Blake Mycoskie

Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Start Something That Matters, and a world renowned philanthropist. TOMS has given over 10 million pairs of new shoes to children in need since it began in 2006 through it’s One for One program, where for every shoe sold they donate an additional shoe to children in need. Through the success of his company, they recently expanded its unique business model to include TOMS Eyewear. In 2009, Blake and TOMS received the Secretary of State’s 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE). At the Clinton Global Initiative University plenary session, former President Clinton introduced Blake to the audience as “one of the most interesting entrepreneurs (I’ve) ever met.”

In 2011, Blake was named on Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, recognizing him as one of the top young businessmen in the world. In the following interview, he talks about the art of philanthropy, how he created TOMS, how they’ve used social networks effectively, why your company should be based off your passion and the impact he’s seen on children he’s helped.