When it comes to team dynamics - on a basketball court or in a corporate setting - maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial.

When you describe passion at any age, passion is derived from everything, from the people you work with to enjoying the last four years.

If I didn't have a recruiting engagement, I was going to be here. I did everything possible to change the recruiting thing. I'm a very small part of this night, but I did want to be a part of it.

Tackle the difficult things first in the morning; make changes in the way you network. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. This stops you from cynicism and negativity. End your day with that same attitude you started. Renew your contract with a day well completed.

Working hard is not always fun - that's why it is called work.

At Boston University, I motivated negatively, and I found that although it can work at first, by the end of the year everyone is dying for the year to end and you have lost them. The last two years at BU, I motivated positively and got much better results.

Nothing meaningful or lasting comes without working hard at it.