TheSportLab by Laurent Torrecillas

Laurent Torrecillas

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Exploring leadership, governance and transformation in sport THE SPORT LAB is where sport leaders, thinkers and change-makers explore how the Olympic and global sport ecosystem must evolve. Through conversations, insights and critical perspectives, we examine the challenges shaping tomorrow’s sport organizations and inspire leaders to build institutions that are more resilient, responsible and future-ready.

2d ago

Why Africa's Sporting Future Is Brighter Than You Think

Africa is taking an increasingly prominent place on the global sporting stage. From hosting major international events to developing new professional leagues and seeing African leaders take on influential positions within international sports organisations, something is changing. But is the continent ready to turn this growing visibility into a sustainable sports industry? In this episode of The Sport Lab, I explore why Africa represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the future of global sport, and what needs to happen to make that potential a reality. Drawing on my professional experience working with National Olympic Committees and sports organisations across Africa, I look beyond athletic talent and major sporting events to examine the foundations needed to build a stronger sports ecosystem. We explore six key conditions for success: Strong political commitment and recognition of sport as a driver of economic and social development.Investment in sports infrastructure and access to facilities.International partnerships and stronger regional cooperation.Better governance and the professionalisation of sports organisations.Investment in human capital, expertise and the sports workforce.Sustainable economic models capable of generating revenue and supporting long-term development. Africa has the talent, the passion and one of the youngest populations in the world. But how can it transform these assets into professional opportunities, stronger institutions and lasting economic value? The question is no longer whether Africa has sporting potential. It is whether the continent can build the structures and ecosystem to fulfil it. 🎧 Listen to this episode and join the conversation. If you enjoy The Sport Lab, follow and subscribe on Spotify. Every subscriber helps the podcast grow organically and makes these conversations about the future of international sport more visible. #TheSportLab #AfricanSport #SportsDevelopment #SportsManagement #SportsGovernance
Oct 27

Beyond Olympic Medals: What Brazil Teaches Us About Transforming Sport I With Camila Carvalho

What does it really take to transform a country's sporting system? Brazil is internationally recognized for its sporting achievements and its ability to host major international events. But beyond Olympic medals and world-class competitions, a deeper transformation has been taking place within its sport organizations. In this episode of The Sport Lab, Laurent Torrecillas welcomes Camila Carvalho, a Brazilian Olympian who competed in rowing at Beijing 2008 and is now Programme Coordinator at Olympic Solidarity within the International Olympic Committee. Drawing on more than 14 years of experience with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the Brazilian Triathlon Federation and the Brazilian Volleyball Federation, Camila shares her unique perspective on the evolution of sport management, governance and institutional development in Brazil. In this conversation, we explore: The journey from Olympic athlete to international sport management professional.The legacy of Rio 2016 and Brazil's era of major sporting events.How governance reforms and financial incentives can strengthen national sport federations.The challenges of connecting grassroots participation and elite sport development.The importance of professional development, institutional collaboration and leadership.The opportunities for sport development and cooperation across Latin America.We also discuss athlete career transitions, emerging technologies and the importance of preparing sport organizations for future generations. Because sporting success is not only measured in medals, but also in the strength of the institutions and people behind them. 🎧 Join us for a conversation about leadership, transformation and the future of sport. Follow The Sport Lab for more conversations exploring leadership, governance and transformation in sport.
Oct 20

From Exclusion To Empowerment: How Women Transform Sport In Syria I With Dr. Dana Shut (Part 2)

How do you challenge decades of exclusion and create a sporting environment where women can truly thrive? In Part 2 of our conversation, Dana Shubat shares her remarkable journey from being one of the few female triathletes cycling through the streets of Damascus to becoming a leading voice for gender equality and institutional change in Syrian sport. Drawing on her experience as an athlete and sport leader, Dana reveals how deeply rooted social norms, institutional resistance, and the lack of female role models have shaped women's access to sport and how determined leadership can begin to break these barriers. From introducing gender participation requirements to achieving 50% female participation at the 2025 Syrian National Triathlon Championships, her story illustrates how meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It demands action, representation, and the courage to challenge established practices. But our conversation goes beyond gender equality. We also explore how sport can contribute to social cohesion, diplomacy, and national reconstruction in a changing Middle East, and why empowering athletes and protecting the autonomy of sport organizations are essential to building a sustainable future. In this episode, we explore: Breaking social and institutional barriers to women's participation in sport.Moving from gender quotas to meaningful representation and leadership.Creating safer sporting environments and empowering female athletes.The responsibility of international federations in advancing gender equality.Sport as a catalyst for social cohesion, diplomacy, and positive change.The evolving role of sport in Syria and across the Middle East.What does it really take to transform sport, and who has the power to make change happen? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, resilience, inclusion, and the power of sport to shape a better future.
Oct 13

What Decades of Dictatorship Taught Us About Sports Governance" I Conversation With Dr. Dana Shubat (Part.1)

The future of sports in a war-torn nation hinges on a single question: how do you transform a system entrenched in dictatorship into a beacon of hope and empowerment? Join Laurent as he speaks with Dr. Dana Schubat, a pioneering Syrian ophthalmologist and dynamic sports leader, who shares her groundbreaking insights on reshaping the sports landscape in Syria following decades of political turmoil. This episode is essential for anyone passionate about sports, leadership, and social change. Dr. Schubat, currently the acting president of the Syrian Triathlon Federation and a member of the World Triathlon Medical Commission, reveals the untold stories of resilience and innovation within the Syrian sports community. Learn how she balanced her demanding career in medicine with her commitment to sports leadership. You’ll discover: The unique challenges faced by sports organizations under the oppressive Al-Assad regime and the structures that perpetuated the status quo. How grassroots initiatives and community engagement are pivotal in fostering a new era of sports governance in Syria. Insights into the cultural significance of sports as a tool for peace and unity amidst conflict and chaos. The transformative potential of hope and determination in rebuilding a nation’s identity through sports. This conversation is critical not just for sports enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, culture, and social progress. Dr. Schubat’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance against overwhelming odds and the importance of leadership grounded in values. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue that challenges the conventional narratives around sports in conflict zones. Perfect for leaders, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the true impact of sports in society. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that leaves you feeling empowered to effect change in your own community.
Oct 6

