Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a riveting memoir that unveils the remarkable journey behind the creation of Nike, one of the world's most iconic and successful brands. Phil Knight's story begins in 1962, when fresh out of business school, he embarks on a daring entrepreneurial adventure with a radical premise: to import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Armed with just $50 borrowed from his father, Knight starts selling shoes from the boot of his Plymouth, grossing $8000 in his first year. Fast forward to today, Nike's annual sales exceed $30 billion, and the swoosh logo stands as a universally recognised symbol of innovation and excellence in sport.

In this candid and compelling memoir, Knight, who has long remained an enigmatic figure, finally opens up about his life and the genesis of Nike. He recounts his pivotal moment at 24 years old when he decided to forge his own path and create a business. Knight leaves no stone unturned as he details the numerous risks, significant setbacks, and exhilarating triumphs he encountered along the way. He shares the inspiring narrative of how his initial band of partners and employees evolved into a close-knit team of dedicated individuals united by a shared mission and a profound belief in the spirit of sport.

This book is not just a memoir; it is a treasure trove of insights, humour, and hard-earned wisdom. Knight's storytelling is as intelligent and competitive as his business acumen, delivering valuable lessons on building a company from scratch, overcoming adversity, and making a lasting impact on the world. The narrative is infused with rich anecdotes about the birth and growth of Nike, making it a must-read for budding entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts alike.

"A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like ... It's an amazing tale," Bill Gates

"The best book I read last year was Shoe Dog, by Nike's Phil Knight. Phil is a very wise, intelligent and competitive fellow who is also a gifted storyteller," Warren Buffett

Whether you're looking to glean business wisdom or simply want an insider's view of the sports industry, Shoe Dog offers a profound look into how one man's vision and determination built a company that transcends products to become a cultural phenomenon. This is not just the story of a business; it is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the transformative power of a clearly defined mission.