What Makes a Real MVP NBA superstar Kevin Durant's manager and business partner talks about personal branding and working hard.

By David Meltzer

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Rich Kleiman is Kevin Durant's manager as well as his co-founder and business partner in Thirty Five Ventures, a startup that invests in tech companies. In this episode of #ThePlaybook, Kleiman talks with host David Meltzer about how his role and relationship with Durant has shifted over the years, how professional athletes are taking control of their personal brands and the importance of being known for the work you do.

Kleiman talks about why he no longer views himself as a sports agent and how his role has grown with time. He also talks about how today's biggest athletes are taking more charge of their brands and messaging than ever before.

Kleiman relates his experience of hearing Durant's famous MVP speech and how that moment inspired him to step up his work ethic. He also talks about the importance of being regarded for the work he does.

Related: The Three Things a Startup Needs
David Meltzer

Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing, Speaker, Author and Business Coach

David Meltzer, co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and host of Entrepreneur's podcast, “The Playbook”, is a Top 100 Business Coach, global public speaker and three-time international best-selling author who has been honored by Variety as “Sports Humanitarian of the Year”.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Most Popular

See all
Business News

Here Are the Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2025, According to a New Report

About 4.2 million Americans are eligible for retirement this year.

By Sherin Shibu
Side Hustle

'My Whole Life Changed': This 28-Year-Old's Side Hustle Made $10,000 in the First Month. She Quit Her Job and Is About to Hit $10 Million.

Gia Mezz was tired of seeing fast fashion on the rise — so she launched her own business.

By Amanda Breen
Leadership

Why the Best CEOs Think Like Anthropologists

Great leaders thrive by thinking like anthropologists — curious, observant and focused on understanding why people do what they do.

By Chris Kille
Marketing

Your IPO Could Fail If You Don't Follow These Communication Strategies

Effective communication strategies are key to ensuring a successful transition to the public market, especially as IPO activity surges. PR and marketing teams play a vital role in shaping a company's narrative, managing media relations and building investor trust throughout the IPO process.

By Cara Sloman
Business News

Tired of Getting Ghosted By Hiring Managers? These Are the 10 Fastest Growing Jobs for 2025, According to LinkedIn.

Here's a look at the jobs with the most growth potential this year.

By Erin Davis
Business Models

Baby Boomer Businesses Are Up for Grabs — Here's How Entrepreneurs Can Benefit In 2025

With 12 million boomer-owned businesses up for grabs in 2025, the 'Silver Tsunami' is redefining opportunities. Here's how entrepreneurs can capitalize on this generational shift.

By Reece Tomlinson