Tim Brown is the co-founder & CEO of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe and apparel company and maker of “the world’s most comfortable shoe.” Tim’s experience as a World Cup soccer player for New Zealand led him to think about things on a grand scale, whether that be crafting shoes or running a business. On this episode, we talk about how Allbirds began as a curiosity project, the drive to get better every day, and how tackling tough problems can unlock our purpose.
Follow Tim: LinkedIn | Website
Show Notes
- Tim’s background as a soccer player (1:21)
- The opportunity to play in the World Cup for New Zealand (4:17)
- How Allbirds started as a curiosity project (5:54)
- The transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur (6:51)
- What he learned as an athlete that helped him in business (9:20)
- How he channeled doubt into fuel (11:59)
- Be disciplined in how you attack problems (16:36)
- His approach to filtering feedback (17:47)
- The one interview question that Tim asks everyone who interviews at allbirds (19:28)
- How tackling a tough problem can unlock purpose (20:56)
- The distinction between passion and purpose (23:34)
- Why they made their sustainability mission to reduce their carbon footprint (24:32)
- How leading a purpose-driven organization changes the culture (26:03)
- The three things to define culture: 1) define a mission statement 2) define three core values 3) write a vision statement for 10 years out (27:44)
- Advice for creating a vivid vision (31:27)
- Think big and act small (32:26)
- How he thinks about competition differently (35:00)
- Why he doesn’t distinguish between building and leading the company (35:45)
- The mindset of a leader (38:42)
- Don’t give up your power; you have more control than you think (40:51)
Resources / People Mentioned
- Allbirds
- Joey Zwillinger, co-founder & co CEO of Allbirds
- University of Cincinnati soccer
- Kenyon Martin, basketball player
- Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS
- Richmond Kickers, USL
- Australia A-League
- New Zealand at the World Cup
- Allbirds adidas collection
- Made in America by Sam Walton
- Play Nice But Win by Michael Dell
- Roy Keane, Manchester United
- Jacinda Arden, New Zealand prime minister
Recommended For You
Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:
- Neil Blumenthal on How to Build a Purpose-Driven Team
- Payal Kadakia on How to Define Success on Your Own Terms
- Marc Randolph on Starting Netflix and the Evolution of Ideas
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