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Ben Pilbeam
Athlete Management - Commercial Sport Partnerships
Professional Background
Ben Pilbeam is a distinguished professional in the talent management and sports consultancy fields, currently serving as the Head of Talent - Management & Commercial Partnerships at thinkBeyond Talent. With a dynamic career that has seen him rise through the ranks at thinkBeyond Talent, Ben has played a pivotal role in merging the worlds of business and social change, passionately advocating for the positive impact athletes can have on society. Through his expertise, he skillfully navigates the complexities of commercial partnerships, ensuring that both the athletes he represents and the brands they collaborate with can achieve long-term success while contributing to meaningful societal transformations.
Before ascending to his current position, Ben was instrumental as a Senior Commercial Manager within the same organization. His earlier roles at thinkBeyond Talent, including Talent Manager and Talent Executive, have endowed him with a comprehensive understanding of athlete representation and industry dynamics. His leadership style not only inspires those around him but also drives innovative strategies that align athletes' values with business objectives.
Education and Achievements
Ben Pilbeam's educational background is robust, reflecting his commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the fields of sports management and business consultancy. He completed his studies at the prestigious Cranbrook School before pursuing further education at Eastbourne College. Furthermore, he earned an ESA Diploma from the European Sponsorship Association (ESA), solidifying his expertise in sponsorship management. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Rural Land Management from the Royal Agricultural University. This diverse education equips him with a unique perspective on land use, resource management, and sustainability, which can greatly influence how sports and commercial partnerships are constructed today.
In addition to his formal qualifications, Ben has actively contributed to the sporting community through mentoring roles, particularly as an ESA Diploma Mentor at the European Sponsorship Association. In this capacity, he has shared his extensive knowledge and insights with aspiring professionals in the sponsorship arena, fostering a new generation of leaders who are equipped to handle the evolving challenges of the industry.
Career Highlights
Ben's career trajectory has been marked by significant accomplishments and a steadfast dedication to the values of thinkBeyond Talent. Beginning as a Sponsorship Assistant at Dentsu Aegis Network Sport & Entertainment, he progressed rapidly due to his keen understanding of market dynamics and ability to build lasting relationships between athletes and commercial entities. His subsequent roles, including Sponsorship & Marketing at Maxinutrition, have further honed his skills in sponsorship strategy, marketing initiatives, and partnership development.
In every role, Ben has consistently demonstrated his belief that the intersection of sports and social responsibility is not just beneficial but essential. This philosophy is what drives thinkBeyond Talent's unique approach, wherein the focus is on athletes who aspire for more than just personal success. Under his leadership, the organization has successfully collaborated with various athletes and brands that prioritize social impact alongside commercial success, aligning perfectly with Ben's vision for responsible business practices.
Today, Ben Pilbeam stands out as an influential figure in talent management, recognized for his ability to blend entrepreneurship with a strong sense of community engagement. His career is a testament to how the sports sector can play a crucial role in advocating for social change and empowering athletes to utilize their influence for the greater good. In an industry where the stakes are consistently high, Ben's strategic insights and commitment to social responsibility make him a valuable asset to thinkBeyond and the wider sports community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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