$400 million worth Shaquille O’Neal has built an empire for himself. Whether it was as an NBA player or as an analyst, the name Shaq itself is a brand. While some point to his greatness as a businessman, others can look at the entertainment industry. However, two of his biggest qualities are his charitable acts and generosity. But, what becomes important for such a man is the company he keeps and the voices in his ear. For Shaq, those questions have always been simple.

Regardless of the why, the name Shaquille O’Neal is always popular. But, with the popularity comes criticism. How does he handle it?

Shaquille O’Neal gives an insight into his mindset

Recently, O’Neal appeared on the MoTalks podcast’s debut episode with Monica. The Grammy-Award-winning sensation kept the conversation honest and deep. As a result, many got to see a very introspective, personal side of?Diesel.?

When their discussion moved to the topic of handling the brand image, Shaq gave a very enlightening answer. “Keep it real…Who’s most important to me?”?Shaq continued, “Mother, Uncle Jerome, Uncle Mike, two friends- I only care about what they say. I tell my children all the time, ‘If a Nobody can influence a Somebody, the Nobody wins’. But, the question at the end of the day is, ‘Who the f*ck are you?’ Nobody.”

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He further revealed that he didn’t listen to criticism from a “nobody“. O’Neal then mentioned two names whose criticism might affect him. “If it ain’t Obama, Oprah Winfrey…Why should I listen? I’m gonna continue to do it my way. I don’t make it a conscious effort to try to, you know, be relevant or be seen,”?the 4x NBA champion emphatically stated.

The Los Angeles Lakers big man’s attitude has driven him to success at every turn. While athletes tend to exaggerate or show off their good gestures, Shaq is far more nuanced in that regard. Even though his generosity is legendary, you hardly ever hear anything from him. So, it was a surprise when the Miami Heat champion recalled a story of his philanthropy.

Shaq helped out a young mother and her son

The episode saw O’Neal at his impressionable best. Whether it was divulging stories about his heartbreaking time as a?juvenile delinquent or about his recent exploits at?Best Buy,?Shaq left no stone unturned. One of his more recent cases of charity came at the retail store.

When he walked into the store, he saw a woman with her child in the layaway section, trying to purchase a laptop. However, the mother was short on cash, so couldn’t get it for her baby. The 7-footer immediately stepped in and bought her two: one for herself, and one for her son.

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In a time when celebrities try to make their lives more personal by the minute, Shaq’s refreshing honesty and openness are commendable. For hoop lovers, the episode is a must-watch.