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“Life is growth. You grow or you die.”
In this episode of The Business Book Club, we dive into Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the inspirational memoir of the founder of Nike. This candid and captivating book chronicles the incredible journey from a small start-up selling shoes out of a car boot to one of the most iconic and innovative brands in the world.
Knight’s story is one of resilience, vision, and relentless belief in an idea that changed the face of global sport and business. Unlike a typical corporate success story, Shoe Dog is deeply personal — filled with moments of doubt, risk, and near failure. In this episode, we unpack the lessons behind Nike’s rise: the power of persistence, the importance of strong partnerships, and the courage it takes to follow a dream even when the odds are stacked against you.
We also explore how Shoe Dog serves as a masterclass in leadership, branding, and entrepreneurship — showing that success is rarely linear, and that purpose and passion often matter more than perfection.
Episode 58 - Shoe Dog
By Phil Knight
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About the Author(s)
Phil Knight is the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, Inc., one of the most successful and recognisable brands in the world. A former middle-distance runner turned entrepreneur, Knight launched Nike (originally Blue Ribbon Sports) in 1964 with his college coach, Bill Bowerman, importing running shoes from Japan before creating the now-legendary Nike brand.
Under his leadership, Nike grew into a global powerhouse built on innovation, storytelling, and a deep connection to athletes. Knight is widely credited with revolutionising sports marketing and brand culture through campaigns like “Just Do It.” After stepping down as CEO, he continued to serve as chairman and remains a major philanthropist, donating billions to education, health, and athletics through The Knight Foundation. His memoir Shoe Dog has become a modern classic in entrepreneurship, inspiring countless founders and dreamers to take bold risks and chase their vision.
Image: AI Generated for editorial purposes only
“One of the best memoirs from a business leader — authentic, humble, and filled with lessons on risk, resilience, and vision.”
— Bill Gates
Image: AI Generated for editorial purposes only
