Nike’s Post

**From Silenced to Slaying: Allyson Felix Runs on Her Own Terms** Allyson Felix wasn't just a star athlete for Nike; she was a powerhouse. But when pregnancy came, Nike wanted to slash her endorsements by 70%. Their message? "Just focus on running." Disgusted, Felix faced even greater challenges. An emergency C-section and a month in the NICU for her newborn forced her to prioritize her health and her daughter. Yet, two years later, she qualified for her fifth Olympics, her baby cheering her on. This time, the game changed. Felix didn't stay silent. She knew her worth. She dropped Nike and launched Saysh, her own running shoe brand. At the Tokyo Olympics, she dominated in Saysh shoes, her message emblazoned: "I Know My Place." A place not dictated by corporations, but by her own strength and motherhood. Felix's journey sparked a fire. With 11 Olympic medals, she surpassed Carl Lewis, becoming America's most decorated track and field athlete. Her voice resonated beyond the track. She spoke in Congress, highlighting the struggles of sponsored athletes facing motherhood. Nike, pressured by public scrutiny and a shifting corporate landscape prioritizing equality, changed their maternity policy. Felix's story isn't just about winning medals. It's about shattering limitations. Today, companies are increasingly aware of the power of their employees and brand ambassadors. They're re-evaluating policies to reflect a more inclusive environment. Felix's courage is a blueprint for anyone facing corporate indifference. Use your voice. Don't be afraid to walk away and build your own path. You, like Felix, can inspire change and redefine what it means to "know your place." It's a place of power, purpose, and the freedom to succeed on your own terms. #hr #humanresources #people #employeeexperience #hiring #talent #jobs #jobseekers #careers #interviews #employees #employers #branding #work #team #teamwork #culture #linkedin #linkedinconnections

Allyson Felix, a track and field athlete, ended her relationship with Nike due to the company's handling of her pregnancy and maternity leave ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵: - Felix alleged that Nike wanted to pay her 70% less after she became a mother. - Nike refused to guarantee that her pay wouldn't be cut if her performance suffered in the months surrounding childbirth. - Felix felt disrespected and pressured to choose between her career and motherhood. - She spoke out against Nike's policies and eventually broke her non-disclosure agreement to share her story. - Felix left Nike in 2019 and in 2021 went on to launch her own athletic brand, Saysh, which prioritizes supporting female athletes. - Nike later changed their maternity policy to guarantee pay and bonuses for 18 months surrounding pregnancy. Moral of story is: "Stand up for yourself, even against giants. Allyson Felix's courage inspired change in Nike's maternity policy. Believe in your worth, speak out against injustice, and never compromise your values. Your voice can spark a revolution, empowering others to demand better. Be the change you want to see!"

5 years ago, Olympian Alison Felix walked away from her Nike contract after being asked to take a 70% pay cut because of her pregnancy. Today, she's making history in the Olympic Village supporting athlete moms 🏅 When we talk about authentic partnerships, it doesn't get better than this one between Alison Felix and diaper-brand Pampers. Alison Felix has been advocating for athlete moms for years after her public contract disputes with Nike, valuing her less as an athlete simply because she was pregnant. Plenty of athletes (women AND men) are parents... the Olympics doesn't stop the clock on being a parent or those responsibilities. However, it's taken 128 years in modern Olympic history to have a nursery on-site in the Olympic village. With this new nursery, moms no longer have to choose between being great athletes and great parents. In Felix's words, "This isn't just a nursery; it's a beacon of empowerment. It really tells women that you can choose motherhood and also be at the top of your game and not have to miss a beat." This is purpose-driven marketing, creating a space on-site that actually solves a problem and aligns with a cause that feels authentic for Pampers. Absolutely love this, well-done to Pampers Professional, Alison Felix, and all brands/people who help move the world forward for women in sports 💫 ❤️ #olympics #partnership #brandcollaboration #marketing #purposedrivenmarketing #experientialmarketing #women #womenssports #sportsnews #businessnews

