ESPN Legend Stephen A. Smith — His Road to 10X Superstar

We absolutely HAD to have ESPN star Stephen A. Smith at 10X Growth Con 2023. He is one of the most well-known — and well-paid — broadcasters. But, the TV icon had to fight for his success. His life and career have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows that rival the sports he covers… 

Sports fans know Stephen A. Smith is not afraid to call it as he sees it. The prolific sports analyst has built his brand on outspoken commentary. 

That delivery style requires a lot of guts — and not many people have that level of courage. 

SO WHERE DID THE ESPN ANCHOR GET THE CONFIDENCE FOR HIS BOLD DELIVERY? 

Believe it or not, Smith partially credits his four older sisters for his strong will… 

Growing Up as One of… SIX!

Stephen A. Smith was the fifth born of his parents’ six children. He and his siblings were raised in the Hollis area of Queens, New York. 

And according to his mother, the commentator “came out of the womb running his mouth.” 

Despite that, Smith claimed that he had a hard time speaking up for himself — or owning his mistakes. 

On “The Tamron Hall Show,” the sports journalist elaborated on how his sisters impacted his character. 

Stephen A. highlighted two specific lessons the Smith sisters taught him… 

“NUMBER ONE, THEY IMPLORED ME TO KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT WHEN I OPENED MY MOUTH… NUMBER TWO, NEVER BE FEARFUL TO ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG.” 

Later, these lessons would aid the “First Take” host when he faced major obstacles. 

The first incident was in 1991 when Stephen A. Smith earned a basketball scholarship…

Then, broke his leg in his first semester. 

After that setback, the outspoken commentator discovered his natural talent as a sports writer. 

As a columnist, Smith was free to express his uncensored opinion. His unique style was getting everyone’s attention  — including ESPN. 

By August 2005, the athletics analyst was working for the famous sports network. Unfortunately, his career with ESPN would have an infamous end. 

At least, that’s what happened the first time… 

Second Time’s the Charm for Stephen A. Smith at ESPN

Two years after his first show, “Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith,” was canceled, ESPN chose not to renew his contract. 

Smith was devastated, and it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. He had just become a father. 

“I WAS HUMBLED BEYOND BELIEF AND WAS QUESTIONING MYSELF IN A LOT OF AREAS.”

As a result, the TV personality did a lot of self-reflection… 

Also, he realized he had been playing the game all wrong. 

During his first time at ESPN, Stephen A. Smith admitted that he wasn’t educated in the television business.

On Day 2 of 10X Growth Con, Smith explained that he had to learn the revenue and ratings system. By doing so, he was able to get his job back in 2011 — and a higher salary. 

And, this strategy continues to pay off… 

10X Superstars KNOW Their Worth

In short, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has had extreme ups and downs throughout his career. However, his confidence — and the statistics to back it up — are what keep him on top. 

“WHAT I’M FOCUSED ON IS WHAT I’M WORTH, AND THAT’S WHAT GIVES ME PEACE OF MIND.” 

For that tenacity alone, we would consider the ESPN anchor a 10X Superstar. It was incredible having him on our stage. 

If you are interested in seeing the 10X Superstars we bring to our next 10X Growth Conference, secure your seats here. 

— 10X Growth Con Staff

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