Three Things I Learned From Jay Williams

Spending time with the multi-hyphenate Jay Williams -- "Jay Will" to friends and fans alike -- is an exercise in energy. He comes in hot, in the best possible way, and is willing to "go there." In other words, the perfect guest for The Deal. He's also had an amazing life across his 43 years, playing basketball at the highest level at Duke and with the Chicago Bulls , until; his on-court career was cut short by a terrible accident. He's reinvented himself in the media both in front of and behind the camera and has team ownership in his sights. Here are a few lessons from our wide-ranging conversation (where he probably asked as many questions as Jason and I did).?

Early role models profoundly shape your worldview.

Jay talks a lot about emulating his parents. His dad worked at American Express and his mom was a guidance counselor who earned multiple advanced degrees while Jay was a kid, so he learned early about the worlds of money and achievement in all forms. Then he played for the legendary Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski at Duke, arguably one of the single best coaches and mentors in the world.

Everyone has setbacks.

Jay's motorcycle accident radically altered the course of his life and meant his professional basketball playing career was over. As he figured out a way to reinvent himself, he realized that he wasn't so different. "Everyone's had some sort of crash," he says. "Ours may be more extreme than others or more public than others, but maybe that's a place to actually build a bridge."

Find people to honestly challenge you.

Jay has a personal board of advisors who he expects to fully interrogate all aspects of his life, from his investment choices to his personal relationships, including those with his wife and kids. "I really get pushed and tested, and I appreciate that."

You can hear these lessons and more by listening to The Deal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also tune into the video companion on Bloomberg Originals and on Bloomberg TV. https://link.podtrac.com/0sn3i9w8