Reebok Founder shares simple but powerful advice for young entrepreneurs
Reebok Co-Founder Joe Foster (Photo: X)
Joe Foster, the legendary founder of Reebok, built one of the world’s most iconic sportswear brands from the ground up. In a candid conversation, he reflects on his journey—from toppling industry giants to championing innovation—and shares simple but powerful advice for young entrepreneurs: enjoy the ride, stay resilient, and never underestimate the value of having fun, even in the face of failure.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to build a successful brand?
Joe: My advice is to make sure you are having fun. If you are not enjoying it, you won’t do a good job. It takes patience, time, and commitment. You will face setbacks, but with the right mindset, you can learn from them and even have a laugh. Choose a career you will enjoy, and you will be more resilient. Remember, it’s okay to have fun, even when things aren’t going well. That’s the key to success and a fulfilling career.
Looking back on your career, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
Joe: My proudest accomplishment was when we became the number one global sports shoe brand, overtaking Adidas. But there were other moments too, like getting five-star ratings for our shoes and pivoting to women’s aerobics. Those moments were special because I could see the impact happening. And now, Ben has had a similar moment with Syntilay’s new shoe (Reebok has collaborated with Syntilay CEO, Ben Weiss to produce the world's first AI-designed shoe). It’s a milestone that he will always remember, and now it’s exciting to see it take the next step into retail and beyond.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story