Siyabonga Nhlengethwa's Key Ideas from Shoe Dog
by Phil Knight

Phil pursued his calling in making athletes better by providing them with the best performance equipment they'll need.

As an athlete himself he had a passion for sports which he believes was his purpose- a life of meaning and creativity.

YOUR WHY WILL TRUMP ANYHOW!!

In an industry dominated by the likes of Adidas and Puma, Phil believed in providing high-quality for lo-cost products and he would have to import these products from Asia - a risky business plan but Phil pursued it nonetheless. It was not all smooth sailing with bankruptcy lurking in Nike's early days however he persevered.

With failure comes WISDOM

Nothing can take away the invaluable lesson taught by failure. Failure is painful and pain is temporary.

• choose to learn from your situation, you can take what you've learned and become better.

Phil recognizes that although hard work and focus are required to succeed one must also persevere to find opportunities for success. Keep going, keep searching and eventually, luck finds you in the most unexpected places.

Act successfully until you are successful.

Success is a mindset this is why success means different things to people. Success is defined by the individual and how you define success is based on your perspective of life.

Phil would often be in a room with business people much smarter and more experienced than him but he could only be in the same room with these people because he and his business projected confidence and success.

• Has a mission that the public agrees with and can support.

Nike's mission: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

Your mission projects your values and beliefs.