Ep 31: How Hndrd Is Challenging Big Badminton Brands, Localisation Strategies, Role Of Retailers

Ep 32: Life After Retirement, CK’s Health Scare, Importance Of Recovery & Health Management

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, hosts CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen catch up on what they’ve been up to, including a health update from CK, and what Viktor’s life looks like after retiring from international badminton. They discuss the transition out of elite sport, the importance of recovery and health management, and future plans.**Chapter Timestamps:**00:45 Introduction 01:38 CK’s Health Update & Recovery Journey05:41 The Week Of Viktor’s Retirement Announcement09:29 Life After Badminton: Viktor's New Routine10:17 Viktor’s New Training Goals14:20 Reflections on the Thomas Cup18:55 Viktor On Staying Connected to Badminton19:40 The Mental Transition Out of Elite Sport23:28 Navigating Health Challenges26:21 The Importance of Patience in Recovery22:46 Nutritional Insights During Recovery30:06 Future Plans & Business Ventures37:33 CK’s Haircut Challenges40:02 Future Trips & Contributions to Para BadmintonFollow us on social media for more content!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here:- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on:- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

Ep 31: How Hndrd Is Challenging Big Badminton Brands, Localisation Strategies, Role Of Retailers

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew interviews Manak Kapoor, co-founder of Hndrd, a rapidly growing badminton brand. They discuss the intricacies of building a global sports brand, challenges in distribution, the importance of retailers, localisation strategies, and the future of badminton industry dynamics. Chapter Timestamps: 00:47 Introduction to Manak Kapoor and Hndrd 02:50 Manak's Journey from Software to Sports 04:37 The Rapid Growth of Hndrd in Badminton 06:03 Challenges of Entering the Chinese Market 07:55 The Complexity of Product Distribution 11:25 Global Launch Strategies for Badminton Products 14:28 Estimating the Global Badminton Market Size 20:29 Revenue Disparities in Badminton vs Other Sports 22:58 The Future Goals of Hndrd 24:11 Localisation Challenges and Strategies 27:15 Product Line Diversity Across Markets 33:13 Navigating Regulatory Challenges in India 35:55 Cultural and Economic Differences in Europe 38:49 The Dominance of the Chinese Market in Badminton 40:35 Cultural Influences on Product Design 42:43 Challenges of Expanding in a Competitive Landscape 47:48 The Importance of Retailers in Badminton 53:33 Navigating Content Creation and Partnerships 55:53 The Value of Retailer Education 59:58 Navigating Copyright Challenges 01:01:41 Price Compression and Retail Dynamics 1:07:59 Stringing Challenges in Europe 01:13:42 Manak’s Top Lessons Learned in Business 01:22:01 Future Aspirations for BadmintonFollow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

EXCLUSIVE: Viktor Axelsen Retirement Announcement

Viktor Axelsen opens up about his journey through injuries, his decision to step away from professional badminton, and what lies ahead in the next chapter of his life. This is a heartfelt and reflective conversation between CK Yew and Viktor, where Viktor expresses deep gratitude for the journey - from the people who supported him along the way to the experiences that shaped him both on and off the court. They also explore the sacrifices behind elite sport, the mental resilience required to stay at the top, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. Chapter Timestamps: 00:41 Viktor Axelsen's Retirement Announcement 03:12 The Journey of Injuries and Challenges 11:01 Decision-Making and Support System 12:09 Future Plans and Partnerships 15:46 Reflections on Viktor’s Mindset & Career 21:17 Transitioning to Life After Badminton 23:37 Viktor’s Dedication To Excellence 24:56 Reflections on Early Career and Achievements 28:31 The Pursuit of Excellence in Training 33:47 The Role of Badminton Denmark in Viktor’s Journey 35:50 The Impact of NAS on Viktor’s Training 37:20 Building Relationships with Sponsors 39:18 The Importance of Friends and Family 46:01 Appreciation for Fans and Supporters Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

Ep 29: How Social Media Is Changing Badminton, Importance Of Athlete Branding & BEC Media Awards

In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew, Viktor Axelsen, and guest Thomas Fuchs explore the evolving landscape of badminton media, content creation, and strategies to grow the sport's profile globally. They also share insights on balancing professionalism with authenticity, managing teams, and the importance of having a presence on social media. Chapter Timestamps: 00:36 Introduction 05:23 Celebrating Social Media Nominations 09:57 The Impact of Social Media on Badminton 13:56 Running a Federation Account & Importance of Content Creation 23:12 Podcasting Goals & Showcasing the Athlete's Perspective 28:51 Challenges of Mixed Zone Interviews 30:33 The United Strand Challenge in Badminton 32:21 Balancing Fun and Seriousness in Content 36:12 Commentating in Badminton 46:47 The Journey of Podcasting and Content Creation 53:20 The Importance of Paid Opportunities in Media 57:35 Balancing Multiple Roles in Media 01:06:46 Growing a Team vs. Solo Work 01:11:14 The Business Side of Content Creation Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverageKeep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw

Ep 28: 1 Year Anniversary Q&A, Importance Of Media In Sport, Life After Badminton, Equipment Advice

In this one-year anniversary episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, hosts CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen reflect on their journey and answer listener questions. They discuss the evolution of badminton, the importance of media in promoting the sport, and their personal experiences with training and competition. The episode also touches on fun topics, including future plans and humorous anecdotes, making it a celebratory and engaging discussion. Chapter Timestamps: 00:42 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting 02:35 How the Podcast Came to Life 05:46 Podcast Recommendations and Influences 10:49 Investing in Badminton Gear 11:57 Dealing with Annoying Opponents 14:16 Future Stars in Badminton 17:54 Why Viktor Chose Singles Over Doubles 18:55 Why Some Countries Are Successful Only in Certain Events 23:49 Evolution of Badminton Playing Styles 27:27 Media's Role in Badminton's Growth 34:33 What Separates Top Players 39:38 BWF's Role in Growing Badminton 40:45 Improving Spectator Experience 41:37 Photography in Badminton 48:05 Life After Competition 50:13 Viktor's New Collection 52:31 Books That Influence Mindset 56:48 Dream Doubles Partners 01:01:59 Avocado Oats Eating Session Follow us on social media for more content! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here: - CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ - Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg - CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/ - Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/ You can also find our conversations on: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw