The CMAE is pleased to announce that leadership expert and performance coach Alain Goudsmet will join the speaker programme at the European Conference on Club Management, delivering a powerful session focused on leadership, accountability, and performance in complex organisations.
Taking place from 25–28 October 2026 in St Andrews, Scotland, the conference will bring together general managers, club executives, and industry leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond for one of the most influential gatherings in the club management calendar.
In his session, Goudsmet will challenge conventional thinking around leadership, arguing that most organisational challenges are not rooted in strategy, but in human behaviour. Drawing on decades of experience working with boards, CEOs, and elite teams, he will explore the often-overlooked behaviours that quietly drain energy, limit accountability, and block execution within organisations.
Rather than focusing on theory, the session will provide a direct and practical examination of what leaders do, avoid, and tolerate — and how those choices ultimately shape culture, decision-making, and results. Delegates can expect a candid and thought-provoking experience designed to bring clarity, challenge assumptions, and strengthen leadership effectiveness.
Participants will leave with practical insights and a renewed sense of responsibility for how they lead, along with tools they can immediately apply within their own clubs and organisations.
From a club operations perspective, the session will be particularly valuable for leaders navigating the daily realities of member expectations, staffing pressures, governance complexity, and operational demands. His approach aligns directly with the challenges faced by modern clubs, where clarity, cohesion, and execution are critical to long‑term success. Alain has a terrific ability to help refocus and reframe even the most challenging of issues.
CMAE CEO Torbjorn Johansson commened “Alain brings a unique ability to challenge leaders to think differently about performance and accountability. His direct and practical approach will resonate strongly with our delegates and provide real value to those leading in complex club environments.”
Alain Goudsmet is the founder of Mentally Fit Global, working with senior leaders, boards, and executive teams across Europe and internationally. He specialises in leadership under pressure, decision-making, accountability, and building sustainable performance in complex environments.
With extensive experience in club, federation, and member-based organisations, Goudsmet supports leaders in strengthening governance, aligning strategy, and developing cultures that deliver both performance and long-term value for members. His approach combines psychological insight with practical business execution, helping leaders move from intention to measurable impact.
