🥇🥈🥉0️⃣5️⃣3️⃣Leon Nelson

By Leon Nelson

Meet Leon Nelson, a graduate student at New York University working in the sport industry who gained new insights about France, its culture, and sporting scene as an International Client Relations Manager at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Born in France with American parents, I always wanted to be involved in the sports world. Growing up in Paris, my passion for sports started with the 2008 Olympics. Seeing Michael Phelps and Usian Bolt break records was something that made me love sports…but I quickly understood that I would not become a professional athlete. So, I decided to merge my interests into the business side of the sports industry. The 2024 Games was the perfect opportunity to do that. Moreover, as a French citizen, it was a once in a lifetime chance to apply my education and gain invaluable experience in global sports.

In my role with the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, I interacted with diverse international clients while immersing myself in the French approach to sports event management and hospitality. It was a different way to gain firsthand insights into my country’s passion for athletics and its commitment to hosting a world-class Olympic event, all while navigating the intricacies of French business culture and etiquette.

Leon’s Story

Despite growing up around the city, this was my first working experience in Paris, so it felt different to see how French people work and organize an event of this magnitude. Even seeing how the Parisians reacted to the event was interesting.

“There’s no industry where you get to interact with so many different countries in 15 days and get to see how everyone deals with issues.”

The overall experience was both exhilarating and challenging. As the International Client Relations Manager, I was at the heart of the action and I witnessed firsthand the intricate logistics of hosting a mega-event while also experiencing the unique energy and spirit of the Olympics.

The most notable memories that will stay with me were probably the events I got to see, such as the beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower. Something else that will stay with me is how the Parisians switched their opinion on the Olympics once the Opening Ceremony was over.

People before the ceremony were very pessimistic and afterwards the embraced the Games and were glad that Paris was put on the front stage.

The people who worked with Paris 2024 for the last year were proud of the job that was done.

The Sports Diplomacy Connection

As International Client Relations Manager, I had a unique window into French culture and its sports scene. I learned about the French approach to event management, which emphasizes precision and attention to detail. It was interesting to observe behind the scenes and at the events the passion French people have for sports, particularly in how they embraced the Olympics as a national celebration. Working closely with French colleagues taught me about their collaborative work style and the importance of relationship-building in professional settings. Additionally, I also learned about the strong emphasis France places on work-life balance, even during such a high-stakes event with a week break between the Olympics and Paralympics.

Often, I found myself sharing insights about American sports culture with French and international colleagues. They were particularly curious about the U.S. college sports system as it differs significantly from the European model. Colleagues also inquired about popular sports like American football, seeking to understand their cultural significance. I explained concepts like tailgating. I also shared perspectives on the money driven approach of youth soccer in the United States, which contrasts with the more community-based approach in France. This led to interesting discussions about how the US soccer system could improve.

I used my position to promote mutual understanding between different sporting cultures. For instance, I often found myself explaining the nuances of American sports governance to European colleagues and vice versa.

As an American with a multicultural background, I represented the diversity of the United States, helping to break down stereotypes and showcase the multicultural nature of American society. The job allowed me to interact with people from around the world, giving him invaluable insights into how different cultures approach business. This experience enhanced my ability to navigate international professional environments and adapt to various cultural norms in business settings.