# Rodrigue Akl: Leadership, Discipline, and Scaling Sports Academies

- Link: https://joinin2.com/ar/rodrigue-akl-leadership-discipline-and-scaling-sports-academies/
- Published: 2026-09-28T09:28:36+00:00
- Author: Georges Al Nouar

## Rodrigue Akl: Leadership, Discipline, and Scaling Sports Academies

Episode 9 •​ Rodrigue Akl - 33 min

In this episode of the in2 Software podcast, we sit down with Lebanese basketball
legend and sports entrepreneur Rodrigue Akl.

Rodrigue shares his journey from the professional court to founding and scaling 
sports academies across Lebanon and Dubai. We dive deep into athletic discipline,
the core leadership values needed to run a sports organization, coaching philosophies
that transform young athletes, and how modern management technology streamlines 
academy operations.

## Highlights

Key takeaways from the conversation

##### Academics vs. Athletics

Why young athletes must balance education, discipline, and long-term security alongside
sports.

##### The Mentorship Effect

How sports academies build life skills, accountability, and academic turnarounds
for kids.

##### Scaling Beyond Borders

The journey of expanding an academy organically from Byblos to Dubai through shared
values.

##### Operations & Technology

Modernizing academy management, retention tracking, and finances with specialized
software.

## Timestamps

Jump to the moments that matter

**00:00**

Introduction & Welcoming Rodrigue Akl

**01:45**

Early Journey in Athletics, Math & Pro Basketball

**03:25**

Balancing Education & Sports: Managing Injury Risks

**05:15**

Spotting Untapped Talent & Creating Opportunities

**07:45**

Core Academy Values: Passion Over Quick Profit

**10:45**

Mentorship Story: Transforming a Young Player's Life

see all

**13:25**

Purpose-Driven Leadership & Partner Trust

**16:30**

Lessons from Elite Coaches: Welcoming Diverse Perspectives

**18:28**

Scaling the Academy from Byblos to Dubai

**21:00**

Streamlining Operations, Cash Flow & Management with Tech

**24:45**

Retention Metrics: Tracking Active Clients & Churn

**27:40**

Coaching Philosophy: Giving Attention to Every Player

**30:50**

Mindset vs. Raw Talent & Final Advice

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