By Jessie Lamb ('10)
In the business of basketball, the team is critical to success. Debbie Antonelli (’88) recently shared the keys to her personal success as a national analyst and member of Team Antonelli at the 2010 Alumni Symposium. Debbie is considered to be one of the most prepared analysts in the business and is a leading voice in the women’s game. As with any strong individual performance, Debbie is supported by a strong team. Team Antonelli includes her husband and former classmate, Frank Antonelli (’88), and their three sons (Joey, Frankie and Patrick). Throughout her presentation, Antonelli shared both professional and personal insights that have contributed to the accomplishments of her team.
Antonelli’s playbook consists of eight elements that are central to her team: lessons, priorities, reflection, resourcefulness and determination, networking, creativity, balance, and acceptance/tolerance. A key lesson that Antonelli shared with the group was the importance of humility balanced with ego. For those of us who are preparing to enter the workforce, it was a strong reminder that there will be times when all hands on deck are required and there is no task is too small. It was clear through her presentation that Debbie is willing to do anything it takes to get the job done. She is confident in her abilities, but she never takes herself too seriously either, which has allowed her to gain respect across the industry. Antonelli also talked about the importance of priorities and balance. She shared her personal philosophy, which is to “never let the urgent get in the way of the important”. This is a philosophy that we can all benefit from, especially in today’s fast-paced work environment.
Antonelli also spoke of the power of networking, which was a common theme throughout the weekend. Antonelli has dedicated significant time and effort to building her network, which has helped her advance her career and open new opportunities for growth. She takes pride in doing it the “OU Way”, and believes you get what you want by helping others get what they want. The last piece of Team Antonelli’s playbook involves acceptance and tolerance. In a profession that requires constant criticism and judgment, Debbie is also an advocate for inclusion and respect for everyone. Debbie’s middle son Frankie has Down syndrome, and has been a driving force behind Team Antonelli’s motto: “Healthy, happy and included”. Debbie and Frank are actively involved in the Special Olympics and the Charleston baseball program, where Frankie has been known to hit an over the fence homerun! We can all take this chapter out of Antonelli’s playbook.
National analyst, wife, mother and philanthropist – Debbie Antonelli is a champion in all aspects of life! I’m still trying to figure out how she has time to balance it all.
