Welcome to the PLAYground...
“The PLAYground” is a place you can go and be your true self. A place without judgement, pressure or expectation. Where you can tap into your curiosity, exploration and imagination — to feel free and simply PLAY. Join me on this amazing journey, where curiosity, exploration, and imagination intertwine.
Play FULFILLS us.
Growing up in Cleveland, the basketball court was my playground. It holds a special place in my heart — a love that is etched deeply in my soul. It's where I spent many hours learning, practicing, connecting. It helped make my home court span the globe — from Finland to Ukraine, Australia to Israel. MY PLAYground was a LOT bigger than I ever imagined, the connections deeper, my journey more fulfilling.
Play LEADS us.
PLAY is a magical realm where curiosity, exploration, and imagination intertwine — a world where anything is possible; a gateway to discovery; a boundless landscape where the mind roams freely. Curiosity fuels our desire to question, to seek answers, and to learn. Through PLAY, we venture into uncharted territories, unearthing hidden treasures and unraveling the mysteries of our surroundings.
Play INSPIRES us.
PLAY is a canvas for exploration, a stage where we can test our limits, try new things, and embrace the thrill of the unknown. In PLAY, imagination takes flight, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary, the mundane into the fantastic. Through PLAY, we embrace the essence of childhood, where the imagination runs wild and the world becomes a PLAYground of infinite possibilities.
Play REMINDS us.
The rhythmic bounce of the ball, the sound of rattling chain nets, and the voices of my friends echoing in the air created a symphony of joy. The PLAYground was my sanctuary, a canvas where my dreams were painted with every layup and every jump shot; where friendships were forged and rivalries born; where I found the relentless pursuit of improvement. The PLAYground ignites my spirit, nurtures my soul, and forever remains a cherished part of my journey.
Play CONNECTS us.
This invitation to PLAY carries with it excitement and anticipation; intrigue and exploration; openness and vulnerability. It carries a hope for joy and shared experiences; of laughter, friendship, and creating unforgettable moments. It's an invitation to set aside worries and obligations, and to immerse ourselves in the magic of the present moment.
It’s about the PEOPLE.
We learn about ourselves through the relationships we have with others. We surround ourselves with the people who are important to us. And those people and relationships create CONNECTIONS. So, let's connect, collaborate and share. Whether through email or the PODcast, this is your invitation to grow by sharing YOUR story.
It’s about being CURIOUS.
When a child first learns to speak, their most pressing question — WHY? — quickly becomes their most frequently asked question. I navigate life with that same curiosity, an approach that has provided me the opportunity to CONNECT — with myself, other people… with the world! I’ve learned myself by learning other people. Curiosity has been the root to my learning, growth, and expansion. So here I am, being me, curious to learn about YOU!
It’s about the CONNECTION.
Interested in collaborating with Jayson for a speaking engagement, workshop, or coaching? Want to stay in the loop about upcoming events, workshops, and keynotes? Whether you're seeking personal development, professional growth, or simply an enriching experience, connect with Jayson and explore the many ways we can work together.
Here for a PURPOSE.
Learning — in every form — allows you to grow through connections, many of them unexpected. It is ONGOING, a circle we complete throughout our lives. It gives us PURPOSE. Here you'll learn about MY purpose, what has inspired me and continues to help me reimagine my purpose. From basketball courts to boardroom tables, take a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Jayson…Jayson.
The Basketball Years
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jayson attended Cleveland Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1994. He and teammate Earl Boykins led the Ironmen to a 23–2 season in 1994, the Ohio State Quarterfinals and consecutive North Coast League titles. He was selected to the All-North Coast League “First Team” and named to the All-State Team (Honorable Mention).
After high school, Jayson attended Indiana State University. He played basketball under head coaches Sherman Dillard & Royce Waltman, leading the team in scoring and rebounding his senior season; he finished his career as the #19 career scorer (1,106 points) and the #13 rebounder (508 total rebounds). He was named first team All-Missouri Valley following his senior season and third team All-Missouri Valley Conference junior season.
