兔子先生

Even though I am not an athlete, I love to watch various sports, especially soccer. So, while a recent event featuring a prominent sports investor and executive was not directly related to my field of study, I found it extremely informative and interesting. After attending the Sports Leadership Exchange Speaker Series event with , a distinguished business leader, philanthropist, and professional sports executive, I found myself reflecting on what really drives one to be successful, especially when working as a part of a team.

This event focused mainly on leadership and the impact it has on and off the court (track, field, wherever competition may be taking place) as part of a wide-ranging discussion between Mr. Lasry and University President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D.

When it started, I quickly realized that it was more than a discussion about sports. It was also about the lessons from sports and how it can be applied to business, education, and everyday life.

Mr. Lasry鈥檚 journey to success was really inspiring to me. He shared that he had dreams of playing in the NBA, but his path shifted to business and investing. As he became more successful, he started to invest in different sports, including pickleball and rugby.

Although , his passion for the subject also mattered. He realized that he liked rugby, which swayed his decision to keep ownership of a rugby team instead of selling it. This showed me that success is not always about financial gain, but also about finding something you care about and sticking with it.

Moreover, one of the most interesting ideas that Mr. Lasry discussed was the uniqueness of sports.

鈥淚n business and in life, people tend to drop things that are no longer beneficial or enjoyable; so, you will drop things that are no good,鈥� he said. There is an emotional connection, though, that keeps people invested in sports, during the ups and downs, whether they are fans, players, or even owners. This is what make sports so powerful and precious. As Lasry said: 鈥淪ports break all the rules.鈥�

President Frederiksen asked about what it was like to transition from being a fan to becoming an owner and investor. Lasry responded by describing himself as, 鈥渙ne of those annoying owners who actually got very involved,鈥� which shows that leadership requires more than just being a financial contributor.

He also emphasized that one of the biggest factors behind success is building a strong team. He said, 鈥淭he way you succeed in life is through a team.鈥� According to him, while individual talent is important, it is not enough on its own and that, 鈥渢rue success comes from creating a team where people are willing to work together toward a shared goal.鈥�

He supported this statement with an example from his time as a co-owner of the . He mentioned star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is considered one of the best basketball players in the league. Even when competing against other strong teams and great players, the Bucks were still able to succeed, culminating in winning a championship in 2021.

The main difference was that their players were willing to make sacrifices for one another and prioritize the team over individual success. The aspect of, 鈥渃reating a team instead of just having talent鈥� stood out to me because it applies to so many aspects of life, especially as a college student working in groups or preparing for future careers.

Another takeaway from this forum was the importance of culture. President Frederiksen asked Mr. Lasry about parallels, in terms of how he thought about risks, long-term vs short-term, and the lessons he learned that transcends the two.

鈥淚 think you have to build a culture,鈥� Mr. Lasry said. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 very important that you have an organization that people want to be a part of.鈥� He explained that in both his investment firm and his involvement in sports, building the right culture is essential for long-term success.

He avoids hiring individuals who are overly focused on themselves. Even if they are extremely talented, that trait could damage the team dynamic. Instead, he prioritizes people who are willing to contribute to the shared goal, and who constantly ask themselves and others, 鈥渨hat are we doing for the good of the team?鈥� This allowed me to reflect on how important it is to be a part of a positive and collaborative environment, rather than focusing on individual achievements.

The conversation also covered how much the sports industry is evolving. Mr. Lasry stated that sports are becoming increasingly global, which is a major shift. He explained that teams are supported by revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and media, with media accounting for the largest portion, approximately 60 percent.

He also talked about generational differences, saying that, 鈥渨hile older generations tend to watch full games, younger audiences often consume sports through highlights and short clips.鈥� I believe this is 100% true. This change often leads to uncertainty for streaming platforms, and it also raises questions about how they will continue to profit in the future.

Additionally, sports organizations can serve as more than entertainment. Sports franchises can act as an economic and civic anchor for their communities while demonstrating leadership, long-term vision, and decision making under pressure. Sports have a meaningful impact beyond the game itself.

Overall, I came away with a greater appreciation for the connection between sports, business, and leadership. Even though I attended as someone who simply enjoys watching sports, I left with insights that I believe to be relevant in my own life, career, and future. It made me think more about the importance of teamwork, culture, and passion in whatever path I choose.

One piece of advice that Mr. Lasry shared really stayed with me through the entirety of the forum, which was: 鈥淚f you really have a passion, persevere. Be the person who stands out, go for sales, force personality. Work hard and spend the time, as hard work pays off.鈥