

Bjørn Gulden CEO of Adidas: shoes, leadership, and fast decisions
37 snips Sep 13, 2023
Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas and former professional footballer, shares his insights on leadership and the competitive dynamics of the sportswear industry. He discusses his bold transition from Puma to Adidas and his innovative plans to rebuild the brand. The conversation highlights the importance of quick decision-making, agility in leadership, and direct communication with employees. Gulden emphasizes the growing trend of footwear in fashion, particularly in streetwear, and reflects on how passion and teamwork drive success in both sports and business.
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Samba Shoes
- Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas, wears Samba shoes.
- These are currently the hottest street shoes, transitioning from football to everyday wear.
Team Sport Education
- Bjørn Gulden's best education came from team sports, not his degrees.
- He learned valuable life lessons about teamwork, dealing with diverse personalities, and handling wins and losses.
Moving from Puma to Adidas
- Bjørn Gulden felt it was time to leave Puma after 10 years, wanting a new challenge.
- Adidas approached him after their CEO left, despite an initial non-compete concern which turned out to be non-existent.