Leadership
Leadership, at its best, creates the conditions for teams to do their boldest work. My approach centers on two things: seeing people clearly (their strengths, their edges, their potential) and reflecting that back with enough specificity that it actually lands. The second is building the trust that makes risk feel survivable. Bold work doesn't come from mandates. It comes from teams that feel safe enough to try something that might not work.
Interviews
Cassondra Spring is the Global Brand Manager for Liv Cycling, one of the largest cycling brands in the world and one that’s focussed on putting women first in all it does. Liv produces bikes, clothing and gear, and also sponsors a roster of professional athletes and women’s cycling teams, with Liv athletes competing in disciplines including road cycling, triathlon, cross-country mountain biking and enduro.
She chats about how she got into cycling, what exactly it is that a global brand manager does - spoiler: a whole lot of different things! -and some of the work Liv is doing in and around cycling at all levels to grow it as both sport and recreation for women. We discuss the importance of diversity, representation and inclusion, and why it’s important support women at all levels of their cycling journey.
In this episode of Meet the Mentor, Rachael sits down with Cassondra Spring, Global Brand Manager at Liv Cycling, to explore her journey through the cycling industry.
From pro racing to indoor training to brand activism, women are reshaping cycling — but there’s still work to do. In this episode, Kate Veronneau (Zwift), Ayesha McGowan (Thee Abundance Project), and Cassondra Spring (Liv Cycling) share what they’ve learned from years of pushing for progress. Real talk, real change, and real inspiration from three of the sport’s most passionate voices.
On Stage
The panelists discussed what it takes to keep the momentum of growth going in women’s sports worldwide, under the umbrella of equity, inclusion and investment. Moderated and hosted by women who have led sports investment in brave and distinctive ways, they explore the factors that must be in place for broadcasting, viewership and sponsorship to increase, their respective impact on athlete salary, treatment and opportunities, and the relationship of these factors to the continued success of women’s sports on a global scale.
With the Next Generation
Paying forward the generosity shown to me, I have enjoyed mentoring through The Futurist Project, Camber Outdoors, and the Uplift Mentoring Programme.
Each opportunity has connected me with inspiring people building meaningful careers with purpose, while serving as a reminder of how much you can learn when you listen with humility.