PDF Summary:Kingdom on Fire, by Scott Howard-Cooper

In Kingdom on Fire, Scott Howard-Cooper chronicles the era of UCLA's basketball supremacy under legendary coach John Wooden. Wooden's core philosophies—meticulous preparation, unwavering discipline, and nurturing player growth—fostered a dynasty that overcame challenges both on and off the court. From guiding pivotal stars like Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton to adapting strategies, Wooden's leadership paved the way for unparalleled success.

The book delves into Alcindor and Walton's personal journeys, exploring how societal tension shaped their views on racial justice. Howard-Cooper provides an inside look at the program's internal conflicts, controversies sparked by political unrest, and the mounting pressures of maintaining excellence that ultimately led to Wooden's retirement and the dynasty's conclusion.

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• The counterargument might suggest that the civil rights movement was a diverse coalition of many individuals with different religious beliefs and that focusing on Abdul-Jabbar's Islam might overstate the role of any single factor in his activism.
• It is possible that Abdul-Jabbar already possessed a unique voice prior to his faith journey, and his time at university simply provided a platform for him to express it more fully.

The contributions of Alcindor and Wooden fundamentally transformed basketball.

The author suggests that Alcindor's accomplishments were greatly shaped by Wooden's guidance. Their bond on the court, founded on reciprocal esteem, was evident, despite Abdul-Jabbar's early professional basketball career being devoid of emotional closeness. A crucial element of their collaboration was Wooden's unwavering support for Alcindor while he honed the skyhook, initially perceived as awkward and unpolished. Alcindor, recognizing the sincere dedication of his mentor, attributed his development to the guidance provided by the mentor, which ultimately led to his proficiency in the skyhook, a technique that would distinguish him in his professional basketball career.

The author highlights how Wooden adapted his coaching strategies to effectively utilize Alcindor's dominant influence on the basketball court. Initially hesitant to modify his strategy to incorporate a key player at center, Wooden embraced the opportunity with guidance from Press Maravich and thrived in maximizing Alcindor's talents. He subsequently acknowledged Alcindor as one of the athletes who was most open to his counsel. The coach's approach to directing a top-tier center developed as a result.

Context

• In sports, reciprocal esteem refers to mutual respect and admiration between a coach and player, which can enhance communication, trust, and performance on the court.
• The skyhook is a basketball shot made famous by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor. It involves a sweeping, one-handed motion where the player hooks the ball over their head, making it difficult for defenders to block due to its high release point.
• Known for his intellectual pursuits and interest in social issues, Alcindor may have been particularly receptive to Wooden's broader life lessons, beyond just basketball tactics.
• Their successful collaboration set a precedent for coach-player relationships, emphasizing mutual respect and adaptability, which became a model for future generations in sports.

Dynasty Challenges: Internal Conflicts, Unrest, and Waning Motivation Threaten Success

This section of the narrative delves into the internal conflicts that almost caused the Bruins' reign to collapse, emphasizing the challenges faced by the team and its captain. Sam Gilbert's provision of gifts to players ensured they remained content, the impact of national political turmoil on the institution and its basketball squad, and the way the excitement of past triumphs at UCLA was lessened by their continued dominance.

Sam Gilbert, notorious for his support of the team, later encountered legal issues connected to federal marijuana trafficking charges.

The author, Scott Howard-Cooper, illuminates the controversial figure of Sam Gilbert, who is recognized for backing the team and its athletes by skirting the rules of college sports. Gilbert, a successful constructor and property owner in Los Angeles, played a pivotal role in Wooden's triumphs through financial support and additional perks to athletes, actions that violated the rules of collegiate sports authorities. The author details how Gilbert's influence grew, especially due to his convincing tactics that ensured Lew Alcindor and Lucius Allen stayed at UCLA after their second year, when they were considering a transfer, significantly strengthening Gilbert's hidden influence.

