[Outliers] Phil Knight: The Obsession That Built Nike

The podcast explores the story of Phil Knight and the creation of Nike, drawing lessons from Knight's memoir, Shoe Dog. It emphasizes the importance of genuine belief in one's work, highlighting how Knight's passion for running and his shoes attracted customers and built a dedicated team. The podcast also discusses Knight's management style, which involved trusting his employees and giving them autonomy, fostering devotion and innovation. It further examines Nike's financial struggles, the pivotal support from Nishu, and the company's navigation of crises, including a customs war with the U.S. government. The podcast concludes by reflecting on Nike's growth from a small startup to a cultural phenomenon, acknowledging the trade-offs between growth and maintaining a family-like culture.