🏆 Building Business Strategy: NBA & WNBA

A Global Perspective on Sports Business

Born in Hong Kong and raised across several countries, including Singapore, Germany, and Canada, Ron’s global upbringing shaped his unique perspective on sports and business. Reflecting on his journey, Ron says, "I was always captivated by sports' ability to bring people together. Subconsciously, I think that's why I ended up building a career in sports." After earning his MBA in Sports Business from the University of Oregon, he took on roles at the PGA TOUR and EA. These experiences allowed Ron to bridge his international experiences and curiosity with the global nature of the sports business.

At the PGA TOUR, Ron played a key role in expanding the organization's reach beyond the U.S., drawing on his diverse background. After five years, he transitioned to EA, where he helped establish the esports business unit, leading sponsorship strategy and viewership development across FIFA, Madden, Apex Legends, and The Sims. Eventually, Ron sought a new challenge that would bring him back to the core of the sports world, which led him to Navigate. During this boutique consultancy, he served as Senior Vice President of Client Strategy, advising a variety of sports and entertainment clients daily.

Embracing a Generalist Approach 

Ron encourages young professionals to step beyond their immediate interests and develop skills in different areas, even those outside their comfort zone. While excelling in one area is valuable, having a broader understanding of related skills enhances adaptability and opens up more opportunities over time. “Don’t pigeonhole yourself unless it's your aspiration to do something very specific. If at any point you want to change direction or lead, do your best to understand the bigger picture.” Being versatile equips you to tackle diverse challenges and seize new opportunities.

Although it’s not a strict prerequisite for working in sports, balancing generalist skills with specialized expertise can be incredibly beneficial in the long run. Continuously addressing areas of weakness and seeking new learning experiences sets the foundation for sustained career growth. Ron advises, "Figure out what you aren’t good at and learn enough to be dangerous. If public speaking isn't your strength, join Toastmasters at your university. It’ll only help you in the long run."

The Power of Work Ethic and Curiosity

When it comes to hiring, Ron values a strong work ethic and genuine curiosity. He looks for individuals who go beyond simply completing tasks, seeking to understand the deeper reasons behind decisions and processes. "It's not just about doing what's asked of you; it's about understanding why someone is asking it," he explains. "Move beyond a checklist mentality and focus on grasping the underlying reasons behind requests." Those who engage deeply and show a willingness to explore the rationale behind tasks are often the most successful in his eyes. "I hire people to help the organization figure out what it doesn't know.”

For young professionals, Ron suggests leveraging student status to build connections with industry leaders and demonstrate genuine interest. Sometimes it's as simple as saying, "This is what I'm doing. I think I might want your job, but I'm not entirely sure, and I'd love to ask you some questions about it." Effective networking is more than just seeking advice; it's about showing how to contribute and add value to the conversation. When looking to connect with people in the industry, Ron advises, "Ask yourself why you actually want to connect with this person, understand why you’re curious about their job, and then build thoughtful questions around that."

Don't Be Afraid

When asked what advice he’d give if he had just a few moments with someone interested in sports, Ron’s message is simple: "Reach out to connect with me." But there's a deeper meaning behind this—Ron stresses the importance of not being afraid to reach out to people you want to learn from. "What’s the worst thing that can happen?" he asks. "Don't be afraid to take that first step. The connections you make now can shape your future, so be bold and start the conversation."

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