Tom's Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie was inspired to start the company after a trip to Argentina, where he saw how many children lacked shoes. Since 2006, Tom's Shoes has provided over 10 million pairs of shoes to children in need and also restored sight to over 175,000 people through its eyewear line. Mycoskie emphasizes the importance of recharging through activities like time off, sailing with employees, biking to work, and journaling to reflect on life and work.

1. Founder of TOMS Shoes
Lindsay Schroll

2. • Founded first company at 19, two more in 20’s
• Dropped out of college to pursue his passion
• Inspired by a trip to Argentina
And it just hit me right in the heart. This was
what I wanted to be doing. I mean business is
great. Making money’s fun, but making people
have tears of joy? That’s what life’s about.

3. • Who is Tom?
• Since 2006, TOMS Shoes has provided 10 million
pairs of shoes
• TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to 175,000
since launching in 2011
• Recently launched TOMS Roasting
Company, which provides clean water to
developing communities

4. • Shoe drops – with family, friends, community
• Taking time off each year to rejuvenate and get inspired
• A Day Without Shoes – engaging community
• Sailing with employees and friends
• Biking to work
• Creating a family-like work culture
• Journaling to reflect on life & work

5. • Take time to re-charge and re-engage
• Find a renewable energy source
• If starting something, start small and
focused, get it right, then let it grow
• Spend some portion of each day on
myself
• Share hobbies with others
• Pursue jobs with family-like culture