Scott Howard-Cooper suggests that while advocating for openness and truthfulness, Wooden may have either disregarded Gilbert's deeds or been oblivious to them. The author suggests that despite Wooden's ethical nature, he likely knew that it was against the rules for a benefactor to give gifts to players, a viewpoint strengthened by the warnings from his former assistant coach, Jerry Norman, regarding Gilbert's influence. In the 1970s, Gilbert's increasingly blatant disregard for NCAA regulations led to the misuse of university resources for his own benefit, which included giving players cars, stereo systems, clothing, and airline tickets. The author highlights the contradiction of Gilbert promoting a program known for its moral leadership while he himself would later be accused and indicted for his role in an illicit marijuana distribution ring that was exposed by national law enforcement agencies.

Context

• The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) has strict rules prohibiting athletes from receiving extra benefits that are not available to the general student body. This is to maintain amateurism in college sports.
• During the 1970s, marijuana was classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 in the United States, meaning it was considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification made trafficking marijuana a serious federal offense.

Other Perspectives

• The support from Gilbert could be seen as a form of exploitation if it was intended to benefit him personally or professionally, rather than being purely altruistic.
• The rules themselves may not have been clear or may have been subject to interpretation, which could provide a defense for Gilbert's actions if he believed they were within the bounds of the rules.
• Gilbert's role in convincing key players to stay at UCLA might have been overstated, as the decision to stay could primarily be attributed to the players' own desires, the coaching staff's influence, or the success of the program itself.
• The responsibility for ensuring compliance with NCAA rules does not rest solely on the head coach; the university administration and athletic department also share in this duty.
• It is possible that Wooden trusted Gilbert and did not suspect him of breaking the rules, thus he might not have felt the need to scrutinize Gilbert's interactions with the players.
• The context in which Norman provided the warnings could have influenced how they were received; if they were given during a time of stress or high emotion, they might not have been taken as seriously.

Political unrest in the era of the Vietnam War encompassed demonstrations by students, conspiracies to assassinate officials, and the focus of President Nixon on maintaining strict legal and societal discipline, alongside the proactive efforts of UCLA's program and the involvement of Bill Walton.

This section is where the parallel tracks of sports dominance versus public unrest truly collide. Howard-Cooper sheds light on the impact of the Vietnam War on educational institutions across the country, with a special focus on California, through his depiction of student protests, disturbances on college grounds, and the presidential focus on maintaining public order, creating a tense backdrop against which the occurrences involving the UCLA basketball team unfolded. Coach Wooden's empathy extended beyond his traditional beliefs and personal experience in the navy, embracing even his son Jim's service in the Vietnam War. The initiative was spearheaded by Wooden, with strong support from his team.

The writer contrasts Wooden's reluctance to speak on social matters with the active involvement of his notable player, Bill Walton, who faced legal consequences after joining a campus demonstration in 1972. Wooden consistently aimed to uphold the integrity of a program known for its distance from controversy and felt discomfort when his star player became increasingly outspoken, turning into a target for politicians who sought to use Walton to further their political ambitions.

Practical Tips

• You can foster a sense of discipline in your daily life by setting and adhering to a personal code of conduct. Create a set of rules that align with your values and goals, and commit to following them strictly. For example, if punctuality and productivity are important to you, your code might include waking up at a consistent time each morning and dedicating specific hours to focused work without distractions.
• Create a dialogue group with friends or colleagues to discuss current events and brainstorm proactive solutions to potential challenges in your community or field. Regular meetings, whether virtual or in-person, can foster a culture of preparedness and collective problem-solving, drawing inspiration from how institutions have historically navigated periods of change.
• Create a digital storytelling project that captures the narratives of past activists and relates them to ongoing causes. Use social media platforms or a simple blog to share stories, photos, and interviews with individuals who were active in movements like those during the Vietnam War era. This can serve as both an educational resource and a source of inspiration for others who wish to engage in activism today.
• Engage in reflective writing by journaling about current social issues that resonate with you, drawing inspiration from the tactics and spirit of past student protests. Reflect on how you can apply the principles of nonviolent protest and organization to these issues. For instance, if you're passionate about environmental conservation, you could write about how you might organize a local clean-up initiative or awareness campaign, taking cues from historical protest strategies like sit-ins or teach-ins.
• Volunteer with organizations that support veterans and their families. Through this, you can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by military families and how they cope with challenges. This experience can inspire you to adopt a more empathetic and community-focused approach in your own life.
• Organize informal team-building activities, like virtual coffee breaks or group challenges, to strengthen relationships within your team. These activities can be simple, like a daily trivia question or a group fitness challenge, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
• Develop a personal policy for engaging in social discussions by setting clear boundaries. Determine the topics you're comfortable discussing and the forums where you feel safe to do so, whether it's with close friends, in a community group, or on a professional platform. For instance, you might decide that you'll only discuss environmental issues within a local conservation group and not on social media.
• Create a personal risk assessment checklist before participating in any form of activism. This checklist should include potential legal risks, personal and professional consequences, and steps to mitigate these risks. For instance, you might list items such as understanding local ordinances, having the contact information of legal assistance, and informing someone about your participation.
• Start a peer accountability group with friends or colleagues where you discuss ethical dilemmas and support each other in making integrity-driven choices. Meeting monthly to share experiences and challenges helps reinforce a commitment to integrity. For instance, if someone faces a situation at work where they're pressured to cut corners, the group can offer advice and encouragement to act in accordance with their values.
• Develop a feedback system that encourages constructive dialogue with people who have strong opinions. Create a simple online form or suggestion box where individuals can voice their thoughts. Make it a point to review the feedback regularly and address it in team meetings or one-on-one discussions. This approach channels outspokenness into a structured format that can be more comfortably addressed.
• Engage in community forums or online discussions to observe how others perceive political alliances. Take note of the arguments presented for and against certain endorsements without participating in the debate. This passive observation can provide insights into the public's perception of political motivations and help you form a more nuanced understanding of political strategies.

