Balance
After classes, work and meetings today I attended a lecture tonight by James Curleigh, the CEO of Keen. They make funky shoes defined by their comfort, unique look and what they call the “Hybrid Life“. Curleigh spoke on many key points in business but perhaps most important was the very lifestyle he personifies within himself and within Keen.
He talked about never settling for the middle ground, about balance in life and business and about how sometimes going against common marketing practice is the right decision. He talked about starting with a single shoe and growing it into a brand culture, expanding the line to hundreds of models. It’s lectures like these that remind us all about how running business is such an amazing feat yet when explained in a short hour makes it seem like it happened yesterday.
As Curleigh left the stage tonight, clad in jeans and a t-shirt, I think that we all realized that success never comes to those who settle for mediocrity and that balancing execution and innovation are necessary in achieving success in life and business.
Thank you for the lecture Mr. Curleigh, and Dean Kleinsorge for the opportunity.
