Billy Beane Launches LWCC Speaker Series

LWCC launched the Speaker Series at the Foster Learning Center on December 8, with an event featuring Billy Beane, Major League Baseball (MLB) executive and subject of the bestselling book and Oscar nominated film, Moneyball. The event doubled as the company’s annual fundraiser for the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program, a scholarship fund administered by Louisiana Bar Foundation for dependent children of Louisiana workers permanently injured, totally disabled, or killed in a workplace accident.

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“We are proud to be able to honor the late governor with this incredible facility, set to become a premier destination in Louisiana for innovative learning, powerful collaboration, and creative problem solving. Today’s event, the first major event to be held at the Foster Learning Center, is a perfect example of that vision and we are excited to do so with our guest speaker, Billy Beane,” said Kristin Wall, LWCC’s President and CEO at the start of the event.

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“I know what you’re all thinking. And yes, Brad Pitt did play me in the movie,” joked Beane as he took the stage.  As the audience laughed, he outlined how his journey to fame and success was based on his ability to do something different and change an age-old approach. Through the application of statistical analysis, Billy has transformed not only the Oakland Athletics, but the entire game of baseball by evaluating players differently.

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“I realized that I needed to seize the opportunity to try something different, try something new,” Beane boldly stated. " And honestly, the best decision I made had nothing to do with how much money I spent, but rather who I hired."

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A life-long athlete, Billy played professional ball before transitioning to a player scout. It was during this time that he realized the flaw in the way players were scouted. Billy explained that by reviewing player data and recruiting undervalued players, he was able to field a competitive roster, on a limited budget.

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“A result doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. That result is also not the best measure of performance,” Beane said. “Instead, it’s important to look at the process that led to that result, and then use that process to help predict the desired outcome.”

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Billy continued that he never intended to cause a disruption of this magnitude, or a disruption at all. Instead, he knew he needed results and that those results could only come from change. He urged attendees to find comfort in the chaos of what can be seen as a disruption to reach success. He encouraged listeners to take the opportunity to reinvent themselves and the way things are done.

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“I find it humorous because for so long people called us risk takers. But we were actually the exact opposite!” concluded Billy. “We used data and numbers to drive results. And while we didn’t win every game, we knew that the data couldn’t be wrong and if we stayed the course, we would be successful.”

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LWCC was grateful to collaborate with agent and business partners on the event to raise over $43,000 for the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Fund. The Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program has been important to the company for many years as the missions are closely aligned. Workplace injuries impact the entire family and we are proud to have the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program available to support the families of injured workers

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Billy spoke passionately about his journey to fame and success based on his ability to create and stick to a new recruitment strategy that changed the game forever. Billy highlighted the importance of innovation, data-driven decisions, and talented teams in the success of his approach.  These are elements we can all integrate into both our personal and professional pursuits.

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Learn more about our efforts to celebrate and elevate Louisiana.

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