Paul Rabil, former lacrosse star and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), advocates for a hands-on approach in leadership. Reflecting on qualities observed in both sports and business, the 38-year-old, who holds the all-time scoring record in professional lacrosse and is a two-time World Lacrosse Champion with Team USA, conveyed to Fortune that top executives should not merely direct but also actively build the systems they oversee.
Rabil’s leadership approach emphasizes involvement in day-to-day operations irrespective of hierarchical advancements. He notes that while great executives often delegate as they rise, a balance must be maintained to avoid detachment from foundational tasks. Additionally, Rabil underscores the importance of empathy in leadership, stating that an empathic and compassionate leader inspires a dedicated workforce.
Rabil’s experience in transitioning from a professional athlete to an entrepreneur informs his leadership philosophy. He co-founded the PLL with his brother Mike while still active in professional lacrosse, challenging the traditional model of the sport. This entrepreneurial venture required him to adapt a business-minded approach while leveraging the competitive traits honed in his sports career. Rabil highlights the necessity of compromise in business, contrasting it with the binary nature of sports outcomes.
Resilience, according to Rabil, is a key lesson from his sports career. He identifies significant losses, such as missing out on college and world championships, as pivotal in developing grit and thoughtfulness. Despite his achievements, Rabil acknowledges battling imposter syndrome, which he believes fuels the drive common among athletes and entrepreneurs.
Rabil draws inspiration from athletes like Michael Strahan, David Beckham, and John Cena, who have successfully transitioned into new career fields. Their versatility and ability to excel in different domains motivate him.
Forward-thinking and creativity are fundamental values Rabil promotes, especially within the PLL culture. He advocates for challenging the status quo, which has led to innovative initiatives such as offering players equity ownership and introducing a cost-effective, tournament-style format for increased media exposure.
Looking ahead, Rabil stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being, emphasizing the need for regular breaks, proper nutrition, and fitness to ensure both physical and mental health.
