Lessons from one of the NBA’s most exciting players for ambitious leaders
> Anthony Edwards, the player whose ability to defy gravity drew comparisons to Michael Jordan has now decided to play like Stephen Curry. His redefinition offers profound lessons not only for athletes but also for leaders across industries. Anthony’s transformation—from high-flying slam dunks to a sharpshooting maestro—illustrates the power of adaptability and relentless self-improvement. For business leaders, Anthony’s journey highlights the importance of setting clear goals, leveraging emotional connection to those goals, and experiencing tangible successes to fuel daily development.
“It’s like, ‘Here we go,’” Anthony said of the maturation of his game. “This is what’s supposed to happen.” His journey encapsulates a universal truth: stagnation is the enemy of success. Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a Fortune 500 executive, the drive to evolve must be ingrained in your DNA.
This philosophy is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences demand constant evolution. Businesses that rest on past achievements risk becoming obsolete. Leaders must ask themselves: What’s the next frontier? How can we adapt before we’re forced to?
This courage to pivot, despite the risk of backlash or failure, is what separates enduring leaders from those who fade away. Business leaders, too, must possess the audacity to challenge established norms, experiment with novel approaches, and take calculated risks to adapt to changing markets.
Growth is not accidental; it’s a deliberate process requiring commitment and courage. For business leaders, this means embracing the same mindset that drives top athletes: a relentless focus on improvement, a willingness to adapt, and a recognition that every step forward, no matter how small, brings them closer to their ultimate goals.
The Essence of Evolution in Performance
When Anthony entered the league in 2020, his explosive athleticism earned him comparisons to Michael Jordan. His dunks were awe-inspiring, but by 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves star had embraced a new identity: a 3-point sniper, drawing parallels to Stephen Curry. Averaging 28.1 points per game, the highest of his career, and leading the league with 58 made 3-pointers in just 11 games, Anthony’s transformation wasn’t just a change in playstyle—it was a reinvention rooted in strategic growth.
The lesson here is clear: mastery is not about resting on laurels; it’s about reinvention. Anthony’s willingness to leave behind the persona of the highlight-reel slam dunks to master the art of the three-point shot highlights the importance of identifying new pathways to growth. His story challenges the notion that past success guarantees future relevance.
For business leaders, this means staying ahead of industry trends, seeking out skills that add value, and never hesitating to overhaul strategies—even when the current ones are working. Relying on familiar strengths is tempting, but meaningful improvement often requires venturing into the unfamiliar.
Anchoring Development in Clear Goals
Anthony’s evolution did not occur overnight. His transformation began with a clear objective: to expand his game and become more versatile. The work began with the Olympics when he practiced alongside basketball’s greatest marksmen, including Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Through relentless experimentation and study in the off-season, Anthony tailored a shooting technique that suited his unique style, finally drawing inspiration from NBA colleague Damian Lillard.
But, why would someone with such a successful game as Anthony even bother to become a three-point shooter? In some ways, the answer is as simple as arithmetic. One of the most important statistical indicators in the NBA right now is who can attempt the most triples. Simply increasing those extra point opportunities can turn a good player into a great one – especially if that player, like Anthony, is converting more than 45% of his attempts.
In business, setting goals with personal and emotional resonance can unlock untapped potential. Yet, many professionals falter because their goals are either too abstract or lack personal significance. According to behavioral economists, emotional investment in a goal makes individuals more likely to persist through challenges. Like Anthony, leaders must align their aspirations with deeper motivations—whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or broader societal impact.
The Power of Incremental Wins: Learning from Tangible Success
Anthony’s ability to internalize and replicate new skills stems from a lifetime of actively incorporating lessons from others. In high school, he dissected the games of icons like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, practicing their moves until they became his own. This deliberate practice gave Anthony a library of proven techniques he could draw on, accelerating his transformation when the NBA demanded a shift.
Anthony’s journey also highlights the importance of incremental wins. It was the result of countless hours of practice and experimentation. Early on, Anthony tested different shooting techniques, mimicking players like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard until he found a style that worked for him. Each successful shot reinforced his belief in the new approach, creating a feedback loop of improvement.
In the business world, incremental wins play a similarly pivotal role. They build momentum, boost morale, and create a sense of achievement that sustains long-term efforts. A startup founder might celebrate securing their first round of funding, while an executive could mark the successful launch of a new product feature. These milestones may seem small in isolation, but collectively they pave the way for greater accomplishments. In general, businesses should create a performance-stimulating environment by fostering a culture of micro-achievements, celebrating milestones, and providing continuous feedback to employees.
