James Donaldson, former NBA basketball player, had many coaches who helped him Stand Above the Crowd on his way to a successful Pro Basketball career—Chuck Calhoun in high school, George Raveling in college and Lenny Wilkins with the Seattle Supersonics, even Bill “the crosswalk guard” in grade school. James is returning the favor by helping college bound students and being a motivational speaker.

HIs forthcoming book, titled Standing Above the Crowd, captures what he has learned through the years. Everyone needs successful role models. The key to standing above the crowd is overcoming the negative self-speak in our heads.

Listen to this motivating interview in its entirety below: