Chasing Four: Gene McCarthy on the Mile, Michael Jordan, and Building Iconic Brands

"We don't own this brand. Kids do. We just manage it for them." What does chasing a four-minute mile have in common with building a brand people care about? Gene McCarthy joins Steven Pivnik to tell the story behind Chasing Four: A Personal History of Work and Play. Running gave Gene a path out of the Bronx and took him to within one second of the four-minute mile. His career then took him through Nike, the Jordan Brand, Reebok, Timberland, Under Armour, and ASICS. Gene shares what happened when he told Michael Jordan that growing the Jordan Brand meant cutting distribution by 50%, why he walked away from 21 years at Nike, and what it takes to lead a business through a difficult turnaround. He and Steven also discuss the difference between selling a product and building a brand, the value of human connection, and the moments that only make sense when you look back. Key takeaways Why Gene believed reducing Jordan Brand distribution could restore demand. What "mind share before market share" means when a brand is trying to grow. How Gene approached leadership roles at companies facing change. Why leaving Nike was Gene's business equivalent of chasing a four-minute mile. How a 4:01 mile, a letter to a runner he admired, and one conversation on a plane shaped his story. Why Gene believes character matters beyond what appears on a résumé. Connect with Gene: Gene McCarthy on LinkedIn Instagram: @alwayschasingfour Chasing Four is available on Amazon.