Paul Paska, MBA

6.24! What does it take to break your own record? to Push your limits? Be a better you? An all this when you have no competitor but your own best self to beat! What an achievement! It definitely is months and months of training, for sure but what is it that keeps you going? 3 things come to my mind- #IntrinsicMotivation/ #Drive, #Focus on Goals, and an Incredibly positive #MINDSET! oh.. and I forget to mention -----a pair of PUMA of course :-)

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This new Nike commercial is a Masterclass in consumer insights and branding. Launched just days after the 2024 marathon season, it is a brilliant example of how the brand is connected to its audience. Sore muscles are a struggle runners face the day after a race. This light-hearted approach to post-race soreness speaks volumes about Nike’s understanding of its consumer. Why It Works: Consumer Insight Successful companies are attuned to the challenges their customers face, and this ad reflects Nike's awareness of their athletes pain points (pun intended). The soreness and exhaustion after a marathon may not be glamorous, but it’s a part of the runner’s journey. By showing this in a relatable and humorous way, Nike taps into an experience that resonates with runners across the globe. The inclusion of the radio dedication, “Hope you’re doing okay out there,” reinforces the feeling of community between runners. Branding Excellence This ad is a part of Nike’s "Winning Isn’t Comfortable" campaign, which emphasizes the brand's philosophy: success requires perseverance and the tenacity to push through. This reflects a key tenet of Nike’s branding—authentically highlighting the grit and determination of athletes*. The ad doesn't sell shoes; it sells a mindset. People want to see themselves in the brands they buy, and this commercial makes the aspirational performance of Nike relatable and attainable. Key Takeaway: This ad is not about promoting performance gear—it’s about showing consumers that Nike understands them, supports them, and celebrates every aspect of their athletic journey. This is the purpose of great branding: being more than a product, and instead, becoming a trusted partner in a consumer’s life. Also, it made me laugh. #Marketing #Nike #Branding #ConsumerInsights #Advertising #Athletics #JustDoIt *if you have a body, you are an athlete https://lnkd.in/gsTgyGDb

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As long as I can remember, Decathlon has been investing in innovation to impact all stages of the sports ecosystem’s value chain. Since 2019, from investments in startups and small companies to the acquisition of majority stakes in premium pure players like AllTricks and Bergfreunde. Our recent investments in companies such as E2drive (the all-in-one dual motor), Recyc'Elit (recycling textiles), and Unmade (software to automate on-demand custom teamwear) highlight our commitment to enhance the value chain through cutting-edge materials and technologies. And the innovation story doesn’t end there. Today, we are proud to announce the launch of our new subsidiary, Decathlon PULSE, led by Franck Vigo and Barbara Martin Coppola. This new entity is our investment arm and start up studio dedicated to innovative people and businesses that share our values and commitment. It will fully complement the group’s core activities by diversifying its ability to drive impact and lead change. I cannot wait to see what comes out of it! Let’s team up with players who are changing the game! #DecathlonPulse #Innovation #SupplyChain #Sustainability #Accelerate #Growth

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Vision & Strategy. Local2Local. Beyond Products. Practical facts. Expressed at ISPO . From: Consumers | Sustainability | Geopolitics For: Consumers | Next Present | Planet | Business

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🎥 Discover the Cutting-Edge of Cycling Technology! Dive into this detailed video where we explore the revolutionary benefits of the Aero 111 tires. See firsthand how innovation and strategic partnerships have reshaped what's possible in road cycling. 🚴‍♂️ Watch now: Video zum Aero 111 💡 Did this video change how you think about cycling performance? Let us know in the comments! https://lnkd.in/gje9GpTs 📖 Read More in My Series: Part 1: The Genesis of Aero 111 - Explore how the journey began and the initial challenges we faced. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/g3AiFpkA Part 2: Navigating Strategic Partnerships - Learn about the collaborations that made this innovation possible. Read the article here. https://lnkd.in/gsuET-JP #Aero111 #CyclingInnovation #StrategicPartnerships #RoadCycling #EngineeringExcellence

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throwback to a Deutschlandfunk episode about modern scouting tools in professional cycling. Nice insight with different perspectives from Kate Veronneau (Zwift), Tanja Erath (former pro cyclist) and myself (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Scouting). #scouting #talentdevelopment #potential #coaching #skills #humanresources #data #analysis #performancedata #forecast

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I see significant changes coming to the gym equipment industry in the next 10 years. As long as people want to stay fit, there will always be a demand for gym equipment. With economic development, people will invest more in their health, making this industry resilient and not solely dependent on population growth. Many entrepreneurs will start to notice these trends, and more players will enter this industry. Despite this, the market still has many blue ocean opportunities, with ample room for innovation and improvement. Brands like Peloton exemplify how finding the perfect product can generate substantial revenue, even outpacing long-established industry leaders.

