UNLV Barrick Lecture Series featuring “On Business and Basketball” with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a renowned NBA legend, two-time Hall of Famer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivational speaker. Thanks to the generous support from philanthropist Marjorie Barrick, the series brings together distinguished speakers like Johnson.
Transitioning from the basketball court to the boardroom, Johnson, as Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), has translated his skills into successful business ventures. MJE focuses on delivering high-quality products and services to ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Notably, Johnson made history as a co-owner of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, and he’s involved in various sports franchises and businesses such as EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, ASPiRE, and SodexoMAGIC.
Continuing to evolve in the digital age, Johnson is investing in infrastructure and technology. Through his investments in companies like Uncharted Power, ShotTracker, and Jopwell, he’s contributing to innovation and diversity in the tech sector. Johnson’s dedication to motivating youth and emphasizing the importance of persistence and goal-setting is evident in his speeches.
During his captivating speech, Magic Johnson delved into the intricacies of his upbringing, recounting pivotal moments from his childhood that shaped his character and ambition. He painted a vivid picture of his journey, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise as a rookie for the Lakers, highlighting the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.
With unwavering determination and a relentless drive for success, Johnson shared insights into his transition from basketball icon to shrewd entrepreneur. He illuminated the audience on his diverse portfolio of business ventures, proudly declaring his status as a billionaire with billions of dollars in revenue spanning various industries. From acquiring over 125 Starbucks locations to pioneering the establishment of movie theaters in urban areas through partnerships with Sony, Johnson’s entrepreneurial prowess knows no bounds. Additionally, his strategic investments in companies like American Airlines and his monumental role in the acquisition and sale of the MLB team, the Dodgers, underscored his astute business acumen.
Despite his unparalleled success in the business world, Johnson remained steadfast in his commitment to inspiring the next generation. He passionately urged young minds to pursue their goals relentlessly, emphasizing the importance of resilience and unwavering faith in one’s dreams. Johnson’s dedication to empowering youth resonated deeply with the audience, igniting a sense of hope and determination in their hearts.
Throughout his presentation, Johnson exemplified values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance that transcended the realm of athletics. His extraordinary work ethic and unwavering dedication to excellence served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and athletes alike.
In a poignant moment, Johnson invited aspiring NBA and WNBA players onto the stage, fostering an open dialogue and sharing invaluable wisdom garnered from his illustrious career. Nikki Vargas, President of the WNBA team Aces, seized the opportunity to engage with the Hall of Fame NBA player, delving into his future plans and reminiscing about nostalgic moments from his storied NBA career. Johnson fondly recalled iconic figures such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird, paying homage to their legendary contributions to the sport.
Amidst the accolades and reminiscences, Johnson remained grounded, acknowledging the invaluable lessons learned from past experiences and the importance of humility in the face of success. His tribute to Kobe Bryant and his steadfast belief in Michael Jordan’s status as the greatest player of all time underscored his profound respect for his peers.
In essence, Johnson’s impassioned presentation underscored the timeless virtues of discipline and persistence as the cornerstones of success in both life and business, leaving an indelible impression on fans and the next generation alike.
