Klopp, Jepson and LFC recognised at leadership awards
Liverpool FC has been recognised at the Women of the Future Awards for outstanding acts of kindness and leadership and work to support and nurture young women in the workplace and rising female talent in sport.
Jürgen Klopp was recognised as one of the top 50 Kindness Leaders for his selfless commitment to good causes and helping others.
Judges recognised the manager's significant acts of kindness and his generous style of leadership and in particular in his role as ambassador of Liverpool FC’s Foundation.
They also praised Klopp's kindness after lifelong Reds fan Seán Cox was seriously injured before a match at Anfield last year. The boss was among the first to make a significant donation to a charitable fund set up to raise enough money to provide Seán with the care he needs.
Judges commented that such acts of leadership and kindness to good causes is clearly a central tenet of Klopp's approach to life and football management. They were impressed with his belief that his position comes with a responsibility to help others and also to provide a generous style of leadership for others to follow.
The second award saw Liverpool FC beat off competition from the likes of Barclays, Amazon and Google to win the Corporate Award for its strategic focus on equality and inclusion in the workplace through several impactful empowerment initiatives.
Manager of the Liverpool FC Women’s team Vicky Jepson also received recognition for her inspirational dedication to the club and was shortlisted as a Rising Female Star in the Sport Category.
Vicky made history this year by leading the Women’s team on their first joint pre-season tour alongside the men's side.
Commenting on Liverpool FC’s achievements, Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder, Women of the Future Programme, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Liverpool Football Club for your tremendous achievements across the Women of the Future Awards 2019 and for the inclusion of Jürgen Klopp in our Kindness & Leadership, 50 Leading Lights list.
“Recognising kindness and achievements in every facet of life is so important and we are thrilled that Liverpool Football Club has become part of our community. When we spotlight success, share our own stories and collaborate across professions and borders, we create a powerful network and support system that can drive positive global change. Congratulations to you all.”
Susan Black, LFC’s director of communications and executive sponsor of the club’s equality and inclusion agenda, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in these wonderful awards. We met so many incredible people with powerful stories that demonstrate that by empowering others we create an environment for organisations as a whole to flourish and thrive. I’d like to pay tribute to Pinky and her network for their progressive approach to this area of work.
“Competition was tough and to win the Corporate Award at such a prestigious event is such a huge achievement for us. This award is recognition of the work that many colleagues at Liverpool FC have been involved in and demonstrates that much can be achieved by working together.”