Man Applies For Nike CEO Role With Bold Proposals, Company’s Response Goes Viral: ‘Just Don’t...’

Sometimes, taking a bold step can open doors to surprising experiences. Entrepreneur Sam Byrne decided to do just that when he sent an unusual job application straight to Nike and asked to become the company’s CEO. Instead of a typical resume, Byrne shared his ideas, like scrapping white midsoles and bringing back the classic £110 price tag for 110s (specific model of Nike shoes). He also suggested merging his own startup, Block P, with Nike, along with moving the headquarters from Oregon to Liverpool.

While it was clear the company won’t accept such offers, the brand didn’t dismiss him with a plain rejection. They responded by appreciating his creativity but explained that the proposals were too risky to move forward, and decided to hire a more

traditional candidate.

Startup Founder’s Bold CEO Application To Nike

Taking to LinkedIn, Sam Byrne shared a screenshot of the email he received from Nike. The company wrote, “While we admire your ambition, several elements of your submission raised concerns with our executive team. Your cover letter included the phrase: ‘Give me a week and I’ll triple sales by the removal of all white midsoles from the organisation,’ which was seen as unconventional. Additionally, your proposal to ‘make 110s £110 again’ and your request to ‘only ever make OG colour ways’ were flagged as high risk by HR.”

“Your proposal to merge the organisation with Block P, and move our headquarters from Oregon to 36 Renshaw Street in Liverpool, was not seen as feasible at this time. We appreciate your vision. But at this time, we’ve decided to move forward with a more traditional candidate, one who didn’t ask to be paid in store credit and unreleased pairs. We wish you continued success, and, Just don’t stop,” the brand added.

Nike’s Six-Month Internship Offer

Despite turning him down for the CEO role, Nike couldn’t ignore Sam Byrne’s daring move. After his story circulated online, the brand decided to reach out to him and offered Byrne a six-month internship with their Brand Strategy & Marketing team. They further explained that it was more like a testing stage, where Byrne could show what he was capable of. If he managed to prove his skills, there was a chance he could get a leadership role within the company.

Sam Byrne’s Counter Offer

For Sam Byrne, it was still a rare opportunity to step into the world’s biggest sportswear brand. Still, after a lot of thinking, he chose not to accept Nike’s offer. Accepting the internship will mean putting his own startup, Block P, on hold, and he wasn’t ready to walk away from the business he had built. Surprisingly, Byrne came up with a counteroffer.

He explained, “If Nike is serious about working with me, there’s only one deal I can accept: A Nike x Block P collaboration. A limited edition Nike Air Max 95 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the shoe. A trainer that isn’t just iconic globally but tribal in Liverpool. This way, I don’t have to choose between Nike and Block P. Instead, we create something unforgettable for the community we share – together. You don’t want to let the community down, do you? The ball is in your court.”

It has been two weeks since Sam Byrne sent his bold proposal, but it appears the company is yet to respond.