1. What are two industry trends you are watching most closely?
There is a rash of stadium building worldwide today — fantastic structures, imagination taking flight — look at the "Birds Nest" in Beijing, and a few years ago the Allianz Arena in Munich. In New York City, where I live, there are three major stadiums being built, with sponsorship a strong financial driver. Seats are comfortable, but where are we sitting? Traditional fields are losing their iconic names, which is an inseparable part of sport lore. Shea Stadium, for example, will become Citi Field.

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Player power is growing as well, which works both ways — players are feeling the freedom to go where their talent leads them, but contracts are being stretched and broken, sometimes ignored totally. Clubs are increasingly losing their clout. This is not just a U.S. phenomenon, the recent Brett Favre media circus notwithstanding. In Australia, Sonny Bill Williams walked out on the Canterbury Bulldogs to play Rugby Union for Toulon in France, even though he had four years remaining on his contract. Look at the non-club ownership of Argentinean footballers Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. And FIFA's notorious Article 17 is yet to be fully tested — it allows players to free themselves from the remaining years of their contracts by buying them out. The best way to enforce a contract? Make sure the player is happy, and the fans love him or her... they'll stick around.

2. Sports business story you are watching most closely?
Like everyone, I'm loving the Olympics in Beijing. It's a fascinating mix of sport, politics, dreams and harsh realities. The greatest show on earth!

The question of legacy is the interesting one — are we watching a show that will be packed up and put away once the world has moved on or are we watching a sea-change in Chinese society?

There are business opportunities being played out all over Beijing at the same time as the games. There's still plenty of scope to continue talking about China's challenges — human rights, nationalized politics, press freedom and the environment. Business shouldn't be afraid of taking
the long view — it will pay off in the long run.

3. The most interesting observation you’ve had from the Beijing Games is...?
It's heartening to see the resurgence of national pride and passion. We're all proud of where we live, and the athletes that represent us. It's great that the U.S. can swim along with Michael Phelps (how great is this guy?) and get behind Dara Torres' comeback at the age of 41. And watch out for the Redeem Team! Go USA!

4. The best advice you’ve ever received is...?
On the business side, Bob Seelert, Saatchi & Saatchi's venerable chairman, prepared me for the public eye and the media's boot with this gem: "Every morning strap on a bullet proof chest and a waterproof back". So whenever the flak is flying, it bounces off my front or runs off my back. That's fantastic for maintaining momentum, optimism and conviction.

5. My management style is...?
To inspire people to achieve what they never dreamed possible. It's not about management doing things right or classic leadership doing the right things. Leaders need followers, and who wants "I was born to follow" tattooed on their buttocks? It's about inspiration, being the best you can be, loving what you do and inspiring others to be the best they can be.