The Woman Behind Matchroom's Empire - The Business of Boxing, Darts & Pool | Emily Frazer

In this episode of 'The Room Where It Happened,' Emily Frazer, Group Director at Matchroom Sport, recounts her professional journey from being perceived as just 'her father’s daughter' to becoming a key leader in a dynamic sports organization. Starting from the bottom, she took on significant responsibilities at a young age and learned crucial lessons through trial and error while producing various events. Throughout her story, she emphasizes the importance of determination, resilience, and the importance of building a supportive work culture.

Emily discusses her initial feelings of being overwhelmed in her role, where she faced challenges managing budgets and logistics across multiple sports, including pool and darts. Her determination to succeed and the encouragement she received from her superiors, particularly Barry Hearn, fostered her growth. She speaks about the importance of trust, accountability, and open communication among team members, suggesting that a relaxed, supportive culture empowers employees to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

As she navigates her current responsibilities, Emily reflects on her commitment to making the Pool Tour as successful as other established sports. Despite facing pressures and moments of self-doubt, she finds joy and excitement in solving problems and achieving goals with her team. Her approach to leadership involves nurturing her team, maintaining enthusiasm, and being the source of positivity even on tough days.

The conversation delves deep into the complexities of leadership, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. Emily shares her belief that hard work and determination can overcome any perceived barriers and that it is essential to embrace failure as part of growth. Her final thoughts provide valuable insights into maintaining relationships, prioritizing commitment to work, and the sacrifices needed for success in the business world. The episode serves as an inspiring tale for those aspiring to build careers in dynamic and challenging environments.