“Sports teach humility.”
Emir Alkaş’s involvement in sports at RC led him to a professional coaching career — and he continues to benefit from those experiences today as the Managing Partner at Inveon, a technology company. He is also active in the world of horse racing.
What was your involvement in sports at RC?
I was deeply involved in basketball, both as a player and later as someone who enjoyed organizing and motivating others. I have very fond memories of our practices and the sense of camaraderie that came with representing the school. The beloved Dave Phillips had the strongest influence on me — as a basketball person, a coach, and a human being. He wasn’t just teaching us how to play; he was teaching us how to compete, to work as a team, and to handle both wins and losses with perspective.
How did you decide to become a coach?
I was lucky enough to volunteer at EuroBasket 2001 as part of the press team, where I happened to catch the attention of people from Efes Pilsen (as it was called then) and was offered a coaching position. I enjoyed strategy, communication, and seeing players improve — so stepping into a coaching role felt more like a continuation than a change. I assisted top-level coaches such as Mahmuti, Blatt, Memnun, and Ataman. The most rewarding part was seeing players unlock potential they didn’t know they had. The most challenging part was balancing expectations — helping each athlete grow individually while maintaining team cohesion and competitiveness.
What role does sports play in your life today?
Today, I am the Managing Partner at Inveon, a company that builds e-commerce technologies and digital growth solutions. Sports still play a major role in my life — not just as a pastime, but as a mindset. They remain a constant reminder of discipline, analysis, and resilience — all qualities that also define my professional life.
How did you get involved in horse racing? What qualities make it unique as a sport?
Horses have been part of a family tradition started by my grandfather, Avram Barokas, in the 1970s. I currently run an equine operation in four countries — Turkey, Ireland, France, and the United States — under my family’s name. Horse racing is unique because it brings together science and instinct: genetics, training, and management on one hand, and the unpredictability of live competition on the other. It’s a sport that rewards patience, knowledge, and intuition in equal measure.
How do the skills learned through sports translate to corporate life — or do they?
They absolutely do. Sports teach you how to build teams, handle pressure, and compete fairly — all crucial lessons in business. In both fields, success relies on preparation, adaptability, and leadership. You also learn humility: sometimes the best strategy still doesn’t yield the desired result, and you have to adjust — not complain.
