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RJ is leading by example, leaving her blueprint for self-made women with dreams and ambitions around the world. She is the current owner of the Vipers Pro men’s basketball team with dreams of becoming the first black female owner of an NBA team. RJ’s determination inspires and empowers her followers, showing them the importance of hard work and self-sufficiency. We here at Sheen are delighted to share RJ’s journey in this exclusive interview. We caught up with her to discuss her journey as a woman boss in the sports industry.

How did you get your start in the sports industry? Who inspires you?

I got my start in the sports industry by strategically planning. At 6 years old, I knew that I wanted to own an NBA team. I knew I needed to gain professional basketball experience, so I started my first sports venture– The Vipers.
My kids inspire me, my mom and dad inspire me and the young leaders that reach out to let me know I motivate them inspire me!

What has been one of the biggest challenges in your career so far as a woman boss and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge thus far has to be the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, I could travel with no issue. We had a 12-country tour set. Now, due to health and safety precautions, there are too many restrictions placing a damper on travel. We overcame it thus far by enhancing our digital footprint. Technology is only improving and allowing us to improvise with alternatives like zoom that help keep us connected. It’s keeping us exactly where we need to be.

As an enterpriser and businesswoman. It’s rewarding but also lots of work and time. What do you do to keep balance? Do you have any fun hobbies?

To keep balanced, I read, I work out and I meditate. I also love to spend time with my kids! I am extremely passionate about helping my children grow their small businesses by giving them the necessary business advice to succeed. Kids radiate such a fun and carefree energy that always makes me feel nostalgic.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career so far?

I am most proud of my ability to be in the room, earn a seat at the table and have a voice when it comes to basketball culture and newcomers to the sport. The Vipers name has grown to have notoriety and a global presence. We recently made it to 2.1 million in analytics, and I’m very proud of that. Additionally, I recently enrolled in Harvard Business School and already completed my certificate for Negotiation mastery.

What advice do you have for people that are looking to expand their brands?

Look at your brand, look at how it’s uniquely identified because it’s yours. There’s no need to rush and no need to compare your brand to others because slow and steady wins the race. Put 100% effort in and you’ll see the perks of what you get out of it.

What will it mean? Becoming the first black woman to own an NBA team? Do you have any specific team that you like to own?

Becoming the first black woman to own an NBA team means I’m leaving a legacy! I’m proving that hard work, dedication and having a strategic plan or strategy warrants your success.

I don’t have any specific team in mind! I know I will be successful with any team in the NBA.

Tell us about your latest endeavors since COVID-19 pandemic and what are your thoughts on the return of NBA season.

Since COVID-19, I began looking at expanding the Vipers internationally and looking into other investment strategies.

As far as the return of the NBA Season, it’s going to take some elbow grease and strategy, but they are going to pull it off. The return is as easy as getting millennials in the stands.­­­

Is there anything else you like readers to know about your brand/business?

For more information about Vipers Pro men’s basketball, click here.

Follow Viper’s Pro Ball on Instagram today.

Click here to follow RJ White on Instagram.­­­

 

 

All images by Quinton Cochran