Work Ethic is Undefeated:

One of the critical lessons Henry emphasizes is the power of a relentless work ethic. Growing up, Henry was inspired by his father's tireless work in construction and his mother's dedication to social work. This instilled in him a discipline that has been crucial to his success. "Work is undefeated," he asserts, underscoring that persistence and an authentic pursuit of excellence can make even the seemingly impossible achievable. His journey from a junior college player to a small Christian university and eventually playing professionally in Sweden was challenging. Yet, he persevered, demonstrating the importance of dedication. His advice for those looking to succeed in the sports industry is to adopt a continuous improvement mindset and to find joy in the journey despite its challenges. "When you witness individuals or athletes wholeheartedly pursuing their goals, there is a sense of joy in their journey. Although challenging, they maintain a unique perspective and never give up. They are human, experiencing good and bad days, yet their unwavering dedication is evident around the clock. When I mention 'fruit in their lives,' I refer to the clear evidence of excellence. It's about more than what they do, but how they do it. You can apply the same mindset to your profession within the industry."

People First Always:

Henry's career is centered around the importance of building and nurturing relationships. He believes in the power of relational equity in an increasingly transactional world. His career progressed significantly due to valuable connections with influential figures such as Ritchie McKay. He provided his first opportunity at the Division I level at Liberty University and Nate Oats. Henry and Coach Oats worked together at a camp in Hawaii in 2012. Both were high school coaches striving to create opportunities. Over the next decade, Henry stayed in touch with Nate Oats before they eventually started working together in Alabama. Henry's networking philosophy prioritizes genuine engagement over transactional interactions. He explains, "I prioritize facilitating your goals over my agenda. I advise anyone preparing to work in the industry to prioritize people first." For those looking to break into the industry, this illustrates the importance of fostering authentic relationships and being prepared to support others’ success as much as your own. His relationships were not just stepping stones but pillars of his success.

Learning is Life, and Life is Learning:

Henry firmly believes in the "If you love it, pursue it." As he has risen to the top of college basketball, he has remained steadfast in his belief that persistence and consistency are essential for unlocking one's potential through continuous learning. Henry always seeks opportunities to learn and grow within and beyond his field. By constantly refining your knowledge and skills, you're not just keeping pace with change but staying one step ahead, marking yourself as an innovative and forward-thinking professional. He advocates for a mindset of lifelong learning, inspired by one of his favorite quotes from Alvin Toffler: "The illiterate of this generation will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." Henry's career path, from training athletes at Nike World Headquarters to coaching and mentoring young players, reflects his dedication to evolving and staying ahead in his field. He stresses the importance of formal and informal education, encouraging young professionals to seek knowledge from various sources, including books, experiences, and interactions with others in the industry.

What’s Happening in Sports

🏀 Hall of Famer Bill Walton, 2-time champ at UCLA and in NBA, passes away.

🏆 Boston Celtics sweep the Indiana Pacers to head to the NBA Finals. They await the winner of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series.

🏎️ Josef Newgarden wins his 2nd straight Indy 500, 20th overall for Roger Penske.

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