Fortune released its list of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” last week and slotted in at No. 11—right between German Prime Minister Angela Merkel and Ohio Governor John Kasich—was three-time NBA champion LeBron James. Fortune noted that it included LeBron among such luminaries as Pope Francis and Elon Musk because of his leadership on and off the court. “James has realized this ambition through the LeBron James Family Foundation, which will provide mentoring and full college scholarships to 1,100 underprivileged children in his hometown of Akron.” The program also provides bicycles for kids who can’t afford them, through it’s Wheels For Education program. James’ foundation even began offering educational and financial support to Akron adults who want to get their GED certificate.
LeBron took to Twitter to acknowledge his inclusion on the list, but he quickly turned his attention toward the people who helped lead him from being an underprivileged kid in Akron, Ohio, to a career in the NBA: parents, teachers, and youth coaches. And while honoring those mentors, he argued that the next generation of coaches needed to step up and lead.
Humbled, but this goes to the parents raising, teachers educating & partners supporting my kids. You're THE leaders… https://t.co/vQxLdGODbZ— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490544853.0
Man if it wasn't for Big Frank, Bruce Kelker, Willie Earl, @CoachDambrot @CoachDruJoyce I wouldn't be the player/man I am today! As a kid...— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575304.0
they showed toughness and stayed on me every single day! Never sugar coded nothing, told me to real and lit me up when I wasn't applying....— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575382.0
Reason I'm saying this is I believe this is a major part of the reason why kids don't succeed as much because the leaders, coaches, etc.....— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575481.0
won't get on them because their afraid of losing the kid, or losing the sponsorship that comes with the kids, or have their own agenda......— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575565.0
on how much they can benefit in the long run from the kid not realizing they're cheating the shit out of the kid. We as kids don't know.....— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575642.0
We need to be pushed, kicked, loved, then pushed and kicked again cause that's what brings and breads the hunger inside of us! Whoever u....— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575750.0
are out there please stop worrying about u and if u really care for the kid give them the guidance as my Coaches, mentors did for me!.....— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575863.0
Can't stand for it anymore because of I ❤️ and will die right now for my Sport and for SPORTS in general. #JustMyOpinion— LeBron James (@LeBron James)1490575957.0