When it comes to investment advice, seeking guidance from successful individuals is always a wise choice. That’s exactly what Shaquille O’Neal did when he decided to invest in Campus, a thriving online community college startup. O’Neal, a former NBA player with an estimated net worth of over $400 million, turned to none other than Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, for inspiration.
O’Neal’s decision to invest in Campus was driven by his belief that the startup has the potential to “change people’s lives.” His conviction in this belief was influenced by a statement made by Bezos. According to O’Neal, Bezos once said, “If you invest in things that’s going to change people’s lives, you’ll always get a great return on your investment.” This advice resonated with O’Neal and solidified his determination to support Campus and its mission to make quality education more accessible and affordable.
Launched in 2022 by Tade Oyerinde, a tech entrepreneur, Campus is an accredited online community college. The platform offers courses taught by professors from prestigious universities, including Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Spelman College. The aim is to provide educational opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds and income levels across the country. Oyerinde, who himself dropped out of college, founded Campus with the goal of making higher education more relevant and inclusive.
This isn’t the first time Bezos has influenced O’Neal’s business decisions. When O’Neal considered making a bid to buy the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, he changed his mind after reports emerged that Bezos was also considering an offer. O’Neal, who prefers not to compete against “heavy hitters” like Bezos, decided to step back and let the team be sold to billionaire Matt Isbhia.
O’Neal has always valued Bezos’ advice to invest in ventures that have the potential to change lives. In fact, he has stated that if something doesn’t align with his beliefs, he doesn’t even bother looking at it. This approach has served him well throughout his investment career and has resulted in successful plays in companies such as Google, Lyft, Ring, and Vitaminwater, as well as franchise ownership in businesses like Papa John’s, Auntie Anne’s, and Five Guys.
The Power of Conviction
Bezos’ advice has not only influenced O’Neal’s investment choices but has also shaped his investing strategy. By trusting his conviction in a business’ mission, beyond pure financial motivation, O’Neal has experienced significant financial growth. In fact, he confidently stated to The Wall Street Journal in 2019, “Once I started doing that strategy, I think I probably quadrupled what I’m worth.”
O’Neal’s decision to invest in Campus, driven by a desire to make quality education accessible to everyone, aligns with Bezos’ guiding principle of investing in ventures that can change lives. By supporting Campus, O’Neal is not only contributing to the growth of an online community college but also investing in the future of countless individuals who will benefit from the power of education.
Aspiring investors should take a page out of O’Neal’s book and consider the impact an investment can have on society. By investing in ventures that align with our values and have the potential to create positive change, we not only contribute to the betterment of society but also have a greater chance of reaping financial rewards.
Shaquille O’Neal’s decision to invest in Campus, an online community college startup, was influenced by the wise words of Jeff Bezos. By investing in ventures that can change lives, O’Neal has not only made successful financial plays but also contributed to creating a more inclusive and accessible education system. The power of investing with conviction and purpose cannot be underestimated, and investors can learn a valuable lesson from O’Neal’s philosophy. So, let us embrace the wisdom of successful individuals like O’Neal and Bezos, and recognize the potential for impact and growth in ventures that aim to change lives.
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