Jim Weber

Biography

Book Jim Weber through The Keynote Curators.

The visionary leader behind one of the most extraordinary brand turnarounds in the sports and fitness industry, Jim Weber shares the secrets to his success—from purpose-driven leadership and product innovation to customer obsession and workplace culture.

As former CEO of Brooks Running, Jim Weber took the company from the brink of bankruptcy to a billion-dollar global performance brand—earning the backing of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett along the way. Under his leadership, Brooks made the bold decision to go all-in on performance running, differentiating itself in a competitive market and becoming a favorite among elite athletes and everyday runners and walkers alike.

Jim’s strategy centered on focus, innovation, and culture, transforming Brooks into a company built on purpose-driven leadership and customer obsession. By investing in cutting-edge technology, biomechanics research, and sustainable practices, he positioned Brooks as an industry leader in both performance and brand loyalty. His ability to navigate economic downturns, market shifts, supply chain disruption, and fierce competition proved instrumental in the company’s long-term success. Runner’s World magazine named Jim one of the most influential innovators in the running industry. He also earned a spot for more than 10 consecutive years on the Footwear News “Power 100” list.

In 2017, Jim was faced with a new personal challenge—he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with complications leading to the loss of the use of one lung. He emerged from the experience cancer-free, and the life-altering experience gave him an even deeper perspective and focus on making the most of life’s journey every day.

In 2022 Jim published a memoir, Running with Purpose: How Brooks Outpaced Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack, outlining his incredible story and offering inspirational anecdotes and tangible takeaways for leaders, entrepreneurs, and the 150+ million runners worldwide.

In his compelling, insightful keynotes, Jim shares game-changing business strategies—from product innovation to cultivating customer obsession and building more trusting workplace cultures. Audiences walk away prepared to lead with agility and purpose, adapt to change and disruption, and build brands that go the distance.

Contact us for Jim Weber’s fees and availability.

Videos

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

It’s a Marathon!

NAVIGATING CHANGE & DISRUPTION

Learn how Jim led teams to be situationally and
self-aware to then go on and build comprehensive strategies to breakout and come out stronger
than ever.

LEADING EXECUTION EXCELLANCE AT SCALE

Vision without Execution is Hallucination! Jim shares strategies to build engagement on behaviors that reflect enterprise values and develop leaders to engage people on personal growth, accountability and team play.

BECOMING AN AUTHENTIC LEADER

Now more than ever, there is white space for authentic, trustable leaders. Filling that need is an opportunity to distinguish your Company and yourself and create gravitational pull for talented people.

CREATING BRAND AND BUSINESS FOCUS

Choose the race you will run, nurture customer
obsession, commit to a point of view and focus your
team on critical success factors.

INSPIRING INNOVATION TO DRIVE GROWTH

Jim shares how customer obsession can drive
innovation, engage customers on an emotional
level and earn a reputation for authenticity.

COMPETING WITH CULTURE

In times of rapidly changing customers and more competition than ever, nurturing the right culture
can be a powerful competitive advantage that you
can control.

Testimonials

Jim’s passionate story will inspire you just as it inspired me in 2012 to recognize that he would make Brooks a stand-alone star at Berkshire.

– Warren Buffett Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

I regard Jim as a miracle worker. The institution is the length and shadow of this man.

– Charlie Munger and Partner, Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Booksby Jim Weber

Running With Purpose

For Meeting Planners

Photos

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Blog Posts

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