Paul Rabil, ‘The LeBron of Lacrosse,’ Shares His Leadership Mindset
Paul Rabil, former lacrosse star and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has a simple philosophy when it comes to Leadership: Senior executives must always be actively involved.
Reflecting on the leadership qualities he sees 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, said Luck: “We don’t want to hire traffic directors. We want to hire traffic light builders.”
For Rabil, known as ‘LeBron James of lacrosse”, the best leaders are those who are willing to stay involved in the day-to-day operations, even when they are promoted.
“A lot of times when great executives get promoted, they start delegating more. And I understand the tradeoff: you’re managing your team, so you have to be really effective. But I’ve seen a lot of great executives stop working,” he said.
Along with a strong work ethic, Rabil believes empathy is an important ingredient for leadership. “A leader who is empathetic and compassionate is someone people want to work for, especially when they see you working.”
Business Key Compromise
Rabil’s thoughts on leadership come from his experience transitioning from professional athlete to entrepreneur.
He co-founded the PLL with his brother, Mike, while still playing professionally, an unusual move for an athlete.
The league disrupted the traditional lacrosse model and forced Rabil to adopt a more business-like approach while still tapping into the competitive instincts that fueled his athletic career.
“Sports is binary—you either win or you lose,” Rabil says. “But in business, compromise is key. If I negotiate too hard and get a deal, the other side won’t want to renew, and that’s a loss for everyone.”
He describes this approach as “competitive compromise,” a balancing act between maintaining the discipline of an athlete while still acknowledging the collaborative nature of business.
Defeat made Rabil lacrosse’s final victory
Rabil’s understanding of resilience stems from his athletic career. Although he has won championships at every level, setbacks have shaped his mindset.
“Losing a college championship my senior year at Johns Hopkins and losing a world championship with Team USA to Canada—those were the moments that shaped me,” he says. “Every time I got through a loss that felt unbearable, I grew more resilient and thoughtful.”
Inspired by Michael Strahan, David Beckham and John Cena
Despite his success, Rabil admits to struggling with imposter syndrome—another trait he says is common among athletes and entrepreneurs. “I think a lot of us feel like we haven’t arrived yet. That’s part of what drives us.”
Rabil takes inspiration from other athletes who have successfully transitioned into new fields, such as Michael Strahan, David Beckham, and John Cena. “What John Cena has done—from pro wrestling to acting and even speaking fluent Mandarin—is incredibly impressive,” Rabil says. “And Michael Strahan’s transition from tough NFL player to TV host Good Morning America shows flexibility that inspires me.”
Rabil’s Advice for Success
When it comes to advice for the next generation, Rabil encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, values that are deeply ingrained in PLL’s culture. “There are no bad ideas. I’ve found that challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box has led to some of our biggest breakthroughs.”
Examples of Rabil’s innovative thinking at the PLL include offering players equity, competitive salaries, and better media exposure. The PLL also introduced a touring, tournament-style format that reduced costs and increased broadcasting opportunities.
Looking ahead, Rabil is focused on balance. “Continue to rest, breathe, and maintain your nutrition and exercise,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. “The journey continues.”
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