Secrets of Success: Kindness is Key

This week, Secrets of Success, a club that aims to inspire and motivate the community by sharing the paths of successful entrepreneurs and executives, welcomed Jermaine Thomas and Jordan Leslie, who grew up together in Texas with NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler. Thomas and Leslie discussed the history of successes and failures that brought them where they are today. 

Thomas reflected on getting his start as Butler’s day-to-day manager, which opened doors for him to eventually work for IQ Sports & Entertainment, a global, full-service management firm overseeing entertainment, media and venture capital endeavors. He talked about his uphill battle in college trying to figure out what he wanted to do and how his friends, family and mental toughness helped along the way.

Thomas said, “The road has been hard, and there have been speed bumps, but it’s having the mentality that helps you get over those things.”

Leslie discussed his journey as a former NFL player and how his work ethic kept him motivated in the face of adversity. “There are always going to be times when you doubt yourself, but you have to keep going, keep pushing through,” he said. Now he works in financial services and helps others with their financial literacy and business strategies.

Thomas’ and Leslie’s stories addressed the importance of networking, finding a mentor, working hard and being kind to everyone. Leslie offered up the advice, “Be a sponge; soak up anything you can from the people around you,” and Thomas reiterated the importance of treating others with respect, which can take you a long way.

After the meeting, junior and Secrets of Success Co-Founder Ari Harris said, “It was truly inspirational to hear Jermaine’s and Jordan's paths from the small town of Tomball, Texas to the pinnacle of professional sports and entertainment. I took away that the path to success doesn't just need the right attitude, confidence and work ethic, but an awareness of your impact on others and always trying to be a good person because every opportunity comes from a setback, and everything happens for a reason.” 

Inspirational speakers like Thomas and Leslie encourage Parker students to forge their own paths and find a way forward as they continue to grow into future leaders of our democracy.