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As a result of the better-than-expected performance during the quarter, the company has increased its full-year guidance. adidas now expects currency-neutral revenues to increase at a mid- to high-single-digit rate in 2024 (previously: increase at a mid-single-digit rate). The company’s operating profit is now expected to reach a level of around € 700 million (previously: to reach a level of around € 500 million). The latest Yeezy drop generated revenues of around € 150 million and an operating profit of around € 50 million in the first quarter. In its guidance, the company assumes the sale of the remaining Yeezy inventory during the remainder of the year to occur on average at cost. This would result in additional sales of around € 200 million and no further profit contribution during the remainder of the year.

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AGE IS JUST A NUMBER!...The latest 'Team XND Hyrox Training camp' was unique, the average age of the athlets was 55+, each and every one of them is super competitive, fit, healthy and storming into later life with a purpose. We are not exclusive, we do have a raft of younger athletes who could not join us this time, mainly down to child care or work commitments. You can watch us in action here: https://lnkd.in/ecaxnMS6 Most of the team are heading to Nice in June, not to stroll up and down the 'Promenade des Anglais' eating ice creams, but to smash it up at the ‘Hyrox World Championships’, now widely known as the ‘The World Series of Fitness Racing’. None of the elder statesmen and women in the team are sloping off into old age gracefully, our talk was more on heart rate monitors, personal bests, sled push technique and supplements, rather than comfy arm chairs, slippers and retirement homes. DID YOU KNOW: The average life expectancy is now 79, with most of us expecting to live to 80 or 90 or beyond. DID YOU KNOW: Two thirds of all the people who have lived past 65 in the entire 'History of the World' are alive today, there are a billion people Worldwide over 60. What is going unnoticed is a whole new era or cohort of people in their ‘third age’ who are unlike their Grandparents before them, with a new longevity they have an entirely new span of life emerging, with freedom from work, raising a family, with a maturity and desire for a new purpose. They are re-inventing themselves and working out who they could be in the rest of their lives. Maturity is no longer just a stage of winding down and waiting for the inevitable to happen, we cannot deny old age is a natural physiological process which we cannot prevent, but it is not just how do you increase your ‘Lifespan’ but what does your ‘Healthspan’ look like? At Xendurance we believe in 'Living long and Staying Strong'. Do you want to be part of TEAM XND from Sept’24 and into 2025? You better like RAGING 😤 We support athletes of ALL ages (not just older ones 😀) who are into Fitness Racing, CrossFit, Triathlon, Cycling, Running…our products are designed for sports people across all ages and disciplines. Leave me a message and we will check you out.

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Happy Birthday adidas /// DANKE for 26+ out of 75   26 years and counting with this great brand. Starting at Global BU Soccer in 1997 (yes, that's what it was called at the time) fast forward to Central Europe today. Roles in Global, EMEA, Central and Europe. Working at locations Herzo, Amsterdam and Portland. Visiting lovely places, seeing great events and meeting inspirational people. What stood out was certainly my first World Cup (France 98) when Zizou headed the Tricolore to become World Champs in /// (by the way, one of my favorite jerseys). Followed by the amazing all around success of World Cup 2006. But also standing at the starting line of the Berlin Marathon every year watching thousands of runners go by, seeing FC Bayern win the UCL title in Milan in 2001, cheering Britta Steffen on in Bejing 2008 winning her second gold in ///, just to name a few, still gives me goosebumps. And as a personal feat I vividly remember the goal I scored during Herbert Hainer's farewell match (hence the picture). But it is not about the big events, the great locations and the famous names (that we have the honor to work with now and then); after all it is the people, our people that make the brand, that build the brand and who make it so worthwhile to work for adidas. So many inspirational moments, good conversations, creative sessions, sports activities, pain, laughter and joy, failures and successes - all lived, enjoyed, mastered, suffered or cherished together. That's what I want to say DANKE for (hence the picture - really). To the next 75. Let's keep building the future and an even bigger legacy for this great brand.   #75adiversary #26outof75 #europe #centraleurope #bestplacetowork see less

