Written by thearabianmirror.com• 26 May 2025• 11:46• Interview

Redefining Global Sports Ecosystem With g6 Sports Growth Consultancy: Claire Smillie

A former Professional Athlete, Sports Personal Branding Coach, and Global Sports Business Growth Consultant, Claire Smillie is a shining example of a sports leader. As the Founder of g6 Sports Growth Consultancy, Claire supports businesses, athletes, entrepreneurs, and young talents alike, to grow and thrive in the sports industry.

Through g6, she delivers strategic support in various areas, including revenue generation, global expansion, branding, digital transformation, and more. Passionate about bridging the gap between traditional sports models and innovative solutions, she empowers her clients to unlock opportunities and turn their dedication to sport into profit and success in the field.

Roles And Missions Driving Claire Smillie Forward

Claire Smillie is the founder of g6 Sports Growth Consultancy, a business rooted in two key areas: accelerating the growth of sports clubs/organisations and delivering bespoke 1-to-1 personal branding coaching. In her coaching session, she partners with sports business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and athletes who are ready to build a business or presence that extends beyond their current role.

“I help them uncover what sets them apart,” Claire Smillie explains. “Together, we create clarity in their message and build the confidence to own their space. Personal branding isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building something authentic and aligned, so the right people and opportunities are drawn to you. What drives me is helping people connect to their purpose and step into their next chapter with confidence.”

Early Life And Background: An Impact On Professional Endeavors

Growing up Claire Smillie received strong encouragement from her parents to follow her passion, establishing a strong foundation for her professional path. She mentions, “My parents always encouraged both me and my brother to pursue our passions, whether that was through sport or education. They believed in us fully and that belief shaped a lot of who I am today.”

Claire Smillie and her brother have always been each other’s biggest supporters. Both having played sports professionally, there was healthy competition between them, but it was rooted in support. Something that still stands the same, is that her brother has always been in her corner, especially when opportunities weren’t the same for Claire. When she was younger, female sports lacked visibility and pathways, compared to the current time, so her journey looked different, but her brother treated her ambition with the same respect and belief as his own, a support that continues to this day.

“The foundation of being supported but also lifting others up even when the playing field isn’t equal, shapes everything about how I lead now. I believe in creating spaces where everyone gets a fair shot, and where talent and heart are what matter most,” she adds.

Career-Defining Experiences

Emphasizing the crucial experiences in her life, Claire Smillie shares, “The pivotal moment for me was realizing I didn’t need to wait for opportunities – I could create my own. Growing up in sports taught me discipline, but building my own business taught me leadership. Success for me now isn’t about following the expected path; it’s about creating new ones for myself and helping others do the same.”

Leading Towards Sustainable Growth

What makes Claire’s work different is that it’s deeply personal. She takes her time to understand people – their stories, strengths, vision, and even their fears. She even mentions, “Whether I’m helping a client build their personal brand or advising an organization on growth, it’s all about creating something authentic and sustainable.”

Navigating Through Challenges

In sports, everything moves fast – technology, consumer behavior, expectations. “What worked a year ago might not work today. I’ve had to stay open-minded, embrace learning curves, and be willing to pivot. Instead of resisting change, I love to lean into it and that mindset is something I encourage all my clients to adopt as well,” Claire reflects.

Redefining The Sports Industry With Tech-Driven Innovations

Every industry is undergoing significant changes with dynamic trends, like AI. Sharing her perspective on this aspect, Claire says, “Technology is transforming sport and business at a pace we’ve never seen before and it’s creating incredible opportunities. From AI-driven insights to emerging personal branding platforms, innovation is reshaping how we connect, compete, and grow. At g6, we stay ahead by staying agile – testing new tools, embracing creativity, and using technology to amplify authentic storytelling, not replace it. We see tech as a bridge to deeper human connection, not a substitute for it.”

For Claire, people will always be at the heart of this industry, despite the growing importance of technological advancements like AI. “Those who can blend innovation with human connection will be the ones who shape the next era,” she reflects.

Envisioning The Future Of Sports Landscape

Sharing her views on the future of her industry, Claire mentions, “Sport is no longer just about the game – it’s a global business, and the ecosystem around it is growing faster than ever. Investment is flooding into performance, media, technology, and athlete-led brands, creating new opportunities across every part of the industry.

The pace of change is rapid, and those who think entrepreneurially, move decisively, and invest in their own development will be the ones who lead the future. This is the time to build, to innovate, and to create lasting impact.”

Insights Of An Industry Expert

Addressing the aspiring professionals of the sports sector, she adds, “Don’t wait for permission and don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start where you are, with what you have, and build something that reflects the future YOU want to create. Your story is your power. Own it. Share it. Be the difference.”

The Art Of Balancing

Balance is all that matters when it comes to achieving sustainable success in professional and personal endeavors. According to Claire Smillie, when someone is in love with their business and it reflects who they are, it gives energy rather than draining it. She further mentions, “But I’ve also learned the importance of boundaries – switching off, protecting my time, and creating space to think, reset, and enjoy living. That’s not a luxury, it’s a strategy. Life by design.”

Envisioning The Future

Sharing about her plans for the upcoming times, Claire Smillie mentions, “Over the next decade, my focus is on expanding my g6 Game Plan initiative globally. I created a Game Plan to equip the next generation with the entrepreneurial skills, business knowledge, and mindset they need to build a future in the sports industry and beyond.

It’s about understanding how to create opportunities, lead businesses, build brands, and sustain success. I want to establish Game Plan hubs around the world, where young ambitious individuals can develop the tools, networks, and confidence to become the next generation of business leaders in the sports industry. This isn’t just about supporting careers – it’s about shaping futures and creating a lasting impact on the business of sport.”