This is Not a Dress Rehearsal

Michel Masquelier is the former chairman of IMG Media, part of the largest sports management agency. Masquelier spent 35 years at the heart of the sports industry, working with organizations like the Olympic games, Wimbledon and the Premier League. His work has brought him into contact with some of the most famous athletes in history, CEOs of blue-chip companies, as well as some of the pioneers of the media industry. Having graduated with a degree in Law from university in Belgium, he moved to London to work his way up the ladder at IMG from intern to chairman. He built a worldwide team that shook up business of sport, with revolutionary commercial concepts and innovative business models. One of the most charismatic, influential and respected figures in the industry, he now takes on the role of advisor to governing bodies, media organizations and private equity firms. Michel is still a compulsive networker, but his passion has shift to stimulating education, especially amongst future generations. In the same spirit of innovation and disruption, he is involved in philanthropic projects, motivational speaking and development of educational programs for young executives. He is married with three children and lives in Switzerland.

Contents

Preface

1 Where there’s a will there’s a way

2 Who are you?

3 Think positively and positive things will happen

4 Find your X-factor

5 Thinking with your heart

6 Networking without boundaries

7 The expert was once a beginner

8 The search for meaning

9 The call of duty

10 The business of love

11 Thin line between light and dark

12 No dress rehearsal

Afterword