Paul Rabil, the former lacrosse star and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has a straightforward philosophy when it comes to leadership: top executives must remain hands-on.
Reflecting on the leadership qualities he's seen in both sports and business, the 38-year-old, who holds the all-time scoring record in professional lacrosse and is a two-time World Lacrosse Champion with Team USA, told Fortune at Stagwell's Sports Beach in Cannes: “We don’t want to hire people who are directing traffic. We want to hire people who are building traffic lights.”
For Rabil, known as ‘the LeBron James of lacrosse”, the best leaders are those willing to get involved in the day-to-day operations, even as they rise in the ranks.
“A lot of times as great executives move up, they begin to delegate more. And I get the balance: you're managing your team, so you have to be really efficient. But I’ve seen many talented executives stop doing the work,” he said.
Along with a strong work ethic, Rabil believes empathy is crucial for leadership. “An empathic and compassionate leader is one that people want to go to work for, especially when they see you doing the work.”
Compromise the key to business
Rabil’s reflections on leadership are informed by his experience transitioning from professional athlete to entrepreneur.
He co-founded the PLL with his brother, Mike, while still playing professionally, which is an unusual move for an athlete.
The league, which has disrupted the traditional lacrosse model, has forced Rabil to adopt a more business-minded approach while still channeling the competitive instincts that propelled his sports career.
“Sports are binary—you either win or lose,” Rabil said. “But in business, compromise is key. If I negotiate too hard and win a deal, the other side won’t want to renew, and that’s a loss for everyone.”
He describes this approach as “competitive compromise,” a balancing act between maintaining the discipline of an athlete while recognizing the collaborative nature of business.
How losing made Rabil lacrosse’s ultimate winner
Rabil’s understanding of resilience stems from his athletic career. Though he won championships at every level, his losses shaped his mindset.
“Losing the college championship my senior year at Johns Hopkins and losing a world championship with Team USA to Canada—those were the most formative moments for me,” he said. “Every time I came off a loss that felt insufferable, I developed even more grit and thoughtfulness.”
Inspiration from Michael Strahan, David Beckham and John Cena
Despite his success, Rabil admits to battling imposter syndrome—another trait he says is common among athletes and entrepreneurs. “I think a lot of us feel like we haven’t quite arrived yet. It’s part of what drives us.”
Rabil draws inspiration from other athletes who have successfully transitioned into new fields, such as Michael Strahan, David Beckham, and John Cena. “What John Cena has done—going from professional wrestler to actor and even speaking fluent Mandarin—is incredibly impressive,” Rabil said. “And Michael Strahan’s shift from gritty NFL lineman to hosting Good Morning America shows the kind of versatility that inspires me.”
Rabil’s advice for achieving success
As for advice to the next generation, Rabil encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, values that are embedded in the PLL’s culture. “There’s no bad idea. I’ve found that challenging the status quo and thinking creatively has led to our biggest breakthroughs.”
Examples of Rabil’s creative thinking at PLL includes offering players equity ownership, competitive salaries, and better media exposure. The PLL also introduced a touring, tournament-style format that reduces costs and increases broadcasting opportunities.
Looking ahead, Rabil’s focus is on balance. “Continue to take breaks, breathe, and stay on top of nutrition and fitness,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health. "The journey is ongoing."
