A UNIQUE JOB FINDING UNIQUE BUSINESSES

As an entrepreneur with Valiant Labs, Nike’s new business incubator, Isaiah S. explores the intersection of emerging technologies and cultural trends. A typical day for Isaiah can include gathering consumer insights and research, conducting ideation workshops and running the day-to-day of a new business pilot.

It’s a new job at Nike, but a familiar role for Isaiah. He has been an entrepreneur for most of his life, but working for Nike has always been his dream. Isaiah has spent the past several years immersed in exploring new technologies and disruptive concepts like Lyft, as well as in scaling companies for the on-demand economy.

His love for Nike began when he received his first pair of Nike Air Penny II’s as kid — and the dream only grew as he did. Nike was linked to the traditional sports in his life, plus all the activities, subcultures and communities he was involved in — like collecting Dunks, skateboarding, surfing and playing in bands.

As an entrepreneur, Isaiah admires Nike as a company, since it too was born out of passion and survival. From day one, Nike hasn’t stopped innovating, reinventing itself and pursuing world-changing goals. Supporting the company’s drive to constantly evolve and improve is what Isaiah is most passionate about in his work.