LeBron James has been everywhere this month. He's taping podcasts, speaking on panels, and attending galas.
The one thing he isn't doing is announcing which NBA team he'll play for next. His very public 'deliberation phase' is a masterclass in managing a career transition under a microscope.
MENTOR SPOTLIGHT
LeBron James
NBA Legend, 4x Champion, All-Time Scoring Leader
Over the last two weeks, LeBron James has been a free agent. He's also been impossible to miss. He taped live episodes of his podcasts 'Mind the Game' and 'The Shop' in New York City, spoke on a CNBC business panel, and accepted an 'Athlete of the Century' award at the Time 100 Gala.
While the sports world waits for his decision, he's not hiding. He is deliberately staying visible, running his media and business empire in public. He told the press he has 'all the information he needs' and is now in the 'deliberation phase.'
Most people go quiet when they're between jobs or big projects. They stop posting, networking, or sharing ideas. LeBron shows that the 'in-between' phase is the perfect time to reinforce your brand and build assets outside of your main job title.
You don't need the next step finalized to keep moving forward. You just need to be in control of the story.
IN THE NEWS
Sheryl Sandberg Sheryl Sandberg is placing her bets on AI. On July 16, the former Facebook COO led a $10 million investment in Self Inspection, a startup that uses smartphone cameras to assess car damage. Through her family office, she is using her capital and experience to fund new technology, showing how a career's 'second act' can focus on empowering the next wave of innovators.
Will Ferrell Will Ferrell is on a full-court press for his new Netflix golf series, The Hawk . He's on a multi-city bus tour, appearing on the TODAY show, and hitting the podcast circuit with stops on Hot Ones and The Dan Patrick Show . It’s a reminder that creating the product is only half the job; you have to be its biggest and loudest champion to make sure people see it.
QUICK WISDOM
"Commitment is a big part of what I am and what I believe. How committed are you to winning?" — LeBron James Sourced from his public remarks, this question defines his approach to both basketball and business.
"What would you do if you weren't afraid?" — Sheryl Sandberg From her book Lean In , this question challenges readers to pursue ambitious goals.
"If you ain't first, you're last." — Will Ferrell From his role as Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights , this quote captures an extreme, all-or-nothing mindset.
FROM THE BLOG
Steve Jobs's Guide to Saying No: A Practical Way to Protect Your Focus Steve Jobs didn't just say no to meetings; he cut entire product lines to protect Apple's focus. Learn how to apply that same discipline to your calendar, your projects, and your attention.
I read every reply. If something hit home this week, just hit reply and tell me.
— Jesse Krim Founder, Get Mentors