Support learning and preparation the ingredients of my Sports Direct induction

I joined Sports Direct in February as manager for the Leeds area. Before I joined, I’d already gone to the training academy in Shirebrook and met people from the training and recruitment teams, and two regional managers. I was blown away. I left at the end of the day feeling wanted and valued.

After that, I spent a day in a megastore in Leeds. That’s where I experienced first-hand the direction the business is moving in. This --- and the people I met in Shirebrook -- convinced me I had to be a part of Sports Direct.

I knew I had a lot to learn, but once I was fully on board I felt supported, and I was spending time at the training academy honing my knowledge of the Sports Direct operation. Then I met the teams at head office, which built up my network and showed me how to use the support functions that are there to help me make my stores as successful as they can be. I spent real quality time with the merchandising team, visiting stores and taking in all aspects of the business. After that, I felt set up and ready to start making a difference.

Jump forward six months and my area has doubled. I’ve been amazed at how much talent and potential we have in the people in my stores. I’ve promoted a number of them, and I’m looking forward to helping them build successful careers at Sports Direct. Reward and recognition is key, and I’ve been able to send team members to Wembley to watch England games and the FA Cup final. They’ve been to centre court at Wimbledon, as well, watching the tennis, and over to Liverpool for world-title boxing matches. All this in a matter of months.

I’m really excited by the opportunities this job has given me in just six months. But what excites me even more is the pace the business is moving forward -- and the impact I have on that progress. I’ve had a fantastic time, and I’m preparing for a long and successful career with Sports Direct.

Paul O'Brien

Leeds Area Manager