Sports Agent and expert negotiator Ron Shapiro joined Brian Levenson to talk about how he got into the industry. He has had quite a journey as an author, attorney (after attending Harvard Law school) and he became Maryland State Securities Commissioner in his late 20's. He has worked as a consultant with NBA teams including the Spurs, Nets, and Thunder and an agent for stars such as Cal Ripken and Kirby Puckett and is also an advisor to the owner of the Baltimore Ravens.

In this episode they discuss how his family inspired him in his youth and the power of optimism (7:15), his path to Harvard Law and how learning to write there was key to unlocking his future (12:45), the value of being able to connect with people and how he overcomes fear in public speaking (17:40), why he decided to work in Baltimore after finishing law school to help desegregation and how he positioned himself into what he calls an "accidental career" (22:50), why empathy, compassion, preparation, and humility are essential to negotiation and how people are mainly a product of circumstance (33:15), the development of having confidence in negotiations and athletics when it’s time to perform (39:10), what made Cal Ripken Jr. special (42:50), the importance of experience and understanding precedents in his field (47:30), the transition from securities to sports (51:35), how one can be self-serving in a way that still helps others (57:15), and the values it takes for someone to run a sports organization (1:00:10). Finally, he discusses his regimented and intentional daily routine (1:03:25).

Thanks to Ron Shapiro for coming on and make sure to follow him on Twitter. You can also purchase his book The Power of Nice, How to Negotiate so Everyone Wins-Especially You!.

Also, if you liked this episode and others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @IntentionalPerformers.

Thanks for listening.

--Brian

Preparing, Probing, and Proposing with Ron Shapiro