Sharon Barnhurst is Head of Football Administration at Aston Villa Football Club and has been at the Club for 37 years.
Sharon is responsible for co-ordinating all player transfers and registrations and also overseas team operations and player care. She is the main contact at the Club for the governing bodies and other football clubs and is passionate about presenting the Club to others in a very positive manner.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you structure your time?
There’s really no such thing as a typical day. I might plan for a quieter one to catch up on work, but there’s almost always a curveball that changes my priorities. I often have to reschedule or cancel meetings at short notice when unexpected issues come up, so flexibility is key in how I manage my time.
What’s one myth about your industry or role that you’d like to bust?
Working for a Premier League football club might sound glamorous, and there are definitely some great perks. However, the reality is that it can be all-consuming, incredibly stressful, and very intense. The pace rarely slows down, and there’s very little time to truly switch off.
What does success look like to you – has that changed over time?
For me, success in a football club is closely tied to team performance. When the first team is doing well on the pitch, everything else naturally follows — ticket sales are strong, high-profile companies want to partner with us, and day-to-day operations feel smoother. But when results aren’t going our way, success comes to mean something different: it’s about dedication, resilience, and everyone — on and off the pitch — pulling together with hard work and positivity to turn things around.
What’s one initiative or achievement you’re particularly proud of — and why?
I’m particularly proud of building a strong department made up of dedicated professionals who consistently show their commitment to the Club’s success. I’ve worked hard to foster a positive culture where collaboration and support are at the core. We work in a very diverse environment with many different cultures and nationalities and over time, my team has become the go-to group within the Club for anyone needing help or information, which is a real testament to the trust and respect they’ve earned.
What legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your work?
I hope to leave behind a culture built on kindness, collaboration, and professionalism. I want my team to be known not only for being approachable and supportive, but also for their expertise and commitment to continuous learning — always striving to be the best at what they do.
What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned in your leadership journey?
I’ve learned the importance of self-awareness — recognising how my own approach impacts others. A big part of that has been taking on board the needs and opinions of others, even when I don’t necessarily agree with them. It’s surprising how much stronger decisions become when you take into account different perspectives.
How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
Experience has taught me that no matter how challenging a situation feels in the moment, you always find a way through — and that perspective motivates me. I rely on self-discipline, as well as the ability to stay calm and focused when things get tense, to keep moving forward and set the right example for others.
What are you currently reading, listening to, or watching that’s helping you grow?
I genuinely wish I had more time to read, listen to podcasts, or explore other ventures, but this job is so all-consuming that it rarely allows for that. Instead, most of my growth comes from being hands-on in such a fast-paced, high-pressure environment — you’re constantly learning and adapting just by being in it every day.
Which leader or entrepreneur has influenced you the most — and why?
I’ve recently joined a group of women who are entrepreneurs, leaders, CEOs, and board members, and I’ve found their stories and journeys incredibly inspiring. Working in football can sometimes feel like being in a “bubble,” and engaging with this group has encouraged me to broaden my horizons, think differently, and bring fresh perspectives to my own work.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d been given at the start of your career?
Absorb the knowledge of those with more experience than you and never be afraid to ask questions. Stay calm when others are losing their heads. And above all — network, network, network.
