Interview with Leeann Dempster

Describe your job in 10 words

I run a football club - a big city football club.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

From my old boss John Boyle when he asked me to switch jobs and be the sales and marketing director of his airlines – when I stuttered at the opportunity he simply told me I could do it. Because he said it, I believed him.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

“Make it look complicated”

Don't underestimate…

It’s an old one – your competition. Make sure you have your competitor analysis, it is invaluable and when you get it, if it is handed to you by someone else, make sure your READ IT and UNDERSTAND IT.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I always look to local people, I ground myself and then remember that it can’t be that bad Dempster, just sort it. My colleague George always reminds me that it can’t be that difficult. He’ll say ‘we are not trying to put someone on mars here!’

My biggest influence is...

John Boyle he is just the best guy I know – he is an entrepreneur, he is sometimes random, tolerant, intolerant, never bashful or unassuming but he can see talent, he trusts his intuition and he gave me a chance that changed my life.

The leader I most admire and why?

I don’t get all starry eyed but if I had to choose someone I’d say Bill Gates because of his Foundation and his purpose around trying to solve inequality. All lives have equal value.

What I am reading and book(s) I would highly recommend

What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School by Mark McCormack.

Leeann on Twitter @LeeannDempster

Leeann will be speaking at our Industry Insights "Using the beautiful game to inspire social change" event at Hibernian FC on Sat 25 Feb. Please email Hayley asap if you'd like to book a free place.