Show notes
Guest: Steven Sashen, CEO and Founder XeroShoes
The podcast episode features an interview with Stephen Sashen, CEO of Zero Shoes, a company that specializes in minimalist footwear. The conversation covers topics such as challenging beliefs through experiences, barefoot running, and building a culture within a business. Sashen discusses the negative effects of traditional footwear and the importance of natural movement. He also shares his journey into the footwear business and how he became one of the fastest sprinters in his age group. The episode provides insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and challenging beliefs, encouraging listeners to consider minimalist footwear as an alternative.
Time stamp
Challenging beliefs through experiences [00:00:03]
Stephen Sashen talks about how giving people the experience of trying on their product can challenge their beliefs and create cognitive dissonance.
Building a culture within a business [00:05:21]
Stephen Sashen discusses how his company, Zero Shoes, operates as a non-hierarchical organization and treats everyone like friends, creating a family-like culture.
Barefoot running [00:03:45]
Stephen Sashen explains how barefoot running can improve running form and prevent injuries, challenging the belief that thick-soled shoes are necessary for running.
Challenging Beliefs through Barefoot Running [00:06:15]
Stephen Sashen shares his experience of getting into barefoot running and how it helped him improve his form and become a faster sprinter.
Genetics and Training in Sprinting [00:08:05]
Sashen talks about the role of genetics and training in becoming a fast sprinter, and shares insights from his conversations with older athletes.
Speed and Injury Susceptibility in Sprinting [00:09:59]
Sashen discusses the relationship between speed and injury susceptibility in sprinting, and shares examples of athletes who are fast but prone to injuries.
Neural Firing and Muscular Coordination [00:11:44]
Stephen Sashen discusses his theory that muscular problems during high-performance activities are caused by neural firing problems, rather than tension. He also shares his personal experience with back problems and how it affected his coordination.
Building a Shoe Company Business [00:13:10]
Stephen Sashen talks about how he started making sandals based on a 10,000-year-old design idea and how it eventually led to the creation of Zero Shoes. He also shares how his wife initially thought it was a waste of time and how they grew the business during the recession.
Growing a Business During Challenging Times [00:17:05]
Stephen Sashen talks about how Zero Shoes continued to grow during the trade war and COVID-19 pandemic, despite losing sales for a few months. He attributes their success to word of mouth and consumers becoming more educated about the importance of natural movement.
Challenging Beliefs [00:17:43]
Stephen Sashen discusses how people have been conditioned to believe that they need support and cushioning in their shoes, and how this belief is challenged by minimalist footwear.
Barefoot Running [00:19:12]
Stephen Sashen explains how minimalist running shoes can improve running form and reduce injuries, citing examples of people who have experienced this.
Building a Culture [00:22:44]
Stephen Sashen talks about how to challenge the messaging around thickly cushioned shoes, and how to create a culture of experience-based learning to change people's beliefs.
The Importance of Natural Movement [00:23:32]
Stephen Sashen explains the importance of natural movement and how traditional shoes can hinder balance, strength, and agility.
Challenging Beliefs [00:26:13]
Joe Lemon and Stephen Sashen discuss the challenge of educating people on preventative measures for health and how to challenge beliefs through experiences.
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