Journalising our journey at the AISTS Master of Advanced Studies: January to February 2025
AISTS MAS 2025 Participant
Nowadays, it is becoming harder and harder to capture people’s attention. But what if we could read something about ourselves?
A letter to my classmates, past and future AISTS MAS participants.
Developing Leaders in Sport
New Year, New Me? By starting the AISTS Master of Advanced Studies, life disruption is already at its peak. So, instead of setting traditional resolutions, the focus shifts toward further self-development.
Amidst the snowy season, an ambitious course at IMD, the world’s top business school, challenges us to confront our own demons through the NEO Test. Offering high-value insights into our behavioural functioning, we dive deep into analytical introspection to refine our leadership soft skills. Does the way I manage people reflect my personal coping mechanisms? How can I create a safe environment where my team can thrive? The experience on the IMD campus lives up to its prestigious reputation, pushing us to think beyond the obvious.
Sport Technology
During the first two months of 2025, the focus shifts to the technology module. Most of us are not engineers, making the challenge of leading a technological group project from a blank page, to defining technological requirements and selecting the best materials to imagining prototype validation, testing, and building a real business model for our startup, we develop a crucial skill: “surrounding ourselves with the right experts.”
Hence, I now pass the spotlight to Yvonne, our class’s technology enthusiast, who will share her journey through this module.
I worked as a product manager at Google and Microsoft before transitioning into the sport industry. In my work, I loved talking to users, understanding their needs, and designing solutions for users, while enjoying the process of building features from 0 to 1 and delivering solutions that made a difference.
Passionate about sport, especially tennis, my role at Microsoft witnesses the launch of Azure solutions with the NBA and the Billie Jean King Cup. That moment showed me the potential of combining my passion for sport with my background in technology.
I was inspired.
When I received the acceptance letter from the AISTS, I was working at Google. It was a tough decision to leave everything behind and take this leap, not just for me but for everyone in the programme. I asked people for advice, and one question stuck with me: Will you regret not doing this at the end of your life?
I decided to give it a shot.
Through the programme, I kept wondering: How can I make the most of this experience? The technology section covered a broad range of topics, from IoT to venue infrastructure. From a technology perspective, much of it wasn’t new to me. But what this programme has truly given me is the ability to speak the language of sport.
Sport technology is booming, and I’m amazed at how federations and organizations are striving to optimize its use. How can I contribute to this evolution? Technology is being embraced across the sport industry. For example, the IOC has released its AI Agenda and AI policy, setting a framework for the future. Globally, sport innovation hubs are emerging in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, driving new advancements. Meanwhile, commercial leagues like SailGP and the NBA are pushing boundaries, integrating AI and cutting-edge technology at every level.
Exciting things are happening, and I can’t wait to be part of it.
Again, the diverse background of AISTS MAS participant ensure a rich knowledge transfer. In parallel of the technology project, the sociology project, the law exam, and the Client Team Project, other tasks are also in progress. Additionally, we had the opportunity to host renowned guest speakers during the Sport Event Management Programme. Interacting with sport industry public figures gives us a glimpse into our future.
With the Client Team Project, we engage directly with the sport industry, interact with our respective clients, and the workload suddenly feels more meaningful. Finding the right balance between enjoying student life and planning for the next steps, whether an internship or a job, is an internal struggle. However, these months are so busy that we barely have time to overthink, we just operate and deliver!
Even though the workload is intense, it showcases the business and sport industry we can expect to be part of. Personally, the adrenaline addiction from my previous athlete life makes me enjoy this phase, managing multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, anyway always supported by our teams! It is during these high-pressure moments that we build unforgettable memories with other MAS participants.
This series is coordinated by Madeline Coquoz from the MAS Class of 2025.
Read the first two articles of the series:
0.0. Behind the Scenes of AISTS Master of Advanced Studies: First Step.
1.0 Behind the Scenes of AISTS Master of Advanced Studies: A Fresh Start
2.0. Behind the Scenes of AISTS Master of Advanced Studies: What we will remember are people