In case you missed this… Dropped by Nike, thrived on her own 💫 Allyson Felix’s family just got a new addition! ❤️ (see her insta) but Allyson’s deserves more than likes on her feed. In case you don't know Allyson Felix, she deserves your attention. Here's a short bio… When the record-breaking Olympian Allyson announced her (first) pregnancy, Nike kindly informed her to "know your place and just run."  Woah, that's gives "just do it" a bitter twist! Alllyson's response? Together with her brother Wes Felix, she launched Saysh a company initially focused on making running shoes. And it's in THOSE Saysh shoes, that Allyson topped up her Olympic medal count with 2 more wins at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, while sharply commenting: "I Know My Place.” Lesson 1 and I quote Allyson:  🤜 When you get knocked down, get back up. Off-track Allyson enjoyed great business success. She had to, though, as no sponsors approached her after the Nike split. And the joke is on her. Saysh accounts for the greatest part of her net worth, which is estimated at USD $5 million. A scan of the Saysh company page, shows that the company is run by mostly women. Lesson 2 and I quote Allyson again:  🤜 Ask for help because you’ll never do it alone. I can personally relate to last lesson (as you possibly can imagine as a new online feminist): Lesson 3 and I quote Allyson again:  🤜 Take small steps toward your passion and you’ll end up in your purpose. Allyson continues to grow her business, having expanded it with a maternity lineand while caring for her young family, she actively advocates for fair treatment of women. i.e. Felix's testimony before Congress prompted Nike to reassess its policies regarding maternity protections for female athletes sponsored by the brand. Though the brand still struggles to get with the program Allyson’s actions aren’t in vain. She’s educating the masses and leaders. Person by person. Post by post. Follow Saysh on LinkedIn and Instagram And let's wish her a joyful maternity leave. #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #womeninsports #femaleentrepreneurship #motivationalmonday Photo: from Allyson Felix her Instagram account

Mattel's New Barbies: Reflecting a Changing World Mattel recently introduced a visually impaired Barbie with a cane and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome, adding to their diverse lineup showcased recently at the Phoenix Art Museum. This move raises the question: Is Mattel leading in inclusivity or responding to consumer demand? A 2017 study showed that 78% of consumers want companies to take stands on social issues, and we're seeing this trend across industries. Companies like The Real Real, Bombas, and Toms are focusing on social responsibility; Patagonia, Adidas, and Allbirds are prioritizing sustainability; Ben & Jerry's and Levi Strauss are engaging in social advocacy; while GoodRX and Instacart are improving accessibility. This shift suggests we may be moving from an era where products shaped consumer preferences to one where consumer values are driving product development and corporate policies. How might this trend impact other industries? Are we witnessing a fundamental change in the relationship between companies and consumers? #Inclusivity #ConsumerTrends #CorporateResponsibility

🌍 Representation Matters Especially When It Comes To Toys 🎨 In today’s global market, taking a diverse lens to product creation isn't just a trend—it’s a necessity. This is especially true in the toy industry, where the products we create shape the minds and imaginations of the next generation. 💡 Diverse Toys, Diverse Minds: Toys play a crucial role in children’s development, influencing how they see themselves and others. Shockingly, research shows that only 15% of toys feature characters with disabilities, and a mere 10% of toys are designed to represent diverse ethnic backgrounds. When toys reflect a wide range of cultures, abilities, and experiences, they help children develop empathy, inclusivity, and a broader worldview (World Economic Forum) (Annenberg School). 📊 The Business Case for Diversity: Companies that embrace diversity in product design see up to 19% higher innovation revenue. This isn't just about doing the right thing—it’s about tapping into a broader market and meeting the diverse needs of consumers. In fact, 75% of consumers are more likely to support brands that reflect their own values and experiences, making diversity a clear competitive advantage (World Economic Forum) (UW-Milwaukee). 👩🏾🦽 Representation in Toys: Despite progress, there is still a significant gap in the representation of different races, genders, and abilities in toys. With 67% of parents saying they struggle to find toys that reflect their child’s identity, the demand for more inclusive products is clear. By creating toys that reflect the real world, companies can foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among all children, helping them see themselves as valuable members of society. #Diversity #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Empathy #Equality #Innovation #barbie

