Pensole Lewis ’s Post

What if you could make work optional in your 50’s and retire at the end of your Nike career? It may be possible with the right planning, discipline, and partner to hold you accountable. Check out our recent blog from Advisor Kendall Acheson, CFP®, CPWA® with his three-step guide to turning the dream into reality. https://lnkd.in/g_7YW84x

I've been working at Nike for sixteen years. This summer, I am reflecting back on what I have learned and sharing in the hope that it helps you on your path. Learning Three: Success is not what you know.  It’s about how eager you are to learn. My first job at Nike was such a blessing. Not just because it got me there, which at the time was my goal… but because of where and who I would be working with. My role was to help us determine how Nike Basketball came to life digitally ahead of the Beijing Olympics.  I’d never been to China (or even Asia) before that moment, and knew very little about that consumer or how they connected. There was so much to learn, and that meant there was so big of a chance for me to grow. I didn't know if I would 'make it', but I knew deep down that I would be so much better for trying. As I would soon learn, my teammates in Asia-Pacific felt the same way - so eager to learn, together. Years later when I reflect I see this more clearly, and as a part of a much bigger picture.  For anyone who is on the journey I was on, wondering what it takes to get to Nike.... lean into learning. Your love for learning is what separates you. Leaders are not those who go in certain with the best answers but, rather, the ones who go in curious with the best questions. My first experience paved the way for so many others for me on my journey. I’m never afraid to enter an unfamiliar landscape because I recognize that is exactly where I want to be. Learning. If I could go back, I would make sure that I always prioritized the time to learn.  It's easy to lose sight of what you are learning in the chaos of the day. The world around you is a gift, where and on what can you find the time to explore? #Careers #learning #ThoughtLeadership #NikeLearnings

Most important lesson I learned in my first two weeks as an intern at adidas: When it comes to progress in your job, optimal, efficient and high expectations are silent killers if not managed well, as they did for a bit in my case. For more context, I am an incredibly high achiever, which worked well in 90% of cases. To be successful with high goals, you need processes and habits that flourish your energy, learning and work so you can focus on what is essential. Switching to a 9-5 was an exciting experience that forced me to adapt my processes to a new environment. However, I hurried a bit. Trying to be optimal, efficient and learn everything ASAP to prove valuable fast was about to be my failure in this case. Instead of learning the ins and outs slowly and surely, I tried my optimal route in an environment in which I was not familiar and with a huge learning curve (almost 75 years of history behind Adidas, I definitely can't learn it in two weeks). I made significant progress but missed some important "whys" and "hows". In a multinational company where teamwork is more than essential, those are non-negotiable. Unlike me, take your time. Walk slowly and observe the details of the environment, especially when you are unsure and it's something totally new. Slow and consistent progress, in this case, is better than efficiency and optimal when you don't even know what has to be efficient and optimal. Observe more than you think is needed, then choose the right way for the specific situation. Don't just go for the path you're used to, even if it yielded the best results until now. Make a habit to always remember to observe. P.S. Props to adidas and my team for providing the environment and making it as smooth as possible; it was a great experience.

When I hire someone at F30 to welcome in our team, one broad thing I look for is if the applicant understands my vision for F30, the kind of agency I am building, or intend to build. Now, an applicant does not have a clear answer to this, so to break it down into identifiable markers, I look for the right attitude. If the person is dedicated, can commit to learning in addition to having knowledge, skills and soft skills. Skills can be taught, tools can be taught, softwares can be taught, but the attitude is something ingrained in a person, that's what I believe. F30 stands for a date- February 30 which is an impossible date in the calendar. The vision that I understand for F30 and it is inspired by Adidas tagline - Impossible is nothing. So if an applicant is willing to take up the challenges and willing to go that extra mile, I decide we will make a good team. #digitalmarketing #branding #advertising #hiring

If you've been considering signing up for a course or to attain a new certification, be like Nike and "Just Do It ✔️". It might be hard to find the time to dedicate to gaining new certifications, but it will be well worth the effort. This post also acts as a reminder to myself! #certification #career #careergrowth #levelingup

