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Neill Duffy
Chief Executive & Founder at 17 Sport - the world's first sports impact company operating at the intersection of sport, business and purpose.
Professional Background
Neill Duffy is a dynamic leader in the realm of sports business, deeply engaged in the ongoing revolution that prioritizes purpose along with profit. With over 20 years of experience, he has cultivated exceptional partnerships with some of the most innovative sports properties and brands around the globe, including the renowned Super Bowl 50 and the illustrious America’s Cup. By collaborating with organizations like the Laureus Foundation, streetfootballworld, UEFA, adidas, and ESPN, Neill has witnessed firsthand how these entities successfully adapt to the changing expectations of consumers, investors, and advocates who desire more than mere financial success from their organizations.
Neill's successful ventures are a testament to his belief that it is entirely possible to achieve positive societal impact while also driving business success. By pioneering purpose-led strategies tailored for sports properties and sponsor brands, he has consistently delivered outcomes that satisfy not just one, but multiple bottom lines. As such, he has positioned himself as a visionary leader within the sports business industry, helping to shape the future of sports marketing and purpose-driven initiatives.
As the founder and Chief Executive of 17 Sport, Neill Duffy has established a sports impact company that is dedicated to empowering busy sports executives and marketers with the necessary insights, tools, and strategies they need in order to thrive in an increasingly social-conscious marketplace. Alongside his partner Fabien Paget, Neill and his team work tirelessly to dissect the evolving landscape of sports, providing guidance on how progressive leaders can adapt their business models to remain relevant and sustainable.
Education and Achievements
Neill Duffy’s educational background lays a solid foundation for his successful career in sports business. He studied at the University of Cape Town, where he earned a B.Comm GDA with a focus on Accountancy, Auditing, Tax, and Economics. Additionally, he pursued further academic rigor at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), specializing in accounts, audits, taxation, and financial management. This rigorous academic grounding has significantly contributed to Neill's acumen in the business and financial realms of sports.
Not only has Neill excelled in his profession, but he has also pursued avenues to share and disseminate his knowledge. Recognizing the need for guidance in the industry, he authored his second book, "Legacy$port: How to Win at the Business of Sport in the Age of Social Good," published in the Fall of 2020. This book serves as a resource for individuals and organizations seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of sports and societal impact. Moreover, Neill co-founded Soul Purpose, the world’s first personal sports impact accelerator, with Kirk Souder and Licia Rester. This innovative initiative is designed to support individuals and organizations in designing impactful sports-related projects with a focus on social good.
Notable Contributions
Neill Duffy has a reputation for taking on vital roles in organizations spanning across various sectors within the sports industry. He has served in multiple key positions, including:
- Chief Executive & Founder of 17 Sport: Leading his team to provide invaluable insights and support to sports executives striving for success.
- Advisory Board Member at TangoTab: Contributing his expertise to an organization aimed at addressing hunger issues.
- Senior Advisor at Hytch, LLC: Focusing on incentivizing sustainable transportation solutions.
- Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at America’s Cup Event Authority Inc: Driving sustainability initiatives and marketing strategies.
- Executive Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Tribe Management: Strategizing for the management of various sports talent and personalities.
His extensive portfolio of leadership roles is further complemented by his significant contributions to sustainability initiatives as Co-Chair of the Sustainability Committee for the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.
In the context of fostering innovative experiences in the sports business arena, he has also made notable strides as the President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Octagon Worldwide, where he honed his skills in managing large-scale operations and cultivating cross-continental partnerships.
Neill's expertise has not only influenced corporate strategies but has also earned him a position as the former Co-Founder and Editor at Large at Real Leaders, where he championed the conversation around socially responsible leadership. His vast network and collaborative approach have made him a sought-after figure in the sports industry, inspiring others to follow suit in embracing purpose-driven business models.
The essence of Neill Duffy’s mission centers around reshaping the paradigms of athlete branding, sports properties, sponsorship programs, and non-profit sports initiatives to align with contemporary societal expectations. With a commitment to making a lasting impact in the sports world, Neill stands ready to assist others in navigating this new era of sports marketing and engagement with fans.
For anyone interested in delving into the exciting intersections of sports and social impact, Neill Duffy presents an invaluable resource, eager to share insights that can help shape the future of sports business as both a consultant and a thought leader in the field.
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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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