Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
As an inspirational keynote speaker, basketball player, and founder of Ideal Reality Chris Singleton has a keen ability to believe in others when they don't believe in themselves and as a result, he is creating an ecosystem of strong, independent yet collaborative creatives that are rising to the next level, together.
You recently founded the company Ideal Reality, which is a business and financial consulting firm, can you tell us more about Ideal Reality and what the whole process has been like?
I am a visionary and a realist, I understand the reality of situations but also have dreams that allow me to maneuver and adjust. I started Ideal Reality to help people connect to their dreams. I have experienced and seen a lot in my 12 years playing professional basketball, I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. I feel like I can help people. I can help them with their business. I have experience seeing what makes teams successful, how to manage people and resources, and how to create a great environment for success. At Ideal Reality, we are focused on helping businesses of all sizes from start-ups to larger established companies maximize their potential. We specialize in creating customized solutions specifically tailored to our client’s needs that help them achieve their goals.
Ideal Reality advocates five different themes: Dreaming out loud, shining light on people, being creative and different, and living life to the fullest. What do these themes mean more profoundly?
I genuinely want everyone to be able to achieve their dreams. I have a desire for people to find success, wherever they are in life. You need to be open and aware of what is happening in the world and if I can help people get to a place where life has proper meaning. I want to be a positive influence on people’s lives and I want them to be able to see in themselves what I see in them. Through Ideal Reality, I want everyone to be able to achieve their dreams. Being different and creative is accepted now. 50-60 years ago, you couldn’t be so outspoken, you couldn’t be a visionary.
Now is the perfect time to let your ideas turn into reality. Ideal Reality is set up to not only capture these ideas but help turn them into reality. By doing this, by starting Ideal Reality, by joining Ideal Reality - we are saying that we will not leave anything to chance. There is no “what if I did this” or “I should have done that”. Dreaming out loud means believing in yourself and your vision, no matter how crazy it may seem. Shining light on people is to appreciate the genuine efforts done by others that go unnoticed every day. Being creative and different is to bring new ideas and approaches to existing problems while living life to the fullest is enjoying every single moment of life with gratitude and a positive attitude.
How do you live your life to the fullest?
I think I do live my life to the fullest. I am at a point in life where financially don't have to worry as much as other people, which allows me the confidence to get up and walk around without many worries. Me getting up in the morning and spending my days trying to help, inspire and nurture others is my way of living life to the fullest. I didn't grow up with a lot. It wasn't the toughest place, but it was tough. Realizing and acknowledging where I came from gives me the drive to help others. I know if I can get out and can change my life, they can too. I have a passion for basketball, and I make sure to take the time to get out on the court and practice. I also take the time to give back, whether it be through charitable organizations or helping those less fortunate than me.
As a professional basketball player, what kind of mindset have you brought from the court into the business world?
Being on the court, you either win or lose. When you win, you still look back at all of the things that you could have done better. Growing up there was a negative stigma around athletes. I didn't want to be that guy, that grew up, and ended up broke. I wanted to establish myself, find a purpose and focus on success not just as an athlete, but also in the business world. I took the competitive spirit that helped make me successful on the court and used it as fuel to keep pushing forward in the business world. I worked hard, asked lots of questions, and made sure I was always learning something new. This has helped me in the business world because it’s allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and develop my skills. I also brought my confidence with me from the court, which helps when interacting with clients, or pitching an idea or product.
I would say that one of the most important things I learned on the court that I use in business is how to work with a team. As an athlete, you rely on your teammates and learn how to collaborate to achieve success. In business, it’s important to be able to come together with coworkers and collaborate to reach common goals. That kind of teamwork mentality is something that has helped me to be successful in business. In the end, my time as a professional basketball player has given me the skills and knowledge I need to be successful in business. It's been an incredible journey and I'm thankful for all it taught me. I want to change that stigma. Educating and helping other athletes make a successful transition into the business world is something I’m passionate about. I want athletes to use all they have learned on the court and apply it in their professional lives. We can, and should, be an example of how you can take the skills from sports and make them applicable in your everyday life.
Who/What is your work inspired by and is there anything special that keeps you motivated?
Where I came from, and my mother, is what inspire me. Ever since I was 15, I knew I had to step up and become a man. Ever since then, I have tried to pull my weight, help out around the house, and contribute financially. I come from a mother with an amazing heart and I carry that with me. What keeps me motivated is being able to challenge myself. With having my own family now, having two kids that are looking up to me, I want them to see me grow something, something more than just playing basketball.
As a successful athlete and a serial entrepreneur - what would you say is your most outstanding career achievement so far?
Being drafted in the 2011 NBA draft was a dream come true and was something I wanted ever since I was 15 or 16. To hear my name called, even after I broke my foot that year, and see my mom smile and become part of this small collective group of men is the ultimate achievement. That moment will always stand out in my mind.
What does the future look like for you and Ideal Reality?
The future looks bright. I plan to help as many people as I can, and dedicate as much time as needed to help the right people grow and achieve their peak goals. I never imagined I would be where I am today.