Emotion, Passion, Thrill – The Thread That Unites All Sport: An International Business Education Journey
Shamine Chainani
Master in Sports Management student
Emotion, Passion, Thrill – The Thread That Unites All Sport: An International Business Education Journey
I will never forget the exact moment I conceived a career in Sports. It was an international night cycling race on the Queen’s Park Savannah, one of the most iconic spots in Trinidad and Tobago. The electric atmosphere, the palpable excitement of the crowd, and the sheer joy radiating from both athletes and spectators captivated me. I realised then that my ultimate dream was to be part of an international sporting organisation, creating these immersive, unforgettable experiences for fans and athletes alike.
That dream led me to pursue master studies at an international business school, and I chose ESEI International Business School in Spain. There are many reasons to consider studying business in Spain, but for me, the opportunity to combine my passion for sport with a world-class business education was the deciding factor. Spain’s vibrant culture, global connections, and thriving sports industry make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a business school in Spain that offers both academic excellence and practical experience.
Flash forward to now, as my classmates and I made our way through the grounds at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, we stopped to stand alongside a gang of kids, waiting patiently and chanting to get a glimpse of their favourite tennis stars. An autograph on their giant-sized tennis balls would be a prized possession. The joy of their emotions infected the rest of us. This is the power of Sport.
As I delve deeply into my Master’s in Sport Management programme at ESEI International Business School, the message is clear: emotion, passion and thrill are the threads that unite all sport. My business education here is not just about learning theories; it’s about experiencing the real-world impact of sport and business, and understanding the importance of international exposure in business studies.
Learning from Industry Experts
Through Julia Roca Valverde, our Events and Facility Management professor, we have had the privilege and delight to meet key players working in the sporting industry:
Pablo Bosch Garcia – Social Media Content Specialist
Imagine cycling or running alongside athletes to get the best view of them competing at a championship. Pablo, a Community Manager and content creator, covers star athletes in the height of the action and packages it for sporting stakeholders to consume. He curates experiences to go beyond views, but also to generate emotions – the excitement, pain, joy, disappointment – all the “feels” of sport. Pablo’s passion in his craft was evident, and he has taken pride and intentionality to ensuring his end-product connects to the consumer.
Alberto Montenegro – Sports Event Announcer
They say that light is faster than sound, however, it is the sound of Alberto Montenegro’s voice that has the attention of everyone in the room. Alberto, a Sports Presenter, Speaker and communications pro, has captured audiences at sporting events worldwide. His voice is his power, and he uses that power to thrill, entertain and connect spectators and athletes alike. “We communicate emotions,” is the main credo of what Alberto and his team creates. They connect audiences and elevate events through voice, music, video and entertainment.
Laia Talarn – Sponsorship Expert
Laia, Marketing and Communications Director at Real Federación Española de Hockey, took us through the sponsorship and activations. Sporting events need sponsorship for success. Investors’ return includes brand awareness, consumer analytics and opportunities for lead generation. More so, association with professional sporting events gives them the opportunity to implement on-site activations where creativity prevails. Consumers remember these brands because of how they made them feel. Laia has produced activations that are innovative and fun. It is the thrill that attracts consumers to events, it is what they remember along with the brands involved. Passion is an invaluable commodity for a sponsor.
Francesc Cruces – Sports Consultant
Francesc Cruces, a professional involved in strategy and consulting in sport, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the landscape. He encouraged us to read as much as we can on the industry and create our own content for opinions in sport. His presentation was thought-provoking and compelling. It addressed the conflict amongst sporting stakeholders, each with different motives and desired end-results, and the impact of this on the development of sport. All rooted in passion and emotion, how can we create a more aligned ecosystem for growth and development of the industry?
Jaume Campistol – Ex Lawn Tennis Chair Umpire
I love lawn tennis and the few tournaments that I attended were so thrilling and exciting. However, not once did I think about the job of the Chair Umpire. They sit there, almost invisible, but yet one of the most important jobs on the court. Jaume held that position and sat in many international tournaments. He got us thinking when he asked, “What skills are needed to be a chair umpire?” It requires focus, managing personalities, conflict resolution, mastering communication and keeping calm under pressure. These are the skills required for leadership. In sport, emotions run high and developing these aptitudes will bode well for persons getting into the field.
Alba Gamell Castillo – Accreditation Director
Alba and her team have filled an important space in sport – accreditation. She detailed all aspects of the role, which can be strategic and sometimes complex. They are part of the operations team and collaborate with security and logistics for sporting events to ensure a smooth flow of personnel during a tournament. Accreditation can be a sensitive area because not everyone gets access to VIP and not everyone is happy about that, so emotions must be managed.
ESEI’s Thought Leaders Network
Including Julia, each of these experts have shown us the different sides to sport. Hearing these experiences was enlightening and I too, felt emotion, passion and thrill during this course, which further reinforces my resolve to pursue this Master’s programme. What truly sets ESEI International Business School apart is its rich network of people who go beyond the prominence of their names but actually encourage learners like me to sit on the boat with them and navigate the exciting world of sports together. These experiences are invaluable for anyone studying business courses, as they allow you to immerse yourself in new cultures, build a global network, and understand the importance of international exposure in business studies.
While adjusting to life and studying in a new cultural environment was initially challenging, the support from ESEI’s community and the diverse student body make the transition smoother. The multicultural atmosphere not only enriched my business education but also taught me the soft skills necessary to thrive in any international business setting. This adaptability is crucial for leveraging an international education for career advancement.
My journey at ESEI International Business School has shown me how a truly international business education can open doors. The combination of rigorous business courses, real-world industry exposure, and careers services that connect us with big companies and recruiters equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my dream career. Leveraging an international education for career advancement is about more than just a degree; it’s about developing a global mindset, building resilience, and gaining the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Ultimately, the importance of international exposure in business studies cannot be overstated. It is the thread that unites all aspiring business leaders, just as emotion, passion, and thrill unite all sport. My time at this business school in Spain has been more than an academic pursuit – it’s an investment and a stepping stone towards fulfilling my ultimate career purpose: to harness the transformative power of sports to inspire, unite, and elevate communities worldwide.
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