Some people start their careers as top recruits with high expectations. Others, enter through what could be called the “second round” of life and find an entirely different path to career growth and success. Often, career underdogs develop a unique work ethic because their resolve is tested at every step. The psychology behind this resilience, work ethic, and community involvement often plays an even greater role in determining who thrives long-term. Few stories illustrate this better than New York Knicks Captain Jalen Brunson’s journey and the work of the Second Round Foundation. At its core, the foundation is about more than basketball. It is a model for how overlooked moments can be transformed into purpose, how setbacks can be reframed as opportunities, and how the principles of teamwork and resilience can unlock success in any field, especially for young people.
The Underdog Advantage
When Brunson was drafted in the second round of the NBA, some around him viewed it as a setback. Instead, he used it as fuel to excel in his career, and he used that fuel to impact young people who face their own setbacks both personally and professionally. He did not want to wait until his retirement to impact the community. As he explained to me in a recent conversation,
Helping the next generation is important to me. My parents taught me to do what I can to make things better, even in small ways. That lesson has guided me my entire life—and it's what this foundation was built on
Jalen Brunson
Brunson’s personal and professional philosophy comes down to one core belief: work ethic is a game-changer. This is also the core career skill that he wishes to impart to the next generation of leaders. “The best compliment you can get is working too hard or you are doing too much. Coaches telling me, ‘Hey, it is time to go home,’ was key for me. Work ethic is the key to success nine times out of ten."
Psychologists often call this the underdog effect. Being underestimated can create the drive to work harder and prove others wrong, a dynamic that carries into any career but may not often be harnessed correctly. Research on grit by Angela Duckworth has shown that consistent effort over time predicts achievement even more than talent or IQ. Discouragement or disappointment that is faced professionally can sometimes be the best career motivation.
Reframing Setbacks
Sandra Brunson, who co-founded the foundation, recalls the seeds that were planted to allow this mindset to develop. When Jalen was drafted later than expected, she challenged him to view it differently and said ‘Don’t have a pity party. Let’s think about how we can help others. This is an opportunity.’”
That shift in mindset is classic cognitive reframing. By changing the meaning of an event, people can turn disappointment into motivation. Sandra also emphasized the importance of structure in parenting:
My children understood that, when it came to sports and academics, I wasn't their friend. To participate, they had responsibilities in the classroom. I always encouraged them to strive for the A because C's can lead to D's. Give yourself cushion for a setback
Sandra Brunson
Her perspective mirrors broader research showing that parental expectations and proactive guidance can predict long-term career success. A Forbes article notes that children who are taught to push through challenges and maintain perspective are better prepared for leadership roles later in life.
Career takeaway: Reframe rejection as data, not destiny. Adaptability and perseverance, two of the strongest predictors of career growth, are forged in moments of doubt. Research on career adaptability shows it predicts both job performance and long-term satisfaction in fast-changing industries.
Planting Seeds for Equity and Access: Second Round Foundation
The foundation started by the Brunsons began with a focus on unsheltered youth, then expanded into food insecurity, education, and wellness. Programs now operate in communities tied to Brunson’s life-Chicago, Dallas, New York, and New Jersey-offering school supplies, uniforms, nutrition, and mentorship. Nija Ali Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Second Round Foundation, explained to me the deeper meaning behind its name:
Second Round is a tribute to Jalen’s journey. He was overlooked and underestimated. We want people to understand that there is talent among the overlooked, and everybody deserves a chance.
Nija Williams, Second Round Foundation CEO
The philosophy is simple but powerful: plant seeds. The foundation’s tree logo reflects its focus on sustainability and growth. “*We are all responsible to and for each other,*” Williams emphasized. That sense of shared responsibility echoes research in McKinsey showing that resilience and purpose-driven work drive long-term performance and reduce burnout.
Peer Support and the Value of Failure
Support also came from Brunson’s teammate Jordan Clarkson, who attended the foundation’s recent golf classic.
First and foremost, I always support my teammates. It is fascinating to see what the foundation is doing. Even if I am not a Knick, I want to be involved.
Jordan Clarkson, New York Knicks
Clarkson also shared lessons from his own career: “*Through the ups and downs, you just have to embrace it. Put the time in. There is never a high or low, it is all life experience. A lot of failure shaped my mindset. You have to be humble enough to say you are wrong or that you have lost. Once you take those in, winning becomes more meaningful.*”
Failure as a teacher is one of the most consistent findings in the psychology of high performance. A Forbes piece highlights that professionals often learn more from their failures than from their victories, provided they reflect and adjust.
Lessons for Any Career
What does all this mean outside of basketball? Several transferable lessons stand out:
Work ethic is non-negotiable. Showing up, staying late, and putting in consistent effort builds credibility and long-term mastery.
Reframe setbacks as opportunities. Whether overlooked for a promotion or struggling in a project, shifting perspective turns obstacles into fuel.
Build resilience through structure. High expectations, accountability, and proactive planning create a cushion against inevitable setbacks.
Find purpose in community. When individuals connect their work to something larger than themselves, motivation deepens.
Embrace failure as growth. Humility and reflection transform losses into stepping stones for future wins.
These principles are as relevant to an aspiring CEO as they are to a young athlete.
Bottom line: The Magic in the Work
Brunson’s mantra, “The magic is in the work,” captures the essence of sustainable success. Not luck, not even talent alone, but the daily discipline, reframing of setbacks, and connection to community create lasting achievement. For professionals in any industry, the lesson is clear. The skills that make a great athlete-work ethic, resilience, emotional intelligence, humility, and purpose are the same ones that drive success in business, leadership, and life.
The Second Round Foundation is more than a philanthropic effort, but serves as a reminder that we all can embrace our “second round”, turn being underestimated into an advantage, and build a career that matters not only to us, but to the communities we serve.