Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight
Apr 2016 · Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Norbert Leo Butz
4.8star
167 reviewsreport
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13 hr 21 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
In this instant and tenacious New York Times bestseller, Nike founder and board chairman Phil Knight âoffers a rare and revealing look at the notoriously media-shy man behind the swooshâ (Booklist, starred review), illuminating his companyâs early days as an intrepid start-up and its evolution into one of the worldâs most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands.
Bill Gates named Shoe Dog one of his five favorite books of the year and called it âan amazing tale, a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. Itâs a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey, riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice. Phil Knight opens up in ways few CEOs are willing to do.â
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 car in 1963, Knight grossed eight thousand dollars that first year. Today, Nikeâs annual sales top $30 billion. In this age of start-ups, Knightâs Nike is the gold standard, and its swoosh is 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. In Shoe Dog, he tells his story at last. At twenty-four, Knight decides that rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, new, dynamic, different. He details the many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankersâas well as his many thrilling triumphs. Above all, he recalls the 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 transformative power of sports, they created a brandâand a cultureâthat changed everything.
Bill Gates named Shoe Dog one of his five favorite books of the year and called it âan amazing tale, a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. Itâs a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey, riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice. Phil Knight opens up in ways few CEOs are willing to do.â
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 car in 1963, Knight grossed eight thousand dollars that first year. Today, Nikeâs annual sales top $30 billion. In this age of start-ups, Knightâs Nike is the gold standard, and its swoosh is 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. In Shoe Dog, he tells his story at last. At twenty-four, Knight decides that rather than work for a big corporation, he will create something all his own, new, dynamic, different. He details the many risks he encountered, the crushing setbacks, the ruthless competitors and hostile bankersâas well as his many thrilling triumphs. Above all, he recalls the 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 transformative power of sports, they created a brandâand a cultureâthat changed everything.
Ratings and reviews
4.8
167 reviews
Mariana Èoncu
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October 5, 2024
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking inspiration. It's a raw, honest account of Knight's journey in building Nike, filled with both struggles and triumphs. The story beautifully captures the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, with moments of intense difficulty balanced by incredible success. Knight's resilience, determination, and passion shine throughout the book, making it both a heartbreaking and uplifting read. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for a powerful life story, Shoe Dog will leave you inspired.
Clayton McGratty
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August 3, 2023
The origin story of Phil Knight and his team's determination to build Nike and overcome extraordinary adversity is truly incredible. This is arguably one of the greatest success stories, and comes alive through Knight's unique and endearing voice. It's impossible not to finish this book as a fan.
Chris Foster
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May 19, 2018
I listen to a lot of autobiographies, this is without a doubt the best
story I have come across. So we'll written, engaging, honest. Highly
recommend.
35 people found this review helpful
About the author
One of the worldâs most influential business executives, Phil Knight is the founder of Nike, Inc. He served as CEO of the company from 1964 to 2004, as board chairman through 2016, and he is currently Chairman Emeritus. He lives in Oregon with his wife, Penny.
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