Q&A with Josh Sparke, Managing Director of Podium

1. In our latest staff Q&A, we find out about Josh Sparke, the new Podium Managing Director. Josh brings a wealth of industry experience to the business, but who is his childhood hero, what sports does he follow, and who is his team? Read on to find out.
3. Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?

Tiger Woods, for me, is a prime example of an athlete with an exceptional winning mentality. His relentless drive to succeed, work ethic, and ability to perform under immense pressure over time demonstrate his mental toughness. As a try-hard golfer, I can truly appreciate the time, effort and focus it takes just to hit the ball straight.  

1. Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you?

My cousin was a massive Michael Jordan fan, so my weekends were filled with watching the Bulls and getting dunked on. I remember how much game time he played, and even when fatigued, he was able to create these memorable moments we all remember. Watching The Last Dance brought all those memories flooding back.

1. What sports team do you follow the closest? Is there a family team or local side etc., and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club?

Aston Villa – When I moved to the UK in 2007, my in-laws gifted me a season ticket. I’ve held one ever since, and it’s been a wild ride, from the Intertoto Cup, relegation, to Wembley, and now the Champions League!

1. Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc., who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?

Sir Alex Ferguson stands out as an exceptional team manager due to his extraordinary leadership and management qualities. His ability to nurture and inspire players, adapt his strategies, and instil a winning mentality for decades speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and, most importantly, his players.

1. What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this stood out to you the most in recent memory?

The World Cup: Italia ’90 was the first one I remember. For USA ’94, I would wake up in the middle of the night just to watch Gheorghe Hagi because he was left-footed like me. When Australia lost the World Cup qualifier to Uruguay in 2001, I thought I would never see Australia in the World Cup. However, the penalty shootout four years later still gives me goosebumps, even now talking about it!

1. If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?

Not a specific event or moment, but I would love to see how the sports we love watching first started. For example, ice hockey – just a few friends skating around, picking up sticks and a rock. One person says, ‘I’ve got to hit this rock into that bin. ‘ The other replies, ‘ No chance, I’ll absolutely smash you before that happens!’

1. If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?

I would choose to have dinner with Muhammad Ali. I would love to learn about his experiences, the motivations behind his actions, and how he maintained his strong principles throughout his career under pressure and adversity. I think the dinner would have everything; he’d make me laugh, cry and probably knock me out after dessert!