Leon Mann MBE is a dynamic entrepreneur, activist, and filmmaker who has dedicated his career to illuminating captivating stories within the realm of sports.
His passion lies in providing a platform for inspiring athletes, coaches, and sports executives to share their narratives, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sports and media industries.
In 2014, Leon founded Refresh Sports, an independent sports consultancy and production company that represents top talents in the sports industry while delivering cutting-edge content and documentaries to various media outlets.
Through Refresh Sports, Leon collaborates with renowned figures such as Premier League legend Yaya Toure and world champion freestyler Liv Cooke, among others.
His commitment to diversity and equality in sports and media has garnered significant recognition, including an award from the British Prime Minister in 2018 for his work with the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS) and the Football Black List initiative, which he co-founded.
Leon is also a driving force behind the Sports People’s Think Tank (SPTT), an athlete-led group advocating for increased representation of Black and Asian coaches in professional football.
Additionally, he established a corporate governance course funded by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to support retired players and promote diversity in sports leadership.
As an ambassador for mental health charity The Kaleidoscope Group and a member of Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council, Leon continues to champion equality, inclusion, and diversity within the industry.
With over two decades of experience in sports and media, Leon has collaborated with decorated athletes and worked on acclaimed documentaries, including the BBC film “Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Who Has Ever Lived.”
He has also conducted notable interviews with personalities such as David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and José Mourinho.
In 2021, Refresh Sports partnered with Eurosport to produce “Trailblazers,” a series showcasing sports’ greatest stories and heroes who inspired meaningful change. Additionally, Refresh Sports produced “Black, England + Proud” for The Football Association, further highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in sports.
Leon’s multifaceted contributions to sports, media, and activism underscore his commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.
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