PROFESSIONAL
What I Like …
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Photo by: Speedo
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■ An insight: Walk in your consumer’s shoes.
■ An influential person in my career: My father.
■ An out-of-the-box idea: Facebook.
■ A timeless idea: The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
■ A business deal: VF’s acquisition of The North Face.
■ A sports facility: AT&T Park in San Francisco and the smell of those garlic fries.
■ A sports event: World Cup soccer captures the eyes of the world.
JIM GERSON
President, Speedo USA and Calvin Klein Swimwear
■ Where I'm from: Hometown: Spokane, Wash. Current residence: San Clemente, Calif.
■ Where I Went to School: B.S., marketing,
University of Idaho.
■ My First Job: In high school — Tennis instructor: Spokane Parks and Recreation.
■ A strategy: TOMS Shoes. Buy a pair; give a pair to a child in need.
■ A hire: Darryl Sutter: L.A. Kings — Stanley Cup champions.
■ A brand: Apple.
■ An innovation: Nike+ FuelBand.
■ A pro league or business initiative: Branding of the Oregon Ducks.
■ A story that bears watching: Breaststroke 4 Hope.
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L.A. Kings coach Darryl Sutter
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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■ An idea or invention I wish I had thought of: iPod.
■ A fantasy job: Playing in the Wimbledon finals.
What I Like about …
■ My job: Our opportunity to inspire people to swim and to assist them in reaching/achieving their goals.
■ Sports: Competition and sportsmanship.
■ Sports business: The ability to showcase premier athletes doing what they love to do.
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Nike+FuelBand
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■ Sports media: Their ability to evolve and bring insights to the fans.
■ Sports technology: Functional design that solves athletes’ challenges.
■ Competing: Ability to measure your efforts.
■ Sports fans: Their passion.
What I’d Like To …
■ Change: L.A. transportation. Too much unproductive time.
■ Change in what I do: Spend more time thinking about the next five years.
■ See: The Olympics, specifically the 400 IM with three of our Team Speedo stars — Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Tyler Clary.
■ See more of in sports: Parity between teams.
■ See more of in sports business: Leagues providing affordability to the average fan.
■ See less of in sports: Attitudes of entitlement.
■ See less of in sports business: Athletes being leveraged for every commercial dollar.
What I Don’t Like …
■ In general: Focusing on the negative.
■ Pet peeve: People who treat others as if they were below them.
■ In sports: My Warriors’ playoff appearances.
■ In business: Short-term decisions that affect long-term results.
■ About sports fans: I love the passion of sports fans but believe you should celebrate with respect.
PERSONAL
What I Like …
■ People: We all have our strengths.
■ That would surprise those who know me: I was very shy as a youth.
■ Above all else: Treat others with respect.
■ About myself: Competitive, fair and driven.
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Kevin Durant
Photo by: NBAE / GETTY IMAGES
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■ Players: Earl Monroe (spin move), Michael Jordan (closer), Kevin Durant (humble superstar).
■ Teams: Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Seahawks, anything USA.
■ Possession: Memories. Experiences have more value than possessions.
■ Time of year: December — skiing, family, reflection.
■ Music: Oldies, island music, R&B.
■ Book: “It’s Your Ship,” by D. Michael Abrashoff. A story about empowerment and leadership.
■ Gadget: iPad.
■ IPad app: Speedo Pace Club — a virtual swim coach.
■ Hobbies: Swimming, biking, skiing, golf, basketball.
■ Trip: Biking through Europe.
■ Movie: “Remember the Titans.”
■ TV: “Modern Family.”
■ Artist: Jack Johnson.
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Alicia Keys
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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■ Food: Abalone.
■ Scent: Lemongrass.
■ Vacation spots: Bend, Ore., and Kauai.
■ Cars: BMW 6 series — great lines; Toyota Prius — great leader.
■ Singers: Alicia Keys, Jack Johnson, IZ (Hawaiian musician Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole).
■ Quote: “If you don’t know where you’re going … any road will get you there.” — English Proverb.