Picture a brand as popular and beloved as Nike, but built on the idea of overcoming obstacles, and run primarily by differently-abled people. That’s what we are trying to achieve with Victor Wear. Through our content, community outreach and inspirational apparel, we want to change the narrative around disabilities by showing the world the extraordinary things that people with disabilities can accomplish. Our brand revolves around the idea of being a victor who we define as those who overcome obstacles through grit and determination. That describes our journey together. And through our brand, we want to empower anyone – regardless of ability or circumstance – to find their victory, to love and accept themselves just as they are. Most importantly, we want to empower and employ the autism community by creating jobs, dismantling stigma and working with employers to create more inclusive workplaces for neurodiverse employees. Shop now at victorwear.com #VictorWear #InspireVictory #EmpowerResilience #FashionWithPurpose #SupportAutismCommunity #empowerment

🌱ON ILLEGAL POLICIES & COURAGE 🌱 When I first got pregnant in 2009, working for a big dutch corporate in the Netherlands (go figure out which one based on my work experience🤣), the HR department said they would deduct my so-called extra leave days in view of my (statutory) pregnancy leave entitlement. As a lawyer (by training), but mostly as a person that is on this Earth to promote justice, this did not sit right with me at all. And so I investigated…and found out that my employer’s policy on this was illegal under the General Act on Equal Treatment (AWGB). Which is exactly what I told the HR department. They reversed the decision and I got to keep my days off. To this day, I regret that I did not make a point then of getting the HR policy annulled for all women working for this organization. Even though I considered doing just that, I did not yet have the courage…and I felt concerned that my superiors would be angry if I did speak up for all. Today, I believe and stand up for speaking up for what is right & just. Speaking the truth should not instill fear. And, hopefully, speaking up for what’s right will inspire & encourage others to follow. Curious to learn what you believe and are willing to stand up for!🌱 #justice #courage #toxicworkplace #womenempowerment

When Allyson Felix got pregnant, the brand she was representing at the time, Nike: offered her 70% less on her contract and told her "𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚" She was told to 'know her place' when she spoke up and pushed back against the company to put a system in place to ensure that female Nike athletes wouldn't be punished for pregnancy. Knowing her worth and refusing to let her situation limit her, she refused to settle. She quit working with Nike, and started her own brand of running shoes SAYSH with the slogan "𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚". Allyson came back from the Tokyo Olympics, with 11 medals as the most decorated woman sprinter. "When you see me run, know that I'm not running for medals. I'm running for change. I'm running for greater equity for each of us. I'm running for women. More than anything, I'm running toward a future where no woman or girl is ever told to know her place" ~ Allyson Felix ************************************** As a growing brand, you may need to take some tough decisions, break out from some situations and take a risk on yourself. When you allow people or certain things to define you for fear of "what's next" or "how will I cope", you lose your power to those people, things or situations. There are places or things you need to come out of to grow and expand. What is the worse that could happen if you take a risk on yourself? You fail but you can always get back up, start, from that experience and put in more effort. You don't succeed by quitting on yourself, you succeed by seeing beyond today's, rejection, struggles and failures. Follow me @ Nicky Verd Unlocking human potential in the age of disruption #nevergiveup #mindset #business #leadership #whatinspiresme #ideas #life #weekendvibes #motivation #inspiration

It's giving... brat? Move over 'hot girl summer', Barbie's time is well and truly over. It's now officially the season of the slime-green brat. You might think it's just a quick viral phase, but being 'so Julia' is actually an entire movement. Put simply - 'brat girl summer' is not just a slogan, it's a lifestyle. Brats are not afraid to break the rules and express themselves. It's about being bold, adventurous and authentic. It's about celebrating diversity, individuality and creativity. It's about having fun, challenging stereotypes, norms and expectations all while being socially conscious and politically aware. So far we've had fashion, lifestyle and beauty brands (and even politicians) tapping into their bratiness and it doesn't look like the trend is moving on anytime soon. So what learnings can #bratgirlsummer serve on communicating with #GenZ ? 👽 Brands shouldn't be afraid to be edgy, provocative and playful (when appropriate, of course). Gen Z values brands that step out of their comfort zones and never play it safe. Having a strong brand personality is key. 👽 Gen Z can spot a fake brat from a mile away. They want brands that are genuine, transparent and honest. If you're desperately trying to make brat girl summer happen and it's not - don't force it - they'll respect that more. 👽 Never underestimate the power and influence of Gen Z. They are not a passive consumer group, they are active creators, collaborators and advocates. They want brands that respect their voice, listen to their feedback, and co-create with them so listen to their wants and needs. Ultimately, it's about being brat, but in a good way...