Jimmy Poon: Representing Talent Across the Globe

Jimmy Poon is a citizen of the world. He’s from Hong Kong, raised in Dubai and studied in the United States for college. Poon’s love for sports from an early age is precisely what set him up for his global vision of sports and entertainment management. His company, the Boqin group, represents talent from around the world and we got a chance to speak with him.

Elan: Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background and what led you to sports and entertainment management?

Jimmy Poon: I dreamt of winning the gold medal at the 100 meters in the Olympics when I was 9, picked up a tennis racket when I was 14 and at 17 I was winning tournaments in my club. I realized that Boris Becker had already won Wimbledon at that age, so a change of path was in order! After a fantastic experience coaching tennis at the NCAA level, and sports jobs not really knocking at my door straight out of university—a part time job working a tennis tournament at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington DC helped me realize what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: change lives through the business of sport. Returning to Dubai, after picking up my MBA in Sports Management, nobody really understood what I was talking about, so a young lad needing a job started off in live events. After seven enjoyable and hard working years in the media industry, the time came in 2008 to take the step about fulfilling dreams and I started my company, Boqin.

Elan: You represent athletes and entertainers on a global level. Can you explain what that means?

JP: Sure, the talent management side of our business means that we work hand in hand with athletes and entertainers to support the environment that surrounds what they do as professionals day in and day out. This involves managing media exposure, negotiating appearances, endorsements, and advising on certain directions to take in their careers. We represent young local talent on a global level, but we also represent some globally acclaimed talent that needs support within our region.

Elan: What is your greatest challenge with your business?

JP: Day in and day out the greatest challenge is cash flow management. Making sure the bills are paid in a tough market yet also trying to recover from a recession! I would say that takes up way too much of my time.

Elan: Can you tell us about your clients? Who is the most unique for you?

JP: We also run a sports marketing consultancy within the business and one client that stands out is Puma, a highly creative brand to work with. On the talent side we have exclusive agreements with other major management groups as their partner in the Middle East region representing clients who are top ranked women’s tennis players and football stars.

Locally our karate kid stands out who is a 14-year-old Emirati and a two-dan black belt already winning medals in global competitions.

The one who is the most unique, I would say is Ali Mostafa, who is an Emirati film director and the first to breakthrough developing the first major feature film made in and about this region.

Elan: You talk a lot about nurturing talent. What does that mean to you as an agent?

JP: It’s all about personal relationships, and a true genuine approach towards the person’s well being in all aspects. On a practical level this leads to advice on training, competition, career paths, and sometimes into personal advice. Everyone who is ‘chosen’ by his or her true passion has the potential for greatness. Our role is to work with those chosen ones around the globe to help fulfill their potential.

Elan: You launched your company, the Boqin Group and many of your friends have suggested that you are an innovator. What separates you from other management firms?

JP: Hmm, I guess that’s because I look too far into the future sometimes! Simply, we are driven by a clear long-term vision and desire to be the best at what we do, on a global level. We are boutique in style and that direct inspired approach with our clients stands out in a day in age where service sometimes is too focused on short-term financial gain.

Elan: You grew up in Dubai. You also are an advocate for Dubai hosting the Olympics. Is that possible? Logistically is it feasible?

JP: Absolutely. Dubai has achieved some monumental milestones in its young history already. It will require a well thought out and consolidated effort from the government, corporations, and everyday people, but I have no doubt that it can be achieved someday. Currently there is a potential bid on the table for the 2024 Olympics, and we look forward to being involved while supporting in any way possible.

Elan: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to start up their own businesses?

JP: No dream is too big to live. If you are blessed with a passion, work tirelessly towards making that passion a reality. Never lose faith through any of the ups and downs, and when you achieve success give back to others including those that helped you along the way.