What You're Made For

Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports

By: George Raveling, Ryan Holiday, Michael Jordan - introduction

Narrated by: JD Jackson

“I’m proud to call George a mentor and a friend.” —Michael Jordan

Orphaned at just thirteen in a still-segregated Washington, D.C., George Raveling was introduced to a relatively unpopular sport—basketball—in high school. The rest, as they say, is history. Raveling went on to become one of the winningest coaches of all time, a mentor to legendary athletes, and a confidant of the sport’s greatest coaches, including Bob Knight and John Wooden. He convinced Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on the Air Jordan. He led the 1984 U.S. men’s Olympic team to their ninth gold medal. He even once owned the original, handwritten copy of Dr. King’s most famous speech after an unlikely stint as a bodyguard during the famous March on Washington.

Here, Coach Raveling tells the story of his extraordinary ascent, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his days working with the best in the game. But this book is more than a memoir—it’s a manual for life that presents surprising methods for harnessing your potential from a man who shaped the careers of so many legends. Raveling imparts lessons learned from his grandmother, his long career in basketball, and his lifelong habit of reading—to which he credits all his success.

Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, a parent, a student, or simply seeking to mold your raw talent into greatness, What You’re Made For is a blueprint for your life.

Critic reviews

Praise for What You’re Made For

“This is a must-read book.” —Charles Barkley

“George Raveling has led one of the most incredible lives in sports—maybe of all time.” —Manu Ginóbili

“Coach is a person that I admire and count on for career and life advice.” —Jay Wright, former Villanova University basketball coach, two-time national championship winner, and 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee

“Coach is an inspiring testament to resilience, reflection, and the pursuit of purpose. His journey spans seismic historical shifts, victories, and near-fatal challenges, yet his unique introspection and shared lessons have helped me connect more deeply with my own journey and potential.” —Paul Rabil, cofounder of the Premier Lacrosse League and author of The Way of the Champion

The incredible experiences George Raveling had in 87 years of life. Amazing.

Terrific book about Raveling’s amazing journey from being raised by his grandmother to his introduction to basketball, where he got a scholarship to Villanova. A tense racial situation at a college game that connected him with Jerry West for life. How he came to gain possession of MLK’s notes for the “I Have A Dream” speech. And that’s well before he became a coach and Nike executive. You can’t make this life up.

Excellent Life and Life advice

I enjoyed every aspect of this book! Incredibly good narrator and content. I will revisit it again and again.

Wonder guide to a richer life

The book provides a syllabus on living your life in a meaningful and fulfilling way. I would encourage younger people to fully embrace the lessons imparted

His sincerity of heart extremely valuable

Thank you for making the time to write this and share how to live with your gold nuggets of wisdom!

Coach Raveling for the win

I’ve been such a George Raveling fan since my days as a little kid at basketball camps. This book just reminded me why.