Lessons - The CEO Who Took Reebok From $13M to $3.5B in Sales | Bob Meers - Fmr CEO of Reebok & Lululemon

The guest, Bob Meers, former CEO of Reebok and Lululemon, reveals how he transformed Reebok from $13M to $3.5B in sales by mastering the balance between innovation and market demand. He argues that sustainability isn't just a trend—it's a non-negotiable business imperative driven by Gen Z consumers, with 88% prioritizing climate commitment in purchasing decisions. Meers shares the painful lesson that success can become a trap: Reebok’s early dominance in aerobics shoes led to stagnation until the revolutionary 'pump' shoe—offering custom fit, support, and protection—rescued the brand. He warns that the real cost isn’t innovation, but inaction: 'It's more expensive not to change than it is to change.' For his current venture, Better for All, he details the two-year battle to find a manufacturer willing to experiment with a compostable material made from fermented vegetable oil, rejecting fillers and contaminants. The breakthrough came with Westfield Tech Deck, a partner who’d been waiting a decade for such a product. The result? A cup that disappears in six months—no matter how you discard it. Meers’ core message: lead with purpose, build a brand that commands premium pricing, and let the market follow—because consumers are already demanding it.