March 4, 2025 – I hosted the inaugural in-person Steve's
Corner in Prefontaine Hall's Eugene Auditorium. The theme
was "Career Talk."
The Inspiration Behind Steve's Corner
For months, Luis Nava (my manager), Casey Cole (his admin),
and Jessica Wallans from Air MI Comms encouraged me to bring Steve's
Corner to life. While writing my book 1972 came
naturally, crafting the first blog for this series felt daunting. However,
stepping on stage with Nike legend Nelson Farris and moderator Jessica Wallans
felt like the perfect start.
A Century of Nike Experience
Nelson and I share a combined 100 years at Nike—he with 52
years and me nearing 48. Our career journeys were unconventional. Nelson began
at a retail store in Los Angeles, while I started in I.T. fresh out of college
before transitioning to Footwear Production. Over the years, Nelson moved to
Europe, and I worked in Asia and Maine. Despite different paths, our shared
adventures built lifelong friendships and relationships.
The Highs and Lows
We reflected on the twists and turns of our careers. Nelson
shared his story of being fired and later rejoining Nike, while I spoke about
balancing work, life, and family challenges. We acknowledged that career paths
today might differ from ours but emphasized the importance of connecting with
HR, networking, and understanding what truly brings joy.
A Culture Shot
The event drew about 70 attendees who filled the auditorium.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—nearly half responded via QR code surveys.
One attendee described it as "a one-hour shot in the arm of culture that
was needed."
Looking Ahead
The goal of Steve's Corner is to inspire
Nike employees to embrace their unique career journeys—full of ups, downs, and
unexpected turns. Reflecting on our experiences, Nelson and I agree: it’s been
quite a ride.
This version maintains your original voice while
streamlining the narrative for clarity and engagement.
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