How I Built This with Guy Raz

Xero Shoes: Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix

11 snips
Mar 13, 2023
Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, co-founders of Xero Shoes, share their journey from a simple barefoot running experience to creating a successful minimalist footwear brand. They discuss overcoming manufacturing challenges, a rough appearance on Shark Tank, and their bold move from 'Invisible Shoes' to 'Xero Shoes.' The couple highlights the intersection of luck and hard work that fueled their growth, revealing how they transformed a personal passion for running into a nearly $50 million global business.
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ANECDOTE

Stand-Up Comedy Career

  • Steven Sashen won a comedy competition at Duke, leading comedians to encourage his pursuit of stand-up.
  • He became an MC in Raleigh, then moved to New York, working with notable comedians like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld.
ANECDOTE

Scriptware and Financing

  • Steven Sashen transitioned from stand-up comedy to software development, creating Scriptware for screenwriters.
  • He financed this venture using credit card balance transfers, accumulating frequent flyer miles.
ANECDOTE

Disc Talkers and Meeting Lena

  • Steven Sashen co-hosted 'Disc Talkers', a computer advice show on Knowledge TV.
  • This show inadvertently led to him meeting his wife, Lena Phoenix, due to a computer virus issue she had.
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