George Raveling Shares Powerful Life Lessons in What You’re Made For

The what you’re made for George Raveling story continues to inspire readers as the legendary basketball coach’s memoir gains momentum across bookstores and digital platforms. What You’re Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports by George Raveling and Ryan Holiday is out now from Jonathan Ball Publishers! The book has captured attention from sports enthusiasts and leadership seekers alike.

George Raveling’s journey from orphaned teenager to basketball legend forms the core of this compelling memoir. Orphaned at just thirteen in a still-segregated Washington, D.C., George Raveling was introduced to a relatively unpopular sport—basketball—in high school. His transformation from those humble beginnings to becoming one of basketball’s most influential figures creates a powerful narrative thread throughout the book.

Michael Jordan’s Personal Endorsement

The book carries significant weight with “I’m proud to call George a mentor and a friend.” —Michael Jordan providing the foreword. Jordan’s endorsement highlights Raveling’s profound impact on basketball culture and his role in shaping the careers of legendary athletes. This relationship between the two basketball icons adds credibility to the life lessons shared within the pages.

Raveling’s influence extended far beyond coaching victories. Raveling went on to become one of the winningest coaches of all time, a mentor to legendary athletes, and a confidant of the sport’s greatest coaches, including Bob Knight and John Wooden. His connections with basketball royalty provide readers with insider perspectives on leadership and success.

The Nike Connection and Air Jordan Legacy

One of the most fascinating aspects covered in the memoir involves Raveling’s role in basketball marketing history. He convinced Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on the Air Jordan. This decision fundamentally changed sports marketing and created a billion-dollar brand that continues to dominate athletic footwear decades later.

The book details how Raveling’s vision and relationship-building skills positioned him at the center of this historic business decision. His ability to see potential and connect the right people at the right time demonstrates the leadership principles he shares throughout what you’re made for George Raveling philosophy.

Olympic Success and Coaching Excellence

Raveling’s coaching credentials include international success at the highest level. He led the 1984 U.S. men’s Olympic team to their ninth gold medal. This achievement showcases his ability to manage elite talent and deliver results under pressure, themes that resonate throughout his memoir.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes preparation, relationships, and understanding what drives individual athletes to excel. These principles translate effectively from sports to business and personal development contexts.

Co-Author Ryan Holiday’s Contribution

The collaboration with bestselling author Ryan Holiday brings additional depth to the memoir. Holiday’s expertise in stoic philosophy and modern leadership writing complements Raveling’s practical sports wisdom. Game-changing wisdom from pioneering coach and Nike executive George Raveling, coauthored by bestselling author Ryan Holiday – with a foreword by basketball legend Michael Jordan creates a unique blend of philosophical insight and real-world application.

Critical Acclaim and Reader Response

The book has received praise from notable figures across various industries. ‘George Raveling is a legend on sports, business, and the great game of life’ TIM FERRISS’I’m proud to call George a mentor and a friend’ MICHAEL JORDAN’George Raveling is the mentor you wish you had’ RICH ROLL’This is a must-read book’ CHARLES BARKLEY These endorsements reflect the broad appeal of Raveling’s life lessons.

Read 38 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. Stories and wisdom from the pioneering basketball coach and Nike executive George Raveling demonstrates growing reader engagement with the memoir on platforms like Goodreads.

Availability and Formats

Readers can access the book through multiple channels. What You’re Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports [Raveling, George, Holiday, Ryan, Jordan, Michael] on Amazon.com. FREE shipping on qualifying offers. The memoir is available in hardcover, digital, and audiobook formats to accommodate different reading preferences.

ORDER GEORGE RAVELING’S NEW BOOK Category: Sports | Biography & Memoir | Leadership | Audiobooks What You’re Made For through his official website, providing direct access to signed copies and additional resources.

Core Philosophy and Life Lessons

The central message of what you’re made for George Raveling centers on discovering and fulfilling one’s true potential. We are not merely here to exist, survive, or drift along—we are here to truly live. This philosophy permeates every chapter, encouraging readers to pursue purposeful lives.

Raveling’s experiences with civil rights leaders, including his connection to Martin Luther King Jr., add historical significance to his personal development message. His unique position as both sports figure and social witness provides readers with multifaceted perspectives on leadership and character.

The memoir serves as both autobiography and leadership manual, offering practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and maximizing individual potential. Raveling’s story proves that circumstances don’t define destiny—choices and persistence create lasting impact.

George Raveling’s what you’re made for continues reaching new audiences who seek authentic wisdom from someone who lived through remarkable experiences and achieved extraordinary success. What lessons from Coach Raveling’s journey resonate most with your own life experiences?