Students attending the life skills sessions at High Point University in North Carolina might not have expected any similarities between the lessons shared by an NBA executive with power in business operations and a Morgan Stanley financial advisor managing billions of dollars. However, through the HPU Access to Innovators program, two global leaders have shared leadership lessons that look almost identical, past their specific industry jargon.

Through this program, students have gained access to mentorship programs and lectures by Charlie Freeman, president of business operations for the NBA's Orlando Magic, and Mark Bradburn, founder and co-managing financial advisor of The Bradburn Group at Morgan Stanley. Freeman serves as the university's Sport Business Executive in Residence, while Bradburn serves as its Wealth Management Expert in Residence. In recent sessions with the two leaders, students at HPU have gained valuable insight into the leadership qualities valued in high-stakes industries like theirs. Below are some of the tips shared by Charlie and Mark in 2026.