I’ve just finished reading this book and I have to say it was a great read.

I’m not one for memoir’s or autobiographies normally but this one really jumped out at me because it’s a brand that we see every day, but I wanted to now its origins.

Not only that, it can be quite comforting to read about the trials and tribulations of the founders of one of the big global companies and appreciate that it wasn’t always a titanic billion-dollar company.

Written by the man himself – Phil Knight, he takes us through the early days, his drive and passion, the endless trips to Japan to find a supplier, the different cultures of dealing with foreign countries and all the other bumps and bruises he took along the way.

The story takes us right back to 1962 where Phil Knight borrowed $50 from his father to set up a company to import quality, low cost shoes from Japan. He started a business based on his love of running and the inability to get the quality that he required to compete at the top level. I think we can all appreciate the frustration and how it has driven some of us to start our own businesses.

The book is studded with lessons about building something from scratch, overcoming adversity and ultimately leaving your mark on the world. He details the huge risks, the constant juggling of cash flow with an unsupportive bank that didn’t understand the business plan or product. He catalogues the highs and lows, the setbacks and triumphs right up until the IPO when he became a multi, multi-millionaire overnight.

‘A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. It’s a messy, perilous, and chaotic journey riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice… In the pages of Shoe Dog, however, Knight opens up in a way few CEOs are willing to do. He’s incredibly tough on himself and his failings… Knight is amazingly honest about the accidental nature of his company’s success… It’s an amazing tale. It’s real.’ (Bill Gates )