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Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike | Phil Knight
In this candid and riveting memoir, for the first time ever, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight shares the inside story of the companys early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the worlds most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands. Young, searching, fresh out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and launched a company with one simple mission: import high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan. Selling the shoes from the trunk of his Plymouth Valiant, Knight grossed eight thousand dollars that first year, 1963. Today, Nikes annual sales top $30 billion. In this age of start-ups, Knights Nike is the gold standard, and its swoosh is more than a logo. A symbol of grace and greatness, its one of the few icons instantly recognized in every corner of the world. But Knight, the man behind the swoosh, has always been a mystery. Now, in a memoir thats surprising, humble, unfiltered, funny, and beautifully crafted, he tells his story at last. It all begins with a classic crossroads moment. Twenty-four years old, backpacking through Asia and Europe and Africa, wrestling with lifes Great Questions, Knight decides the unconventional path is the only one for him. Rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, something new, dynamic, different. Knight details the many terrifying risks he encountered along the way, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors, the countless doubters and haters and hostile bankersas well as his many thrilling triumphs and narrow escapes. Above all, he recalls the foundational relationships that formed the heart and soul of Nike, with his former track coach, the irascible and charismatic Bill Bowerman, and with his first employees, a ragtag group of misfits and savants who quickly became a band of swoosh-crazed brothers. Together, harnessing the electrifying power of a bold vision and a shared belief in the redemptive, transformative power of sports, they created a brand, and a culture, that changed everything.
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fredthemoose
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ When I see my retired aunt and uncle I ask what their book club is reading to get ideas, and this was one of those books. ☺️ I enjoyed this one—I find stories of people building something from nothing and hearing what went well and what was a struggle to be really interesting. Everyone wants to present themselves in the best light, but I felt like this had a decent amount of humility and didn‘t sugar coat the struggle.

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Vivlio_Gnosi
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A well written memoir on the fight for success.

#nonfiction #business

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MallenNC
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Pickpick

I loved this book, which traces the start of Nike, from a “wild idea” to the company‘s initial public offering. It‘s so well written I found myself hoping things would turn out well whenever they hit a challenging point. Which is quite a feat considering we all know how things turned out for Nike. I read this for two reasons: @Cinfhen told me to, and the co-writer also wrote Andre Agassi‘s book, which is my all time favorite memoir.

Cinfhen Yay!!!! I literally cried several times reading this book. I was so emotionally invested 😁 12mo
21 likes1 comment
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MallenNC
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I have been trying to get to this memoir ever since @Cinfhen put it in her #AuldLangSpines list. March Madness seems like the right time! Especially since all the teams from my ACC are out already so nothing needs my full attention.

Cinfhen Hope you enjoy Shoe Dog!! I actually cried over this one…I wasn‘t expecting that 😅 12mo
Cinfhen Funny…I‘m about to start 12mo
MallenNC I am liking it so far. I‘m still just getting started. I‘m glad we‘re both still reading from our lists! 12mo
Megabooks KSU vs MSU was crazy!!! 🤯🤯 12mo
22 likes4 comments
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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

Wasn‘t expecting to shed some tears but I did! I found this story of Nike‘s creation to be full of humor, humanity, humility, chutzpah, drive, innovation and tenacity. Narration was fantastic. I loved the backstory of how the company got both its name & iconic symbol - the swoosh, as well as learning about the grit & guts it took to build a multi billion dollar empire. Now I want to read the Adidas/Puma origin story. #ShoeWars

MallenNC For some reason every time I've glanced at this cover I've thought it was by Phil Jackson, the basketball coach, and wondered about the title. Now that I see “memoir by the founder of Nike“ it makes more sense! Glad it was a good read-- I'll add it to my list. 2y
Cinfhen Hahaha @MallenNC I thought that too at first glance. Go audio if you can!! 2y
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Cinfhen
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#Riveting Fantastic narration 🙌🏻 The origin story of Nike. Phil Knight seems like such a humble & genuine guy. A true innovator and the epitome of perseverance.

eraderneely Didn‘t know I needed this, but 100% just went on my library holds! 2y
Cinfhen @eraderneely YAY!!! Let me know when you get to it 😃🎊👟 2y
tpixie Interesting 🧐 2y
63 likes3 comments
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Cinfhen
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I usually don‘t have three books going at once, but…here I am…
Enjoying all three 😁
Of course NONE were in my #WeeklyForecast 😆

Cinfhen @BarbaraBB I‘m 💯 sure you‘re gonna love this one. I remember you mentioning you were looking forward to reading it…. 2y
LeeRHarry Love Nina Lacour and really looking forward to the new Akwaeke Emezi book - fabulous title! 😊 2y
BarbaraBB If you say so it‘s an auto buy for me! Can‘t wait! Thanks!! 2y
BarbaraBB Ooh it will be released her at the end of May! So I pre-ordered it and will have to be patient for a month! 2y
Cinfhen I‘m really confident you‘re gonna love it even though I‘m only at 40% 🤭 @BarbaraBB I‘ve never read anything by LaCour @LeeRHarry but the premise is very intriguing 💕 2y
74 likes5 comments
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MattSmyth
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Wonderful book written nicely.

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Hitchhikerbooks
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When you recognise the voice of the narrator...

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JulieAly
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Very inspiration. I‘m not a huge autobiography reader but this one was very well done. I highly recommend.

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anxious_bibliophile
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Starts off slow..but gradually picks up pace (like a race!). Offers a fresh perspective on what goes behind creating a billion-dollar brand, that too a shoe brand! Motivating, nonetheless.

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rather_be_reading
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Bailedbailed

Bailing. The narrator put me to sleep from the beginning and I knew there was no way I could for 13 more hrs!! I plan picking up the print copy later.

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rather_be_reading
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Book 14

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Lisebo
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I only started to really enjoy this book after the first two chapters and I loved the ending & the reflection moments (& every single page thereafter). This is an extraordinary story that will inspire entrepreneurs & individuals to keep going. I also enjoyed the honesty about how some success stories are born from...luck vs coincidence vs intuition vs destiny and having the right team (playing to their strengths -from employee no.1) 👟loved it ❤️

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Kristy_K
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Bailedbailed

The first few chapters were a little too pretentious for me. White male who‘s parents paid for college and grad school then decides to go on a trip around the world, courtesy of his dad again. I am sure he worked extremely hard to get Nike to what it is today, but I couldn‘t get past the privilege that exuded from the pages.

#dnf

rather_be_reading i agree! 3y
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THERON cale
Pickpick

A recurring thème is the thème of victory. Victory is mentioned in the beginning by Phil as a quote by Winston Churchill. Later he visits the temple of Nike, goddess of victory during his tour of the world. Eventually, he names his brand Nike. Also this is present by his brand being popular and working out well. It‘s victorious.
**SUMMARY in comments**

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THERON cale
Pickpick

A recurring thème is the thème of victory. Victory is mentioned in the beginning by Phil as a quote by Winston Churchill. Later he visits the temple of Nike, goddess of victory during his tour of the world. Eventually, he names his brand Nike. Also this is present by his brand being popular and working out well. It‘s victorious.
**SUMMARY in comments**

THERON cale This book, written by the founder, Phil Knight, tells the story of the creation of Nike. Early in the book he travels all around the world before pursuing the idea that Japanese factories should make shoes for America. We follow through his many days of debt, negotiation and progression in his business. We see all the way from his college days (1962) to 1980. We also see how his life has changed many years later in around 2007. I have read the wh 3y
THERON cale ole book and I‘ve concluded that if you like books about business, autobiography or sport this book will suffice all your reading needs.
3y
MissYaremcio Great review Theron! You did a great job with identifying the theme in a memoir! Thank you for sending me the photo! 6/6 3y
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swapniltayade
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🥳📚🤗 4y
3 likes2 comments
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nzisai
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Pickpick

A good read. Obviously I took exception to him embellishing his memory of Kenya in the 60's and not mentioning the runners who have broken World records in his shoes - Kenyans. But its his story and its a beautiful story of courage and resilience. And living a purposeful life!

