On Purpose Series

Meet 17 Sport’s Raphaël Ostré

“Join forces with us to use your resources, knowledge and power to make the world a better place.”

Convinced that sport is an exceptional platform to help change mindsets and generate a positive impact, 17 Sport’s Amplification Senior Manager Raphaël Ostré came to the team with over a decade of experience working to amplify the message and impact of actors within the sports industry. This is his Purpose story; an interview revealing the what and the why behind his work ethic and dedication to purposeful business.

What led you to join 17 Sport?

It all clicked when I became a father. From day 1, I felt that I had to work on finding my path to something more true and grounded. By understanding and knowing myself more profoundly, I felt that I would have the opportunity to be a better version of myself.

Professionally, becoming a father marked a natural turning point in my career, and like many others, I felt compelled to direct my skills towards projects that drive social positive impact. Beyond this, my career decisions have always been motivated by people. When I first met Fabien, I felt good vibes; we shared the same vision about sport and how humans could be doing better. Values and mindsets aligned, when I had the opportunity to meet Neill, it became very clear to me that I wanted to pour my energy into delivering the 17 Sport mission.

What has been your proudest professional moment so far?

Without doubt, it was working on behalf of Peace and Sport to broadcast the documentary ‘Captain Ali’ on TV. The story of former engineering student, sports coach and Syrian refugee Ali Naser Husein dedicating his life to help in the Jordanian Za’atari Camp deserves to be seen far and wide. I am thankful to have had this meaningful opportunity to bring exposure to this inspirational story.

Which athlete or team do you most admire and why?

In 2012, I had the chance to be a part of the London Paralympics, and the power of these athletes and their stories has stuck with me. I was working as an official for the Paralympic judo competition, when I met Olivier Cugnon de Sévricourt. Captain of the French team, 40 years old, father of 3, physiotherapist and blind, he told me: “Some of us can see the sun, but me I can only feel it on my shoulders, therefore I need to move and do things.” This moment was almost 10 years ago but it drives me everyday.

If you could ask leaders in the sports industry to do one thing, what would it be?

Join forces with us to use your resources, knowledge and power to make the world a better place.

The top 5 books that have guided your Purpose journey?

There are so many, but my current top 5 would be:

• The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
• Heal Your Wounds and Find Your True Self, Lise Bourbeau
• The Infinite Games, Simon Sinek
• Legacy $port, Neill Duffy, Fabien Paget & Jo Ramsey
• Reviving the Embers of Life, Baptiste Morizot Raviver les braises du vivant

Inspired to embark on your own purpose journey and better align your personal and professional values? Connect with Raphaël on LinkedIn.

In France? You can catch the full Captain Ali film on Canal+ over the next few months.

Read the original version by Raphaël in French here.