Nike's Rise
How did Nike rise from adversity?
4.7 (37)
30 mins
Delve into Nike's evolution as they navigate through profit collapses and public outcry over labor practices to emerge as a champion of sustainable innovation. Also explore the company's strategic pivot towards branding and its savvy use of athlete endorsements to build a powerful global image.
Ep 1:
Pre, Jordan, and the Marketing Machine
From a rebellious Oregon runner to Michael Jordan's calculated stardom, Nike discovers that selling identity—not shoes—could transform a scrappy startup into a marketing empire.
Ep 2:
The Sweatshop Reckoning and Nike's Rebirth
As sweatshop scandals threaten to destroy Nike's brand, Phil Knight faces a public reckoning that forces a radical reinvention of corporate responsibility and sustainable innovation.
Ep 3:
Grooming Stars and Selling Hope
Nike masters the art of cultivating superstars, from LeBron's gray-area basketball camps to a simple yellow wristband that turned Lance Armstrong's story into a global movement.
Ep 4:
Power, Silence, and Corporate Conscience
Across decades of icons and controversies, Nike confronts a deeper question: what responsibility comes with the power to shape culture, conscience, and consumer belief?
Discussions (12)
Reginald
Level 8 · 8 mo agoThe contrast between Ali and Jordan is spot on. Ali sacrificed his prime for his principles while Jordan was a corporate creation who refused to denounce a racist politician just to sell more sneakers.
Ezra
Level 8 · 9 mo ago>Nike primarily produces brands This is the reality. You pay a premium for the logo while the actual manufacturing cost is negligible. It is a brilliant grift by a marketing firm.
Jude
Level 3 · 8 mo agoThe simplest explanation is Jordan prioritized profits over ethics. He ignored the sweatshop scandal because he refused to alienate buyers. Unlike Ali, he was always a corporate product first.
