Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (2024)

Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (1)

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Hear Kobe Bryant's first interview as pro NBA player

01:33 - Source: CNN

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On Sunday, the world lost Kobe Bryant, the basketball legend who was indisputably so much more, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Christian Petersen/Getty Images Related article Kobe Bryant dies at 41.

Over the years Bryant inspired countless people, and not just athletes. His influence stretched far beyond sports, touching art, culture, business and his family.

And over the years he shared his own thoughts and wisdom on a wide range of subjects. Here’s the late Kobe Bryant, in his own words.

On sacrifice

“We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Family time, hanging out with friends, being a great friend, being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with making that decision.”

Source: Showtime’s “Muse” / CBS Sports

On the cultural contributions of black athletes

“(They’ve been) crucial. What we stand for, what America stands for, the cultural melting pot that is America, the diversity that is America, it’s all about moving that culture forward. From Muhammad Ali to Bill Russell, that’s what they’ve done, that’s what they’ve pioneered and its our responsibility to try to carry it forward.”

Source: ESPN

On leadership

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MAY 03: Retired NBA Champion, CEO, Kobe Inc., Kobe Bryant speaks onstage during 2016 Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton on May 03, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Related article Kobe Bryant leaves behind a business empire that stretched beyond the basketball court.

“To be an effective leader, you have to be a really good listener and not to what’s being said, but to what’s not being said. You have to be really observant. That was a big transition for me. I went from being a scorer and a floor general … to being a leader and that meant putting others first. That means not worrying about are you in rhythm, are you playing well in this game, are you ready to go, to being, are they ready? What can I do to help them be ready?”

Source: Alabama Football / ESPN

On his critics

“I’ve shot too much from the time I was 8 years old. But ‘too much’ is a matter of perspective. Some people thought Mozart had too many notes in his compositions. Let me put it this way: I entertain people who say I shoot too much. I find it very interesting. Going back to Mozart, he responded to critics by saying there were neither too many notes or too few. There were as many as necessary.”

Source: GQ

Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (4)

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates victory following Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic in June 2009.

On selling yourself

“Be yourself. That’s it. Be you. There’s no gimmick. You don’t have to contrive anything. Who are you? Where are you today? What is your story? And all you’re doing is communicating that story to the public.”

Source: Bloomberg

On fear of failure

Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (5)

Kobe Bryant reacts in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in April 2016.

“You’ve got to step up and play, man. You can’t worry about criticism. You can’t worry about failure. You really can’t worry about that stuff. You’ve got to go out and figure that out and play and do the best you can, and whatever happens, happens. You can’t be held captive by the fear of failure or the fear of what people may say.”

Source: ESPN

On being intimidated

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after winning over the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 17, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images Related article An NBA legend who was also a cultural icon: Kobe Bryant.

“My mind doesn’t work that way. It’s something that’s never even entered my thought process. The last time I was intimidated was when I was 6 years old in karate class. I was an orange belt and the instructor ordered me to fight a black belt who was a couple years older and a lot bigger. I was scared s—less. I mean, I was terrified and he kicked my ass. But then I realized he didn’t kick my ass as bad as I thought he was going to and that there was nothing really to be afraid of. That was around the time I realized that intimidation didn’t really exist if you’re in the right frame of mind.”

Source: ESPN

On raising his daughter, Gianna

Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (7)

Gianna Bryant and her father, former NBA player Kobe Bryant, attend the WNBA All-Star Game in July 2019.

“The best thing that happens is when we go out and fans would come up to me and she’ll be standing next to me and they’ll be like, ‘You’ve gotta have a boy … You gotta have somebody to carry on your tradition, the legacy.’ “She’s like, ‘Oy, I got this. Don’t need no boy for that.’ I’m like, that’s right. Yes you do, you got this.”

Source: ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Kobe Bryant on leadership, failure, critics and more, in his own words | CNN (2024)

FAQs

What does Kobe Bryant say about leadership? ›

To be an effective leader, you have to be a really good listener and not to what's being said, but to what's not being said. You have to be really observant. That was a big transition for me. I went from being a scorer and a floor general … to being a leader and that meant putting others first.

What was Kobe Bryant's famous quote? ›

Kobe Bryant continues to be a source of inspiration for fans after his death with his "Mamba mentality," a mantra for the competitive spirit, including non-athletes. As the NBA icon said best: "Hard work outweighs talent — every time."

What was Kobe Bryant's struggles? ›

Despite this, Kobe faced his own unique set of challenges on his path to greatness. One of the biggest struggles Kobe faced was moving to Italy at the age of six, where his father played professionally. He had to adjust to a new culture and learn a new language, all while maintaining his passion for basketball.

What did Kobe Bryant say about success? ›

1. "Dedication makes dreams come true." 2. "Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success."

What was Kobe Bryant's inspirational quote? ›

"Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success." "When we are saying this cannot be accomplished, this cannot be done, then we are short-changing ourselves. My brain, it cannot process failure. It will not process failure.

What were Kobe Bryant's thoughts? ›

The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.

What was Kobe's best quote of all time? ›

10 Best Quotes From Kobe Bryant
  • “From the beginning, I wanted to be the best. ...
  • “Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
  • “I've played with IVs before, during and after games. ...
  • “When I have the chance to guard Michael Jordan, I want to guard him. ...
  • “I can't relate to lazy people.
Apr 19, 2022

Who was Kobe's inspiration? ›

Kobe admitted many times throughout his career that his idol was Michael Jordan.

What was Kobe Bryant's slogan for Nike? ›

Throughout his career, his mental toughness and determination defined him. As a competitor on and off the court, he always alluded to his Mamba Mentality, hence the tagline to the campaign, “That's Mamba.”

What does Kobe stand for? ›

In Hebrew and Greek, Koby is a pet name for Jacob, meaning "supplanter." In Swahili, Kobe translates to “tortoise” or “turtle”. Around the world, these adorable, shelled creatures symbolize wisdom and knowledge and have the impressive ability to independently defend themselves.

What is Kobe Bryant's legacy? ›

Bryant's legacy lives on with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the NBA and WNBA (both leagues have awards in honor of him), with Nike and with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.

What was Kobe Bryant's challenge quote? ›

Kobe Bryant Quotes. Everyting negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise. The mindset isn't about seeking a result—it's more about the process of getting to that result. It's about the journey and the approach.

What is Kobe Bryant known for? ›

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

What leadership style did Kobe Bryant use? ›

Kobe Bryant leadership style is definitely a mix of Transformational and Autocratic, because he likes to give orders but with the intention of pushing other, featuring as Transformational leader.

What are Kobe Bryant's values? ›

Kobe was famous for his relentless work ethic and his intolerance of those who did not share it. He once said, "I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."

What is self leadership according to Andrew Bryant? ›

Andrew Bryant, CSP

Ana Kazan and I defined the term in our 2012 book on the topic: The practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, feelings, and actions towards your objectives. So, self-leadership is about choice and agency.

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