdoormentors

Apr 26, 2025

1hr 7 min

Are you tired of hearing the word "sustainable" thrown around without real meaning?
 
Matt Creighton, founder of Irish Outdoor Lifestyle brand, Bleubird, is too!
 
In this new episode of Sports & Outdoor Mentors, Matt gets honest about why Bluebird stopped using the word "sustainable" and what they're doing instead to be truly eco-conscious.
 
Matt chats about the challenges and triumphs of building an integrity-based brand, sharing valuable lessons on the problem with "Sustainable," and much more.
 
If you’re an entrepreneur, a brand builder, or someone who cares deeply about the outdoors and responsible business practices, this episode should not be missed!
 
Get ready for transformative insights and actionable strategies that will challenge your perception of "sustainability" and empower you to create a brand with a meaningful impact.
 
Follow Matt Creighton https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcreighton/
 
Follow Dan Trapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
 
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin
 
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
 
#sportsandoutdoormentors

Mar 9, 2025

1hr 1 min

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rich, founder of Passenger Clothing, as he shares his remarkable journey from electrician to founding a £100M+ outdoor brand. Discover how passion, humility, and the right team transformed a small startup into a global success story.
 
Key highlights:
The pivotal transition from tradesman to brand founder
Building an authentic outdoor brand focused on escapism
Managing 80%+ year-on-year growth for 5+ years
The importance of controlling ego and embracing team expertise
Sustainable practices and responsible business growth
Challenges of international expansion
Building and maintaining company culture during explosive growth
 
Rich shares candid insights about:
The role of self-awareness in leadership
Making tough decisions about bringing in experienced leadership
Balancing family life with entrepreneurship
Key lessons learned over 13 years of brand building
The evolution from UK-focused to global omnichannel business
 
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, brand builder, or business leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on scaling a business while staying true to your core values.
 
Follow Richard Sutcliffe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-sutcliffe-9702b554/
 
Follow Passenger
https://www.linkedin.com/company/passengerclothing/
 
Follow Dan Trapp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
 
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors
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Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors
https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
 
#sportsandoutdoormentors

Feb 16, 2025

55 min

Discover how Houdini's Former CEO, Eva Karlsson, has been revolutionizing the outdoor apparel industry for over twenty years by pioneering circular business models and driving sustainable innovation.
 
In this insightful episode, we delve into how Houdini balances environmental responsibility with cutting-edge product design, creating a blueprint for businesses to thrive in the age of sustainability.
 
Learn about Houdini's journey from implementing rental, reuse, and repair systems to embracing a regenerative framework that redefines success in modern business.
 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, or outdoor enthusiast, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on bold leadership, creative problem-solving, and building a better future for our planet.
 
If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes, please hit the follow button on your podcast platform of choice.
 
Follow Eva Karlsson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-karlsson-5b5b9326/ 
 
Follow Dan Trapp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
 
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors
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Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors
https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
 
#sportsandoutdoormentors #S+OM

Jan 26, 2025

1hr 13 min

Join us for an open and honest conversation with Will Hayler, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Earth Summit, as he shares his journey from teaching surfing in Cornwall to leading one of the most innovative sustainability platforms in the business world.
Key moments in this episode:
How Will built his first business, Tickets to Ride, from surf lessons to a global adventure sports company
The art (or not!) of business acquisitions and mergers in your 20s
Creating Blue Earth Summit and its mission to transform how the world works
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and surfing
Leadership insights on building and managing successful teams
Will shares candid insights about:
The relationship between the outdoor industry and sustainability
Building purpose-driven businesses
The future of sustainable innovation
If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes, please hit the follow button on your podcast platform of choice.
Follow Will Hayler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/willhayler/
Follow Dan Trapp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors
https://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors
https://www.youtube.com/@S_OM1
#sportsandoutdoormentors

Jan 12, 2025

1hr 12 min

Learn practical leadership skills from Tim Selby, Merrell's EMEA VP & GM, in this episode of Sports+Outdoor Mentors! 
Key takeaways include:- The power of vulnerability in leadership- Building high-performing teams through empowerment- Overcoming obstacles and achieving ambitious goals- Strategies for navigating the evolving outdoor industry landscape
Tim shares his personal and professional experiences, offering valuable insights for aspiring and current leaders in the Sports and Outdoor industry. 
Subscribe now! 
#outdoorcareers #leadershipcoaching #businessgrowth #outdoorretail #merrellfootwear
Follow Timhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-selby-54712a1b
Follow Danhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp 
Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentorshttps://bit.ly/SOMentors_Linkedin 
Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentorshttps://youtu.be/3t4crSqAl6k
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