Candace Parker Talks Mentorship, Business Insights on The Deal Podcast
On The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly’s recent episode, Candace Parker gave an in-depth look into her business philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, learning, and relationship-building. Parker, who is known for her basketball skills, is also taking her business approach seriously, relying on the insights of experienced mentors and peers to enhance her understanding of the industry.
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Parker explained her unique approach by reflecting on how she connects with mentors.
“I love asking people for 20 minutes of your time, bimonthly,” she said, describing how she uses these sessions to dissect business strategies. “Can we go over this deck and you teach me what you saw or past decks that have been successful or companies that you’ve passed on?” she added.
These discussions reveal essential insights into the decision-making process behind successful investments, offering Parker, a deeper look into business fundamentals.
Parker, who has experience assessing talent and potential in her sport, observed that the qualities that lead to business success are often similar to those of top-notch athletes. She highlighted the intangibles that her brain pieces together over time, like an athlete’s positioning and court awareness, as being just as valuable in business. She is observing players’ vision, how they improve their teammates, and how they anticipate on the court when scouting. In business, similar characteristics can help distinguish strong leaders from effective collaborators, making mentorship all the more vital.
“It’s all about relationships,” Parker continued, underscoring that who runs an idea is just as important as the idea itself. “You can have an amazing idea and the wrong person running it, or an okay idea and the right person running it. And that’s what I’m learning the most from mentors like Marc Lasry.”
Parker acknowledges her mentors, including Lasry, who taught her the value of being intentional with her network. She acknowledged the significance of establishing connections with women in business, acknowledging the power of learning from those with similar experiences.
“I’m noticing how important it is for me to get in rooms with women, to learn, listen, and be a part of that network and growth,” Parker said.
Parker’s commitment to continuous learning was also highlighted in the conversation. Success in business is not solely based on big wins; it also requires understanding the process, even when it involves asking for guidance.
“Picking their brain, asking questions, and not being afraid to ask for time.”
Parker stated that that is what fuels her business acumen and propels her forward.
Her willingness to learn and her drive to apply knowledge from her mentors have made her a success.
Parker is as strong in business as she is in basketball, proving that her influence extends beyond the court.
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