Why Businesses Should Stand For More Than Just Money

Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Start Something That Matters, and a world renowned philanthropist. TOMS has given over 10 million pairs of new shoes to children in need since it began in 2006 through it’s One for One program, where for every shoe sold they donate an additional shoe to children in need. Through the success of his company, they recently expanded its unique business model to include TOMS Eyewear. In 2009, Blake and TOMS received the Secretary of State’s 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE). At the Clinton Global Initiative University plenary session, former President Clinton introduced Blake to the audience as “one of the most interesting entrepreneurs (I’ve) ever met.”

In 2011, Blake was named on Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, recognizing him as one of the top young businessmen in the world. In the following interview, he talks about the art of philanthropy, how he created TOMS, how they’ve used social networks effectively, why your company should be based off your passion and the impact he’s seen on children he’s helped.

What Makes a Great Brand Story

The shoe company's founder explains why the Toms business model has resonated so strongly with consumers.

The New Social Entrepreneurism

How do you turn ideas into great businesses? And how do you create businesses that people love, and love to talk about? In this keynote, serial entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie shares his secrets for starting, growing, and sustaining new businesses. Before TOMS, Mycoskie ran a successful national campus laundry service, sold a media company to Clear Channel, and ran an online driving school featuring hybrid cars. Where did each idea come from, and what is the common thread connecting their success?

With infectious enthusiasm, hard-won lessons, and a generous sense of encouragement, Mycoskie lets you in on the proven tactics he’s used to become one of the new faces of American entrepreneurism.

Conscious Capitalism and the Future of Business

In this visionary talk, Blake Mycoskie shows you how to succeed in a new era of relentless competition and heightened social awareness. Why is philanthropy your best competitive advantage? How do you make money and do good simultaneously? How are the two acts intertwined? At TOMS—a self-sustaining, for-profit company—the act of giving is the cornerstone of its business model, integral to its financial success. In a behind-the-scenes look at how it all works, Mycoskie shares counterintuitive ideas (“In tough times, give more!”) that you can apply to your own business.

His bold, winning strategies are proven, and have been talked about by Bill Clinton, the Obama administration, and the hundreds of thousands of customers that have joined the TOMS Movement by buying a pair of shoes. Inspired, inspiring and most of all practical, Mycoskie presents a new direction for business, offering TOMS as his prime case study. After hearing him speak, you too will know why giving just makes sense.