Roy Williams, the head coach at UNC’s basketball power dynasty, just published Hard Work, a memoir of his life “on and off the court.” Williams rose from a childhood of poverty to become one of the most sought-after basketball coaches in th US.
Williams’s book contains much food for thought for career strategists. Did he have to take all those risks? What can we learn from this story about focusing on a goal with a “whatever it takes” attitude?
Career plans call for sacrifice. It’s best to make those sacrifices when you’re young; you have more energy and more return on investment. Regardless, a career change or business calls for single-minded devotion in the early stages. It helps to have a spouse who understands: someone who agrees to accept a pay reduction and cut vacations short.
Did he need to make this much sacrifice? Did he have to accept the part-time low-paying jobs? Might there be another path?
Good for discussion.