Three Things I Learned from Stephen A. Smith

Joining us this week on The Deal is the incredibly talented Stephen A. Smith —New York Times Best-selling Author, Host, and Analyst. He shares stories of overcoming adversity, gives advice for the next generation, and discusses the highs and lows of the journey. With nearly thirty years in the industry, Stephen has intertwined a career in sports and business to become an unstoppable force. For the complete discussion, tune in to www.bloomberg.com/the-deal or your preferred podcast platform.

Never Give Up?

Stephen A. is not shy about his modest beginnings. He acknowledges his challenges and attributes his consistent and unwavering work ethic to those early struggles. He began his career as an intern at the Winston-Salem Journal, working 15-hour days and volunteering his free time to gain experience. He never shied away from hard work, continuously persevered through jobs that were not ideal, and remained humble along the way. Stephen A. was always willing to go back to the drawing board and learn more. I love that he is? guided by the philosophy that everyone’s journey is unique, each with its own set of challenges. The resilience you have amidst those challenges is what truly defines your character.

?If You’re Looking for Shortcuts Get Out of the Way??

Stephen A. shares a simple, yet powerful message: "do the work." He gets candid about today's social media-driven culture and a society focused more on “glitz and glamor” and material things. Nothing was handed to Stephen A. on a silver platter. He stresses the importance of making substantial sacrifices to be the best and explains how he missed holidays, birthdays, and time with loved ones in order to build his career. He also emphasizes how these sacrifices served as a strategic investment to build a lasting legacy and generational wealth for his family's future.

Understand the Value of Relationships

During our chat with Stephen A., we dive into the role that relationships have played throughout his career and the ongoing effort needed to nurture them. He highlights a common issue he's noticed throughout his career:

?People often prioritize relationships based solely on what they can gain, whether personally or professionally. He emphasizes the importance of approaching? relationships without expecting anything in return. When it comes to his mentors, Stephen A. explains that he usually chooses to observe as opposed to making an ask, positioning himself as a learner and a sponge.

It was incredible to sit down with Stephen A. Smith on this week's episode of The Deal. I loved every minute of it. He continues to be a sports media powerhouse with an incredible following and the business knowledge necessary to advocate for himself behind the camera. Stay tuned! Be sure to tune in to our weekly episodes of The Deal, where we dive into discussions with trailblazers in both sports and business.