Wooden's team grappled with internal conflicts and discontent as they bore the substantial burden of securing victory.

Howard-Cooper delves into the burden of anticipated triumphs and the strain it placed upon Wooden's squad, leading to unrest and dissatisfaction. The team from UCLA created an expectation of consistent triumphs, especially with their unmatched run of seven consecutive national championships. The fan base of UCLA rapidly became intolerant of any flaws, be it a slim win or Wooden's decisions regarding changes in the lineup.

The author highlights how the quest for triumph introduced a noticeable tension in Coach Wooden's interactions with his players. The players found it challenging to adapt when basketball evolved from a beloved pastime into a professional pursuit, a time they expected to be filled with happiness but was instead marked by its absence. Wooden frequently expressed regret over the formation of such a formidable squad and yearned for the periods when he could guide his team out of the spotlight, because the pressure it exerted on him and his players was difficult to manage.

Context

• Success often brings increased scrutiny from fans and media, who may criticize even minor setbacks or decisions, adding to the stress experienced by the team.
• High expectations can alter team dynamics, as players may feel increased competition for starting positions and recognition, potentially leading to internal rivalries and a lack of cohesion.
• The period of UCLA's dominance coincided with significant cultural changes in America, including the civil rights movement, which also impacted college sports and athlete activism.
• The rise of television coverage during this era meant that more games were broadcasted, increasing public scrutiny and amplifying any perceived shortcomings in performance.
• The increased focus on winning and commercialization could detract from the enjoyment and educational aspects of college sports, leading to a more business-like environment that some players found difficult to navigate.
• The transformation of basketball from a passion to a high-stakes endeavor can diminish the joy of the game for both the coach and players, leading to regret over the loss of a more carefree and enjoyable experience.

The program's waning enthusiasm and edge in competition originated from the difficulties faced at Oregon State.

This passage underscores a critical juncture where the Bruins faced consecutive losses away from home against the unexpected victors, Oregon and Oregon State, in 1974, signifying the onset of their waning supremacy and competitive edge. UCLA entered the weekend buoyed by an 88-game winning streak and the 1973 national title, with the indomitable Bill Walton as their cornerstone. The writer emphasizes that the team's defeats mirror their internal conflicts. The Bruins found that their customary triumphs yielded little joy due to the heavy burden of success, resulting in a loss of intensity and concentration, which led to unexpected losses against two inferior teams.

Howard-Cooper chronicles the period following the Lost Weekend, capturing Wooden's search for solutions amid speculation from fans and journalists regarding the duration of UCLA's dominance. The team from UCLA abandoned their continuous quest for superiority, relinquishing their dedication to consistent enhancement. The squad rose to the top rank among the fifteen divisions, yet their weaknesses were apparent.

