The Rule That Changes How You Earn and Lead
In the fast-paced world of global sports, effort alone doesn’t pay the bills—impact does. Discover the law that connects value, money, and leadership, and learn how understanding it can transform your influence, your income, and the future of the sports industry.
A Lesson I’ll Never Forget
When I was 29, working for a communications company in London, my father said something that stuck with me: “You work too many hours. You’re working too hard, and you don’t have time to make money…” Initially, it didn’t make sense, but over time, it revealed a fundamental law of life and business: the law of impact.
You don’t get paid for effort; you get paid for the problems you solve.
This law explains why some people run in circles while others create impact and wealth with focus.
The Law You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Your income, growth, and opportunities are linked to one simple truth: the quality of the problems you solve. Imagine a player on the pitch without knowing the rules—no matter the effort, the results are null without understanding the rules.
In business, in sports, and in life, you get paid for your impact and the quality of the problems you solve.
The Deeper Law: Be Obsessed With the Real Need
To be a real problem-solver, you must be obsessive about understanding the true need or pain of the person or organization in front of you. This obsession separates the average from the elite and applies to every corner of the sports world.
Why This Law Applies to Everyone in Sports
Whether you’re a league executive, a startup founder, or a coach, the rule is simple: the deeper and more obsessively you understand the need or pain, the more valuable you become.
- In a job interview: It’s about whether you truly understand what the CEO needs and how you can deliver it.
- In a pitch to a brand: It’s about whether it solves a pressing pain.
- In an internal meeting: The winning idea targets the biggest unspoken challenge.
Examples From Our World
Take Liverpool FC: They focus on digital fan engagement, but the real need is building loyalty among Gen Z. Innovation driven by real need, not trends, drives long-term loyalty and growth.
Quality of Solution = Size of Impact = Level of Reward
The better your solution and the more people it impacts, the greater the reward. Money measures the value delivered to the world. Take Elon Musk: he tackles planetary-scale challenges, resulting in immense financial returns.
Four Questions to Upgrade Your Value
Ask yourself these questions to redefine your approach to leadership and innovation:
- What is the real need or pain here?
- What solution can genuinely change their reality?
- How can I upgrade my solution further?
- What deeper motivation drives the people in the room?
The X Factor
Leadership is the final ingredient that turns ideas into action. It multiplies data, innovation, and strategy. Before your next big decision, ask: “How would a leader act right now?”
Combining an understanding of real needs with true leadership inspires people to follow your vision.
Final Whistle
Your value isn’t measured by hours worked, but by the quality of your solutions and the leadership you bring to every challenge. Master these elements to not just win the game, but redefine it.
With love for sports and innovation,
AR
