Lessons from the Deal that Changed the Game

Did anyone else walk away from the movie “Air” completely inspired? I was on the edge of my seat, knowing full well how the story ended, feeling fortunate for a peek behind the curtain on one of the biggest sports deals in history. With so many valuable lessons that can be applied far and wide, I’m taking a page out of Phil Knight’s book and sharing a few of my favorite soundbites below:

Resilience in the face of adversity: "Air" depicts how leaders rise above challenges and persevere through difficult times. By staying resilient, they inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of determination and growth.

Effective communication: Clear and concise communication is paramount in leadership, and "Air" emphasizes this. Leaders who master the art of communication can align their teams, inspire collaboration, and achieve remarkable results.

Empathy and understanding: In the movie, leaders demonstrate the power of empathy by listening, understanding, and supporting their team members. By nurturing genuine connections, they create a positive work environment that boosts morale and productivity.

Knowing your worth: If Deloris Jordan hadn’t believed in and fought for the deal she knew her son deserved, we might not know Nike’s most successful brand – one that generated more than $5 billion in revenue in 2022 alone.?

Decisiveness under pressure: True leaders excel in making tough decisions when the stakes are high. "Air" showcases the importance of swift and well-thought-out choices, highlighting how they impact the team's success and overall outcome.

Adaptability and innovation: Change is inevitable, and great leaders embrace it with open arms. Through "Air," we witness leaders who adapt to evolving circumstances, foster a culture of innovation, and guide their teams to thrive in a dynamic environment.?

Leading by example: Actions speak louder than words, and leaders in "Air" understand this well. By modeling the behavior they expect from others, they become a source of inspiration, trust, and motivation for their team members.

Building a cohesive team: Effective leaders know the power of teamwork. "Air" emphasizes the significance of building a cohesive and diverse team, where each member's strengths are leveraged and collaboration is encouraged, leading to outstanding achievements.

Understanding the true decision maker: Yes, it was Michael’s deal to sign on the dotted line, but as depicted, Sonny Vaccaro understood that the real force behind getting this done would be his mother, Deloris Jordan.?He circumvented all protocols (knowing it could get him fired) to get to the only person who mattered, and it paid off.

It’s the journey, not the destination: Each person at the table took a distinct, often bumpy, path preparing them for the moment to shine. Those journeys armed each person with exactly what they needed to bring their best at that moment. They didn’t set out to make history, they were able to recognize a moment and a person who forced them to change the game for the better. Making history was a byproduct.?

And one more, a real gem – right toward the end, Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) who fully understands the magnitude of the precedent-setting deal he’s desperate to close makes the brilliant decision to give the idea, the glory, to his leader. By not asking for the deal to get done but by apologizing that of course it couldn’t happen. Saying their demands were too grand, it would never get approved by the board. He consciously gave Phil Knight the opportunity to claim the victory and close the deal. Which of course he does, “why couldn’t it work? Leave the board to me.” Sonny takes his ego out of the equation to get the deal done. Completely brilliant. Literally historic.?

What did you think? Any highlights that stood out for you? Would love to hear your takeaways even if they're about the 80s hair and fashion.

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