As one of the greatest athletes in human history, Michael Jordan’s legacy extends way beyond the corners of a basketball court.
In the years since his retirement, he has built an empire in the business world through his “Jordan Brand” company which has become the main source of income for the basketball legend.
Today, the family name is also being carried on through Mike’s daughter, Jasmine, who works as a sports marketing field representative for the Jordan Brand.
In a recent chat with the media, she spoke a bit about her experience being a Jordan and what it means to have that name and work for the brand.
“It’s powerful, it’s special. To have the name and work for the brand, it doesn’t feel real. People say all the time, ‘That’s your brand.’ I say, ‘No, it’s not,’ [but] yes, it is. I’m aware of it, but I don’t think about it as much as people around me do. I’m blessed with the name and an opportunity, but I don’t take it for granted.”
Jasmine, 29, isn’t letting her last name be the sole reason for her success. She believes in hard work and dedication to reach her goals.
She is out to earn her place, not inherit it — and she’s doing a pretty good job of it so far.
“Those who have interacted with me even for 5 seconds, they see I don’t own the room. I have no desire to own the room. I am happy to be standing in the back, grabbing water for my athletes, checking on everybody because that’s who I am. I didn’t come in with my last name printed out in an office and taking executive roles. I’m going to work my way to that point. I want to make sure that if a role or an opportunity presents itself down the line, I can say that I did the entry job, worked my way to manager, director, executive. I took my learnings to find my way to the top.”
Still, it makes for some good times when players or associates find out who she is related to.
“Some of our ladies know from the jump like, ‘That’s Mike’s daughter.’ But I had an adorable moment with Te’a Cooper. She had no idea. It wasn’t until I posted ‘Happy Father’s Day’ on my Instagram and she texted me right after, ‘You did not tell me he is your dad.’ And I was like, ‘Te’a, I assumed you knew.’”
As of today, Jordan Brand is worth billions of dollars and is one of the most recognizable companies in the field.
Jordan helped build that company from the ground up, and now his daughter is helping to keep it alive and expanding.
Clearly, the entire family has a knack for achieving greatness.
