From Melbourne to Milan: Adriano Del Monte’s Journey in Sports Journalism

In this episode of The Business of Football, David chats with Alejandro De Monte, an experienced presenter and journalist, about his incredible journey from Australia to the UK and now Italy, where he covers some of football’s biggest events such as hosting events with FIFA for the World Cup, and UEFA Europa & Conference League Draws, as well as presenting for one of Europe's most elite clubs in AC Milan. Alejandro shares fascinating stories about adapting to different cultures, building a strong network, and navigating the ever-changing world of media in the social media age. He also opens up about the importance of staying authentic on camera, keeping cool under pressure, and the unforgettable moments of interviewing top athletes such as Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams & more. Whether you’re a football fan, media enthusiast, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with valuable insights—and a few surprises too! KEY TAKEWAYS Embrace Adaptability: Remaining open and adaptable is crucial in the fast-paced media landscape. Being flexible allows individuals to seize unexpected opportunities and navigate the industry's uncertainties. Focus on Authenticity: Being true to oneself is essential for effective presenting. Authenticity resonates with audiences and helps build genuine connections, whether on camera or in person. Value of Experience: Gaining experience through various roles, such as internships and radio, can significantly enhance one's skills. Practical experience helps in developing a natural presenting style and confidence. Importance of Networking: Building relationships and networking within the industry can lead to unexpected opportunities. Knowing the right people can provide valuable insights and connections that aid career growth. Maintain Balance and Calmness: Finding ways to switch off and maintain calmness amidst the chaos of live events is vital. Techniques such as focusing on breathing can help manage stress and ensure optimal performance during high-pressure situations. BEST MOMENTS "There's zero strategy, to be honest. Look, a lot of what I've done... is about remaining open, keeping yourself adaptable, flexible and available." "I think the way that I sort of prepare is to under-prepare... I let the environment compliment my knowledge." "It's just about creating an environment physically and mentally that brings out the best version of you." "I never embarked on my industry to... buddy up with top names globally... I respect, I admire, I'm motivated and inspired, but I'm not in awe." "If you can perfect radio, then television becomes a hell of a lot easier because in radio, you only have your voice."   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.