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Jo Maher: How Sports Can Transform Society

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How Sport Can Transform Society – Professor Jo Maher
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Episode Summary

In this conversation, Tim and Prof Jo Maher discuss her unique journey as the first Pro Vice Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, her experiences as an elite footballer, and the importance of mental health in sports.

They explore the challenges faced by athletes, particularly with mental health, women’s inequality and the lack of representation in sports data.

Jo emphasised the significance of teaching young athletes the value of losing and winning, as well as learning and the role of sports in breaking down societal barriers.

Tim and Jo also delve into the role of education in promoting healthy lifestyles and the need for inclusivity and gender equity in sports research. Above all, the positive impact of such progress may have on society as a whole.

Join this amazingly inspiring and uplifting conversation.

Key Takeaways

(YouTube Timestamps)
  • 00:00 – Preview
  • 01:19 – Introducing Professor Jo Maher
  • 09:02 – Jo’s Eventful Journey from elite footballer to pro-Vice Chancellor
  • 21:20 – Rebuilding life as an ex-athlete and seeking new opportunities
  • 27:50 – Addressing Bro Science in Sports Apps
  • 32:30 – The Need for Nutrition Education in Schools
  • 37:55 – The Gender Gap in Tech and Sports Data
  • 43:45 – Systemic Barriers in Sports and Academia
  • 48:10 – Understanding Resistance to Inclusion
  • 57:42 – The Unifying Power of Sports and Participation
  • 01:04:23 – Learning from Winning and Losing
  • 01:06:20 – Final Thoughts

Our Favourite Quote from This Episode

Win with dignity, lose with grace.

References and Citations

About our Guest

Prof. Jo Maher

CEO Retort guest profile: Jo Maher

Jo is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University and Professor of Practice in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.

She spent 10 years practising as a Sports Psychologist, working with athletes across a range of sports from grassroots to Olympic standard.

Jo has also been a member of the FA Council since 2019 serving on the National Game Board and Chairing the Football Development Committee.

She also served as Chair of the English Colleges Football Association and a Director of the Association of Colleges Sport.

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