Somehow, it’s Week 8. On Day 1 of MSBA 2018, Lorne, Bailey, and David all warned us this summer was going to go fast, but damn. I’m the type of person to get a little sappy and emotional, so I’m going to try to keep that to a minimum and not spend my last blog post reflecting on how incredible this summer has been. To be honest, I don’t think I could truly do it justice, and it’s just going to make me sad. What I will say briefly is this: Thank you, thank you, thank you Lorne, Bailey, and David for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you to my three amazing mentors, James, Carson, and David, for all of your time and advice. And most importantly, thank you to my fellow members of the MSBA Class of 2018 for being my biggest supporters. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do.
Instead, I’ll share my favorite pieces of advice I have received this summer. The other day at DREAM (huge shoutout to everyone over there for (a.) caring deeply about my personal growth and (b.) the impact they make every single day in East Harlem. The work that DREAM is doing is truly changing lives, and it has been inspiring to work with such kind, intelligent people. I digress …), I was asked what the best piece of advice I’d ever received was. While I knew I had received a lot of great guidance, I couldn’t think of an answer. Perhaps there is no quote that has completely transformed my life quite yet, but I honestly think some of the advice I received this summer will. Here are the best 10:
- “If it means something to you, you’ll find a way. If it doesn’t, you’ll find an excuse.” – Que Gaskins, National Basketball Players Association
- “Acknowledge and fight through the resistance.” – Jason Belzer, GAME,
- Jason spoke to MSBA about that voice in your head that tells you you can’t do something. I tend to doubt myself a lot more than I should, so Jason’s words are an important reminder whenever I question my abilities.
- “Figure out where you can create value.” – Mark Zablow, Cogent Entertainment Marketing
- The key to building relationships.
- “Come in every day with your most authentic self.” – Jovina Johnson, National Basketball Players Association
- “Be someone who just figures it out.” – Niveen Rasheed, National Basketball Players Association
- “Get your hands dirty and have a can-do attitude.” – Alex Schned, Wasserman. Same idea, different wording.
- “Be as fluid as possible.” – Jozen Cummings, Bleacher Report
- The job you’ll have in 10 years probably doesn’t exist right now.
- “It’s about business, not their love of sports.” – Tim Cahill, CSM LeadDog
- Not all your clients are going to love sports as much as you do. Relate to them on their terms.
- “Take chances and make the leaps.” – Katie O’Mealia, Bleacher Report
- Hoyas know what they’re talking about. As Shea Serrano would say, shoot your shot.
- “Just be incredible at what you do. There’s a choice we have to deliver results or excuses.” – Rick Nadeau, Madison Square Garden
- “Make the most of every moment.” – Casey Katofsky, MSBA ‘16
- Honestly Casey, I’m not really sure what your wording was but you encouraged me to take full advantage of my summer here, and that’s what I’ve tried my best to do. Also, thanks for telling me about MSBA in the first place.