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Dear Bjorn Gulden, in life as in retail many things are inexplicable. However, the German Football Federation's recent decision to terminate their partnership with adidas and move to Nike as their new kit supplier from 2027 is not one of them. Nike saw an opportunity to offer improved terms to the federation and outbid their rival amidst recent challenges. It's no surprise that the DFB jumped at the chance to accept such an offer, given the current economic situation and the recent performance of their team on the international soccer scene. On the other hand, Adidas has faced some inexplicable controversies in their own turf, including the recent debacle of the stylized font of the number '4' on the jerseys, reminiscent of the lightning-bolt symbols used by Nazi SS units in WWII. Additionally, there has been ambiguity surrounding the ongoing sales of Yeezy's leftover inventory in global markets. It's clear that Nike's conquesting tactics have paid off with this new partnership, providing a significant boost to their PR. As for Adidas, it seems they have some work to do to maintain their position in the market. #sportswear #fashion #retail #sportsmarketing #soccer #PR #linkedinpostsbymariopace #partnerships Read more about this story here: https://lnkd.in/etx3PxFn

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🎤🎧💜 New Podcasts online - here we go for one more of the wonderful shapers of our industry! Please welcome Monika Fiedler-Proksch, powerhouse for integrity and female empowerment within sports and business. Her business: fiedler & peter concepts GmbH with Sporting Women - Events, Workshops on strategy and product as well as designing Retail Experiences. If you are on your way to EUROBIKE Show today, do not miss the chance to meet her and prepare yourself with this episode (link in the comment): Dive into her expertise in female empowerment within sports and business. Learn how Moni crafts sports events that not only inspire but also engage, leveraging social media and innovative marketing strategies to drive gender diversity and equality. “The cooperation and marshalling of female explorers in community events underscores the pivotal role of women in sports and business.” - Monika Fiedler-Proksch Sport and Business (the combination becomes Spuzziness 🤝) - Our mission with collaboration in all level playing fields? To inspire others to rethink traditional business models and adopt more sustainable practices. The independent SPUZZINESS podcast brings you conversations with experts and influencers from the sports and outdoor world straight to your ears. It's a platform for industry personalities to share their knowledge, stories, and experiences. In short: SPUZZINESS promotes collaboration in the sports and outdoor industries. 🚀 Listen to #SPUZZINESS on all major platforms and please find links in the comments! 🚀 My podcast is supported by OUTTRA! 🎧About OUTTRA 🛠️ #OUTTRA enhances the outdoor, bike, and sports industry with efficient IT solutions, boosting sales and marketing efficiency, improving customer experiences, and driving trade sales. The partnership with OUTTRA underscores our shared commitment to sustainability and efficiency. 🏋‍♀️ Thank you for the ever-warming support Marcus Meyer, FORCE OF DISRUPTION GmbH, Helena Gillerblad!

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One thing is clear: future viability in retail calls for even stronger networking 🤝   That’s why we've taken the next step in the evolution of our organization and SPORT 2000 International will become SPORT 2000 Group International.   This change reflects our commitment to deeper integration and strategic alignment across national borders. SPORT 2000 Group International and the national country organizations are closely networked, pursue a common strategic approach, and unite various retail formats under one roof. We are now moving even closer together, positioning ourselves even more purposefully for retail with a stronger role for the international organization and a new name.   In addition we are working intensively on SPORT 2000’s future with the establishment of an advisory board consisting of the managing directors responsible for the national organisations, who bring with them individual core competencies and in-depth expertise.   With this new structure, we are strengthening our role in sports retail, ready to meet the future with a unified and powerful approach.   #international #sport2000international #sportbusiness #retail

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The swiss main news brought the current cycling market situation to the their news and unfortunately this will put even more pressure on the retail prices as they say you get everywhere discounts. It’s already a difficult year and then with the news yesterday about Flyer closing their production in Switzerland will put even more questions where the cycling market will go. There is still a significant high stock at retailers and brands and the economy situation makes it not easier. The retail needs to set focus on good service and after sales that will help in the mid and long run when the market is picking up again.

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Mostly for running shoe geeks. This paper had the working title “Energy Return - WTF?” It has been retitled and will be published in the next issue of Footwear Science. Those of you familiar with a previous publication will get it when I say it could have been titled “Energy is neither ‘energy’ nor ‘return’.” It challenges some of the conventional wisdom around energy return in running shoes and its influence on running performance, and has some implications for the design of “super shoes” The paper is just been published online. It is open access so it can be downloaded (free) https://lnkd.in/g-gE2Sd2 I’d like to add that the published version was much improved in response to “robust” feedback from two anonymous reviewers. Peer review is a chore. I don’t like doing it and I don’t like being on the receiving end either. But it is an essential component of the process so I give my best effort to both sides of the reviewing process. It works.

