Shoe Dog is a memoir by Nike co-founder Phil Knight. The memoir chronicles the history of Nike from its early struggles to its evolution into one of the world’s most recognized and profitable companies.
Phil Knight closed this book stating we should have faith in ourselves but also have faith in faith. I actually passed on this book three times before my book guy forced it on me last week. I told the book seller (my trusted book guy) that I was in a bit of a funk following some crazy people with crazy ideas whom I was stupid enough to jump ship and follow. With this in mind, you can say Shoe Dog got me from the GO!
The word is LIBERATION. Before reading this book, I thought I was liberated and have heard every entrepreneur’s story on how they made it out but Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog was different. I have never read a book so inspiring, motivating and real than this one. It is a must read for everyone on your book list.
Shoe Dog will teach you tenacity and doggedness coming from an entrepreneur’s heart. In my opinion, if Phil Knight went through what he did to build a brand like Nike, then what we all are going through is nothing.
Shoe Dog – An Entrepreneur’s Heart
‘The crazy idea was not to make money but to help people live better”
Phil Knight himself was a runner so his ‘crazy idea’ was to create something for people who want to run because he believes that if people run, they will live better and healthier so why not create that thing that will uplift people? This man could not sell a whole lot of things in his previous jobs as a salesman but selling shoes came natural to him because he found his purpose.
In Shoe Dog, you will discover subject matter love and what depth really means. Also it will illustrate to you that businesses are built through knowledge insight, pure slog and not funding.
The man shared his experiences, the ups and downs, so that some young man or woman somewhere, going through the same trials and ordeals, might be inspired, comforted or warned. He wants people to press on in chasing their dreams. Like he put it “its all the same drive. the same dream”
Shoe Dog will help you avoid typical discomfort. Knight wants all young people to never settle for a job or a profession or even a career. He advised that we all seek a calling even if we do not know what it means but we must seek it.
Finally, this book will also comfort you that nothing comes easy and nothing lasts forever. If the owner of Nike had problems that lasted almost forever, then your case is not beyond redemption. We’re all on the same boat.
‘The coward never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen, Us.”
If Shoe Dog does not inspire you to create something that the world loves, nothing will. Have you read the book? What do you like most about it?
About The Writer
George Modokpe Daniel is a Wacky Hip-hop Nerd/Entertainment Commentator/Lebron James Worshipper/TV Buff +Fried Plantain Lover. Connect with him on Twitter @ModokpeGeorge