Grant Downie, a chartered physiotherapist, has worked in football and elite sport for more than 33 years, including spells at a number of professional clubs. He now runs his own business offering medical and performance solutions.
Grant has worked in clinical leadership roles for the FA, Glasgow Rangers, Middlesbrough and, most recently, at Manchester City, where he was head of performance services for the academy and women’s programme.
“When I go to organisations, I see the behaviours of players and staff all going in one direction toward a goal. And it’s unwritten.
“Much of a ‘culture’ is not rules or what is written on the walls. My definition of culture is about having a clear mission statement for the organisation that everyone understands and buys into and, most importantly, it is exhibited by their behaviour.
“Culture can take time and it can take years to develop. It is a continuous journey.”