The sports world was saddened by the death of ESPN personality Stuart Scott. Scott, a fixture at the network for twenty years, battled cancer for years before succumbing on January 4, 2014.
An outpouring of stories and messages from fans, athletes and media personalities celebrating Scott's life and his battle with cancer flooded social media, including one from President Obama.
Much will be written about Scott in the coming days.
Looking at his career as an example of how to develop a successful sports business career provides some interesting lessons. Here are four:
How did Americans come to know Stuart Scott? After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1987, he worked for a number of local television stations in the Carolinas and Florida. In 1993, he took a chance and joined a "start-up" called ESPN2.
Of course in retrospect, calling any ESPN new venture a start-up seems silly. But at the time there was no guarantee that the new network would succeed - just like other start-ups.
In your own career, might working at a start-up unlock your career potential? Many people are reticent to take the risk of joining a new venture, but remember that such risks can have great rewards (as in Stuart Scott's case) and the downside if the project fails is fairly limited.
Once Scott arrived on the scene at ESPN, he never left.
Many of the other high profile on-air personalities - Rich Eisen, Dan Patrick, Keith Olbermann - left the ESPN family of networks over the years, while Scott remained. But that decision did not limit his career opportunities.
His career evolved from the anchor desk and included hosting Stump the Schwab, hosting the NBA Finals coverage and even interviewing Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama. So staying with one company certainly did not stagnate Scott's career development.
In your career there may be a temptation to leave for "greener pastures". And that can be the right move - and certainly played out that way for Scott's colleagues Eisen, Patrick and Olbermann. But the lesson that Scott offers is that moving between firms is not the only way to advance your career.
Scott's struggle with cancer began in 2007. But in the ensuing years he battled it publicly and privately while remaining true to his on-air craft, culminating with his powerful speech at the 2014 ESPY's as he was presented the Jimmy V Perserverance Award.
In your own career you never know what personal and professional challenges you may encounter with no advanced notice. When Scott was diagnosed in 2007, it must have been a tremendous shock. A young, vibrant, successful stricken by a terrible disease. He responded admirably.
When your life hand you difficulties - small or large - can you respond with strength and drive?
In reading the numerous accounts of touched the lives of those he encountered, a common theme emerged: kindness. As memorable - and visible - as Scott's battle with cancer was, the fact that he was kind and generous comes through in the first person accounts of his life. And in the end, isn't that the way you'd like to be remembered?
So in your own professional dealings be sure to treat others - at all levels - with courtesy, respect and kindness. It is a small thing on a day-to-day basis, but has the potential to leave a big legacy. Which is what Stuart Scott did.
An outpouring of stories and messages from fans, athletes and media personalities celebrating Scott's life and his battle with cancer flooded social media, including one from President Obama.
Much will be written about Scott in the coming days.
Looking at his career as an example of how to develop a successful sports business career provides some interesting lessons. Here are four:
- Working at a Start-Up Can Unlock your Career Potential
How did Americans come to know Stuart Scott? After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1987, he worked for a number of local television stations in the Carolinas and Florida. In 1993, he took a chance and joined a "start-up" called ESPN2.
Of course in retrospect, calling any ESPN new venture a start-up seems silly. But at the time there was no guarantee that the new network would succeed - just like other start-ups.
In your own career, might working at a start-up unlock your career potential? Many people are reticent to take the risk of joining a new venture, but remember that such risks can have great rewards (as in Stuart Scott's case) and the downside if the project fails is fairly limited.
- Staying at One Company Does Not Necessarily Limit Career Opportunities
Once Scott arrived on the scene at ESPN, he never left.
Many of the other high profile on-air personalities - Rich Eisen, Dan Patrick, Keith Olbermann - left the ESPN family of networks over the years, while Scott remained. But that decision did not limit his career opportunities.
His career evolved from the anchor desk and included hosting Stump the Schwab, hosting the NBA Finals coverage and even interviewing Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama. So staying with one company certainly did not stagnate Scott's career development.
In your career there may be a temptation to leave for "greener pastures". And that can be the right move - and certainly played out that way for Scott's colleagues Eisen, Patrick and Olbermann. But the lesson that Scott offers is that moving between firms is not the only way to advance your career.
- You Never Know What Obstacles You May Face Personally and Professionally
Scott's struggle with cancer began in 2007. But in the ensuing years he battled it publicly and privately while remaining true to his on-air craft, culminating with his powerful speech at the 2014 ESPY's as he was presented the Jimmy V Perserverance Award.
In your own career you never know what personal and professional challenges you may encounter with no advanced notice. When Scott was diagnosed in 2007, it must have been a tremendous shock. A young, vibrant, successful stricken by a terrible disease. He responded admirably.
When your life hand you difficulties - small or large - can you respond with strength and drive?
- Be Kind to People
In reading the numerous accounts of touched the lives of those he encountered, a common theme emerged: kindness. As memorable - and visible - as Scott's battle with cancer was, the fact that he was kind and generous comes through in the first person accounts of his life. And in the end, isn't that the way you'd like to be remembered?
So in your own professional dealings be sure to treat others - at all levels - with courtesy, respect and kindness. It is a small thing on a day-to-day basis, but has the potential to leave a big legacy. Which is what Stuart Scott did.