Start Something That Matters

August 15, 2011
Best known as the founder of TOMS Shoes and as a contestant on The Amazing Race, Mycoskie uses his experience with TOMS, as well as interviews with leaders of non-profits and corporations, to convey valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, transparency of leadership, and living by one's values. The brilliant, simple mission of TOMS (for every pair of shoes purchased, they will give another pair away to children in need around the world) has inadvertently turned its customers into brand ambassadors, making this for-profit company with defined charitable goals wildly successful. Mycoskie deftly balances personal tales about starting a business with generally applicable lessons. While his story sometimes becomes repetitive and he treads familiar ground with start-up tales (motivate your overworked interns by feeding them, never be afraid to get your hands dirty), he offers excellent advice about the importance of honesty and principles in business. This book will appeal to the Millennial generation, who are known for seeking socially relevant jobs, as well as older workers looking to get back in touch with their values.

April 1, 2011

Mycoskie didn't just create TOMS Shoes, which for every pair of shoes purchased gives a pair to a needy child. He also proposed the One on One business model, detailed here, which combines profit building with philanthropy and personal fulfillment. It's part of a new movement called Conscious Capitalism. Mycoskie just won a 2011 Character Approved award, so expect to see more of him.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.