What Working with Drake Maye Taught Me About Leadership

This Sunday, I’ll be watching the Super Bowl.

And yes - I’ll be cheering on the Patriots as a New England native and former Pats cheerleader.

But I’ll be cheering a little louder for Drake Maye.

A few years ago, we had the opportunity to produce a video for his first NIL deal with Mitchell Heating & Cooling. It was a big moment - his first official endorsement.

The morning of the shoot, the UNC star quarterback didn’t arrive alone.

He walked in with his offensive line.

Drake had negotiated for his teammates to be part of the deal. He wanted to share the spotlight - and his first official payday with his teammates.

I thought that was very cool for many reasons - and his actions taught me three important leadership lessons:

1. No one wins alone.

Take time to recognize and celebrate those who have helped you score your big wins! No one does it alone!

Great leaders don’t forget that. They recognize it - publicly.

2. Real leadership looks like teamwork.

On set, you would have never known Drake was the “star.” There was no ego during the production. The players worked together. They cheered each other on.

The strongest leaders don’t need to dominate the spotlight. They create space for others to shine.

3. Success means more when it’s shared.

Revenue goals, titles, recognition - they matter, but they don’t mean much if you’re standing alone when you reach them.

The most meaningful wins are the ones you share.

As leaders, we all want the win. But the real story isn’t just what we accomplish - it’s how we lead while we’re accomplishing our goals.

This weekend, I’ll be cheering for Drake Maye - not just because I love the Patriots, but because he is the kind of leader - and person - I want to be.