Sport has always been a passion in Shaun’s life however, it was in his first job after university that he learned the power that data holds for sporting organisations. After an impressive career that includes working for the Australian Football League (AFL), Marylebone Cricket Club, and PTI, Shaun joins EngageRM as our new Senior Business and Data Analyst
Has sport always been a big passion of yours?
SL: Yes! My Dad spent every summer down at the local cricket club, and from the age of three or four I would join him. So, every summer I was down there and that’s still going on today, which I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. I also dabbled in a little bit of tennis, as my uncle was a coach, and some Aussie Rules football as well.
Was that passion what drew you into the sports industry?
SL: I always knew I wanted to work somewhere in the sports industry, I was lucky enough to complete some casual work during my summers in between studying at university. Through that role I was introduced to some incredibly smart people in the AFL Shared Service department who were laying the foundations for the correct use of data across the AFL industry and the rest is history.
You’ve worked at the (AFL) and Marylebone Cricket Club, what did you enjoy most about those roles?
SL: I worked for the AFL for 8 years and had some great mentors there who taught me a lot. They really opened my eyes to the power of data for organisations and what it could do for them. Overall, those 8 years were a lot of fun and a great place to be.
I always wanted to spend an extended period of time overseas, and my wife had an opportunity in London. It ended up being one of those right place, right time situations and I had a great time over there until we decided to come home at the end of 2020.
What drew you to the data side of sport?
SL: It’s interesting because when I started with the AFL, I had limited formal training or experience with data. However, I caught on pretty quickly to the power and significance it can have on an organisation with some help from some great data mentors. Even now, people are only just starting to realise the role it can play for their organisation and how it can benefit them in multiple ways. And I got really good at Excel for a period of time!
What led you to EngageRM and what excites you about your new role here?
SL: I came across EngageRM after working with them for a mutual client, but I’ve known Brett Yorgey from my AFL days and Corey Kirby from when I was with PTI. What sealed the deal was talking to Ned Coten and Tim Barber and seeing how far the product has come.
There is a gap in the market that EngageRM can fill with the omnichannel approach that the team has. The opportunity to learn new things and build upon the skills I’ve already developed is also really exciting.
