At my first job at the NBA, I had the privilege of working on so many different projects, from sponsorships, to hospitality suites, to game day efforts and more. While I learned so many hard skills before turning 25 years old, there were some lessons that no textbook could ever teach me. The best part is that I’ve transferred so much knowledge into every professional role I’ve had ever since. It doesn’t matter if you’ve started your career in corporate, non-profit, education, or any other industry, you can learn from any starting point. Here are a few career lessons that nobody told me about when I started out.
Career Lessons from the NBA that Nobody Told Me About
1. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Just like stepping into an NBA front office was intimidating, I learned quickly that real growth happens outside of your comfort zone. As a naturally introverted person, I realized that if I wanted to maximize my experience, I had to work hard, volunteer for extra projects, and interview for new positions… even when I didn’t feel ready yet. Success often happens outside of your safe space. Embrace roles that push your boundaries- they’re the ones that sharpen your resilience and ingenuity.
2. Invest in your future- starting with your 401(k). Nobody emphasized the importance of starting from day one. I truly wish that I started my 401(k) with that first paycheck. While my employer didn’t contribute to my retirement fund, my financial portfolio would’ve looked a lot different than it does now if I started earlier. Even small contributions snowball, thanks to compound interest and employer matches. As financial pros say: applying the 50/30/20 rule early can be life-changing
3. Failures are just lessons in disguise. In NBA sales, deals fall through, contracts shift, budgets get cut. In marketing, a lack of attention to detail can cost you valuable time, or in some cases your job. Any outcome that wasn’t positive I saw as a failure, until I saw them as lessons. Mistakes are stepping stones if you pause, reflect, and pivot accordingly.
4. Choose mentors, not just advice-givers. Everyone’s got an opinion; not everyone has your best interest in mind. When working in professional sports, sometimes another persons’ ego can push you towards a direction that isn’t right for you. I learned to vet advisors carefully- find people who’ve walked the path, who care about your long-term growth, not just their agenda.
5. Self-care isn’t optional. High-pressure sales demands meant burnout was always lurking. One day, almost two years into my career, I finally gave myself permission to take a mental health day- to recharge, reset, and show up stronger next week. Self-care not a sign of weakness- it’s smart strategy.
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously. When you’re that guy or gal chasing million-dollar deals with season tickets in hand- it’s easy to forget to laugh. Add on the fact that as a former Division I athlete, I was always trying to prove to myself that despite a lack of work experience, I belonged in the room, and I was meant for greater things. When things are weighing on you, I learned that a little levity goes a long way. Humor diffuses tension, strengthens connections, and (above all) keeps you sane.
7. Lean into the journey- not just the outcome. It’s easy to get fixated on closing that big corporate partnership. Just like in college, I was always focused on checking off a box, accomplishing a goal, or getting my next ‘win’, But success isn’t just the endgame- it’s the relationships you build, skills you sharpen, and stories you earn along the way. Finding joy in that can make your job feel so much more rewarding.
8. Believe in yourself through the noise. In a space where ego and prestige are everywhere, self-doubt creeps. I even remember showing a coworker the picture of me on the cover of Black Enterprise magazine and him laughing histerically because he thought it was photoshopped. My biggest lesson here was to treat my own voice as my biggest cheerleader. Belief becomes your backbone when uncertainty floods in.
These lessons aren’t just about marketing or sales- they’re about building a sustainable career and life. If I could pull my rookie NBA sales self aside, I’d say: invest in your future now, pause when you need to, and always keep sight of who you are and why you’re here. You’ll end up much farther in life than trying to power through or waiting until later to reflect and applaud yourself.