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On October 24, 2024, students gathered at the Leeds School of Business for a thought-provoking talk featuring David J. Adelman, a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader from Philadelphia. Hosted by the Center for Leadership, this “No Stress Leadership” event offered students from various leadership groups on campus an in-depth look at Adelman’s unique approach to balancing ambition with resilience.

Adelman’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. He serves as CEO of Campus Apartments, co-founded FS Investments, and is an equity partner in the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and other sports ventures. Reflecting on his career, Adelman shared his belief in setting priorities that support both professional success and personal grounding. He emphasized the importance of balancing drive with activities outside of work, like exercise and family time, encouraging students to view life as a marathon rather than a sprint. 

When asked about handling stress, Adelman openly discussed the emotional highs and lows of sports team ownership, drawing a parallel between the intensity of fandom and the weight of ownership. He emphasized that challenges outside of business can build resilience for real-life pressures and that maintaining consistent grounding routines is key to stability. His advice was direct: success is built on perseverance and dedication. 

The discussion highlighted pivotal moments from Adelman’s career, including his journey to CEO by the age of 26 and early lessons in humility and ego management. In one anecdote, he recounted a failed property deal early in his career, which taught him the dangers of letting ego cloud judgment. Adelman encouraged the audience to move past others' opinions and focus on the long game in business. 

During a lively Q&A, students posed questions on topics like real estate, sports ownership, and personal resilience. Adelman’s responses were refreshingly candid. In response to a question about balancing ambition and family, he admitted that his journey included sacrifices he sometimes regretted but underscored the importance of maintaining guiding principles through it all. He stressed that each person’s role, no matter the size, is their empire and should be branded with integrity and hard work. 

As the event concluded, students left with renewed perspectives on leadership, ambition, and the power of perseverance. Adelman’s stories served as a testament to the strength required to achieve sustainable success while staying true to one’s values. 

This event was proudly sponsored by the Center for Leadership, whose mission is to support, connect, and elevate leadership programs, resources, and research across the university.