In a captivating address that bridged the worlds of sports and business, Bill Fagan, President of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, delivered a powerful keynote at Walsh University’s 54th Business Club Scholarship Luncheon. More than 200 business leaders, community members, and Walsh University staff and students gathered in the Barrette Business and Community Center for one of the university’s longest standing fundraising events, to award business scholarships to deserving students and provide a networking and learning opportunity for the greater community.
Fagan’s speech entitled, “Beyond the Game: Leadership Lessons from Sports & Business,” provided students with a unique perspective on the mindset of a top sports executive.
An Irish Catholic, Fagan began by reflecting on the profound influence of his faith and family on his career trajectory. This personal foundation set the stage for a discussion on values-driven leadership, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s principles in both the fast-paced world of sports and business.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Fagan outlined strategies for developing a championship mindset. “Aim high. Compete with the best and never be satisfied,” he urged, challenging students to set ambitious goals and embrace challenges. His message emphasized that excellence is a result of consistent effort and unwavering dedication.
One of the most impactful moments of Fagan’s speech came when he introduced the concept of “finding the inches” — a philosophy of continuous improvement that has become central to his leadership approach. “If a company does 100 things or 1,000 things just 1% better, it’s almost impossible to replicate,” he said, emphasizing the power of small, incremental improvements to drive transformative success.
Fagan also shared insights into the organizational culture at Rock Entertainment Group, focusing on their guiding principles, known as the “ISMs,” which shape decision-making across the company. He highlighted the collaborative, open-concept work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork. “We have no private offices... It’s all about working together,” he explained, providing a window into the modern sports business landscape.
The Cavaliers’ commitment to community impact was another focal point of Fagan’s address. He discussed the team’s philanthropic initiatives, noting that the Cavaliers Foundation has contributed over $26 million to charitable causes since 1993. From refurbishing basketball courts to supporting equality and violence prevention programs, the Cavaliers are dedicated to making a lasting difference.
Fagan’s personal career journey provided a compelling example of persistence and relationship-building in the sports business world. He shared how he sent out over 150 job applications before landing his first interview in Cleveland. “It’s all about relationships. The opportunities have found me,” he said, encouraging students to be present and fully engaged in their current roles: “Be where your feet are.”
The luncheon also highlighted Walsh University’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in business, including the University’s Sports Management program, which is the second most pursued degree in the DeVille School of Business. With the field rapidly expanding, Walsh is equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the dynamic world of sports business.
The event concluded with Business Club co-advisors Amanda Dalpiaz, Professional Instructor in Accounting, and Philip Kim, Associate Professor, presenting $15,000 in scholarships to outstanding students. Among the awards were The Dean Carole Mount Endowed Scholarships, which were presented to Audrey Dornish, Antonio Paganelli, and Aleksandra Chmir.