Overcoming the Fear of Change
Change is inherently risky. For Anthony, the decision to move away from his high-flying style—a fan favorite—was fraught with potential downsides. Nevertheless, Anthony embraced the change, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term popularity. His mindset echoes the philosophy of great business thinkers like Jeff Bezos, who famously said, “If you double the number of experiments you do per year, you’re going to double your inventiveness.” Transitioning from gravity-defying dunks to perimeter shooting didn’t come without sacrifice. Some fans lamented the decline in highlight-reel plays. Yet Anthony recognized that adapting to the evolving demands of the NBA was essential for sustained success.
What makes Anthony’s journey particularly fascinating is how he balanced his new three-point-shooting prowess with the fearsome reputation he built around his aggressive plays and his slam dunks. Opponents still hesitate to guard him closely, wary of his ability to drive to the rim. This blend of old strengths and new capabilities has made Anthony one of the league’s most unguardable players.
Business leaders, too, must navigate the tension between tradition and innovation. Change often entails abandoning familiar practices, a process that can be met with resistance both internally and externally. The key lies in framing change not as a loss but as a step toward greater relevance and competitiveness.
The Drive Within Us All
At the heart of Anthony’s transformation lies an innate drive to improve—a trait shared by all humans. Yet, while this drive is universal, the realization of its potential often remains elusive. Many of us lack clearly defined goals or fail to recognize the small victories along the way. These barriers can leave us stuck in the status quo, unable to capitalize on our inherent capacity for growth.
Anthony’s journey also highlights an innate truth: the drive to develop resides within everyone. Psychologists emphasize that humans are wired for growth, yet the absence of a clear framework for self-improvement often stifles this instinct. Leaders who understand this can unlock extraordinary potential in their teams by fostering an environment of purpose-driven development.
For instance, organizations can create opportunities for employees to reflect on their personal values and align them with the company’s mission. Providing platforms for skill-building, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration further enables individuals to achieve their best. These interactions not only identify areas for improvement but also foster a culture of openness and continuous learning.
Practical Steps for Leaders
Anthony’s story is a blueprint for leaders seeking transformation:
- Set Clear, Emotional Goals: Define objectives that resonate on a personal level. Goals tied to emotional or aspirational themes are more likely to inspire action.
- Learn from the Best: Seek inspiration from industry leaders, whether through mentorship, case studies, or partnerships. Learning from those who excel can accelerate growth.
- Trust the Process: Just as Anthony’s faith in his preparation paid off, leaders must believe in the strategies they pursue, even when immediate results aren’t apparent. “I’ve been working on it, man,” Anthony said of his new-look game. “So I’ve got a lot of faith in it.”
- Celebrate Incremental Wins: Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each achievement. This builds confidence and maintains motivation.
- Embrace Discomfort: Change is rarely easy. Build on what you’re known for while exploring new opportunities to expand your capabilities. Leaders must prepare to make sacrifices and step outside their comfort zones to meet the evolving demands of their industries.
- Stay Data-Driven: Use insights and analytics to guide decisions and stay ahead of trends.
- Cultivate a Culture of Development: Encourage continuous learning within your organization. Provide the resources and time for employees to explore new skills and innovate.
Anthony as a Metaphor for Leadership
Growth is not accidental; it’s a deliberate process requiring commitment and courage. Anthony Edwards’ evolution from his aggressive style of play to a multi-faceted superstar is a metaphor for the journey every leader must undertake. It is a reminder that success in any field requires not just talent, but the willingness to adapt, evolve, and relentlessly pursue improvement.
Anthony’s journey demonstrates that the drive to improve is universal, but realizing its potential requires deliberate action. By setting clear goals, celebrating incremental wins, embracing adaptability, and seeking feedback, anyone—athlete or executive—can unlock their full potential.
No matter where you start, consistent effort, clear goals, and the courage to change can transform you into a leader who thrives in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re managing a Fortune 500 company or leading a small team, the drive to improve is part of the game—and its rewards are boundless
Let Anthony’s story inspire you to reflect on your journey. What changes can you make today to set yourself on a path of continuous development? The answer might just transform your game—on the court, in the boardroom, or wherever your ambitions lie.
To business leaders, the challenge is clear: how will you channel your inner Anthony Edwards? Will you continue to rely on strategies that have brought you this far, or will you take the leap to redefine your goals and push your boundaries? The choice is yours, but the path forward demands action.