FROM BASKETBALL STARDOM TO MEDIA MOGUL

May 28, 2010

SEBASTIAN THIEL THE MEDIA MOGUL

Pulse magazine caught up with Sebastian Thiel, 19, to discuss how his lost dream of basket ball has helped to shape and transform his new career within media

Born in Zambia, Sebastian travelled to England at the tender age of just three, and it wasn't long before his focus was on becoming a basketball star. His talents soon caught the attention of basketball scouts, but his promise of a scholarship seemed few and far between. A secession of false hope and broken promises led Sebastian to give up on his dream of sport and begin a new one.

THE LEAP
Sebastian had taken the bold decision to drop out of college to begin making and selling T-Shirts. Admittedly it is his biggest risk to date but Sebastian believes that nothing comes without taking a chance. From this simple but effective money making venture, and without any formal qualifications, Sebastian expanded his brand to create Upshot. Upshot is primary a Youth Entertainment brand which has a social focus and incorporates clothing, entertainment and events.

DOUBTS
Like most people Sebastian admits to sometimes having doubts, but by remembering past events has managed to over overcome them. Had Sebastian pursed his basket ball ambition he may have reached his ultimate goal. He is now determined not to let history repeat itself: “I sometimes miss basketball, and that's what keeps me going with Upshot, as you don't know how close you are to your success.”

ACHIVEMENTS
In April, Sebastian was nominated for the 30 Under 30 award, a ceremony which recognises young and successful entrepreneurs. As well as this he has been sponsored by Virgin Media as a Virgin Media Pioneer and has gained a place at the School of Social Entrepreneurs. But with all this already under his belt Sebastian doesn't yet recognise himself as an inspiration to others: “I don't really feel I'm in a place yet.”

THE FUTURE
Sebastian says that he has a long way to go in terms of his main goal: “I'm still making it a reality – I'm not where I want to be.” He is confident that he will achieve all that he has set his mind to and says that basketball taught him to be disciplined, and is inspired by greats such as Muhammed Ali, 2Pac, Michael Jordan and Richard Branson who have all excelled within their fields.

Sebastian's main strengths are creativity and research and says that his secret to success at such a young age is down to making it happen: “If you have an idea do it.” The modest entrepreneur is keeping very quiet about specific future plans, and would rather let people see the results: “I know through me being successful, I'll be wealthy because it goes hand in hand.” Sebastian says that he plans to do a lot of work in Africa as well as working hard to make Upshot a leading brand for the youth.

Pulse wishes Sebastian Thiel the best of luck for the future

For more information visit: http://www.itsupshot.com
You can contact Sebastian via: info@itsupshot.com