Alex Rodriguez, former Major League Baseball star and current co-owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, recently shared how a conversation with Magic Johnson radically changed his perspective on life and business
This encounter, which occurred when Rodriguez was just 21 years old, planted the seed that would lead him years later to become the owner of an NBA team.
A talk that lasted longer than expected
Rodriguez recalls that what was supposed to be a 30-minute meeting with Magic Johnson ended up stretching to more than three hours. During that time, he took nine pages of notes, impressed by the generosity and wisdom of the legendary Lakers player
I saw Magic in a suit and tie, and I thought, that guy looks like me, he comes from the bottom like me.
The impact of a role model
Magic Johnson’s figure as a businessman and leader inspired Rodriguez to think big. Johnson was not only an icon on the court, but also a successful sports investor, with stakes in teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Sparks. For Rodriguez, seeing someone with a similar background succeed outside of sports was a call to action:
Why not me? Why not us?
The legacy of conversation
One of the most powerful messages Johnson conveyed to him was that of generational responsibility:
When you do your thing, your obligation is to pass it on to the next generation
This advice had a profound impact on Rodriguez, who today seeks to be an example of transformational leadership for other retired athletes and entrepreneurs.
From MLB to the NBA
After retiring from baseball, Rodriguez partnered with businessman Marc Lore to acquire a majority stake in the Timberwolves and the women’s team Minnesota Lynx. Today, both own 80% of both franchises, and Rodriguez acts as governor of the Lynx. This transition from player to sports owner is a testament to the power of vision and positive influence.
A friendship that transcends sport
The relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Magic Johnson is more than just a friendship between public figures. It is an example of how mentoring and support can change the course of a life. Rodriguez not only found inspiration, but also a purpose: to be a bridge for others to dream big and act with conviction.
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