Being human! It’s not only about profits for Maria Inc

Maria Sharapova. Pic/AFP

Russian tennis beauty Maria Sharapova may have expanded her business portfolio by becoming an investor and a strategic adviser post her 2020 retirement, but she has set her own rules before agreeing to work with anyone.

When asked what catches her interest and what doesn't when entrepreneurs pitch for an investment or partnership, she told entrepreneur.com: "I feel like presentations are becoming longer and longer. By the time I'm on page 15, I'm like, I don't even know what this business is! Clean, crisp, and short is preferable. I love hearing someone's authentic human story. Don't start with the business because when challenges come - which they will - it's not about the business; it's about the person who's handling it."

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The former World No. 1 prefers to work with people with whom she wanted to be in tough times. "In my sport, I hired people I could lose with - who I'd be comfortable losing with - because they are who would give me the best support. I mean, they took the losses hard. But if they're people you'd want to be with when you lose. Then, I'm sure you'll be able to celebrate well with them."

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