Leading Through Empathy – An Interview With Saucony President, Anne Cavassa

I do not identify as a runner. 3 miles was my limit. As soon as I put on Saucony’s running shoes, it felt like I was standing on a cushioned yoga block. “Wow” was my first reaction. My average distance has doubled since running with Guide’s. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I’m running more. Maybe it’s the endorphins or how it helps clear my head. The added support for , made it even more fun.

The name of the brand with a history of 125 years is “outlet location,” Hence Saucony Creek. Maiden of Berks County, Pennsylvania, when he had the chance to learn about the historic brand, named after his 17.4-mile stream of water that flows into a creek, through Cavassa. I was thrilled.

“We all know running has this transformative power. she explained.

That’s what drew her to Saucony nearly five years ago, after years of leadership roles at Nike and most recently Brooks.

“I consider myself a runner and athlete, and my focus has been on marathons and triathlons. I gravitate toward brands that represent outdoor sports and running.”

Being a niche and challenging brand in a big market is another motivation for Anne. In her interview, she recalled her memorable experience with Tommy, one of her Bahamas founders.

“Lucio Dalla Gasperina. The name says it all, doesn’t it? You told me.”

Saucony is a common name for athletes, but I found her humble when it came to going about her business. One of her five children, she often competed with her three older brothers while her mother cheered her on. “You go get them. Anything is possible!” she would say.

Her mother was also incredibly generous and open-minded as she opened up her home to children in difficult circumstances.

“I vividly remember nurturing a foreign exchange student who was involved in our school in some way. We brought a friend who was in an abusive situation and there was someone in our house and they were just in transition or on their feet so we were there for them. We can think of six different situations in which we were building a house in

My father was there to support me, but that was my mother’s idea. And I think it really taught me how to empathize with people’s situations, how to understand that there are a lot of complicating factors and you really don’t know what’s going on. ”

Anne tried to put that empathy to work early in the pandemic.

“I, in an unknown world, went for a run. I passed by this pig farm, and their life seemed normal. We don’t know how to deal with this devastating situation and solve it.”

Ann wanted to be aware of what was going on in people’s lives, both personally and professionally. She hoped it would create a sense of togetherness. In this together.

“I’m an extrovert and like to think out loud and bang things on people, but figuring out how to handle it independently and support the team on the other side is what keeps the crowd going.” It’s the hardest thing to pull off.”

To build resilience, Anne recommends doubling down on your core strengths. What are your unique strengths? When you can focus on what matters to you, you can confidently contribute.

“It sounds difficult, but the second thing is to stay calm. No matter what your circumstances are, slow down, take a breather, observe, reflect on where you are and where you’re going. Give yourself a chance.”

Anne and I exchanged ideas on leadership principles, but disagreed on running shoes. Depending on the distance, switch between Omni for long distances and Peregrine for short distances.

In conclusion, Ann reflected on advice she received from an artist who worked in a West Hollywood art gallery during college.

“grab the moon with your teeth’ he would say.

“At 22, I had no idea what he was talking about. It is only when you are your best self that you are truly accomplished.”

Click here to listen to the full interview with Anne Cavassa.

Follow me please twitter. check out my website.