March 15, 2023.
Having known Steven Sashen from a distance since 2010 when he started a kit sandal business from their apartment in Colorado, I was confident he’d keep me guessing as to where the conversation might go on this podcast. Steven’s the guy who’s video on YouTube, “Sh*t Barefoot Runner’s Say” went viral back in those early “Born To Run” influenced days where the barefoot movement ironically led to the wildly profitable “maxi-padded” footwear business. Steven has a creative/eclectic background which includes a decade+ doing standup comedy. As Seinfeld says, “surprise” is the common variable in comedy.
(Unintended consequences from cultural events such as the barefoot movement unintentionally sparked by the book, as well as the fascinating world of the unseen, ideas like quantum physics, intrigue me)
We are close in age, enjoy being contrarians where it makes sense and I’ve sort of lived vicariously seeing how his (along with wife/partner Lena) style of disruptive entrepreneurial activity has steadily grown into a real force, disrupting an industry much in need of change IMO. A few years ago, the Xero Shoes enterprise was estimated to have a “market cap” value of somewhere near $30M. It’s only grown since then. They are still growing and searching for the right capital sources for more growth, with over 70 employees. I’d like to see the stock go public some day, and the market cap to hit a billion dollars. That would allow the message of natural movement to reach the world. $ talks, right. I don’t think disruptors care a great deal about money, once some minimum security is in place, it’s more about a mission and passion for positive change that matters.
I’ve been supporting and cheering all the way, although I’ve hoped Steven and Lena would stay put leading Xero Shoes as long as possible, keeping the Xero Affiliate option there for a guy like me who’s mediocre as a runner. It’s tough to find ways for running to be a self supporting hobby/lifestyle, even for the elites/pro and semi pro. Leveraging social media helps with changing minds and hearts.
Anyhow, I was excited to have a chance to attempt to convey some ideas to a wider audience on his podcast, which generally includes far more accomplished guests. I had quite a few ideas to chat about and the hour flew by so fast, I felt like I’d forgotten most of those, as he did in fact surprise me with some significant news he’d not yet shared publicly.
Most people listen to podcasts.
Evidently I’m more of a visual learner and prefer watching podcasts if they include the body language of guest(s) and host. Hope I shared some worthwhile ideas and anyone who listens/watches finds something useful.
#paidxeropartner
To listen on Apple, etc … click this link please. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-164-from-couch-potato-to-ultra-marathoner/id1456342261?i=1000604367267
Learn more at: