LeBron James knows what it means to have talent recognized early. But he also knows not everyone gets that same shot.
That, according to a press release, is the idea behind his latest project with Maverick Carter, UNINTERRUPTED, and the LeBron James Family Foundation — a partnership with Indeed designed to push for skills-first hiring.
The campaign flips the script on how employers look at potential. Instead of obsessing over résumés and degrees, it highlights real-life skills and experience. To set the tone, the team dropped a national commercial narrated by Ernie Johnson Jr. The spot asks a tricky question: what if James' own ability on the court had gone unnoticed? It’s a scenario meant to mirror the roadblocks millions of job seekers face every day.
Johnson said teaming up for the project was an easy call. “LeBron’s skill on the court is obviously undeniable but equally impressive is how he has used his platform to enrich lives in so many ways," he said in a statement. "It was an honor to join with the LeBron James Family Foundation, UNINTERRUPTED, and Indeed to spread this message.”
The campaign doesn’t stop with a single ad. On October 1, UNINTERRUPTED is rolling out The Main Thing, a four-part digital series hosted by James himself. Each episode brings him face-to-face with culture-shaping figures — skate legend Tony Hawk, multihyphenate Teyana Taylor, tech creator Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), and designer Melody Ehsani. Together, they’ll talk about how creativity, discipline, and hustle can open doors in any field.
James tied the effort back to the work his foundation has been doing in Akron. “In the work my Foundation does to support families with resources like education and job training, we’ve seen how people can thrive when they’re given an opportunity,” he said. “I’m excited about this campaign with UNINTERRUPTED and Indeed that will hopefully open more doors for people to have that chance to show their skills and experience.”
Beyond the content, the initiative includes career development events, new job seeker resources, and integration of Indeed’s tools into LJFF’s education programs. One highlight will be an in-person job event at House Three Thirty in Akron, featuring skills workshops and training.