March Madness – Basketball & Business Book Scores Slam Dunk

Dave Cowens and Tom Raffio met by chance. The Boston Celtics Hall of Famer was speaking at a conference in Mexico. Tom Raffio, the CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, was in attendance and was in the process of writing an inspirational business book. Dave’s talk was focused on the experience he had as a basketball player and coach and how the connection to success in business and life directly relates to the mentality instilled in the sports world.

“After listening to my speech, Tom had seen the parallels between the chapters he’d already written and the elements I had outlined at the conference,” says Cowens. “We’d both identified the importance of communication, teamwork and having high standards and we knew the connections didn’t stop there.”

What was born out of this chance encounter and immediate connection was There Are No Do-Overs. This game-changing management book offers readers insight on how to create a winning team at the office by reviewing lessons from the basketball court. Think of it as a full-court press that shows business leaders how to bring their A game—from tip-off to working overtime—and what it takes to win.

“We organized this book around the principles that both Dave and I developed independently, but that are consistent with our business and sports experiences,” says Raffio. “We think the similarities between successful sports franchises and successful businesses will amaze you. “

No Do-Overs provides a direct approach to improving performance and is suited for any business owner, coach or leader interested in taking their organization to the next level. Whether you’re looking for new pointers or just need a refresher to keep you a few steps ahead of the competition, No Do-Overs is that book.

Each chapter begins with a story, in Dave’s own words, about an experience in his career that illustrates the theme of the chapter. Then Tom shares examples from his business experience with Northeast Delta Denta. Each chapter ends with what they like to call a “Big Red Factor” that summarizes the keys to success detailed in the chapters.

One of Dave’s nicknames on the court in his playing days was “Big Red,” given to him by the famous radio voice of the Boston Celtics, Johnny Most, who called play-by-play for nearly all of the Celtics dynasty years. Dave had red hair and, at six-foot, nine-inches, was on the smaller side for a professional NBA center. Johnny Most gave Dave Cowens the nickname, “Big Red,” in spite of his size but because of his big impact on the game, and it stuck.

“By sharing the knowledge I’ve gained from my years in basketball, which everyone who knows sports can relate to, and linking those aspects to Tom’s behind-the-scenes experience in running a company, we are trying to make the hidden truths of sustaining a business become visible,” says Cowens.

Combining lessons from the boardroom with directives on how to make big wins in the NBA, There Are No Do-Overs shows readers the devil is in the details. In other words: success is the sum of paying attention to detail when it comes to business, sports, and life.

Celebrate March Madness and learn more about There Are No Do-Overs, or to purchase your copy of the book go to www.bigredfactors.com.