The Red Bull Basement is a global competition that empowers young innovators to develop forward-thinking solutions, many accelerated by AI technology. This year’s World Final brought together creators from around the globe, all driven to solve real-world challenges.
Q&A with Dulcedo Sports Agent Thomas Houlton
What was your favorite part about experiencing Tokyo with Molly?
My favorite part was getting to spend so much quality time with her. Typically, our interactions are focused on Zoom meetings, competitions, or shoots where the focus is on work, leaving limited time to connect on a personal level. This trip gave us the chance to deepen our relationship, have meaningful conversations, and discuss her interests and goals. It was also refreshing to see Molly in a more relaxed setting, away from the always-on, business or competition mindset.
How did Molly feel about transitioning from athlete to judge at such a prestigious event?
Molly found it incredibly rewarding to be on the other side of the table, as she’s usually the one being judged on her dives. She embraced the experience fully, dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to the event. Rather than just enjoying a free trip to Japan, she went above and beyond to contribute meaningfully. Molly is exploring opportunities to expand her career beyond athletics, and this experience offered valuable insights into start-up projects and entrepreneurial ideas. While she was initially nervous being surrounded by so many accomplished individuals, she brought her creative lens to judging, offering a fresh and unique perspective.
How did attending Red Bull Basement inspire you personally or professionally? Can you share a memorable moment from the event?
The event was incredibly inspiring, seeing young innovators aged 18-24 pour their hearts into business ideas. Their creativity and solutions to global and local challenges were remarkable. Witnessing representatives from 40 different countries come together to share ideas, build friendships, and collaborate was powerful. A standout moment was the winning pitch by a young man from the Philippines, whose app addresses crop threats and aims to double harvest yields. This project has the potential to significantly impact his family, community, and country. Watching his heartfelt reaction to winning and hearing all the pitches was truly motivational.
How does attending events like this showcase Dulcedo Sports’ commitment to supporting our athletes beyond competition?
Events like this embody the type of opportunities we strive to create for our athletes—unique, impactful, and out-of-the-box projects that inspire and leave a lasting mark. They allow athletes to connect with global audiences and participate in initiatives that go beyond traditional sponsorships or promotions. Athletes thrive when interacting with others in person, and we aim to collaborate with world-class brands that offer global visibility. Every trip is an opportunity for our athletes to expand their reach, grow their fanbase, and showcase their personalities and interests.
How does Dulcedo Sports work to secure these kinds of global opportunities for its athletes?
It starts with brand building—developing an athlete’s personal brand through PR, social media, and events to increase their visibility and make them appealing for these opportunities. We focus on helping athletes showcase their personalities to build genuine connections with their audience. From there, we prioritize meaningful partnerships, going above and beyond to deliver value and foster collaboration. At Dulcedo, we excel at cultivating deep, lasting relationships with brands, ensuring athletes are positioned for long-term success without gatekeeping their access to partners.
How do you help athletes like Molly prepare for high-profile appearances beyond athletic performance?
We support them through strategic day-to-day management. This includes ensuring they are well-informed about the event, providing resources for research, and organizing planning or briefing calls. We also prepare comprehensive travel and event documents to alleviate stress. Additionally, we focus on teaching athletes good habits related to posting, communication, and PR. Our exceptional team of athlete managers ensures they are set up for success, allowing them to confidently and authentically shine when engaging with clients and fans.
Empowering Athletes Beyond Competition
Through unique opportunities and personalized support, we help our athletes grow their personal brands and create lasting impact. Stay connected with Dulcedo Sports for more inspiring stories of athletes pushing boundaries.