Context

• The 88-game winning streak set by UCLA remains one of the longest in men's college basketball history, showcasing their sustained excellence and competitive edge.
• Poor communication within the team can result in misunderstandings and a lack of coordination on the court.
• When winning becomes routine, the initial excitement and motivation that drive a team can diminish, leading to complacency.
• Success can sometimes lead to internal conflicts, such as ego clashes or disagreements on strategy, which can disrupt team cohesion and focus.
• At the time, both Oregon and Oregon State were not considered powerhouses in college basketball, making UCLA's losses to them particularly surprising.
• The losses during the "Lost Weekend" were significant because they marked a rare moment of vulnerability for a team that had been nearly unbeatable. This period forced Wooden to reassess strategies and team dynamics.
• The speculation was partly fueled by the immense pressure on the team to maintain their winning streak, which was unprecedented in college sports at the time.
• The 1970s were a time of significant social change in the United States, which could have influenced the players' attitudes and priorities, potentially affecting their focus and performance.
• As a successful program, UCLA might have faced challenges in resource management, such as balancing recruitment, training facilities, and support staff, which are crucial for sustained enhancement.
• The reference to "fifteen divisions" might be a metaphorical or historical way to describe the competitive landscape of college basketball at the time, emphasizing the breadth of competition UCLA faced.
• As UCLA's dominance continued, other teams likely studied their strategies closely, developing new tactics to counteract UCLA's strengths. This adaptation by opponents could have exposed weaknesses in UCLA's game plan.

The period of supremacy came to an end with Wooden's retirement and Walton's departure, as UCLA faced internal strife and increased scrutiny from outside sources.

The narrative section discusses the conclusion of the squad's period of supremacy, which came after the team faced a transition period following the end of John Wooden's coaching tenure in 1975 and Bill Walton's progression to the professional leagues, leading to a series of challenges for the once dominant team, including a tough season and ensuing disciplinary actions. Scott Howard-Cooper's final analysis delves into the lasting influence of the time period and the core tenets of the legendary coach, which have significance that reaches far wider than just the basketball court.

The Enduring Influence of Wooden in the Sphere of Basketball Mentorship

The story details the decision by Wooden to conclude his tenure as a coach in 1975. Wooden decided to retire from his position as coach sooner than anticipated, despite guiding UCLA to a remarkable ten championships over a span of twelve years, in part to devote more attention to his wife, Nell, whose health was in decline. The author highlights the way in which the relentless onslaught of disapproval and assaults from fans and media alike gradually diminished Wooden, leading to his frequent declarations of a desire to step down over the years. During a time when the program at UCLA witnessed an extraordinary rise, marked by the introduction of a freshman class without equal in its history.

Scott Howard-Cooper explores the intriguing contradiction in the legacy of Wooden, tracing his transformation from a strict coach known for often challenging the calls of referees and competitors to a revered guide in the world of basketball, imparting wisdom well into his nineties. Following his coaching career, Wooden became renowned for his lectures and publications, sharing insights on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth with people throughout the nation.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a mentor or accountability partner to regularly review your progress toward your goals. Choose someone who has achieved success in an area you aspire to excel in. Set up monthly meetings to discuss your "Championship Blueprint," get feedback, and adjust your strategies as needed. This partnership can provide you with the external perspective and motivation to keep pushing your limits.
• Create a "Stepping Down" roadmap for your current role, detailing the conditions under which you would consider leaving and the steps you would take to ensure a smooth transition. This could include setting financial goals, training a successor, or completing certain projects. This proactive approach ensures you're prepared for change and not caught off guard.
• Create a mentorship moment during each practice or meeting where you share a personal story of a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. This helps to humanize you as a leader and provides a relatable learning experience for your team members, showing that growth and learning are continuous processes.
• Start a peer feedback system in your team or with a group of friends where everyone anonymously writes down one strength and one area for improvement for each member. This exercise will help you understand how others perceive your teamwork and leadership skills, providing you with valuable insights that you might not have considered.

Bill Walton's move from UCLA to the Portland Trail Blazers signified the conclusion of his college basketball chapter, which was characterized by intense examination, yet his time in the professional league was cut short by injuries.

