Protégé Podcast®

Rory provided me a terrific opportunity to advance my leadership skills, and, in turn, my career. The mentorship, career guidance, and candid advice he provided me were invaluable.

As a millennial, I had a need to get ahead which prevented me from identifying areas that warranted improvement—a major stumbling block in my early-career development. Rory challenged me to focus on my current priorities while not losing sight of my future career objectives. I enthusiastically endorse his career advice!

Rory has helped me think about what the next step was for me and my career. I remain impressed that a senior leader like him took an interest in my path and was willing to keep in touch through the years, even after we both left the NFL.

Rory’s advice and guidance is hands-down the best I’ve received from anyone. He makes you feel as though he truly understands your situation, yet gives you ways to think about your career that are applicable far beyond a specific set of circumstances. He recognizes that the line between “career” and “life” can be blurry, and has helped me make decisions that maximize all of my goals – as a professional, husband, father, and more. I feel extremely fortunate to have Rory as a mentor.

I first met Rory Verrett when he was moderating the Careers in Sports and Entertainment panel at Harvard Law School's Celebration of Black Alumni.  Instantly, I knew I needed to meet the man behind the powerful message.  Whether in front of a group or having a one-on-one conversation, when Rory speaks, his voice is simultaneously authentic and electrifying.   He is the epitome of an inspiring leader and trailblazer, and I am so grateful to have him as a mentor and friend.

Rory is a brilliant and powerful presenter with many years of corporate, legal, and advocacy experience! He always has a creative, positive outlook and has been an amazing resource in assisting me to set personal and professional goals. I am proud to call him my friend and mentor.

Rory Verrett has been a great friend, mentor, and life coach for over fifteen years.  When I was a sophomore at Howard University, I met Rory and mentioned to him my dream of attending Harvard Law School.  Because of Rory’s sage advice, counsel, and wisdom, I was not only accepted into Harvard Law School, but I graduated valedictorian and served on Howard's Board of Trustees.

I was lucky to have Rory as a mentor while making a career move.  As soon as you meet Rory, you'll realize that mentoring and a genuine care of assisting younger professionals is in his DNA. How many folks do you know would take an hour out of a busy work day to provide career advice without ever checking email or messages? As Digable Planets would say, "he's cool like that."

I speak with Rory often about my professional and personal goals. He genuinely understands the interconnected nature of both, and consistently provides a perspective that has allowed me to reach my full potential in all arenas of my life. He is and will always be my career and life advice guru!

Rory has been an invaluable resource to me because he was not only able to provide me guidance for my career, but also mentored me through many life decisions. Rory helped me focus on goals that were true to my own interests and values so that I knew that no matter what career or job choice I made, that choice was aligned with what I wanted most out of life.

Rory has provided candid and insightful advice for me at every stage of my career. I don’t make a big career decision without seeking his perspective.

Having been introduced to Rory during my time in graduate school, I knew almost immediately that he was not like most current professionals whom I had previously met. It didn’t occur to me at the time but, as I look back, it was my conversations with Rory which laid the foundation for the man I am today. As I continue my ascent up the corporate ladder, I still look to Rory for his insight and guidance and I would strongly encourage any aspiring sports industry leader to do the same!

I crossed paths with Rory Verrett as I was navigating a personal and professional transitional period fraught with all the trappings of a “mid-career crisis.” I was ten years out of law school and I didn’t recognize the career I’d built for myself. Pulling from his rich and varied career, his rare insider’s perspective at the highest levels of executive search, and his strong spiritual anchor, Rory is able to offer the kind of guidance that is as inspirational and out-of-the-box as it is practical and measured. Every time I’ve met with Rory, I’ve left feeling energized and focused. Even more, I’ve left with useful information to put to good use!

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Rory Verrett for the past five years and the impact of his mentorship on my life has been profound. Through the years he has offered invaluable practical support and guidance from his personal experiences and relationships. I deeply respect his honesty and humility as much as I respect his rich professional career.

Rory has guided me through the growth of my business by giving me practical advice to help us make strategic decisions related to business development, hiring and so much more. His years of experience as a lobbyist, lawyer and corporate executive give him a unique perspective that is extremely valuable.

In today's economy it is imperative to have a mentor during your journey towards success. There is no value you can place on having authentic, sound advice for your life and career. I am truly blessed to have Rory as my mentor.