Emily Frazer is the CEO of Matchroom Multi-Sport, and trying to do with 9 ball pool what her bosses did with darts and snooker. In a candid conversation with Georgie, Emily shares what she has learned from working alongside Barry and Eddie Hearn, how Matchroom’s Netflix series changed perceptions of the business and why character, storytelling and relentless standards matter if you want to build a sport that cuts through.
She also tells brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about both Hearns. Emily describes Barry Hearn as a father figure, a motivator and a huge presence inside Matchroom, while also explaining the belief he showed in her as she took on major responsibility at a young age. She reflects too on Eddie Hearn’s passion, composure and ability to handle pressure, including the moment he tuned in and saw the scale fandom that Matchroom had unlocked in Vietnam.
There is also a standout Judd Trump tale, as Emily recalls convincing the snooker star to play in one of Matchroom’s pool events after he joked that the sport would be easy. After getting a sharp lesson from a pool pro, Trump found himself snookered, exactly the kind of moment Emily believes helps change perceptions of the sport.
The episode also covers:
* how Emily has built Matchroom Multi-Sport from the “ugly sister” of the business into a serious growth area
* why Barry Hearn’s advice and backing have been so important
* what Eddie Hearn has taught her about passion and leadership
* how Netflix opened doors commercially
* why Judd Trump’s appearance mattered
* the challenge of creating stars in modern sport
* the long-term ambition for nine-ball pool and Matchroom Multi-Sport
This is all about compelling sport, leadership, ambition, underdog energy and building something people once overlooked into something impossible to ignore.
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The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.
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The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.
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