11 REASONS DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS ARE VITAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SNEAKER INDUSTRY

”JUST LIKE ON THE FOOTWEAR WALL, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS ARE QUEEN, KING AND COLORFUL”

Recent events have escalated an inherent problem living across many sectors with roots dating back to the inception of most of these industries. So although many leaders of today are charged with what the state of the game is - please note the forefathers set the table. Today, there is a voice, a platform and somewhat of a united, uncompromising society to finally address the visible epidemic. Please find my perspective on why Diversity & Inclusiveness across all races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientation, religions and backgrounds are critical for the health of the sneaker: industry, brands and business.

1. Creates A Better Brand Culture And Culture Always Wins.
2. Leads To Deeper Consumer Understanding And Everything Starts With The Consumer And A Brand’s Purpose/Ethos.
3. Cultivates Cultural Sensitivity So The Brand Is Informed On How To Adopt The Best Approaches And Practices.
4. Promotes Open Minded Learning To Prevent Brands From Being Led Down An Uninformed And Bias Path.
5. Elevates Employer Branding, Empowering The Recruitment And Retention Of Top Talent.
6. Enables The Ability To Adapt To The Market’s Evolution And Shifts In The Business.
7. Affords Better Decision Making When Well-Rounded Talent, Teams And Leaders Are At The Table.
8. Globally Structured To Do Universal Business.
9. Bulit To Develop Optimal Partnerships Across Every Aspect Of The Industry.
10. Fosters Innovation And Creativity When Equipped With The Best Talent From All Walks of Life. #DreamTeam
11. It Is the Right Thing To Do, Promoting A Good Workplace, Good Energy, Good Karma And Good Business.

Does The Sneaker Industry Need A Rooney Rule And Title IX Incorporated Into Its Practices?

11 REASONS SERIES:

• 11 REASONS FILA ONCE RULED MEN'S SPORTSWEAR
• 11 REASONS BRANDS MUST BE PURPOSE-DRIVEN AND STAND FOR SOMETHING
• 11 REASONS INTELLIGENT VENDING MAKES CENTS FOR THE SNEAKER INDUSTRY
• 11 REASONS THE NFL IS STILL AMERICA’S PROFESSIONAL SPORT OF CHOICE
• 11 REASONS SNEAKER BRANDS MUST FULLY EMBRACE eSPORTS, ASAP

Drew L. Greer is a disruptive brand and product management executive who has held leadership roles at Nike, Ralph Lauren and Under Armour. Known for introducing disruptive market concepts including one of the original experiential brand spaces, influencer/brand sneaker collaborations as well as the early architect of the Nike Sportswear business. Drew is also credited with developing the product strategy that propelled the Nike Air Force 1 to the best selling sneaker of all-time. This former collegiate football player and Southern California native has a unique understanding of product, consumers and the art of storytelling.

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