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Innovative technologies and functional design that keep you comfortable in any condition.

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10 years ago I got the opportunity to join Stromer Bikes company from Switzerland. Back then a small company which focused on 45 km /h category and just launched the first digital e-bike in the world in 2014. Thomas Binggeli and Christian Müller asked me if I want to join the company and help to build the brand up globally. We were in 2014 (picture) at the Interbike in Las Vegas and show cased the ST2 bike with touchscreen and app which was a world sensation in the bike world. Together with Sven Ziörjen from Marketing and the US BMC team we made an impact. Back then the ST2 was 6500 USD today we raised the bar to much higher prices up to 14'000 USD with even more new technology features and more to come but we have as well reduced price for an entry connected bike below 5000 USD. The range started with ST1 and now we have added 4 more models. I started basically with one sales person in Germany which was dedicated only for Stromer. 10 years later we are present in 25 countries, Sales team grew up to 15 people and the whole company went from around 30 people to up to 170 people and turnover to a high double digit mio. CHF. We had in that time many challenges to go for, start up challenges, processes, move production from Asia to Switzerland, legislation changes in 2018, Covid but as well many new product innovations which make us the Nr. 1 Speed Pedelec brand in the world and adding in 2021 Desiknio to our family. I am proud what we all achieved together so far, yes this year is a rough and difficult year for the whole industry, nevertheless I believe strongly that the bikes and e bikes will come back strong as the change in behaviour of mobility choice is happening more to bikes. We see it as well the yearly strong growth of km driven by our customers which is already over 110 mio km last year. The company and team evolved. We got new locations and team members In Hertogenbosch NL with our own EU center, or USA office in Vista, Frankfurt office for Markting Desiknio and Sales DE, Granada Desiknio Design Center and Cljus our new software development hub. Two years ago Dr. Karl Ludwig Kley and myself got the opportunity to run together the company as co-CEO and together with our executive Management team Christoph Lindlein Rolf Frankowski and Franz Reindl I am looking forward to many more years to come at Stromer and work with the team together to create more innovations and exciting products to our customers. Only together we can be strong and turn challenges into strength and success. #heretochange

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Market stats: 🇦🇹 Austria's 2023 bike market is down -16.6% to 421k units, yet resetting -15.1% in value to a new playing field level of € 1.18B. This is the third €1B year in a row, compared to 2019's 439k units & €700M value, with an expectancy of market recovery this year or early 25. eBikes led sales, attaining a "mobility milestone" of 52% (221k) of all units and 75% of cash (€894M) in till. They even accounted for 62% of adult bike units. Folding +39%, Gravel +20% and Road +10% categories performed best YoY, also following the well established less volume more value trend. Folding (~8000 units, ~2% tot) and eCargo (~5500units, ~1% tot) were the fastest growing segments. This is a success which the VSSÖ - Association of sporting goods producers and sporting goods dealers in Austria atributes in part to subsidy and company bike programs, as well as their ease of use, low running costs, and low environmental impact. Folding bikes are more than just an e-phenomenon. Quality is important to Austrian buyers as they are sell at an ASP of over €1900 muscular, €2500 electric, surely also aided by €500 subsidy. 2022's bike/train commute push from Austria is clearly having an impact as it is this portability that counts most to train commuters; likely why muscular bikes led with 68% of units in the segment. Overall, demand for folding bikes more than doubled at +108%, but again, numbers remain small at just ~8000 units. This is a space to watch for 24. By contrast, just 470 or ~8% of 5500 cargobikes were muscular, with an overall ASP of a notable ~€5600. The cargo segment is expected to grow further in 24, and luckily the government has now scrapped a €150 eBike shop contribution to the subsidy value, of €900 per unit. The bullwhip has also moved mostly upstream: Whereas 2022 and 2023 saw most stock and issues in retail, shops now seem to have restored balance and are playing safe, benefitting from close to market (excessive) manufaurer stock. Effectively relegating most overstock issues to suppliers and distributors, who are feeling the most pressure. Nonetheless consumer demand is ongoing and healthy, says the VSSÖ. As usual my roundup sources from the report and personal experience. Read a summary with less total data from Bike Europe via my article gift link, here:

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