Brighton’s Blueprint: How Paul Barber’s Values Inspire F42 Consulting

After launching F42 Consulting, I’ve been reflecting on the kind of agency I want to build — not just in terms of services, but values. This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Melbourne Victory Season Launch event, where Paul Barber OBE, CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion, shared his insights on building a high-performing football club. His talk couldn’t have come at a better time.

Paul Barber speaking the Melbourne Victory VIB Season Launch

Common Sense

One of the most refreshing themes in Paul Barber’s talk was the value of common sense. He spoke candidly about Brighton’s rise not being driven by flashy tactics or secret formulas, but by clear thinking and consistent execution. In a world where complexity is often mistaken for sophistication, Barber’s approach was a reminder that clarity is a competitive advantage.

F42 Consulting is applying that same principle. Whether developing a sponsorship strategy or refining a brand’s visual identity, the aim is for simplicity that cuts through. I believe that the best ideas aren’t buried in jargon — they’re built on logic, empathy, and purpose. Common sense isn’t basic. It’s bold.

Make It Relevant

Later in the talk, Paul Barber spoke with conviction about the importance of relevance — not just in performance, but in purpose. Families, he said, are central to Brighton’s future. From reshaping the women’s team matchday experience to rethinking how the club engages with its community, his focus was clear: build something that reflects the people it serves.

That really resonated. I’m a family man myself, and it reminded me that relevance isn’t just about market trends — it’s about people. At F42, I want to think about relevance the same way — not as a trend, but as a responsibility. Whether I’m developing a campaign or refining a partnership strategy, I’ll ask: who is this for, and how does it serve them? I’m especially mindful of how sport connects across generations, genders, and cultures. That’s why I’m committed to building work that’s inclusive, resonant, and future-facing — not just for brands, but for the people behind them.

Admit Your Mistakes

What impressed me most about Paul Barber wasn’t just his strategic clarity — it was his willingness to own the moments that didn’t go to plan. He spoke plainly about decisions that misfired, without deflection or spin. In an industry where reputations are often guarded with silence, his openness felt like leadership in its purest form.

It made me reflect on my own journey. When shaping the services F42 offers, I’ve had to look honestly at past missteps — moments where I overreached, or tried to be all things to all people. That reflection helped me focus on what I do best, and how F42 can truly add value: through clarity, creativity, and the way we work with clients and partners. Mistakes aren’t just part of the process — they’re part of the blueprint.

Stay Humble

Brighton’s journey from League One to the Premier League is remarkable — but what stood out was Paul Barber’s humility in telling it. He acknowledged that there are bigger clubs, with deeper pockets and longer histories. But he also made it clear that Brighton’s principles help bridge that gap. Success hasn’t made them complacent. It’s made them more grounded.

That mindset resonates deeply. At F42, I’m ambitious, not arrogant. I know there’s always more to learn, more to refine, more to earn. I want to build something I’m hugely proud of, but I’m doing it with my feet on the ground. Humility isn’t about playing small. It’s about staying focused, listening well, and letting the work speak for itself.

A Conversation Worth Continuing

Paul Barber’s talk gave me pause for thought. His reflections on leadership, relevance, and humility echoed many of the principles I’d like to shape in how F42 Consulting operates. It wasn’t about grand gestures or polished soundbites. It was about clarity, consistency, and knowing what you stand for.

If those values resonate with you — and you’re looking for a strategic partner who leads with integrity, and purpose, let’s talk.