Bill Walton began his professional journey in basketball when the Portland Trail Blazers picked him as the second choice in the draft. The writer highlights Walton's pursuit of a fresh challenge and a break from the rigorous examination he faced at UCLA, discovering that the laid-back atmosphere of Portland, coupled with a team committed to teamwork, was a perfect match for his skills and temperament. Despite a multitude of injuries, Walton led his team to victory in Oregon, clinching the NBA championship in 1977.

The author emphasizes the significant transformation in Walton, drawing parallels with Wooden's own evolution, by highlighting the profound changes in Walton's attitude and outlook over the years. He transformed from a shy and reflective young man into a mature figure adored by supporters for his benevolence and considerate nature, and for his enthralling personality that emerged in his final years as a player in Portland and during his tenure as a sports commentator. The author also spotlights how Walton learned to manage his stuttering, turning the once-incapacitating physical act into a quirky personality trait.

Context

• The NBA draft is an annual event where teams select eligible players to join the league. Being picked second overall indicates that Walton was highly regarded for his skills and potential impact on the team.
• The media landscape in Los Angeles, where UCLA is located, was particularly intense, with a large number of outlets covering the team, increasing the pressure on high-profile players like Walton.
• Portland's smaller market and community-focused fan base likely allowed Walton to connect more personally with fans, enhancing his experience and performance on and off the court.
• The Portland Trail Blazers' victory in 1977 was their first and only NBA championship. Walton's performance was pivotal, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award for his outstanding play.
• Throughout his life, Walton has been influenced by various philosophical and spiritual teachings, including those of Eastern philosophies, which have informed his approach to life and personal growth.
• Walton's journey included overcoming personal challenges such as stuttering, which he managed to turn into a positive aspect of his personality, demonstrating personal growth and adaptability.
• The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift in how athletes were perceived, with a growing appreciation for individuality and charisma, which may have encouraged Walton to embrace and showcase his unique personality traits.
• For athletes like Walton, who transition into roles such as sports commentary, managing stuttering is crucial for effective communication and audience engagement.

The team from UCLA encountered challenges and ultimately clinched second place, while also dealing with penalties related to violations during the Wooden era.

Howard-Cooper chronicles the challenges UCLA faced following Wooden's departure from coaching. Gene Bartow assumed responsibility for the program following Wooden and encountered the challenging duty of upholding its esteemed legacy. Bartow, though a capable coach, struggled to motivate a team still grappling with their loss to North Carolina State during the 1974 Final Four, missing the magnetic allure that Wooden possessed.

The author suggests that the UCLA program was also burdened by its past misconduct. The NCAA began an official investigation into Sam Gilbert's off-court conduct, which, although well-known, had not been scrutinized during the period when the team was coached by John Wooden, following the death of J. D. Morgan and his departure from various roles at the university. The writer highlights the chronology and the advice from Brent Clark, indicating that if the NCAA had tried to penalize UCLA during its prime in the 1960s and 1970s, it would have probably met with significant opposition.

The program's reputation was tarnished in December 1981 when it encountered sanctions and disciplinary actions, despite indications of wrongdoing during its series of championship triumphs. The author highlights that, despite being a comparatively mild sanction considering the potential consequences of challenging a venture supported by Wooden and favored by public figures, celebrities, and numerous fans who demanded the NCAA leave their team alone, the two-year suspension posed a significant obstacle for the Bruins.

Context

• Sam Gilbert was a prominent booster for the UCLA basketball program during John Wooden's tenure. Boosters are typically wealthy supporters who provide financial assistance and other benefits to college athletic programs.
• The public and media often have strong reactions to NCAA sanctions, especially when they involve popular teams. Fans and alumni may feel protective of their teams, leading to controversy and debate over the fairness of the penalties.

Other Perspectives

• The notion that UCLA's challenges were a direct result of Wooden's departure assumes a cause-and-effect relationship that may not account for the complexity of the situation, including the potential for existing issues within the program that were unrelated to the coaching change.
• The team's motivation levels could have been influenced by external factors such as the pressure of living up to the Wooden legacy, which might have affected their performance independently of Bartow's motivational efforts.
• The NCAA's delayed investigation into Sam Gilbert's activities could be seen as a failure on the part of the NCAA itself, rather than solely a burden for the UCLA program.
• A two-year suspension, while challenging, could have provided an opportunity for the UCLA Bruins to regroup, reassess their strategies, and rebuild the team's foundation, potentially leading to long-term benefits.

