Thirteen-year NBA veteran Shane Battier is passionate about creating a brighter world for the next generations.

On the court, success is often defined by the number of points on the scoreboard or highlight-reel plays. But for two-time NBA champion Shane Battier, success reaches far beyond personal achievement.  

A Detroit native, Battier shares his journey from winning championship rings alongside LeBron James to the world of philanthropy where he and his wife, Heidi, founded the Battier Take Charge Foundation. The mission? To empower young leaders and provide necessary tools to make a significant societal impact. It’s a testament to the deep sense of empathy he developed while growing up in a city marked by economic challenges.

“I still remember what it tasted like to go to Focus Hope in Pontiac and get government cheese,” Battier said. “The taste of a government cheese sandwich actually wasn’t too bad, but it always stuck with me.”

Battier credits his childhood for igniting his passion to create a brighter world.

Growing up in Detroit, a complex city often riddled with adversity, he developed a deep sense of empathy and a desire to create opportunities for those who needed them most. 

Battier’s journey took him from the courts of Detroit to the grand stage of the NBA where he learned valuable lessons about teamwork, mentorship and the importance of vulnerability. He recognizes that true leadership isn’t about commanding from the top but rather about being open to growth, asking for help when needed and acknowledging the vulnerabilities of others. 

In the sports world, “clutch” often refers to athletes who excel under pressure and rise to the occasion when the game is on the line. But Battier dispels the myth that clutch performance is a result of innate talent. Instead, he believes it’s about building a foundation of habits, learning from failures and being prepared for the critical moments.

The intersection of professional sports and philanthropy has become a powerful platform for social change. Athletes like Battier leverage their influence and resources to tackle societal challenges head-on. They understand that their success on the court is just one part of a larger game — the game of life.

Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, seamlessly weaves his story into this narrative. His book, “Big Bets,” not only provides valuable insight but also lays out a blueprint for transformative philanthropy. Dr. Shah emphasizes the significance of audacious thinking, risk-taking and collaboration as key pillars of his philosophy. 

“I’d say the best part of this journey is getting to meet, interact and connect with other people on this journey, often in a much more profound way,” Dr. Shah said.

He passionately upholds the belief that true leadership entails embracing vulnerability, learning from mistakes, and fostering personal connections. Dr. Shah wholeheartedly advocates for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and maintaining adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of global challenges.

Through his Take Charge Foundation, Battier and his wife implemented the same principles from Dr. Shah’s “Big Bets” on young leaders. They recognize that inspiration is a potent force, one that can drive individuals to achieve extraordinary feats. By nurturing and empowering young leaders, they aim to harness this inspirational power and channel it toward positive change.

Although the path to meaningful change is not without obstacle, how we confront and overcome these type of challenges is what defines true leadership. Battier and Dr. Shah draw inspiration from individuals like Molly Melching, a young advocate who single-handedly changed cultural practices in West Africa, and Mitch Landrieu, a leader who sparked a national conversation on race and reconciliation, transcending political affiliations.

As those kicks hit the hardwood, it’s not about individual glory, but the pursuit of a shared dream. 

“It has always been, and always will be, about the team,” Battier said. 

Battier and Dr. Shah continue to prove the power of teamwork, mentorship, and the courage to make “Big Bets” on a better world by reminding us that no matter where we come from, we can make an impact when we dream big, and take brave steps toward a brighter future.