ESPN's Bob Myers addresses the Harvard Law School Class of 2025

Summary

This speech reflects on the importance of patience, humility, and perseverance in achieving success. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, including the story of a friend's late acceptance into Harvard Law School and the decision-making process behind the Golden State Warriors' 2015 NBA championship win. Through examples like Andre Iguodala’s sacrifice to come off the bench, the speaker emphasizes the value of slow, deliberate progress and maintaining integrity. Ultimately, the message is that success is not immediate but comes with time, patience, and the right approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of patience in a fast-paced world that increasingly values instant gratification.
• 😀 The title of the speech, 'The Tortoise,' reflects the value of slow and steady progress in achieving long-term success.
• 😀 A key message is that impatience is a problem in today's society, and people often seek immediate rewards, which can undermine deeper, more meaningful accomplishments.
• 😀 The speaker highlights a personal story about a friend, Ike, who took 30 years to achieve his goal of attending Harvard Law School, illustrating the value of perseverance and patience.
• 😀 The speaker recalls a story from his time as General Manager of the Warriors, where the decision to hire Steve Kerr, a coach with no experience, paid off due to patience and careful planning.
• 😀 Leadership requires humility, and Andre Iguodala's willingness to accept a demotion from starter to coming off the bench demonstrates team-oriented thinking over individual success.
• 😀 Despite a drop in his individual statistics, Andre Iguodala's sacrifice helped the Warriors win an NBA championship, and he was later named MVP of the Finals.
• 😀 The speaker advises that success is not just about wealth or fame, but about having those who know you best love you most, and it requires building relationships over time.
• 😀 Integrity is key to long-term success. The speaker stresses the importance of honesty and not taking shortcuts, even when it might provide short-term gains.
• 😀 The speaker closes by reinforcing the idea that taking the time to grow, build relationships, and practice patience leads to meaningful and lasting success, drawing from the fable of 'The Tortoise and the Hare.'

Q & A

Why did the speaker choose to name their speech 'The Tortoise'?

The speaker named the speech 'The Tortoise' to convey the idea of patience and persistence, contrasting it with the modern culture of impatience. The tortoise symbolizes slow and steady progress, which ultimately leads to success.

What is the significance of the comparison to Blockbuster Video?

The Blockbuster Video reference is used to highlight how much faster and more impatient society has become over time. The speaker contrasts the wait for a VHS tape at Blockbuster with the instant gratification of modern technology, such as streaming movies on a smartphone.

What role did patience play in Ike's journey to Harvard Law School?

Ike's success in reaching Harvard Law School was rooted in patience. Despite initial setbacks and doubts, his long-term goal was achieved because he remained persistent and did not rush the process, ultimately leading to his success.

Why was Steve Kerr's decision to ask Andre Iguodala to come off the bench significant?

Steve Kerr's decision was significant because it involved a demotion for one of the team's star players. It demonstrated humility, teamwork, and a long-term strategy for the benefit of the team's success, as Iguodala's role as a bench player helped the team perform better.

How does Andre Iguodala's sacrifice reflect the concept of humility?

Andre Iguodala's willingness to come off the bench, despite being one of the best players, reflects humility. He put the team's success above his individual accolades, showcasing the importance of selflessness and prioritizing the collective good.

What does the speaker imply by mentioning the 'NBA Finals' and 'MVP' in relation to Andre Iguodala?

By mentioning the NBA Finals and Andre Iguodala winning the MVP award, the speaker emphasizes how patience, humility, and teamwork were rewarded. Iguodala's individual sacrifice ultimately led to a championship and personal recognition, demonstrating that success is earned through perseverance.

What is the message about the value of patience in the speech?

The speech underscores the value of patience in achieving long-term success. The speaker argues that, in an age of instant gratification, it is crucial to take things slow, build meaningful relationships, and stay committed to one's goals, even if progress seems slow.

Why does the speaker suggest that success should not be defined by wealth and fame?

The speaker suggests that true success is defined by having deep, meaningful relationships with those who know you best, rather than by external measures like wealth and fame. They emphasize that personal fulfillment and integrity are more important than superficial achievements.

What lesson about leadership can be drawn from the story of Steve Kerr and Andre Iguodala?

The lesson about leadership from Steve Kerr's decision is that true leaders are willing to make bold, unconventional decisions for the good of the team. Kerr trusted his instincts, listened to his staff, and made a decision that ultimately led to success, showing that leadership is about prioritizing the greater good over individual pride.

How does the speaker's definition of success relate to the importance of relationships?

The speaker’s definition of success focuses on building relationships over time. They argue that the relationships that matter most are those that take time to develop, highlighting that meaningful connections are more valuable than quick successes or material wealth.