Business
On this episode of the MOVE podcast, Coach Kevin Keatts of NC State delivers a keynote address to The Alliance. Listen to a spirited message from North Carolina State men’s head basketball coach Kevin Keatts, who served as keynote speaker during “Family Reunion” at the Alliance Convention Center in July in Burlington, N.C. Keatts warmed up the crowd with a “look and listen” drill that he uses with his basketball players to help them practice listening and taking action at the same time. Keatts asked people to listen to what he said and move their hands up or down based on him saying “up” or “down.” “You have a playbook and follow it because if you do, you will win,” Keatts said. “There’s five guys on the floor and they all have to be on the same page. There are thousands of you. You have to be on the same page.” Keatts stressed the importance of the name on the front of a team’s jersey being far more important than the individual name on the back when it comes to building a winning team. The Wolfpack coach told the crowd that if you are patient, eventually the money you want will come your way. “Somebody in this room is asking, ‘Is this the path I want to take,’ Keatts said. “If you work together, stay together and set goals; you will get there.” Keatts stressed the importance of discussing your plan with your spouse because it is not always about you. It’s about what is best for both of you. In terms of adversity, Keatts shared the story of Kevin Ware, who played at Louisville when Keatts was making $400,000 as an assistant coach under Hall of Famer Rick Pitino. In 2013, after making the Final Four, Louisville had most of its team coming back and we followed our playbook. The Cardinals lost to Duke early that season. Later that season, Louisville gets to the Elite 8 and played Duke. Kevin Ware breaks his leg during the game. As bad as that injury was, Ware told his team to win the game. That’s all he wanted even with a broken leg. The Cardinals won that game and went on to win the NCAA title that season. “How good do you want to be,” Keatts said. “You want to be the best. All people say that, but are they serious? Adversity will strike, what will you do when it happens?” Keatts said there were simple things you can do to make sure you are successful. He encouraged people to pay attention to small details, overwork, check your ego and make sure you are prepared in all that you do and don’t be afraid to admit you are wrong or that you made a mistake. “Be willing to change your game plan,” Keatts said. “Everything you do can be learned. When you stop learning, it’s time to change your career path. There will be bumps and it will be tough, but you have to look as far as you can. Go as far as you can.” There are similarities at The Alliance to what Keatts does as a head coach. He said one of his best assistants was previously an insurance salesman. “Andy is the best in the insurance business at what he does,” Keatts said. “You will get told no more than yes, but if you let your ego get in the way then you will never be successful. Be the best at who you are, work your butt off, talk to everybody around that person and don’t take no for an answer. You don’t have to be mean, but keep working to get a yes.” The NC State coach stressed looking for winners and recruiting people that fit the culture of The Alliance. “Keep improving … all the time,” Keatts said. “Don’t take it for granted. Coaching and insurance line up. Both are great opportunities. I’m excited for you guys. (The Alliance) is impressive. I’m proud of you because I know the road for everybody hasn’t been easy.” After his keynote, Keatts opened things up for a Q&A with the audience and was very candid and honest in his answers. A native of Lynchburg, Va., he guided the Seahawks to CAA regular season titles all three years in Wilmington and was named CAA Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016. Keatts and his wife Georgette, have two sons, K.J. and Kaden. Keatts, who is entering his third season as the Wolfpack’s head coach, is known for his huge personality and colorful storytelling. In his first season in Raleigh, N.C., Keatts won 21 games, tying legendary coach Everett Case (21-4 in 1946-47) for the most regular season wins by a first-year head coach in the program’s history. This past season, Keatts’ team posted a 24-12 record and played in the NIT Tournament after making the NCAA Tournament in his first season with NC State. www.AndyAlbright.com @AndySAlbright #TheAlliance #DoTheDo #N247RU #Wolfpack #NCState www.NAALeads.com @NationalAgentsAlliance @NAALeadsTheWay