LaVaughn Kelley decided to join the Navy due to the influence of his mentor Wayne Blair and his family background. His father served in the Air Force for 23 years, and he had a deep understanding of military service. Additionally, he wanted to serve his country and found a sense of purpose and community through the Navy.
Football provided stability and a sense of community for LaVaughn during his time at the Naval Academy. It helped him stay focused and motivated, especially during challenging times like his freshman year when the team didn't win any games.
The mission of Divine Sports Entertainment is to extend community and family beyond the business of sports, focusing on faith, mentorship, and providing a structured environment for athletes and entertainers to grow and succeed.
LaVaughn believes in the power of mentorship because success leaves clues. He looks for people who have achieved his goals and learns from their methods and experiences. Mentorship provides guidance and helps avoid common pitfalls.
LaVaughn applies principles of structure, adaptability, and clear communication to his work at Divine Sports Entertainment. He ensures programs have milestones and checkpoints, and he emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing risks.
Financial literacy is crucial for modern athletes because it helps them manage their earnings and understand the financial implications of their decisions, especially in the NIL era. It allows them to sustain their success and make informed choices about their money.
LaVaughn advises athletes to stay focused on their long-term goals and be mindful of the time they spend on social media. He suggests that the time spent on social media could be better used for practice, study, or other activities that enhance their performance and development.
LaVaughn’s favorite holiday is the 4th of July because he enjoys fireworks. Growing up in Florida, he and his family would often set off fireworks, and in Virginia, they would watch them at parks.
LaVaughn’s favorite NFL team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.
LaVaughn’s current focus at Divine Sports Entertainment is on recruiting and preparing for the next draft class. He is also pursuing professional development, including applying for a Harvard Business School executive leadership course.
Mick: "Welcome back listeners to another riveting episode of Mick Unplugged! I'm your host, Mick Hunt, and today we have an extraordinary guest who has effortlessly transitioned from the military to the sports industry. LaVaughn Kelley, a former Naval officer and current sports agent, joins us to share his remarkable journey. We'll delve into his roots at the U.S. Naval Academy, the crucial role of mentorship, and how military principles shape his leadership at Divine Sports Entertainment.
LaVaughn reveals the evolution of his faith-based organization, which aims to extend community and family beyond the business of sports. We’ll explore how football provided stability during his collegiate years, the vital importance of financial literacy and managing distractions for athletes, and the nuances of brand-building in the NIL era.
Get ready to be inspired by LaVaughn’s wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the essence of personal growth. Stay tuned as we cover all this and more in an episode that's packed with valuable insights and compelling stories. Let’s dive in!"
Takeaways:
· The journey to the Naval Academy was influenced by mentorship.
· Success leaves clues; learning from others is essential.
· Financial literacy is crucial for modern athletes.
Sound Bites:
· "I was always that underdog trying to drive up and get that eye."
· "We want to be an extension of family."
· "Success leaves clues."
Connect and Discover
*LinkedIn: * **https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavaughn-kelley/
*Instagram: * **https://www.instagram.com/lavaughn_kelley
Website: )divinesportsent.com)****
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