Hardships inspire to serve and many NBA legends having such backgrounds happen to be generous. Shaquille O’Neal, in particular, is known for such social commitment. In the latest of those noble actions, the ‘Superman‘ has found himself as part of an education drive for all. Reminiscent of his father’s advice to maintain education alongside passions, Shaq not only invests in the movement, but also takes one more step to enlighten students on its impacts. As one such event unveils, it clarifies the former Lakers star’s motives behind his role.

The commitment concerns an entrepreneur named Tade Oyerinde and his community university Campus. Committed to making education affordable for all while filling some lacunae in community universities, the project is run with an aggregate funding of $29 million. Shaq, the latest of its investors, other than leading entrepreneurs like Open AI’s Sam Altman, has some convictions on his investment “formula,” which he opened up about while conversing with university students. 

O’Neal shared a video of himself addressing a virtual class on Campus convened by Professor Rick from UC Berkeley. At first, he acknowledged his limitation and strategy: “I never consider myself an expert at all. I just, I learned the process, whatever the process may be. I create a formula for myself and apply that formula.” Shaq also demonstrated a trial and error method to perfect the formula, and speaks about his perception of it: “Like my perfect formula is that I only invest in things that’s going to change people’s life.”

Within his idea, he accepts that Oyerinde’s Campus is a perfect fit: “he’s changing people’s lives, he is getting rid of college debt, and he’s giving people the same quality education.” He also leaves a bit of motivation: “If I could learn from a professor like Professor Rick without actually going to a California Berkeley, that’s a win for myself.”

Considering the former NBA player turned entrepreneur’s successful business ventures it is hard to question it. 

O’Neal’s formula might be influenced by Jeff Bezos

“It is okay to be famous, but at some point, you have to start owning things,” Shaq O’Neal has abided by this advice from Magic Johnson so much so that he owns over 50 brands as he disclosed in a TV show called Shaq Life.

The restaurant chain Big Chicken with about 18 outlets across the US is another jewel to his crown. On top of that, he has investments in top-notch companies like Google and Apple and owns a series of franchises, fitness centers, nightclubs, and car washes among others.  This makes up for his net worth of over $400 million. Does this portfolio reflect Shaq’s generous ideals? 

The not-so-modest investments of O’Neal originate from the learned man he has become after revelations of his financial illiteracy. However, the ideals that he shared with the students have their genesis in Jeff Bezos. He once told the Fortune: “I heard Jeff Bezos say, if you invest in things that’s going to change people’s lives, you’ll always get a great return on your investment.” 

Even within this context for his formula, Shaq aims for no returns upon backing Oyerinde’s university. Instead, it reflects his aspiration to support the talented who believe they have no chance for a university education. The efficiency of such a business strategy could be up for discussion. The end line is that an innovative business venture with lofty ambitions gets paid its due.