As a young boy working as a ball boy for the San Diego Clippers, I learned a powerful lesson about human interaction that would shape my entire business philosophy. The contrast between two basketball legends’ treatment of a nervous 12-year-old kid created a ripple effect worth millions of dollars in future business decisions.
My first day on the job was a Lakers versus Clippers game, and I was understandably nervous. When I made a mistake around Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, his reaction was harsh and demeaning. I ran out crying to my mother, ready to quit on the spot. Despite my tears, my mom insisted I finish the season—a parenting decision I’m now grateful for because it led to a contrasting experience that would become foundational to my business mindset.
A Tale of Two Legends
The next game featured the Sixers against the Clippers. I was completely gun-shy, especially around the star players. When Doctor J (Julius Erving) noticed I had placed six pairs of socks in his locker, he didn’t berate me. Instead, he asked a simple question: “Son, why’d you give me so many socks?”
When I explained that I was just following instructions, he turned the moment into something special. Learning I had five siblings, he said, “Perfect,” and asked me to bring the extra socks to him. He then signed each pair for my brothers and sisters, and even autographed a basketball just for me.
The difference in how these two legends treated a young boy couldn’t have been more stark—or more consequential.
The Million-Dollar Lesson
Years later, as my career in sports management developed, I had numerous opportunities to hire Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for various lucrative engagements. Each time, I remembered that day when he humiliated a 12-year-old boy. And each time, I called Doctor J instead.
By my estimation, Doctor J probably netted over a million dollars from my referrals—business that Kareem lost because of a brief, thoughtless interaction with a child. This perfectly illustrates one of my core philosophies: be kind to your future self.
The Business Impact of Personal Interactions
This childhood experience taught me several crucial business lessons:
- Every interaction has potential long-term consequences
- How you treat people when you’re at your peak influences opportunities when you’re past it
- Kindness creates a network of advocates who remember you favorably
- A moment of impatience can cost years of potential partnerships
The sports and entertainment industry is relationship-driven. The way you treat people—especially when you think it “doesn’t matter”—often determines future opportunities. Doctor J probably had no idea that his small act of kindness toward a young ball boy would eventually translate into substantial business opportunities years later.
Kindness as a Business Strategy
I’ve applied this principle throughout my career at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment and in all my business ventures. Being kind isn’t just morally right—it’s strategically smart. The people you encounter on your way up are often the same ones you’ll need when circumstances change.
This doesn’t mean being transactional with your kindness. Rather, it means understanding that consistent character and treating people well creates a positive reputation that pays dividends throughout your career.
When I mentor young entrepreneurs and athletes today, I often share this story. The lesson is simple but profound: your behavior in seemingly insignificant moments can have million-dollar implications down the road.
So be kind to your future self. The small moments of grace you extend today might create opportunities you can’t even imagine tomorrow. And the harsh words you choose to withhold might prevent doors from slamming shut years later.
That day as a 12-year-old ball boy taught me more about business than many of my formal education experiences. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from unexpected teachers—like a basketball legend who took a moment to turn a mistake into a memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did this childhood experience influence your management style?
This experience fundamentally shaped how I approach leadership. I’ve always prioritized treating everyone with respect regardless of their position. At Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, I established a culture where everyone from interns to executives was valued. This approach helped build loyalty and created a network of people who supported our agency’s growth.
Q: What other business lessons did you learn from your time as a ball boy?
Beyond the importance of kindness, I learned about professionalism, attention to detail, and working under pressure. Being around professional athletes showed me the dedication required for excellence. I also observed how the best organizations treated everyone in their ecosystem with respect—from the stars to the support staff—creating a culture of excellence.
Q: Q: Did you ever encounter Kareem Abdul-Jabbar again later in your career?
Yes, our paths crossed occasionally in professional settings. I maintained professional courtesy, but I never forgot that initial interaction. It’s worth noting that people can change, and perhaps Kareem evolved in his approach to others over time. However, that first impression had already influenced my business decisions regarding him.
Q: Q: What does “be kind to your future self” mean in practical business terms?
In practical terms, it means making decisions today that your future self will thank you for. This includes building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones, maintaining integrity even when it’s challenging, and treating people well regardless of what you think they can do for you. It also means understanding that your reputation is built on countless small interactions that collectively define how others perceive you.
Q: Q: How can young professionals apply this philosophy early in their careers?
Young professionals should recognize that everyone they encounter—from the receptionist to the CEO—may play a role in their future. Practice authentic kindness, follow through on commitments, and understand that your network often determines your opportunities. Document your contacts, remember personal details, and look for ways to add value to others without expectation of immediate return. These habits create a foundation for long-term success.
