The Real Deal: A Capitalist

Not many people obtain the title of CEO. But John Donahoe has held the position four times. He’s currently the CEO of Nike. Before he accepted that job, however, he took a year off to figure out what he really wanted the next decade of his life to look like. He solicited advice from 50 people during that period – much of which he summarizes and shares with Alan and Ellen.  

Ultimately, that search led him to the top post at Nike – a company whose board he had sat on for several years. Soon after moving into the C-Suite, the coronavirus pandemic hit. That was quickly followed by unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd. Donahoe tells Leadership Next how both of those events impacted the company. He also reveals how early in his tenure he recognized the company needed to boost its culture of diversity and inclusion, and what he’s done about it. 

Also in the conversation: how he envisions the company’s org chart (hint, he’s not at the top), how being a CEO is similar to being a coach, and how  business can help heal some of the divisions within our country.