Curtis Granderson on Authenticity and the Power of Differences
UIC Business alumnus Curtis Granderson shares insights with Business Scholars on authenticity, leadership, and the value of embracing differences.
Curtis Granderson on Authenticity and the Power of Differences
On March 19, UIC Business Scholars at UIC Business welcomed back alumnus and former Major League Baseball player Curtis Granderson for a conversation on personal growth, career development, and the importance of embracing differences.
Reflecting on his journey through professional baseball, Granderson highlighted key moments from his career, including his time with the Detroit Tigers and the New York Mets. He emphasized that success is shaped not only by performance, but by mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.
A central theme of his talk—“The Power of Differences”—was illustrated through the metaphor of a crayon box, as he encouraged students to “be the crayon everyone wants to use” by embracing what makes them unique.
With this message, Granderson encouraged students to embrace their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths rather than conforming. He also underscored the importance of inclusivity, noting that teams and organizations are stronger when individuals actively recognize and value differences in others.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where Granderson reinforced that long-term success comes from staying authentic, remaining open to growth, and using individuality as a strength.
Granderson’s impact extends far beyond his playing career. Through the Curtis Granderson Foundation, he has created opportunities for young people through athletics, education, and health and wellness initiatives. In partnership with UIC Athletics, he launched the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy in 2016, providing more than 25,000 Chicago youth with access to Division I facilities, skills-based instruction, and mentorship.
His philanthropic efforts also include Grand Giving, a food insecurity initiative developed in partnership with Mariano’s, which has raised more than $1.5 million for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, helping provide millions of meals to families across Chicagoland.