13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

1) You read about an entrepreneur:

• What surprised you the most?

For our first reading reflection, I decided to read "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. I made this choice because I did not have much prior knowledge about Nike's beginnings. I would say that discovering what the term "Shoe Dog" meant was probably the most surprising part of the book for me. "Shoe Dog" refers to individuals who are devoted to making, selling, buying, or designing shoes. 

• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

I believe the most admiring aspect of Phil Knight's journey with Nike is his resilience. This book shows how passionate Phil Knight is and you can see who much he wanted Nike to succeed. For example, in the company's early stages they struggled to get imports on time, make cash payments, get orders to customers, etc.; therefore, understanding that and then seeing the company's success now is truly inspiring. 

• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

There was not anything I found to be least admirable. However, I think there should be a stronger emphasis on the opportunities and privileges Knight had under his belt. For instance, he was in a position where he could explore and travel the world and have some finanincial assistance from Knight's parents. This is not meant to invalidate his successes but its a position that most people are not in when seeking a new business opportunity, 

• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Phil Knight definitely encountered adversity and failure while building Nike's brand to what it is today. In Nike's early days, the company was constantly in debt. The profits they made were always put back into the company. However, even though these struggles, it never swayed or hindered Knight's love for shoes and his drive for the company clearly paid off at the end. 

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

The competencies I noticed in Phil Knight was how clear his passion for running drove Nike. The passion is what continues to drive Nike's growth and success. I can say for myself and many Nike customers would be that the way that the brand's presentation of products inspires and motivates its market and that is a component of why Nike is a well-known and respected company. Hence, a lot of that stems from Phil Knight's passion for running. 

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

One part that was confusing for me and would want more explanation on his Knight's initial meetings with the Japanese executives. To me, it just does not seem realistic to have these foreign businessmen to buy into a nonexistent company that barely has anything to offer. 

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

The first question I would ask him is what is his favorite Nike shoe release/model and why? I'm just curious about what his response would be because Nike has so many iconic styles. I love to know what his daily sneaker of would be. 

The second question I would ask him if there's any part of his journey with Nike that he would alter? I would curious to see if there is anything he would change about his path and what he would do instead of this original action. 

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

I would definitely say that my opinion of hard work would align with Phil Knight's take on it. It heavily emphasized in this book and you can see it in the challenges and adversity he would endure getting to Nike's level of success. Putting your outmost energy and attention to anything can result in something great, and I think Nike's sucess can attest to that idea.