Creating a winning culture is critical to the success of elite level sporting clubs. At Essendon Football Club the person charged with the development of that culture is Leigh Russell.

Russell started with Essendon two and a half years ago in what was a very challenging period for the Club. On-field performance was poor and shortly after she started the Club farewelled two of its biggest names in Kevin Sheedy and James Hird.

A young list, a new coach and a supporter base demanding improved performance - Russell had her work cut out in helping develop a culture that would underpin an improved performance.“One of the key elements of my role is the philosophy that each athlete needs to have their 'off field' life - education, leadership, personal challenges - under control so we can achieve success on field. That means taking a holistic view of each individual, and meeting those challenges so we can achieve the ultimate prize.”

Russell previously, worked at AFLPA as National Career & Education Manager focusing on building off field plans for athletes across the 16 clubs. She also spent a year at Hawthorn Football Club in player development.

As Manager – People and Culture, Russell has two direct reports but in many ways a responsibility that transcends the entire business.

“I think we underestimate the pressure that is experienced by athletes, staff and their families within the 'inner sanctum',” she said. “It can be a challenge to keep everyone on the same page regardless of win / loss ratio.”

“Premierships take hard work by an enormous amount of people. One of the main challenges is to create an environment that has clear values and behaviours, supported by strong learning and development for each individual. Keeping focus on this can be hard given the operational nature of the football season.”

“I play a pivotal role in the development of all EFC people, which means putting in place the structure and support for all staff - players, coaches & admin, to develop and succeed both individually, and for the club. 

“In a football environment, it is too easy to forget the important role the administration staff of a club play in winning. Their career development and leadership of the club is critical to on field success. Developing our staff and providing unique career opportunities is central to the People & Culture function at EFC.” 

Russell says she has enjoyed her role as a senior executive in a traditionally male business.

“I have had 8 years in football environments, both as a wife who has supported her husband's career in football and simultaneously developing my own,” Russell said.

“During my time in footy, I have found that the environment rewards talent and doesn’t really concern itself with gender.

“When I started my role at EFC, I was 7 months pregnant with my second child, and came back to work 6 weeks after Jasper was born. Because football is essentially a family environment, I was totally supported and encouraged to weave work around family commitments.

“Obviously, football is a male dominated environment but it is one that is after the best people to perform at the highest level, and values highly the contribution women have made at all levels of this game.”

Round 11 of this season is AFL Women’s Round – a round that recognises and celebrates the enormous contribution women have made to the game at all levels. Russell says it is important Women’s Round finds a regular place on the AFL Calendar for the right reasons. She cringes at the thought of tokenism and as such has taken a hands on role in Essendon’s program around the Round 11 clash with Adelaide.

“It would be a terrific outcome to ensure it is part of the annual calendar of the season, and use it as an opportunity to showcase and develop female leadership within the industry,” she said.