Faces in business: Olivier R. van Lindonk

Name: Olivier R. van Lindonk

Title: Vice President IMG Tennis

Company: IMG Worldwide LLC, 5500 34th St. W., Bradenton

What was the best business advice you ever received?

Take initiative. That came from IMG founder Mark McCormack. At corporate in Cleveland I never had a chance to talk to him, however, when he came to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, his guard came down. He would sit down and share his vision.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be?

I love what I am doing, I am managing athletes for IMG. However, I am also helping getting the conference "PINC" to this area for the second year in a row. My parents started this in the Netherlands and I would continue this full-time. PINC stands for People, Ideas, Nature, Creativity and will be held Dec. 10 at the Sarasota Opera House.

What is the biggest risk you've taken in your career?

I discovered a young talent, Kei Nishikori. That was 11 years ago. I took him under my wing and worked with him, hoping he would excel. He is now the #6 tennis player in the world and one of the highest earners in sports.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you start?

I travel around the world year round. It takes me mostly to Europe and Asia, but I would like to explore more of South America.

-- Angie Monroe

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 3:01 PM with the headline "Faces in business: Olivier R. van Lindonk ."