
Why Skills-First Leadership Is Replacing the Ivy League Playbook in the C-Suite
The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.
September 20, 2023: On Tuesday, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman are launching an advisory firm under the duo’s Boardroom sports platform.
The firm, Boardroom Advisory, will operate on a yearly fee structure and work with athletes, executives, and brands on creating business and sports ownership opportunities, scope etc the company said in a press release.
The firm doesn’t intend to compete with agencies and will work with athletes’ preexisting representatives, a representative for Boardroom said. The firm also isn’t disclosing client details at the moment. It will rely on its extensive network to draw clients.
Kevin Durant has launched a sports and entertainment advisory firm called “Boardroom Advisory.” The firm will offer services to athletes, executives, and brands, assisting them in creating business and sports ownership opportunities, content, and more. It will operate on a yearly fee structure and collaborate with athletes
‘ existing representatives, avoiding competition with traditional sports agencies. While specific client details are not disclosed, the firm will leverage its extensive network to attract clients. Durant, a prominent NBA player, co-founded Boardroom in 2019, focusing on the business aspects of media, sports, and music. This move aligns with the trend of athletes expanding their presence in the sports media and entertainment industry.
Durant, a 13-time NBA all-star and former MVP, has played for Golden State, Oklahoma City and Brooklyn. Now, he’s on the Phoenix Suns. Kleiman is Durant’s long-time manager. The two co-founded 35V (35 Ventures), a sports, media and entertainment company, in 2016.
Business manager Lorenzo McCloud, who has worked with Philadelphia 76ers guard and former Durant teammate James Harden, will join the firm as director of talent relations.
The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.
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The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.
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