Sue Campbell – The power of authentic leadership

S21 Ep 8

“When I first walked into the FA, I felt completely out of place - like an alien at someone else’s party. The culture was so unfamiliar that I doubted whether I belonged at all. But by finding allies and quietly building a team who believed in change, I realised I could make an impact.”

Baroness Sue Campbell is one of the most influential leaders in British sport, a woman whose entire career has been driven by a single mission: to use sport to change lives. Recorded live at the Leaders in Sport 2025 Summit, this conversation revisits her extraordinary impact at the FA, her pivotal role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph and her new chapter chairing England Netball.

She talks openly about resilience rooted in moral purpose and the power of authentic leadership. We explore how staying focused on her mission, and not personal ego, has carried her through moments of doubt, sexism and deep personal challenge.

Sue speaks movingly about the Lionesses’ journey, working with Sarina Wiegman and the unforgettable night at Wembley when years of pressure and self-doubt melted into joy.

But she also warns of the current “illusion” of success in women’s sport, urging urgent investment in the ‘missing middle’ - the semi-professional pathways that must be strengthened if young women are truly to build sustainable careers in sport.

Now leading England Netball, Sue shares her passion for growing the sport’s profile and protecting the unique culture that makes women’s sport so special - community, safety, authenticity and connection.

Her message for future leaders is clear and compelling: stay authentic, find your purpose, learn relentlessly and never underestimate the power of one determined individual to change the world.

Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.

Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media

A Fearless Women production