Best pitch presenter you’ve ever seen:
I was always impressed with David Epstein’s TED Talk on ‘why specialising early doesn't always mean career success’ - the right blend of captivating insight and storytelling. A man who knows his body of work inside out.
Best sports marketing campaign (that wasn’t yours):
Nike’s ‘NYC Street Tennis’ ft. Sampras and Agassi in 1995(!) Both players were in a taxi waiting to stop the driver when they spotted the perfect spot to hop and set up a game of tennis. People quickly flocked to watch. Energy! Love it…
Best agency (that isn’t yours):
Not sure if it is considered an agency as such but Football Beyond Borders. They are an education and social change charity delivering meaningful programmes. A lot can be learned from their approach to meeting young people on their level, where they are. Through the power of football they are spreading an important message and creating impact.
Best young industry talent:
There is so much talent out there. I have to mention my brother Anthony Plastiras who recently broke into the industry from the world of retail (logistics /operations) and who is now on the delivery side at TEAM Marketing. He can deal with the pressure of his older brother stating that he will go far…!
Best sporting event attended:
Probably Euro 2016 in France (Bordeaux) when Germany beat Italy on penalties. Electric atmosphere and some questionable penalties!
Best sporting event on TV:
I can’t split Wimbledon or The Masters…
Best brand ambassador:
Roger Federer. Excellence personified.
Best industry event or conference:
Have probably been to more Sports Pro events than others. I always enjoy their events in Madrid.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
A film like Coach Carter still holds up to this day, given its message. A nice reminder for everyone in the industry of how one individual, through sheer force of will, a belief in something bigger, and care for others can impact people - sport acts as the vehicle.
Best book recommendation:
I read a lot, and I have so many great recommendations. I am going to offer two - both of which are oriented around entering optimal mental states to drive better performance: ‘The Mindful Athlete’ by George Mumford and ‘Finding Flow’ by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Read, learn, enjoy!
Best bar or pub:
The Holly Bush, Hampstead.
Best restaurant:
I'm a big fan of Lemonia in Primrose Hill.
Best holiday resort:
Not a resort but I highly recommend Banff in Canada, and then driving up to Jasper. Incredible scenery and nature!
Best box set:
Entourage
Best influence on your career:
My wife.
Best dinner companions (min 4, max 6):
Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Joseph Campbell, Andre Agassi. We’ll go deep on life chats and have some great stories to tell..
Best job in the sports biz
Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur. For the football (ofcourse!) but also as a multi-purpose venue exposing you to new events, revenue streams, people etc..
Best professional regret:
Probably, despite working the 2014 FIFA World Cup, not actually making it out to Brazil!
Best skill you most covet:
Trusting intuition. I’m learning as I get older that it is rarely wrong(!)
Best trait you admire in others:
Can we still use the term ‘bouncebackability’? Anyone that has the willingness to take action and try (even if they fall down) commands my respect. Fail. Fail fast. Learn. Come back again - better.
Best overrated virtue:
Being ‘efficient.’ Good in many cases, but does not always align with long term thinking / success.
Best ambition:
To strive for excellence. In doing so, lifting others up around me. A wise person once said that if you want to change the world, first start with yourself.