Though not a part of the the 1998 NBA draft, Jayson spent 13 seasons playing in 12 countries, winning titles in Finland, Ukraine, and Israel. He was selected to All-Pro teams in Sweden, Australia, and Israel and in 2003-04 was the top rebounder in the Israel Basketball Premier League.
Author, Speaker, Inspirer, Coach
After retiring from basketball, he joined Nike Grassroots Basketball as Director of Nike Elite 100, soon designing, developing and delivering events for Nike. He has also facilitated basketball camps for professional athletes including Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
One of Jayson’s deepest held principles is “if it’s BIGGER than the game, why do we focus so much on the game?” Currently, Jayson is walking in his PURPOSE by stepping into the role of Mindset Enhancement Coach, living out his personal mantra to ‘Develop & Empower Winners.’ Drawing inspiration from the essence and energy of play, Jayson empowers us to infuse curiosity, exploration and imagination into our professional lives, fostering innovation, improving team dynamics, and enhancing interpersonal communication.
Over the past 12 years, Jayson has inspired and influenced over 50,000 individuals from various industries, including Fortune 500 Companies, non-profit organizations, universities and athletic teams worldwide. From speaking experiences, to coaching, facilitation, and content creation, Jayson has created inspiration and impact. A captivating storyteller, Jayson engaging audiences by skillfully weaving tales that entertain, enlighten, and expand the edges for leaders.
Why PERFORMANCE matters.
The importance of performance transcends the confines of athletic endeavor— it's equally impactful across the spectrum of life. In fact, a dedication to growth through performance has fueled my pursuit of excellence. It has powered my drive to be a better 'me'. It is the foundation for what I do and who I am, every day.
Curiosity, Exploration and Imagination.
A blend of life experiences and 13 years as a professional basketball player has provided me with an in-depth understanding of well-functioning, high-performing teams, as well as unique insights and practical solutions to enhance leadership. The focus on engaging people, enhancing purpose and elevating performance is all built on one core concept — doing simple things better — and put into action through a unique, interactive experience: CEI.
CEI, (Curiosity, Exploration and Imagination) provides the structure to connect, engage, enhance and elevate ourselves. CEI focuses on the behaviors that drive connections and relationships — it is the root of inclusive, productive work environments where trust, communication and care thrive.
CEI: Curiosity, Exploration and Imagination.
-
ENGAGE
ENGAGE is a transformative team and culture Experience that fosters a collaborative work environment. Engage aims to deepen the bond among team members, streamline communication, and create a challenging, yet supportive atmosphere.
-
ENHANCE
ENHANCE is a powerful leadership Experience designed to elevate leaders from what’s now to what’s next. Enhance provides a full-court framework for those seeking to lead championship teams.
-
ELEVATE
ELEVATE is a performance development Experience designed to empower individuals to reach new heights in their personal and professional lives. The transformative content for Elevate is built on three foundational principles: Preparation, Cultivation, and Accountability.
-
EQUIP
Empowering parents with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to positively enhance their child’s athletic journey, Equip is designed to foster a nurturing environment where love, preparation, and the ability to embrace challenges become integral aspects of the parenting experience in the realm of sports.
-
EXCEL
Designed to help individuals develop a professional mindset, Excel draws inspiration and insights from an athlete’s perspective. Focusing on dedication, discipline, and mental resilience, this course explores the mindset, habits, and strategies of successful athletes, and how these principles translate to professional contexts.
Stories with SOUL.
We may share very similar — and unique — stories, but NOBODY has ever walked in YOUR shoes. At the same time, our shoes UNITE us. There are stories behind those shoes. Every pair. Every lace. Every scuff mark. Each week we’ll bring you a new story from around the globe, uniting us in lessons and stories BEHIND the shoes. Behind YOUR shoes.