Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall stepped to the stage at the espnW Summit in New York City in a hot pink suit and glittery boots — reflecting her vibrant, shining personality — and delivered an encouraging message of hope to the audience. The event is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together thoughtful leaders across sports, business, and entertainment to create positive change and opportunity for women in sports.
Marshall was one of the centerpieces at the espnW Summit this year, and she was joined on stage by ESPN college basketball analyst and reporter LaChina Robinson. The pair discussed Marshall’s history-making path to the NBA, where she became the first Black woman CEO in the league.
Since then, she proudly represents the Mavs and published a best-selling book about her cancer journey. Authenticity is essential for Marshall, and she said that sports bring us together, but our humanity and relationships unite us on a deeper level. She also said our experiences shape people, and we can use challenges as fuel to propel us further.
“We all have a story,” Marshall said. “When we share our story, it gives other people encouragement that they can overcome and get to where they want to go.”
Marshall has been a shapeshifter ever since she was a child and has a long list of “first” to her credit. As she climbed the career ladder, Marshall worked hard, leaned on her faith and watched unexpected doors open.
When the recently retired Marshall got the call to come work for the Mavs, she had no clue that it was a history-making move. She said she’s eternally grateful to Mavs governor Mark Cuban for taking a chance and that he’s an “amazing boss.”
“Mark wasn’t trying to make history,” Marshall said. “He was trying to make a difference for his employees. I don’t think he realized he was choosing the first Black female CEO of an NBA team. He was choosing leadership.
“And so, I shout out to the people, like Mark, who choose us to be in these jobs. Then it’s up to me to do a great job. One day we won’t even talk about it…but that’s why I must do a good job.”
Now amid her fifth year, Marshall said the message is as clear as ever. Women and people of color do have a place in the business of basketball. “We add value. We make things better. We need everyone at the table.” Sports analyst Robinson cited a list of business results, showing the benefits of having everyone at the table.
Marshall said she’s intentional about everything, and part of the reason she even steps out with sparkles on her feet is because authenticity matters.
Now she wants to keep representing and speaking for those who don’t have a voice.
“Not everyone can take a stand,” Marshall said. “I couldn’t do that for a long time in my career. So those of us who can, must set the tone for those who can’t.”
Marshall also encouraged leaders to allow people to be as authentic as possible.
“If you don’t, you won’t get innovation and creativity”. Marshall said. “You want people to bring an authentic version of themselves to the workplace. We benefit from all of that.
“Our workplace promise at the Mavs is ‘every voice matters, and everybody belongs.’ Everybody. The person who got out of bed this morning, you belong here. So, if I leave no other message to women today, I’d say #DOYOU.”
Marshall said she also really stresses workplace fairness and equity. She aims to “elevate, encourage and highlight” her employees. Her goal everyday is to serve. Marshall went on to recognize the other eight female executive leaders who attended the Summit.
At the end of the espnW Summit discussion, Marshall was asked about her nomination for the 54th NAACP Image Awards, thanks to her riveting debut book released in the fall of 2022 — You’ve Been Chosen. The NAACP Image Awards honors achievements by people of color in culture and entertainment.
Marshall’s book chronicles her life story weaved in an inspiring narrative tale as she overcame obstacles to rise from the California housing projects to later fight advanced cancer while raising four adopted children. She has spent her entire life beating personal and professional odds while equipping others to thrive.
“I often say that sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is a train,” Marshall said. “Bad things do happen to good people. You must accept adversity, talk about it, and let people in.
“Two key things came out of the book. I realized that God and great people have always shown up in my life. I believe that we are chosen for the things that we go through. It’s not by accident. I also believe that we are equipped to handle what we go through because of our experiences, our backgrounds, and most importantly, because of each other.”
"I think Barack Obama … is a man of character … I know I am a woman of character. Beyoncé is a rock star … I'm not a rock star, but I'm trying to pull it off!" @cyntmarshall responded to a mention of her being the intersection of Barack Obama and Beyoncé. pic.twitter.com/Ibxyaqp8Bk
— espnW (@espnW) May 4, 2023
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