Shoe Dog
Phil Knight
52 people recommended it in 23 threads, 2016–2025.
1 commenter pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
It's about a guy trying to keep a business alive: almost from day one there no let-up, the company is continually under threat.
How a gang of misfits can changed the world. Favourite entreprenurial journey I've ever consumed.
It's about a guy trying to keep a business alive: almost from day one there no let-up, the company is continually under threat.
Really liked how it's not just a book glorifying the story of Nike, but tells the tale of how much effort, balance and even pure luck went into making the company the household name it is today.
Probably the best and most inspiring biography/memoir of any entrepreneur I have ever read. If you are thinking about starting a company or are a founder you will love it!
I don't usually read memoirs but this one was recommended by a few people so I picked it up and found the honesty with which he describes his mistakes refreshing and useful.
The ones I found thoroughly fun was Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, Phil Knight's Shoe Dog.
The #1 book in my list is "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight (The Founder of Nike). There is also an audiobook where Phil himself is read the first chapter.
It's always interesting hearing the origin story and struggles of a company that was the underdog in the industry for so long, and ended up on top. I thought Phil Knight's account of his journey with Nike was really honest and thoughtful, I had no idea how long it took them to get momentum, or how many times they were on the brink of bankruptcy.
Where it comes up
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