Watch this episode, along with all of Seasons 1 and 2 of The Boardroom, streaming now on ESPN+.
In part 2 of a 2-part episode featuring candid conversations and insights between two of the most recognizable athletes in all of sports, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, SpringHill Entertainment CEO Maverick Carter, and Thirty Five Ventures co-founder Rich Kleiman talk about the transition from being a successful professional athlete to becoming an entrepreneur, finding projects that reflect personal goals and have cultural significance, and fostering initiatives that give back to the community.
This episode kicks off with a look at the LeBron James Family Foundation’s launch of the I Promise School in 2018, a milestone for LeBron’s philanthropic legacy, and his plans for the organization’s future. Kevin Durant expounds on the launch of his media company, business investments, and the work of the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation in Maryland and across the globe. Both athletes emphasize the sense of duty they feel to inspire the next generation not only by serving as blueprints for success but by creating new opportunities for young people in their hometowns.
The group also dives into the ways in which they use their own personal stories and diverse interests to make decisions about original content development, including the launch of James’s Survivor’s Remorse series and More Than A Game documentary. Durant and Kleiman detail how Kevin’s upbringing and experiences as a youth athlete playing AAU basketball serve as material for the forthcoming Apple scripted series, SWAGGER, as well as the overall inspiration behind The Boardroom itself.
As both LeBron James and Kevin Durant enter a later stage in their athletic careers, they share what advice they would give to a young athlete who is looking to build their brand and make their own mark on the world.
