

459: Steve Madden | How a Cobbler Disrupted an Industry
Jan 21, 2021
Steve Madden, fashion designer and founder of Steve Madden Ltd., shares his incredible journey from outsider to industry disruptor. He reveals how his mixed heritage shaped his unique perspective and resilience. Steve emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic over mere talent. He discusses the value of observing consumer behavior in retail and the unexpected advantages of ADHD in entrepreneurship. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the balance between creativity and success, and how embracing one's individuality can lead to greatness.
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Outsider Mindset
- Steve Madden's outsider upbringing shaped his perspective and disregard for conventional norms.
- This background contributed to his "beg for forgiveness" mindset.
Reflections on Rule-Breaking
- Steve Madden reflects on the downsides of his rule-breaking tendencies and expresses some regret.
- He emphasizes the importance of handling failure gracefully, using Muhammad Ali as an example.
Hire Around Weaknesses
- Hire around your weaknesses; acknowledge what you're not good at.
- Steve Madden's early success stemmed from recognizing his limitations and hiring people to fill those gaps, like his accountant.