2 Lessons of Resilience from Nike Cofounder, Phil Knight
And his biggest regret.
In his book, Shoe Dog, Phil Knight recounts his experience of building Nike. From convincing initial manufacturers in Japan to give him a shot, to taking the company public, Knight speaks to the many ups and downs of the famous brand.
And there were, surprisingly, many, many downs. Most of which revolved around money. That is, not having enough of it. There were struggles to pay legal fees, paychecks bounced, loan rejections, and fears of indictment. Things I never expected a business as successful as Nike to have experienced.
When I picture the major companies of the world, I always assume they had an easy go of things. That the founders were born with magic abilities that allowed them to hit it out of the park with each at-bat.
I’m happy I was wrong. Because it gives me hope, as it should you. Hope that we all have a chance, so long as we keep going.
His Regret
Knight tells of the many times he thought the company would go under. How he thought he’d be “out of a job.” He talked about the stressful times, the fights, the painful negotiations.
Yet, he didn’t quit. He just kept going. Kept pushing onward. From one obstacle to the next. Why? Why would…
