Nike hasn’t done a Super Bowl ad in 27 years. And last weekend, when they finally did, they made it about women in sports. That alone is remarkable.
I absolutely loved the ad. It was bold, empowering, and unapologetic in its message: People will tell you no. Do it anyway.
And yet, there was backlash. Some said it promoted hustle culture. Others said it implied that women still aren’t there yet. Some took the opportunity to criticize Nike as a company and their own policies towards women. But here’s the thing—it’s an ad, potentially seen by 127 million viewers (according to Reuters), and it’s helping to drive the conversation about women - how we thrive without others holding us back, how we push forward regardless of what is being thrown at us, and how we bet on ourselves, and how we're winning.
The ad didn’t say winning is everything. It didn’t say win at all costs.
It said: You’ll be told you can’t. Go prove them wrong.
It said: You’re going to face adversity. Keep going.
It said: When your back is against the wall, you come out swinging.
It said: Believe in and bet on yourself.
And isn’t that the message we need right now? Women’s sports are finally getting the attention they deserve. Women leaders are breaking barriers. Women are winning. Yet, obstacles remain. That’s why this ad resonates so deeply. Whether you’re a collegiate athlete focused on going pro, a founder hearing all kinds of no's but still building your company, or a woman in the workplace fighting to be heard—the message is the same: Just do it.
It’s telling you to go after what you want, despite what people/society/culture might tell you. Get that promotion, start a company, go out for the soccer team, take extended parental leave to be with your children, train for the Olympics, advocate for that promotion. It’s telling you despite the noise, you can win. And you define your rules.
By the way, what’s wrong with ambition? With setting a massive goal and going after it? When I started Luminary, countless people told me I wouldn’t succeed. But I did it anyway. It's not the first time I've heard some version of this message throughout my life. I’m proud of my ambition, my drive, my hustle, my relentless focus. My version of winning may look different from yours, and how I go after it, but that doesn’t make it less relevant.
At the end of the day, everyone wants to be encouraged. We want to feel empowered, to be able to go after that dream, whatever it is, and I think it's a really important message, especially right now, especially for women. No matter what your goals are, it’s ok to aim high. You can’t win (they say), so prove them wrong. WIN.
Meanwhile, did you know that 69% of women in leadership played competitive sports? 85% say those skills helped them succeed in their professional careers. I’m one of them. I credit much of my success to playing sports (thanks, Dad)!
So, what did you think of the spot?
#genderequity #payparity #leadership #careeradvice
