Jo Bladen

Candidate Statement

Forming an over 35’s women football team with my best friends, seemed like a good idea after a few drinks. We are supporting our local club and keeping fit, whilst chatting – what could possibly go wrong!! 6 years later, we are still together, a few minor injuries have kept some ladies on the side lines, but many laughs, drinks, cheering and goal scoring keep us going – we are the Hampton Hurricanes.

hampton hurricanes

We are not just a soccer team, we are family. We look after each other, we inspire others to join in and have fun, keep fit and be part of a team.
I would like to apply for the Director position at Football Victoria. I am passionate about encouraging more girls/women to play soccer. Joining or forming teams that perfect life-long skills, create healthy living and forever friendships.

Please find a link to my LinkedIn profile here and a copy of my resume attached if required: linkedin.com/in/jo-bladen-04233621

My current & previous Board positions (Natalie Miller Fellowship & Gender Matters) have supported women to have longer careers in the Film Industry, where gender bias has fostered bad behaviour, limited opportunities and a notable pay gap. We fight to raise awareness, educate and level this imbalance, offering financial support, mentoring, placement etc.

My experience in Commercial business and Marketing in the Entertainment Industry will bring valuable skills to Football Victoria, helping to evolve the FootbALLways strategic plan into 2022 and beyond.

  • Over 21 years Senior Marketing & Commercial experience with a leading Global Entertainment company, The Walt Disney Company in London/EMEA & Australia/APAC. During my time in ANZ, there was an increase in Studio profits of 110% over 3 years to the highest ever, grew market share to a 30%+ high, launched Star Wars in market to be the 2nd highest grossing BO ever in ANZ.
     
  • Business leader, financially driven with Content, Digital Marketing & Commercial expertise of Film & TV lifecycle (in-cinema and in-home) Retail and Live Entertainment (Broadway shows). Hired to grow $ profit and market share for each vertical business, success includes turning around Aladdin stage show tour from loss to 10% over profit target by market through detailed audience analysis, developing an in-house dynamic ticketing process and tour cost control.
     
  • Develop & lead a team of 35+ across multiple business disciplines. Knowledge of Sales, Marketing, Finance & Operations functions was key to drive revenue growth for the Roadshow Films In-home business. A lack of strategic vision was restricting growth, so re-focused the team on $ profit by title, made key structural changes and created a thriving culture. The last year has been 180% bigger, smashing forecasts.
     
  • Collaborate with & Influence key local & global stakeholders across the core business areas in APAC & EMEA. The GM role at Disney ANZ was created for me as a trusted leader across the Industry and key Global markets. Challenged to lead and grow market share, we achieved 30% +, an all-time high and was the No.1 International market for select Box Office results, outside of US and admired for marketing innovation.
     
  • Senior Executive lead for Diversity & Inclusion for The Walt Disney Company ANZ. Created a Diversity Council to drive a stronger company culture for Inclusion and initiated some important firsts –sponsor and participator in Mardi Gras, celebrated NAIDOC week and empowered employees to tell their own stories.
     
  • Chair, Board member, Mentor & Keynote speaker supporting Women progressing to Senior roles in the Film Industry in Australia (Natalie Miller Fellowship) and Gender Matters Board member. Knowledge and experience with Government lobbying, gender research & insight, governance and risk management.


I am passionate about seeking out opportunities from change & disruption. I love diving into the detail, using market insight to create new products, bringing in new and diverse consumers, streamlining operations and controlling costs for overall business success.

My goals if I am elected are:

  • Help develop a broad program, metro & regional, to encourage girls and women to embrace football in their communities – play, coach, volunteer, mentor. Improving their experience, fostering a stronger community and championing social change.
  • Actively deliver increased membership from new & diverse community groups.
  • Create an “always on” approach to market & promote football as a sport to love for life across owned digital & social platforms. Reaching out on new platforms with tailored creative & content to drive better engagement and interaction.
  • Partner with key brands to extend the reach to new audiences to drive advocacy and interest.
  • Support the Board to improve facilities for all, manage costs and ensure clubs are financially viable.