MEET THE FOUNDERS: TIM ALEXANDER

In my mid-twenties, while playing in the lower leagues of the football pyramid system, I came to the realisation that my career was more likely to lead me to the Old Head than Old Trafford. At 23, recognising that football alone might not offer the future I envisioned, I approached the chairman of my club and owner of an IT company, for an opportunity to gain work experience. After training, I would head to the office, eager to immerse myself in a new industry and explore new career paths.

For five years, I balanced a parallel life—playing professional football full-time while gaining invaluable experience in the fast-growing technology sector. By the time my legs went at 28 (some would argue they went a lot earlier than that!), the pressure had lifted. With five years of work experience in a booming industry, I proactively navigated my way through various organizations, leveraging the team-driven values instilled through sport. This determination and adaptability quickly propelled me from the dressing room to the boardroom, where I earned several major promotions.

Over the last six years, I’ve held senior leadership positions in the data and analytics industry, playing a part in one of the largest software IPOs in history. Reflecting on my journey, it became clear that the path I set out on at 23, thanks to the opportunity from my chairman, was the foundation for my later success. However, it has always struck me how little support there is for athletes transitioning from sport to the next phase of their lives.

This realisation became the inspiration behind THRIVE, a consultancy that allows me to apply my experience in the SaaS industry to elevate brands and bring the business ideas of athletes to life. THRIVE is designed to help athletes unlock their full potential by becoming the next generation to influence the world of business. 

I’ve been fortunate to build this exciting venture alongside my co-founders, Joe Davis and Aimee Howells, along with the incredible team we’ve assembled. The journey has just begun, and the energy surrounding THRIVE is palpable. I’m thrilled about the immense potential we have, to empower athletes and help redefine the future for athletes and their life journeys beyond the game.