Episode 171

October 12, 2026

John Donahoe

From Nike CEO to Starting Over at 65: John Donahoe’s Reinvention

From Nike CEO to Starting Over at 65: John Donahoe’s Reinvention

After decades at the top, John Donahoe found himself starting over at 65.

John has led eBay, ServiceNow, and Nike. But some of his most important lessons came from burnout, failure, and the difficult transitions between success and what comes next.

In this deeply personal conversation, John shares:

  • Why stepping away at 55 changed the way he saw success and himself
  • What 50 wise elders taught him about vitality, purpose, and aging
  • How his painful departure from Nike challenged his identity at 65
  • Why adversity can become a source of meaning and growth
  • How an unexpected opportunity at Stanford became his next chapter

This is a powerful conversation about starting again, letting go of outcomes, and finding purpose beyond achievement.

Watch the full episode with John Donahoe.

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