Interview | Sherief Abdalla: “Sport Can Literally Change Lives”
We are proud to welcome Sherief Abdalla as the newest member of the IT4Kids Supervisory Board. As a successful entrepreneur, he has built and scaled thriving organisations, while his experience as a former elite athlete has shown him first-hand the transformative power of sport. With his entrepreneurial mindset, extensive network, and passion for social impact, Sherief is looking forward to supporting the mission of IT4Kids. We sat down with him to talk about sport, leadership, and creating equal opportunities for every child.
“Success is not just about results; it’s about the impact you have on others.”
Anyone who meets Sherief quickly realises that entrepreneurship means far more to him than building successful businesses.
“I get a lot of energy from building teams, mentoring people, and creating sustainable growth,” he says. “But in the end, success isn’t just about business results. It’s about the impact you have on others.”
Besides being an entrepreneur, investor, and board member, Sherief is above all a husband and the father of four children. His family is one of his greatest sources of inspiration. Curiosity, entrepreneurship, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy have been guiding principles throughout his life.
Lessons from Elite Sport
Sport has played an important role in Sherief’s life from an early age. As a former elite athlete, he has experienced first-hand how sport shapes people.
“Sport teaches you how to deal with both winning and losing, develop discipline, set goals, and work as part of a team. I still apply those lessons every single day, both professionally and personally.”
According to Sherief, success is about much more than talent.
“Qualities such as perseverance, consistency, and the ability to help others perform at their best are what truly make the difference. That’s true in sport, and equally true in business.”
It is a philosophy that closely aligns with the mission of IT4Kids.
Sport Creates Equal Opportunities
What immediately appealed to Sherief about IT4Kids is the strength of its seemingly simple mission: making sport accessible to children for whom participation is not a given “Sport can literally change lives,” he says. “Not every child grows up with the same opportunities, yet sport provides confidence, structure, enjoyment, and social connection.” The combination of creating tangible impact while promoting equal opportunities immediately resonated with him.“I’m proud to contribute as a member of the Supervisory Board and help shape the future of IT4Kids, while exploring how we can reach even more children.”
Giving Back Comes with Responsibility
“I’ve been fortunate to receive many opportunities throughout my life, and I believe that comes with a responsibility to give something back,” Sherief explains. “Ultimately, it’s not just about what you achieve, but about what you contribute.”
He believes entrepreneurs and business leaders can use their knowledge, experience, and networks to create greater social impact.
“For me, that isn’t a separate activity—it’s simply part of being a good leader.”
Entrepreneurial Expertise
Within the Supervisory Board, Sherief brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, strategy, growth, and corporate governance. “Over the years, I’ve built several organisations, guided acquisitions, and served in various executive and supervisory positions.”
Equally important to him, however, is maintaining strong connections between people “Organisations should grow without losing sight of their culture or their social purpose. Ambition and a long-term vision should always go hand in hand.”
Impact Beyond the Playing Field
When asked what social impact means to him, Sherief doesn’t hesitate. “Social impact is about creating opportunities, helping people move forward, and leaving behind something of lasting value. When a child gains confidence through sport, makes new friends, or develops important life skills, that impact extends far beyond the playing field. Those are changes that can shape someone’s entire future.”
Inspired by Builders and Team Players
Sherief draws inspiration from many different people: entrepreneurs, athletes, parents, and teachers alike. “I admire people who combine ambition with humility and understand that success is always a team effort.”
In sport, he points to Boris Becker for his determination and Roger Federer for his humility.
With his experience, network, and passion for sport and social impact, Sherief Abdalla is a valuable addition to IT4Kids.