We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thorsten D Meier a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thorsten D, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

When I created and launched KICKit World, I encountered a variety of unexpected challenges—both during the initial launch and while working to scale this festival for underserved communities.
One of the biggest surprises for me was just how difficult it can be to do good and give back. Finding sponsors was a significant hurdle. As this was a first-time event, many companies were hesitant to support us. We created an unique concept: a sports festival combined with RiseAbove masterclasses tailored for underserved children. Unfortunately, without a track record, many potential sponsors declined to get involved.
The disappointment was felt harshly when I realized that some sponsors were primarily focused on the return on investment in terms of social media exposure, even for initiatives aimed at helping the community. It was disheartening to see that even organizations providing essential services like food and water for underserved families often wanted compensation. This experience reinforced the notion that many individuals and organizations were primarily concerned about what they could gain.
When I expressed that this project was bigger than us, I sometimes felt as though people thought I was naïve. Ultimately, I made the decision to self-fund the entire project. Throughout this journey, I faced moments of self-doubt and criticism. However, I remain steadfast in my beliefs: I believe in faith, love, joy, inclusion, and diversity. Most importantly, I believe that our children deserve more love and support.
KICKit World is my way of contributing to that vision, and I’m committed to making it a success for those who need it most.

Thorsten D, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities, which led me to establish KICKit World—a sports festival designed to empower children through engaging masterclasses and activities. My journey into this field began with a belief in the transformative power of sports and education. I grew up in Europe with German, Swiss, Italian and French roots; I witnessed firsthand how access to resources and mentorship could change lives. I always wanted to work in the service industry, and started my career in hospitality and worked at many hotels. Which brought me to meet and then work for mega stars like Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. I came to the US in 2005, started my first own company in 2008 which specialized in travel and event management. I was always interested in doing things or addressing issues nobody else wanted to touch.

What We Offer
At KICKit World, we provide a unique blend of sports competitions, RiseAbove masterclasses, and community engagement activities aimed at underserved children. Our festivals are designed not just to entertain but to educate and empower. We focus on developing skills in various sports while instilling values of teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Our masterclasses feature experienced coaches, celebrities and mentors who share their expertise, helping children discover their potential and passion for sports, fashion, music.

The Problems We Solve
Our mission addresses critical gaps in access to sports and educational opportunities for underserved communities. Many children lack the resources to participate in organized sports due to financial constraints or limited access to quality coaching. By providing a platform for these children, we enable them to engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships. Additionally, we aim to foster a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and support among families and local organizations.

What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets KICKit World apart is our commitment to genuine impact. We’re not just another sports event; we’re a movement focused on inclusion and empowerment. Our approach is holistic, considering the social and emotional needs of the children we serve. We strive to create an environment where every child not only feels valued, regardless of their background, but also has fun. Our emphasis on masterclasses also differentiates us, as we prioritize not just participation but personal growth and skill development.

Pride in Our Work
I am most proud of the community we’re building through KICKit World. Seeing children light up with joy, gain confidence, and form friendships during our events is what drives me. I am also proud of the partnerships we have forged with local organizations and sponsors who share our vision. Together, we are creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.

Key Messages for Potential Clients and Followers
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that KICKit World is more than just a festival—it’s an impact-driven initiative aimed at lifting up underserved communities. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child can thrive. If you share our passion for making a difference and believe in the power of sports and education, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create lasting change and inspire the next generation!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively while maintaining high morale I feel is crucial for a productive and positive work environment. Here are some key strategies that I have found to be effective:
1. Open Communication:
Creating an atmosphere of open communication is essential. I encourage team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This not only helps in addressing issues, but also makes everyone feel valued and heard. I prefer to surround myself with people who can challenge me daily.
2. Lead by Example:
As a leader, your attitude and behavior set the tone for the team. Demonstrating positivity, resilience, and a strong work ethic can only inspire your team to adopt similar attitudes. When challenges arise, showing how to navigate them with grace can motivate your team to stay engaged and committed. And always protect them, the buckets does stop with me for sure.
3. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements:
I prefer to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of team members, it is vital for maintaining morale. Whether it’s through formal recognition or simple shout-outs during meetings, celebrating successes—big or small—can significantly boost motivation and create a sense of belonging.
4. Provide Growth Opportunities:
Investing in your team’s personal and professional development is a powerful way to keep morale high. Not only offering training, workshops, but also creating opportunities to attend conferences and events shows my commitment to their growth. When team members see that you care about them individually and their career advancement, it can lead to increased loyalty and engagement.
5. Be Transparent About Challenges:
When facing difficulties, being transparent with your team builds trust. Sharing your thoughts and feelings about the situation can help them understand the context and feel more involved in finding solutions. This approach can also alleviate feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
6. Encourage Work-Life Harmony:
To be brutally honest, I do not believe in Work-Life Balance. I think it should be called Work-Life Harmony, a more fluid and organic approach where work and life complement each other. I started focusing on energy givers and got rid, or try to get rid, of energy takers and that supports the harmony.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

I launched my first company in 2008, right in the midst of a recession. I had raised some initial capital and invested all my savings, including my 401k and any cash I had on hand. I knew that achieving profitability would take time, but I never anticipated just how long it would actually take.
By the end of 2014/ beginning of 2015, we found ourselves on the brink of financial collapse, with only a couple of hundred dollars left in the bank. Despite being prudent with spending, I cut every possible expense. I then reached out to potential investors and supporters, but nobody was willing to invest in our continued journey. Even a very close family member who had the financial means declined to support me during this challenging time. It was one of the most frustrating and humbling experiences of my life.
Just two weeks later, everything changed when I signed a new client who immediately began spending with us. In a matter of weeks, we made an incredible turnaround, going from a dire financial situation to thriving. It was a complete rollercoaster ride, going from 50 to minus 50 to over 100 mph in less than four weeks.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. It reinforced my belief that even in the toughest times, hope and determination can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. And most certainly it taught me that you will always be alone and can only count on yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kickitworld.com
• Instagram: @kickitworld and @thorstendmeier
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorsten-d-meier

Image Credits

Rich Boyd
Kiara Graves
Noah Lipsitz