Explore: From Rugby in Hong Kong to Basketball in Africa
Kai Tak Stadiium, Hong Kong
April 16, 2025
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, blending sports, family time, and business. From the electric atmosphere of the Hong Kong Sevens to preparing for the Basketball Africa League in Senegal, these experiences continue to transcend borders and industries.
Hong Kong: High Energy, High Impact
The Hong Kong Sevens is more than just a rugby tournament; it’s a festival of global camaraderie. This year’s event at the Kai Tak Stadium was as dynamic as ever, with the Argentina men’s team continuing their global dominance and claiming their first HK title. Los Pumas were easily the class of the tournament.
This was my 12th HK Sevens and while it’s definitely different than the experiences in the smaller stadium in Causeway Bay, it seems like the event will retain it’s unique character despite it’s move to the new, modern venue.
Watching the Argentine squad make such quick progress reminded me of many important professional lessons:
Adaptability Wins: Just as teams adapt their strategies mid-game, businesses must pivot when faced with challenges. Rugby’s growing popularity in Argentina reflects its shift from being perceived as an elite sport to one embraced by broader demographics - a great example of a sport adjusting to expand its popularity.
Teamwork is Key: Success in rugby, like in business, relies on collaboration. Building a cohesive team with diverse skills can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
This relatively short, three-week stay in HK gave me a chance to catch up with so many friends and to spend several days collaborating with my boys on our musical (storyline created by my son, Matthew Levy / music by my other son, Joshua Levy). There’s a long way to go but we made great progress and had an incredibly fun time doing the work.
In the Lab!
Back to New York: Conferences and Connections
Returning to New York for the SALA Series conference is an opportunity to recalibrate and connect with industry peers. Conferences are not just about attending sessions—they’re about networking, exchanging ideas, and staying ahead of trends.
Invest in Networking: As highlighted many times through my #100CoffeeChallenge, relationships often lead to long-term partnerships. Approach every conversation as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Continuous Learning: Staying updated on industry trends ensures you remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.
NBA Family
Senegal Awaits: Basketball Africa League
Next stop: Senegal (with the other Nomad), where the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is set to showcase the best of African basketball talent. This league, organized by the NBA and FIBA, is a testament to how sports can drive economic growth and cultural exchange across continents. It’s an inspiring reminder of how vision and collaboration can elevate an entire ecosystem. Excited to spend more time with the African sports community, my former colleagues at the BAL and NBA Africa and the local investor group.
Think Big, Act Local: The BAL highlights how global organizations like the NBA can succeed by respecting local contexts while bringing international expertise.
Legacy Matters: Honoring legends like Dikembe Mutombo during this season shows how celebrating history strengthens community bonds—a principle businesses can adopt by valuing their heritage while innovating for the future.
Final Thoughts
This journey from Hong Kong to New York and Africa is a reminder that life—and business—is a series of interconnected opportunities. Whether it’s strategizing on the rugby field or building partnerships at a conference, every experience adds value when approached with intention.
As I prepare for my time in Senegal, I’m excited about the potential for impactful meetings and witnessing how sports continue to shape economies and societies.