From Olympian to Olympic Leader: Diana Gomes Pedras on Athlete Power

In this episode of the Sport Lab, Diana Gomez Petras shares her inspiring journey from being the youngest Portuguese swimmer at the Olympic Games to becoming the Secretary General of the Portuguese Olympic Committee. She discusses the evolution of the sports ecosystem, the importance of athlete well-being, and the role of National Olympic Committees in supporting athletes. Diana emphasizes the need for a more athlete-centered approach in sports management and the significance of listening to athletes' voices in decision-making processes. In this conversation, she also discusses the evolving role of athletes in sports governance, emphasizing the importance of their voices and perspectives. She highlights the need for better communication between athletes, federations, and government bodies, as well as the influence of the private sector in sports. Diana advocates for empowering athletes to take leadership roles and stresses the importance of transferable skills gained through sports. She also addresses the challenges women face in leadership positions and the necessity of diversity in decision-making. Looking ahead, Diana identifies key challenges for the future of sports, including integrity, trust, and the impact of technology. Join us for a rich conversation that not only inspires but also equips you with the knowledge to foster a more supportive and effective sports ecosystem. Perfect for those looking to make a difference in the world of athletics!
Sep 29

Redefining Governance In The Sport Ecosystem With Dr. Greg Botwina

In a rapidly evolving sports landscape, the question of governance has never been more critical. Join Laurent and Dr. Greg Botwina as they delve into the complexities of sport governance, revealing why good governance is not just a principle, but a necessity for the future of sports organizations. This episode is a must-listen for sports leaders, managers, and anyone passionate about the integrity of sport. Discover the fundamental challenges that sport organizations face in implementing governance principles, from transparency to accountability. Laurent and Greg discuss the disconnect between established governance codes and the operational realities of sports entities, highlighting the urgent need for reform. You'll learn about the vital role of leadership and organizational culture in shaping governance practices, and why athletes' voices must be amplified in decision-making processes. Together, they break down key insights from Greg’s extensive experience in international sport governance, including the importance of adapting to external pressures like climate change and commercialization. You'll hear about the ongoing struggle between maintaining nonprofit values and the necessity for financial independence through private partnerships. Why does this matter? The consequences of ineffective governance can be dire, leading to diminished trust and engagement from stakeholders and fans alike. This episode opens the door to understanding the transformative potential of good governance in enhancing the reputation and operational success of sports organizations. Perfect for anyone involved in sports management or governance, this conversation not only educates but inspires action towards a more accountable and transparent sports ecosystem. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to influence change in the world of sports!
Sep 22

7 Forces Reshaping Sport — Are Organizations Ready?

What will sport organizations need to become to remain relevant, credible and trusted in the future? In the previous episodes of The Sport Lab, my conversations with Antonio Fernández Arimany, President of World Triathlon, and Cassidy Lichtman, Chair of USA Volleyball, offered different perspectives on how sport is evolving, from leadership and strategic partnerships to athlete engagement and athlete-centered organizations. In this solo episode, I take a step back and connect some of the ideas emerging from those conversations with a bigger question: What forces will continue to transform sport organizations over the next decade? The future of sport will not be shaped only by new competitions, technologies, formats or markets. It will also be shaped by profound changes in society, economics, governance, climate and the expectations of athletes and fans. I explore seven forces of transformation: • Governance, transparency and trust• New economic and entrepreneurial models• Athletes moving from representation to meaningful influence• A more human-centered approach to the athlete journey• Artificial intelligence and the future of decision-making• Climate change and the adaptability of sport• Innovation, partnerships and the emergence of more connected sport ecosystems One idea runs through all of them: sport organizations may need to move from controlling a territory to becoming catalysts, connecting people, capabilities and resources around a common purpose. And this transformation concerns everyone. From a local club or sport association to an international federation. The scale and resources may differ, but no organization will be completely outside these changes. Will our organizations be ready to adapt when the future arrives? Can they change without losing who they are? I would love to hear your perspective.
Sep 15

Are Athletes Really at the Heart of Sport Governance? - With Cassidy Lichtman

What does it really mean to put athletes at the centre of sport? In Episode 05 of The Sport Lab, Laurent Torrecillas speaks with Cassidy Lichtman about athlete voice, leadership and governance, and what it takes to move from talking about athlete-centered sport to actually building it. A former U.S. National Team volleyball player, athlete advocate and board member, Cassidy has experienced sport from both sides of the table. Her journey offers a unique perspective on how athletes can move from being stakeholders who are consulted to partners who influence decisions. We explore the realities of athlete-centered organizations, the tension between performance, commercial interests and athlete well-being, the role of athletes in governance, and the responsibility of sport leaders to create systems that truly listen and act. Because perhaps the real question is not whether athletes have a voice. It is whether that voice has power.

Exploring leadership, governance and transformation in sport THE SPORT LAB is where sport leaders, thinkers and change-makers explore how the Olympic and global sport ecosystem must evolve. Through conversations, insights and critical perspectives, we examine the challenges shaping tomorrow’s sport organizations and inspire leaders to build institutions that are more resilient, responsible and future-ready.

Creator

Laurent Torrecillas
Years Active

2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
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© Laurent Torrecillas
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TheSportLab by Laurent Torrecillas