I started my career in Sales with Reebok attempting to sell shoes to complete strangers.  As a young adult my personality oscillated between being an introvert and an extrovert - yes, an ambivert - comfortable only with my known set of friends and family. Cut to - no campus placements, forcing me to cold call, when one day, the day I was feeling brave and extroverted, I walked into the Reebok outlet on Linking Road, Bandra to ask for a job and to my luck I landed one as a Management Trainee. Note here the Regional Sales Manager was in store that day and was impressed, good timing! Come Day 1 I am on the sales floor, in uniform, dreading the arrival of a customer - how will I face this alien? So yes, the first few I ducked and then meekly observed those who were doing a much finer job - they were bold, modest, much less educated but got the job done!  Finally after many such observations, I mustered up the courage to finally get this over and done with! I don't know how I came across as a salesperson but I got the sale! But the critic in me was not satiated - chided me saying it was an easy one, the customer was already primed I only had to nudge and so on. Nevertheless, I spent the better part of the year gently pushing my head out of the shell much like a turtle and yes, just like the turtle slow and steady wins the race.  A few more billings and a little more personal excavation.  No I didn't go on to become The Salesperson but this was a personal win for me, prepping me for the real MBA of life - Masters in Being a bit more Adventurous. #salescareer #startingcareer #mba #beingadventurous #ambivert #openingup #reebokindia #selling

Offer what no one else can. (Also some further work with Nike x Haaland) My background in maths and engineering is the reason why I perform well in what I do. The creative industry is flooded with talent. When I moved here my dream was to become a director. I quickly realised that on the top level, I aspired to be part of, the industry was full of people who: - had an established network - had more experience than I had - grew up with better influences than I did - were simply better at coming up with creative ideas than myself I sat down, shut my ego, and looked at my strengths over everyone in the industry: - A better understanding of technology, innovation, and numbers through my educational background - Better at communicating with people and leading them towards a desired result through my years of working in hospitality So, I pivoted. I started working in production. And I never looked back. The point is: Always play to your strengths. The creative world might be a team sport but the reality is that only a certain amount of players are needed for each position. Find the one where you’ve a clear advantage over others, to establish yourself. P.S. You can be competitive and kind at the same time. 📌 Thanks to Rosco Productions for having me.

Nike started out as a side hustle between a college track coach and an accountant. What can Nike’s early days teach us about approaching our own careers? Find out this coming Monday in #DidYouKnowWithGorick, my weekly newsletter where I share the untold story of how someone (or something) became successful—and what you can do to follow in their footsteps. Join now: https://lnkd.in/eHxmDfhJ #SideHustle #Nike #CareerTips

What are you doing when you do not teach? For global brands it is a challenge to resonate with as many national cultures as possible. Some people at big brands still believe that you can have one global brand that will resonate with every national culture. Sometimes I come across a commercial of a global brand that could be very interesting teaching material for my course branding across cultures for international students. With the olympic games coming up global sports fashion brand Nike has published a new commercial full of athletic heroes. “Winning isn't for everyone. Am I a bad person?” I believe that this commercial about winning, being the best will definitely not resonate with the Dutch cultural values. The Dutch really do not know any true heroes. A Dutch saying goes: Act normal that is already strange enough . Doing your best is more important than being the best. What happened to the "everybody is an athlete" campaign ? I assume that the “everybody is an athlete" campaign resonates much better with a Dutch audience. Probably also in all the countries that score equally low on the Hofstede masculinity/femininity index like the Scandinavian countries . In September I will be able to test my assumptions about this commercial resonating in accordance to the cultural values of my international students from 20 different cultures. https://lnkd.in/eaSTT6Ps

Short story: I had a powerful meeting with an Athletic Director today who has been watching Major Prep for the last few years. This year was the first year he switched from NIKE to Major Prep. He placed a small order to assess professionalism, customer service, quality, and the entire process. After receiving his order, he expressed his admiration for the Major Prep process from start to finish. He commended the exceptional quality, faster turnaround time compared to NIKE, and resonated with Major Prep's values, appreciating the motivation it provides for his student athletes. In summary, next year, he plans to meet with his coaches from every sport to align them with Major Prep for travel gear, book bags, and the "Training For Triumph" book. The moral of the story is to keep prepping and working because you never know who is watching. #majorprep