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asspringer
Pickpick

Loved the story and it makes you motivated to follow your dreams

LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome to Litsy! Here are links to #Litsytips: http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU. There‘s lots of fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! #litsywelcomewagon 4y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🥳 4y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 💖📚💖 4y
Eggbeater Welcome to Litsy! 🐙 4y
Nute Welcome to Litsy! It‘s a warm and friendly community. I know that you will enjoy yourself here. I‘m looking forward to getting to know you!🙂 4y
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Beccacraft
Pickpick

This story about the creator of Nike and the ideas, visions, trials, difficulties, people, and places that brought about the corporation was fascinating and fun to read.

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Ashley_Nicoletto
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Pickpick

I am utterly fascinated with the way giant corporations are built. Most of the time it‘s some combination of hard work, good luck, and people magically saying yes when they could have or should have said no. This one was fantastic.

12 hours into #24B4Monday and this is my first book finished. Going strong.

britt_brooke I‘ve been so curious about this one. #stacked 5y
Ashley_Nicoletto @britt_brooke It was very interesting. I associate Nike as one of the largest brands in the world, and I couldn‘t believe while listening to this how many times they skated by or almost no longer existed. 5y
63 likes2 comments
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Ashley_Nicoletto
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I have a giant stack of books that I‘m in the middle of and I need some motivation to finish them.

So I‘m jumping in on #24B4Monday with this audiobook.

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jrepka
Pickpick

Overall a great book about the highs and lows of Knight's life and the creation of Nike. There is a slight layer of pretentiousness. Knight reminds you throughout the book that he's travelled the world. That his "not-rich" father paid for (though not sure if anyone not well off would ever fund that... Or provide cash to start his son's company). Also I think Johnson was the main driving force behind how Blue Ribbon became Nike. #swoosh

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creampiss
Pickpick

Fantastic only good memoir out there

9 likes3 stack adds
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Annazozo
Pickpick

❤️

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Cinfhen
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#MarchIntoThe70s Still on my TBR 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️👟A memoir by the creator of Nike #JustDoIt #BornToRun
Still loving this playlist 🤟🏼 Spotify playlist is https://spoti.fi/2U8oEiP 🌟I think you requested it @Chrissyreadit 🌟

TrishB Good one 👍🏻 5y
Cathythoughts Nice choice 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y
Chrissyreadit @Cinfhen thanks! I found it!! It took forever to go back through all the posts!! 5y
See All 6 Comments
gradcat So that‘s where you come up with these lists...I had wondered about that! Kudos to you for finding such great ones!! 5y
Cinfhen No, @gradcat every playlist is an original creation by a Litten. Some choose to use Spotify to share the songs after they‘ve created the song choices😎 5y
gradcat @Cinfhen I‘m sorry—I misunderstood. Actually, I thought they were created by you guys, but the Spotify thing threw me. But it‘s nice to know that you can get the playlist on Spotify—so cool! Please forgive my error! 😬 5y
102 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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SMH86
Pickpick

Good book on the history and picks some of those news stories in a different perspective.

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LitFaced
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Caught two commuters reading on the bus early in the AM! Camouflaged in the center of the photo is Nike founder Phil Knight‘s memoir #ShoeDog; top right is #CatcherintheRye by J. D. Salinger—the classic subway read.

Reviewsbylola Catcher in the Rye is def perfect for the subway! 5y
rather_be_reading LOVE it! 3y
17 likes2 comments
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Psv
Pickpick

Inspiring Read

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Jimbod12
Pickpick

Terrific book! I love reading the success story of an American entrepreneur. Phil Knight injected a good bit of humor into the story about how Nike became Nike!

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GripLitGrl
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Cinfhen This book has been on my radar forever ~ great choice 5y
49 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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deepakinchora5667
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Pickpick

Its worth reading. I took up this book to understand how successful people thinks. I thing I learn from this book is how easily and constructively he and his team fight all the obstacles.The cooperate culture he developed in Nike. And more than anything the brand Nike.
Worth listening ( I am a audible ) person.
5/5 rating

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Trace
Pickpick

The author‘s sense of humor turned what I thought would be a dry portrayal of Nike into a heartwarming inspiring story.

