Welcome to episode 107 of Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience. In today’s episode, alumni host Riley Sager, sits down with 2024 SBC Alumni Mohamed Haji. A remarkable 23-year-old SBC Alumni from Bahrain who is making a major impact in the sports world by blending basketball with cutting-edge technology. Mohamed’s journey is truly inspiring—from starting out as a player to now playing a key role in the executive management of the Bahrain Basketball National Team, Mohamed’s journey is one of hard work, dedication, and continuous self-improvement.
In this episode, Riley and Mohamed discuss:
- How growing up in Bahrain influenced Mohamed’s aspirations to work in sports management and technology, and the unique challenges he faced in the basketball scene there.
- Mohamed’s approach to building strong relationships with coaches, and how those relationships evolved when he transitioned to an administrative role.
- The impact of technology on the future of basketball, both in Bahrain and globally, and Mohamed’s efforts to integrate new innovations into the sport.
In just two and a half years, Mohamed has helped the national team rise from 108th to 67th in the world rankings, all while working closely with the team’s chairman to develop innovative strategies that merge sports and technology. Mohamed’s passion for raising Bahrain’s flag high and advancing the sport of basketball through technology is a testament to his dedication and vision.
In today’s episode, Mohamed shares his journey, his ambitions, and how he’s breaking barriers in the sports industry. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this conversation!
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SHOW NOTES
- Growing up in Bahrain, what was the basketball culture like, and how did your environment influence your aspirations to work in sports management and technology? (2:15)
- As both a player and an administrator, how did you build strong relationships with coaches, and how did those relationships evolve when you transitioned to a role on the administrative side? (6:10)
- What roles and opportunities allowed Mohamed to leverage his skills once he started working under the chairman? (7:43)
- Heading into the SBC Immersive Experience this past summer in Las Vegas, what mindset did Mohamed bring with him? (12:30)
- How do you envision technology shaping the future of basketball in Bahrain and the sports industry on a global scale? (18:10)
- What are your responsibilities in combining your interest in technology with your current role alongside the chairman? (21:40)
- What challenges have you encountered in integrating new technology into the sport, and how have you approached overcoming them? (25:27)
- What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to break into the sports industry, particularly in executive roles? (29:15)
