Discovering a Passion for Sports Content

Gaby Barns' journey in the sports industry began at just 15 years old when she reached out to the Gold Coast Titans for a work experience opportunity. With a keen interest in film and photography, Gaby was eager to explore the world of sports content creation. Starting in the community team, she quickly proved her skills and was offered a full-time role straight out of high school.

Gaby's natural talent and drive allowed her to progress through the organisation, eventually leading the Titans' social and content strategy. She credits her early exposure to the high-performance environment and her innate understanding of social media as key factors in her rapid growth and development as a sports content creator.

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Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Change

During her time at the Titans, Gaby was instrumental in revolutionising the team's content approach. Recognizing the changing landscape of sports media, she pushed the boundaries of traditional content, embracing platforms like TikTok and fostering deeper connections with the players. Gaby's ability to navigate the athlete-content creator dynamic and her willingness to experiment with new formats allowed the Titans to stay ahead of the curve and engage their audience in innovative ways.

Gaby's success in this area was not without its challenges, however. Balancing the demands of her role, the expectations of sponsors, and the need to produce high-quality, authentic content was a constant juggling act. She emphasises the importance of education and communication, both within the organisation and with external partners, to ensure a shared understanding of best practices and the evolving needs of the audience.

The Toll of Burnout and the Transition to Freelance

After nearly a decade with the Titans, Gaby reached a point where the demands of her job were taking a toll on her personal well-being. The constant pressure to deliver, the long hours, and the lack of work-life balance led her to make the difficult decision to leave the organisation and venture into the freelance world.

Gaby's transition to freelancing was not without its own set of challenges, but it has also provided her with the flexibility and control she craved. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and prioritising self-care – lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Gaby's openness about her experiences with burnout serves as a valuable reminder to young creatives in the industry to be mindful of their own well-being and to establish healthy work practices from the outset.

Expanding Horizons: Gaby's Freelance Journey

As a freelancer, Gaby has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of sports organisations, including the Australian Open and SailGP. These experiences have allowed her to expand her skillset, learn new sports, and gain a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of different sporting environments.

Gaby credits her extensive network and personal brand-building efforts on social media as key factors in securing these freelance opportunities. She encourages other creatives to prioritise building their own platforms and showcasing their unique perspectives, as this can open doors to unexpected and exciting projects.

The Pinnacle: Gaby's Aspirations and the Olympic Dream

Looking to the future, Gaby's ultimate goal is to be involved in the Olympic Games, an experience she believes would be the pinnacle of her career. She recognizes the challenges of breaking into this highly competitive space but remains undeterred, driven by her passion for sports and her desire to continue pushing the boundaries of content creation.

Gaby's journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring sports content creators, highlighting the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth. As she continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sports media, Gaby's story serves as a testament to the power of following your passions and the rewards that can come from taking risks and embracing change.