635: Rich Gotham (President of The Boston Celtics) - How To Build a Championship Organization

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Rich Gotham is the President of the Boston Celtics. He is responsible for all aspects of the Celtics' business operations. In addition, he works closely with Celtics ownership, basketball operations staff, and the NBA on basketball-related matters, as well as team and league initiatives. He succeeds “Red” Auerbach as Celtics team President and serves on the NBA Board of Governors. Since joining the Celtics in 2003, he’s helped grow team revenues by over 300%, and they’ve won two NBA championships.

Notes:

• Must-haves when making hiring decisions for a leadership role: Work ethic, self-awareness, a catalyst for positive energy, purpose-driven, and care ("give a shit").
• At the time, the Celtics were run like a mom-and-pop shop. Rich was brought in to help them run like a professional business.
• Rich was recruited to the Celtics by new owner (at the time), Wyc Grousbeck. 3 different people told Wyc that he should talk to Rich. – Add value. Leave people better than you found them. They will refer you to others for big jobs without you even knowing it.
• Celtic pride - grew up there, made you proud to be from Boston.
  • "Different here." 18-time champs.
• Pressure from fans to win: It beats indifference.
• Making bets on potential - Hiring Brad Stevens.
• Danny Ainge did a great job selling it to Brad.
• Watching Payton Pritchard warm up. He cares.
• Working with the Bruins and Red Sox leaders – Lower the ego, put yourself in their shoes. Seek first to understand. And find a way to get it done. Rich went outside of the office to meet regularly with a leader of the Boston Bruins to get their lease squared away. That had been an issue for decades, and he helped get it figured out so both sides could win.
• Advice - You have to have self-belief, believe in your ability. Don't let that get chipped away. Why should they pick you? Be vulnerable.
• Leave others better than you found them.