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How Trust, Innovation, and Collaboration Shaped Nike's Storytelling Strategy with Nelson Farris



"Storytelling is about a lot of honesty and being aware that your audience, depending upon who they are and where they're from, when you say a word or a phrase, they may interpret that differently than what you think you heard."

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How Trust, Innovation, and Collaboration Shaped Nike's Storytelling Strategy with Nelson Farris

In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Nelson Farris, the Chief Storyteller at Nike, shares his 50 years of experience and insights on effective storytelling, collaboration, and embracing change.

With a background as an athlete and a liberal arts major, Farris emphasizes the power of personal experience and the abundance of stories in sports, offering valuable lessons for marketers and content creators.

His deep understanding of storytelling and communication, coupled with his role in Nike's internal culture, highlights the timeless importance of storytelling in shaping brand narratives.

His journey from a runner in Southern California to becoming Nike's first chief storyteller showcases his unique perspective and the transformative power of collaboration, making this episode a must-listen for storytellers, content creators, and marketers seeking to foster trust and drive innovation through effective storytelling.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

  • Uncover the powerful impact of storytelling in sports marketing and learn how it can elevate your brand's message.

  • Explore the evolution of Nike's marketing strategy and gain inspiration for refining your own marketing approach.

  • Embrace the pivotal role of trust and innovation in driving career growth and success.

  • Learn effective strategies for adapting to technological change in business and staying ahead in a competitive market.










"Storytelling is about a lot of honesty and being aware that your audience, depending upon who they are and where they're from, when you say a word or a phrase, they may interpret that differently than what you think you heard."

- Nelson Farris



If you're struggling with how to become the best Chief Storytelling Officer for your brand, this is the episode for you!


Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-storytelling-lab/ 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4lzDYE3HbAwTSmUYBXuMZp




Some of the highlights of our conversation:

 

  • 00:52 - Nelson’s 50-Year Journey with Nike

  • 02:00 - How He Got Involved with Nike

  • 04:00 - Loving What You Do

  • 07:45 - Trust’s Role in His Nike Career

  • 10:00 - Innovation and Risk-Taking at Nike

  • 12:45 - Sports as a Storytelling Platform

  • 18:00 - Building Relationships with Athletes

  • 20:00 - Nike’s Culture of Innovation in Marketing

  • 23:00 - Nelson’s Role in the “Just Do It” Campaign

  • 28:00 - Storytelling as Part of Nike’s DNA

  • 30:45 - Storytelling Rooted in Personal Experience

  • 33:00 - Authenticity in Storytelling

  • 36:00 - Knowing Your Audience

  • 38:30 - Mentorship and Learning from Nike Founders

  • 41:00 - Generational Differences at Nike


As always, I hope you enjoy the episode!

Rain




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