Phil Knight

Phil Knight is one of the most renowned authors in the world, having given us bestselling books such as 'Shoe Dog' and 'The Ride Of A Lifetime'. His works have sold millions of copies, reaching readers all over the globe, and he continues to be a major voice in the literary industry.

Phil Knight was born on the 24th of February 1938, in Portland, Oregon. His father, Bill Knight, was a news editor and publisher, while his mother worked as a journalist. Growing up, Phil was highly influenced by his parents who taught him the importance of hard work and ambition. It was these traits that he would later instill into his books together with his trademark optimism.

Knight’s rise to fame began with the founding of a company in 1964 called Blue Ribbon Shoes, which he then renamed as Nike. He started out by importing and selling running shoes from Japan as he had, in 1964, visited Japan for the first time and noticed the huge potential of the sneakers market there. His business venture quickly expanded to become a footwear, apparel, and equipment supplier which contributed to his vast success and fortune.

While Nike has been incredibly successful, Phil Knight’s real success came from his books. His debut book was 'Shoe Dog', published in 2017, it is an autobiography where Phil tells the story of how he founded and built Nike from the ground up. It has since become an international bestseller and a must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur. 'Shoe Dog' has been described as "a memoir odyssey of loyalty, persistence and faith” and is a testament to Phil’s determination, ambition, and passion.

Another great work by Phil is his 2019 memoir 'The Ride Of A Lifetime'. It follows the challenges he faced when trying to transition Nike from a successful footwear and apparel company to a major digital presence. He explains his strategies and decisions while also giving readers his views on the world of digital marketing.

In addition to these books, Phil has also published a number of articles on various topics. He is especially passionate about giving back to his local community, where he grew up, and promoting young entrepreneurs. Phil Knight’s philanthropic activities include founding the Knight Family Foundation, as well as making donations to various universities and charities worldwide.

Overall, Phil Knight’s books and articles have empowered and inspired many entrepreneurs and business leaders all across the world. His works are characterized by a unique combination of ambition, optimism, and hard work, all of which are essential ingredients for succeeding in business. Additionally, the stories of the struggles and challenges he has faced in his business career will resonate with any reader.