The lasting accomplishments of UCLA, marked by the influx of new players, the guidance of various coaches, and the lasting impact of John Wooden, showcase the importance of the athletic powerhouse.

In his examination, Scott Howard-Cooper delves into the ways UCLA sustained its supremacy in collegiate athletics even after NCAA sanctions and the conclusion of John Wooden's era. Fresh faces emerged and various coaches attained significant accomplishments. The writer suggests that the lasting impact of Wooden's time as a coach goes beyond his win-loss record, and is instead found in his emphasis on fundamental basketball skills, his commitment to strict discipline, and his promotion of team play, together establishing a benchmark for coaching at different levels of basketball and leaving a permanent mark on the game.

John Wooden's lasting values significantly shaped UCLA, elevating its athletic department through his esteemed legacy as a caring and ethical teacher. The author explores the evolution of UCLA basketball from the period under Coach Wooden to the present day, highlighting the lasting impact of his unique coaching style and his core values. The author suggests that the dedication of the coach to lifelong learning and his adeptness at adapting to changing situations allowed his legacy to impact future Bruins, even those who gained prominence well beyond his tenure.

Practical Tips

• Embrace new perspectives by joining a diverse club or group unrelated to your current interests. By doing so, you'll expose yourself to fresh ideas and different coaching styles, much like a sports team benefits from new players and coaches. For example, if you're into technology, consider joining an art or outdoor adventure group to challenge your thinking and learn from others with different expertise.
• Create a "Beyond the Metrics" portfolio that showcases your contributions that aren't captured by traditional performance indicators. If you're in sales, this could include mentoring junior colleagues, enhancing team morale, or developing innovative sales strategies that benefit the whole team.
• Develop fundamental skills in a new area by adopting a 'skill-swap' approach with someone who excels in that field. For example, if you want to get better at cooking, find a friend who's a great cook but wants to learn something you're skilled at, like graphic design. Arrange regular sessions where you teach each other your respective skills, ensuring a focus on the basics and mutual growth.
• You can enhance your coaching philosophy by creating a personal "Coaching Playbook" that outlines your core values, strategies, and methods. Start by reflecting on what you believe are the key components of successful coaching, such as communication, discipline, and adaptability. Write these down and develop actionable steps for each value that can be implemented during practice sessions or games. For example, if communication is a core value, one step might be to establish a routine for team meetings that encourages open dialogue between players and coaches.
• Implement a 'values check-in' during decision-making processes. Before making significant decisions, ask yourself how each option aligns with your values. If you value innovation, score your options based on how much they encourage new ideas or approaches, helping to guide your choices towards those that best reflect your commitment to innovation.
• Start a peer recognition program at your school or office to acknowledge acts of kindness and ethical behavior. Encourage participants to nominate others who exemplify these traits, and celebrate these individuals in a monthly newsletter or bulletin board. This not only highlights positive behavior but also motivates others to act similarly.
• Create a "team playbook" for your family or workgroup that outlines expected behaviors and goals. This playbook can serve as a reference for everyone's roles and responsibilities, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. For instance, if teamwork is a priority, the playbook might include guidelines for collaboration and supporting each other's success.
• Implement a "Future Friday" ritual where you dedicate one hour every Friday to learning something outside of your current expertise or comfort zone, with the intention of sharing this knowledge with someone else. This could be as simple as watching a documentary on a topic you know little about, then discussing it with a friend or family member, thereby spreading the ripple effect of learning and potentially impacting others' lives.
• Develop a personal "adversity playbook" by journaling your responses to small daily setbacks. Each day, write down a challenge you faced, how you responded to it, and what the outcome was. Over time, review your journal entries to identify which responses were most effective and why. This self-analysis will help you build a set of personal best practices for dealing with adversity, inspired by the resilience demonstrated by successful organizations.
• You can seek out mentorship from individuals who have a track record of fostering new talent to gain insights into achieving your own significant accomplishments. By connecting with experienced mentors, you can learn how they identify and nurture potential, which can help you in your personal or professional growth. For example, if you're an aspiring entrepreneur, find a business mentor who is known for their ability to spot and develop new talent.