Empathy Drives Innovation | Nike Designer Aaron Cooper on Success
- Author
- Jen Briggs
- Published
- Wed 10 Jan 2024
- Episode Link
- None
"The day you start worrying about the business is the day you should start worrying about the business. Focus on serving the population you're trying to help, and the rest will come. If you truly connect with them at an emotional level, they're going to buy whatever you're selling." - Aaron Cooper
I sat down with Aaron Cooper, former Nike designer of 25 years, and what emerged was a masterclass in human-centered innovation. His philosophy struck me deeply – that empathy isn't just a business strategy, it's the foundation of everything meaningful. Aaron shared his unique "sponges, dominoes, and butterflies" approach that transformed how I see both creativity and impact. What if the smallest connections we make today could truly change the trajectory of someone's life? This conversation isn't just about designing iconic sneakers for legends like Serena Williams and LeBron James – it's about a whole new paradigm for success that honors both strategic excellence and intuitive wisdom.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Aaron Cooper and His Philosophy
04:27 From Preacher's Son to Nike's First Design Intern
08:43 Finding Your North Star and Mount Everest
12:45 Building Empathy with Athletes Like Serena Williams
17:11 When Companies Serve Wall Street vs. Serving People
18:00 How to Cultivate Deep Empathy in Business
22:00 The Secret Formula: People + Product = Success
25:50 Why Play and Creativity Drive Business Innovation
28:30 The Lost Art of Play in American Sports Culture
39:26 Sponges, Dominoes, and Butterflies Life Philosophy
43:43 Pursuing Purpose Beyond Financial Success
51:50 Advice to His Younger Self: Enjoy the Moment
54:10 The Importance of Embracing Diversity in Innovation
57:56 Surround Yourself With People You Want to Become
ABOUT AARON COOPER
Aaron Cooper spent 25 years as a Nike designer creating iconic footwear for global athletes including Serena Williams, LeBron James, Scottie Pippen, and Kevin Garnett. His empathetic, intuitive approach comes from a diverse upbringing as the son of a preacher and social activist. Now consulting worldwide through his company Moonshot Molecules, Aaron helps clients create products that connect emotionally while solving real problems. His philosophy centers on one word: empathy. Aaron believes elite athletes aren't one IN a million, they're one OF a million – allowing him to design products that serve both professionals and everyday athletes through deep understanding of human needs.
RESOURCES
Recommended Book: "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight
Connect with Aaron: @aaron.ac.cooper on Instagram
Support the show with your donation: https://www.support/thewholeshebangpodcast
SUBSCRIBE and WATCH on YouTube
