The international sports industry is facing the opportunity to redefine itself: the need for more women in leadership and decision-making positions is becoming increasingly clear. Female perspectives will not only make the industry more inclusive, but also more sustainable. Emmanuelle Bahuaud, CEO of SPORT 2000 Group France, is actively promoting the visibility and opportunities of women in senior positions. In this blog post, Bahuaud shares her experiences and explains why female empowerment is not just a question of equality, but also a strategic success factor.
As a former elite athlete, Emmanuelle Bahuaud has not only experienced the transformative power of sport herself, but also recognised the importance of turning this strength into innovative and inclusive solutions. « What motivates me is the opportunity to transform and use sport as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion and performance for all, » says Emmanuelle Bahuaud, CEO of SPORT 2000 Group France, about her personal connection to sport. She sees the international sports industry as a good community for breaking down barriers and creating models that promote diversity and equal opportunities.
Female role models: Inspiration for the next generation
In an industry dominated by men, the importance of female role models is becoming increasingly essential. « Female role models are crucial in breaking down barriers and showing that good, successful leadership knows no gender, » Bahuaud is convinced. Personalities such as Serena Williams or the French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra are examples of how women are helping to shape the future and thus create the conditions for future generations. « They not only embody success, but also a vision that inspires young people to break new ground. The international world of sport needs role models like these, » she adds.
Differentiated perspectives for strategic long-term success
The role of women in management and decision-making positions is indispensable today. Bahuaud emphasises: « The global sports retail industry is evolving rapidly and needs new perspectives to remain innovative and relevant. » Women often bring different, fresh views to strategic discussions that significantly increase collaboration and engagement within teams or organisations. Their sensitivity to interpersonal relationships allows room for creativity and new approaches.
Visibility and influence for women in sports management
In the dynamic environment of sports management, versatile skills are required that go beyond pure expertise. In this context, the topic of female empowerment is becoming increasingly important. It is not just about getting women into positions of responsibility. It is essential to give them the necessary tools, resources and a strong voice to actively shape and change the industry. « This is essential not only to make women more visible, but also to give them the opportunity to help shape strategic decisions and mould the future of sport, » says Bahuaud. She sees a new generation of female leaders emerging who are ready to redefine the boundaries of sports management.
Diversity promotes innovation
For Bahuaud, equal opportunities are no longer just an issue of equality. « Equal opportunities is a strategic imperative, » she clarifies. In a sector as competitive as sport, promoting equal opportunities helps to attract diverse talent and align the industry with societal expectations. This is the only way to create a sustainable industry in which every talent – regardless of gender or background – contributes to shaping an inclusive future.
Picture Rights:Christian Lendl (Unsplash) / Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels) / Mart Production (Pexels)
