Lessons from March Madness: Talent is Global

Our crew is all about some March Madness. We have an extended family bracket competition complete with prize money and trash texting. The kids even get in on it. My bracket was shot pretty soon after the first round (I think I finished 33rd overall), but I still enjoyed watching the competition down to the final game.

Two of the five (or 40%) of the starters on the championship team are from outside the United States. Looking at the entire roster, 35% of the players are from another country.

There is no doubt that Name Image and Likeness (NIL) has changed the game of college sports. But I would venture to guess that global recruiting is also a part of reshaping the game. NIL makes players more mobile, chasing the best deal, and players across the globe are mobile. Players are also having to compete with the best talent in the world, not just the best talent in the country – much less their own state! – for a chance to start on a championship team, or any team for that matter.

If you are wanting to put together the best team at work, following the lesson from college basketball champions (and football!) may be wise. Don’t limit your search. Talent is global.

One of the biggest lessons from March Madness this year is that excellence knows no borders. Whether you’re building a roster for the court or a team for your company, casting a wider net can bring surprising strength. Diversity of background, experience, and perspective can be the game-changer that sets your team apart from the rest.