Page 29 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

DAMIAN BRADLEY

amian Bradley, the manager director of Africa post-Covid. The pandemic had brought water pollution, to highlight the seriousness of
B-Active Events, has carved out a significant mass participation events to a standstill, but we the issue.
space for himself in the sports marketing managed to host the first triathlon at Sun City – the
Dindustry. Reflecting on his journey, he Sun City Ultra Triathlon. It was an enormous feat, Maintaining team spirit amidst these challenges
requires effort and strategy. “I’m lucky to have a
shared, “I’ve been involved in the sports marketing given that governments and municipalities were self-motivated team,” Damian stated. “To keep them
business for many years now. My path started hesitant to allow events to proceed,” he recalled. motivated, I focus on keeping the atmosphere
shortly after finishing school at Michaelhouse, positive. There’s always going to be rough times,
when I pursued sports management at Damelin and This event, in partnership with the Professional but I believe in having a sense of humour about it all.
Triathletes Organisation (PTO), drew international
Varsity College.” After entering the world of sports attention. “Seeing athletes, who hadn’t competed Life doesn’t always hand you peaches; sometimes
marketing through a series of part-time jobs, he for a year and a half, come to South Africa to race you get lemons, and it’s about finding the best
discovered his genuine enjoyment for managing was really rewarding and exciting,” Damian said. solution.”
sporting events.
The event demonstrated not only resilience but
However, Damian’s entry into the professional world also the willingness of the international sporting POSITIVE OUTLOOK
began in the corporate sector, a time he remembers community to re-engage, marking a pivotal moment For Damian, inspiration comes from those he serves:
vividly. “My first and only job working for someone for B-Active Events. the athletes. “It might sound clichéd, but the athletes
else was at Bromor Foods which was later acquired When asked about the best advice he has received, who participate in our events inspire me,” he said. He
by Cadbury’s. I served as the regional marketing Damian shared insights that emphasise his practical recounted a recent event, a Tinman Triathlon, and
coordinator for Energade and Game, along with a approach to challenges. “I wouldn’t say it’s advice how parents he once raced with now bring their
few other brands.” His involvement extended beyond I was given directly, but rather a philosophy I’ve children to compete. “It’s so encouraging, seeing
marketing duties. “We engaged with sponsorships adopted which is: Never give up,” he revealed. “In kids as young as eight getting involved and really
for sporting events, which aligned perfectly with the world of sporting events, you rely on countless enjoying the sport is incredible. Triathlon isn’t a
what I wanted to pursue. We also did a lot of variables to align – from logistics to weather to school sport, so it takes extra effort to introduce them
community involvement, and I travelled extensively, participant availability. It’s never straightforward. to it. Watching newcomers, both young and older
contributing to projects nationally alongside other But the key is not to stare at the problem and athletes, training hard and seeing their dedication
regions,” Damian added. This formative period, wonder why it’s there; it’s to find a solution and paying off is immensely motivating,” Damian shared.
which lasted four years, laid the groundwork for him make it happen,” Damian emphasised.
to venture into his own business. Despite recent challenges in KwaZulu-Natal,
Damian is optimistic about the potential for growth.
EFFORT AND STRATEGY
A HOLISTIC APPROACH “KZN is unique with its rich natural resources –
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge many the Drakensberg, the coast, Zululand, and the
Damian’s current role at B-Active Events focuses on professionals face, and Damian is no exception. battlefields. Everything is close, making it a prime
strategic growth and innovation. “The purpose of my “Being a father of two – my kids are 10 and 13 – location for events,” he noted. His goal for the next
position is to oversee the expansion of our events makes it tough. Sporting events always happen five years is to develop creative and exciting new
and seek out new opportunities – whether that over the weekends, so I miss out on a lot of family events that challenge and inspire participants. “We
means forming partnerships, securing sponsors, or time,” he said. To compensate, Damian and his team want to think outside the box and give the people
finding the perfect venues across the country,” he work from an office at his home, allowing him to be of KZN something they want to do and that will be
said. His approach is holistic, looking at how the present during the week. However, he admits, “It’s rewarding,” he said.
business can run smoother and more efficiently. not the same as having that dedicated time.”
“It’s a high-level view, ensuring that each part of the While not bound by a single motto, Damian holds
operation contributes to making the events better,” The industry itself comes with its own set of a positive outlook as his guiding principle. “I always
he noted. difficulties. “One of the major challenges we face is tell my kids, ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say,
finding suitable venues. As our population grows don’t say anything at all.’ But in a broader sense, my
Reflecting on his career milestones, Damian’s pride and issues like water pollution become more mantra is to stay positive,” he stated. “There’s enough
shines through as he talks about one standout pronounced, it’s harder to secure places for events,” negativity in the world.” He concluded, “The past is
achievement: “One of my proudest moments was he noted. He cited recent examples, such as the done, and it’s up to us to keep our heads up and
organising one of the first sporting events in South delays in triathlon events at the Olympics due to focus on the difference we can make in the world.”
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