THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST Bryan Poerner: Building a Rebellious Running Brand, Redefining Diadora, and Putting Community Before Scale
Sep 7, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Bryan Poerner, President & CEO of Diadora USA and former Puma executive, shares his vision for transforming Diadora into a rebellious, performance-driven brand. He reveals how his Division III running background shapes his leadership style and the emphasis on authentic athlete-first product development. Bryan discusses the brand's 'best, not biggest' philosophy, highlighting the importance of community and craftsmanship over mass-market tactics. He also stresses the need for leaders in performance brands to be runners themselves.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Smell Of Fall Triggers Running Memory
- Bryan recalls the smell of cut grass and early-season cross-country rituals that still transport him to 1993.
- He says cross-country shaped deep, lasting friendships and taught respect through shared daily effort.
Be Conscious About Work–Life Tradeoffs
- Be conscious about balancing ambitions and family because awareness helps you avoid extreme sacrifices.
- Bryan argues that simply being mindful of trade-offs makes healthy balance more likely.
Product Leadership Requires Lived Athletic Credibility
- Running credibility matters when leading a performance brand because product decisions require lived experience.
- Bryan says you can't fake knowing the feel of a final lap or surface differences when building shoes.