![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/HS250007_1_54402.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Connie is particularly proud of the relationships she has built along the way, and has enjoyed connecting with passionate business owners and leaders who share a belief in the power and influence of women’s sport.<\/p>\n
“Research by Ernst & Young (2013) found 94 per cent of women in executive roles participated in sport, with 52 per cent competing at the university level,” she said.<\/p>\n
“This highlights the critical role sport plays in fostering leadership qualities, and I’m proud to contribute to a platform that can drive increased participation and open career pathways for women in business.”<\/p>\n
Connie believes that women are playing a vital role across all areas of the sports sector, from leadership to business, marketing and media, through to coaching, operations and competing as elite athletes.<\/p>\n
“Their contributions are driving real change, shaping the industry both culturally and commercially,” she said.<\/p>\n
Asked about advice for young women looking to get into the sector or into a leadership role, Connie said career paths are rarely linear and the sports industry can be competitive.<\/p>\n
“If you don’t land your ideal role straight away, gaining experience and skills in other industries can be incredibly valuable as many of these capabilities are highly transferable to sporting organisations,” she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MEET the women behind one of the country’s largest basketball associations and new WNBL franchise Geelong United. Jessica Chappell’s role as board chair is all about big-picture strategy and ensuring that the organisation is building a united, inclusive and sustainable basketball community. With 20 years of senior leadership experience in corporate affairs, strategic advocacy and […]<\/p>\n