As a long-distance runner myself, I was so excited to dive into this book. Unfortunately for me, I did not realize that this book was less about running itself and more about the marketing and business origin story behind Brooks running shoes. That being said, I still found Weber's story and writing to be interesting. I love non-fiction books on great leaders and their mindset and this book was no exception. Weber's worldview and philosophy were inspiring to read about and I will think of him and the wisdom he shared here each time I lace up my Brooks to go for a run!

I requested this book because I love my Brooks running shoes and wanted to learn more about a brand that I personally enjoy. And for the most part I really enjoyed this one, but was disappointed to find it less about the brand and more about the author. It got a little bogged down for me at points and I really wanted to hear more about how Brooks would like to affect the future of running as a sport, but I can see more business minded individuals finding lots of value in this quick and easy read.

Cilantro Rub On A Perfectly Cooked Filet Mignon. Yes, the title of this review is an allusion to a particular meeting covered in this book, wherein Warren Buffett once invited James Weber to enjoy a steak with him in Omaha - and yet also describes this book to a T. Part memoir and part business leadership book, this is the story of James Weber pre-Brooks, and Brooks with James Weber at its head. And when the book is in either of these modes, it is truly tremendous. And I don't just say this as a Millenial former runner (who needs to get back into that) who *loves* his Brooks Ravenna line shoes. I also note this as someone who has read and reviewed over 800 books in just the last 3 years alone across a wider range than most any other reader out there. Weber's tale is remarkable, and his business insights and leadership principles are sound - and seem like they would be great guiding principles for those starting out or even those (like myself) in mid-career. The cilantro rub comes when Weber starts diving into political issues near the end of the text - though he *is* careful to come back to his own story and Brooks' story after, in a classic sh*t sandwich layering approach. Why is there a cilantro rub on this great filet mignon? Well, like cilantro, the political discussion is going to be one you either love or you hate - there likely isn't going to be any middle ground there, and there likely won't be any convincing of those on the other side that they should change sides. So if you agree with the somewhere-left-of-center politics he describes... yay! You're one of the ones that likes this cilantro! If not... read the book anyway. There really is a lot to be learned here. Very much recommended.

So I expected something a little different, but it was interesting none the less. This book really is a memoir of the guy who made the Brooks running brand a success. It's pretty heavy on the business stuff and marketing ideas, etc. I don't know why, but I expected more running stories. Interesting for people who want to know more about successfull businesses and branding. For just runners, it's a little boring.

I really enjoyed hearing the leadership style and cultural process of a brand that I personally enjoy. To learn that Brooks has been a brand with consistent integrity is really exciting to read about. The book is very well structured and reads like a lot of successful business memoirs. The discussion of the investment process, Berkshire Hathaway's desires, and other logistical concepts cause the book to bog down into something that reads like an annual report to the board. As a reader, I do not want to be sold on the brand as a commodity as much as I want to learn how to grow safe connection between people and a message. Other than that, I do not have any notes about the book. It was an enjoyable read with a lot of leadership wisdom I will surely share.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Running with Purpose 🏃🏻‍♀️

“Running is a limitless source of positive energy that can transform a day, a life, and even the world.”

In this memoir, Jim Weber, CEO of Brooks Running Company, tells the tale of his journey through business, the lessons he learned along the way, and the power of purpose in life and business. There are the experiences and lessons which brought Weber to become the CEO of Brooks as well as the journey of leading Brooks into the performance running company it is today.

I enjoyed following along with Weber’s journey, and learning the backstory of Brooks. This book was part memoir, part business acumen, part ode to a love of running. While I was less interested in the business details, I enjoyed the overall story.

One note on the principle Weber attributed to Brook’s success was continually focusing on being a performance running company. Running gear for all runners. Focus, focus, focus on that goal. While the company followed that principle, the book did not. Weber did acknowledge this at the beginning that the book had multiple themes, but it made the story a bit turbulent towards the end when the success of the company turns into a battle with concern, commitment to greener practices in acknowledgement of climate crisis, and prioritizing antiracism and wage equality.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and am inspired to making more memories in my Brooks shoes as I Run Happy.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for this ARC! Running with Purpose is on shelves April 26!

As a runner, one who was out of commission these last two years, I devoured this book. I also am a Brooks fan. I enjoyed the tidbits and the stories that can be applied to life business and running. I love stories on business how they got going their business model and their motivation behind it. This booked in disappoint.