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deepakinchora5667
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"Leaning back in my recliner each night, staring at the ceiling, I tried to settle myself. I told myself: Life is growth. You grow or you die.”
I liked this quote .. it remind us to try every single day .the book is awesome. I will order another pair of Nike soon

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mimibubbles
Pickpick

Great

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heylaurenmack
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Not book related but I wanted to share cause this community has so been so supportive. 5 years of gratitude with the best brand in the world. Thank you for helping this soft spoken individual find my voice. If I‘ve been any amount of successful it is because of the people who have lead me, lead with me, and allowed me to lead them. Let‘s keep winning together.

Craftylikefox Yay! Congratulations! 6y
RebelReader Congratulations! 6y
See All 10 Comments
julesG Congratulations! 6y
heylaurenmack @julesG Thank you! 6y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Congratulations—that‘s a really nice way to recognize you! 6y
heylaurenmack @BarbaraTheBibliophage There‘s a little plaque thing they have on order too. I‘ve always jokingly said I‘m getting my crystal swoosh and then I‘m out 😂 6y
JoScho ❤️❤️❤️ 6y
rather_be_reading So cool! 3y
15 likes10 comments
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heylaurenmack
Pickpick

Finally finished this. I work for Nike, currently as a footwear manager, so I wanted to spend a good amount of time with this. There seemed to be a lot honesty and reality with how difficult it is to build a culture from nothing while retaining good standards and mindset. And how it doesn‘t always happen. I‘ve said it before and I‘ll say it again, Nike saved me. This book reminded me why I choose to become a leader within the brand.

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heylaurenmack

When you make something, when you improve something, when you deliver something, when you add some new thing or service to the lives of strangers, making them happier, or healthier, or safer, or better, and when you do it all crisply and efficiently, smartly, the way everything should be done but so seldom is - you‘re participating more fully in the whole grand human drama. More than simply alive, you‘re helping others to live more fully.

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heylaurenmack
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That leaves us.

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PaigeTurner
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Pickpick

Wearing my kicks while listening to Shoe Dog on #audiobook. Almost done and loving it. I‘m not usually drawn to #nonfiction, but this has kept me completely captivated. #swoosh

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Parvez
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Shoe dog by Phil Knight. An awesome read!!!!

DebinHawaii (A belated) Welcome to Litsy!! 🎉📚👍😀Hope you are enjoying it here! 6y
Parvez Thank you!!! 6y
Parvez It's very exciting here! 6y
8 likes3 comments
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heylaurenmack
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I‘ve waited entirely too long to start this one. If you haven‘t seen already, I‘m a manager for a Nike Factory Store. This company and the people in it pulled me through the darkest times of my life. The inclusive environment and the competitive beast they breed within and against yourself, rival brands, and fleeting obstacles has shaped me in ways I didn‘t think were possible. Say what you will, but Nike made me a leader. #mambamentality

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AntoniaK

She hadn't found herself in many negotiations, and she didn't know that the basic rule of negotiation is to know what you want, what you need to walk away with in order to be whole.

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No_One
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I had never known about this Adidas/ Puma rivalry! The companies were owned by two rival brothers who bitterly hated each other. It was mentioned in 'Shoe Dog' so I had to stop and read up on it.

http://fortune.com/2013/03/22/the-hatred-and-bitterness-behind-two-of-the-worlds...

Vexingcircumstance I don't like either of those brands, so I definitely didn't know anything about them. I had a friend on high school obsessed with Adidas though and it wouldn't shock if she knew the whole story. She was type to really know all about the things she liked. 6y
No_One @Vexingcircumstance You should ask her! If she doesn't know, you'll be a hero. 😊 6y
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BlueStockingReviews
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Pickpick

4⭐️. Shoe Dog was a refreshingly honest memoir. Phil Knight doesn‘t make him out himself out to be perfect. He reveals his mistakes, his failures, his indecisions, and his imperfections. That‘s what makes me appreciate this book so much. Despite his shy and introverted personality he persevered. https://lharvey250.tumblr.com/post/159875911339/shoe-dog-a-memoir-by-the-creator...

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Macnjen
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Pickpick

Great audio book! I loved the narration and it's a very interesting story.

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Smrloomis
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Forgot that I have a hard deadline on this one. Hope it‘s good so I can finish it before Wednesday! I‘m not a fast reader 😄

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