VIDEO: Before leading one of the world’s largest brands, Nike executive Larry Miller served time in prison for murder. In this interview, Miller shares how education helped him escape a life of crime and why employers should give the formerly incarcerated a second chance. Inspired by a Harvard Business School case study.
Editor’s note: Watch the video in “full screen” mode for the best viewing experience.
Before shaping one of the world’s largest sports brands, Nike executive Larry Miller spent years of his youth and early adulthood behind bars for several crimes, including murder. After giving up the street, his past continued to haunt him, costing him an important job offer. Desperate for a fresh start, Miller hid his prison record for 40 years. However, his career took off and he eventually rose to lead Nike’s Jordan brand, as well as the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team.
In this interview, Miller shares how education helped him escape a life of crime, how keeping his secret came at a huge personal price, and why employers should give the formerly incarcerated a chance to succeed.
Directed by Jamal Meneide, a filmmaker based in Boston.
Produced in collaboration with Danielle Kost and Dina Gerdeman of HBS Working Knowledge.
Inspired by the case “Larry Miller” by Francesca Gino, Frances X. Frei, Hise Gibson, and Alicia Dadlani. Made possible by a Harvard Library Advancing Open Knowledge Grant and support from Baker Library at HBS.
—
This article first appeared in hbswk.hbs.edu
Seeking to build and grow your brand using the force of consumer insight, strategic foresight, creative disruption and technology prowess? Talk to us at +971 50 6254340 or engage@groupisd.com or visit www.groupisd.com/story
