Portrait of Leadership with Character
Boston Celtics President Rich Gotham shares life lessons with students as LifePortraits speaker.
Rich Gotham, President of the Boston Celtics, recently shared life lessons with students on what leadership with character looks like, as part of Montrose School’s ongoing LifePortraits Speaker Series. His words inspired students to look beyond popular definitions of success, as he reminded them, “character is what you do for someone who can’t do anything for you.”
Student reporter Anneka Ignatius ‘18 wrote about Mr. Gotham’s visit for The Looking Glass:
Mr. Gotham endured trying times during his college years as his parents divorced, and he lost his brother in a tragic car accident. He explained to the students that he drew inspiration from the grief, and he worked three demanding jobs at a department store, restaurant, and gas station in order to afford tuition at Providence College. After Mr. Gotham reached out to Brother Kevin for guidance during this stressful period, Providence College aided him through his financial struggles. Remaining grateful even today, Mr. Gotham now serves on the board of trustees at Providence College.
After graduating from Providence, Mr. Gotham immersed himself in a career as an executive within the online media and Internet technology industry. After 15 years, he took time away from his career to be with his young family; and, during that time, he received the call from the owner of the Celtics franchise offering him his prestigious position as president. This job combined his passion for basketball with his leadership gifts.
Starting in 2007, Mr. Gotham accepted the position and focused on promoting a more positive culture for service both within the Celtics organization and throughout the community. He refuses to tolerate “culture killers” in the Celtics community. The 17-time championship basketball team centered their fierce passion for basketball around what Mr. Gotham believes to be the cornerstones of success: maximum effort, accountability, grit, gratitude, self-awareness and self-improvement. He shared a mantra which Celtics coach Brad Stevens often ingrains in the players, “You can’t start winning until you stop losing.” Relating the paradox to students’ personal lives, Mr. Gotham indicated distractions such as excessive use of social media or texting often undermine one’s success.
Mr. Gotham encouraged students to reflect on life as a series of decisions and prompted them to ask, “Am I measuring up to my own standards?” He also delved into the importance of recognizing one’s own privilege, and he described how the Celtics team cultivates character through charity work, such as Step Up Your Game for at-risk middle school students or the Make a Wish Foundation. He believes the team members become better basketball players through becoming better people.
Thank you, Mr. Gotham, for sharing your inspirational stories and wisdom!
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
