ABOUT THIS EPISODE
From Player to Leader: Lessons in Trust, Identity and Transition
In this episode, Sherry Bevan is joined by Helen Ward, Head of Women's Football at Watford FC and former Wales international with over 100 caps. Helen reflects on her journey through both the amateur and professional eras of women's football, sharing how the game has evolved and what it's taken to balance elite sport with work, motherhood and life beyond the pitch.
They explore leadership, trust and honesty in high-performing teams, the challenges of part-time and transitional environments, and how Helen's experiences as a player have shaped her approach as a senior leader. Helen also speaks candidly about identity, resilience, and being "comfortable with being uncomfortable" – lessons from sport that translate powerfully into life and leadership.
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about growth, perspective, and what it really takes to build strong teams in times of change.
Important Links
- Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwardmedia/
- Helen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenwardie10/
- Watford FC Women: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/women
About the Guest, Helen Ward
Helen is a former international player with over 100 caps for Wales.
Her former football clubs include Watford, Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading. She moved into management after retiring in 2023 and have been working as GM / HoWF since then.
Helen is also an ambassador for the Football Association of Wales and a broadcaster for the BBC and other media outlets.
About the host, Sherry Bevan
Sherry Bevan helps teams in transition perform at their best – without the fluff. A former Global Head of IT Service in an international law firm, she now works across technology, professional services and the charity sector.
Through her Team Kickoff Accelerator, Sherry supports new and changing teams to build trust, strengthen collaboration and set the foundations for high performance.
A former grassroots cyclist and still a runner, Sherry is fascinated by what sport can teach us about teamwork, leadership and sustainable performance – and it's these ideas she explores with leaders and experts on Team Talk.
Connect with Sherry
- Website: https://www.sherrybevan.co.uk/
- Sign up for news and updates
- Apply to join the Team Culture Club
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Book a call to explore how to improve your team culture and performance
