Archive for the ‘World Cup’ tag
QCK3: JENA
The BLG Friday Feature is the QCK3 (QUICK THREE). This is where BLG engages in a verbal romp with a friendly MKTG INC employee. Rules of engagement? The introduction is the back of your business card and the corresponding photo is randomly selected from your Facebook page. Ready? Aim… FIRE!
Today’s Hero: Jena
Jena has the energy of a tornado and the uncomplaining nature of a stoic. You can throw just about any task at her and she’ll find a solution and get it done before your unreasonable deadline. How does she do this? It just might be that rarest of character traits… a solid work ethic. She also is never far from having a good laugh. In fact, if there’s any truth to the laughter = better health connection, then she will probably live forever.
BLG: Thanks for hanging out with us on this lovely Friday.
JNA: You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. And of course the wine helps.
BLG: I would say multiple wines are being had here. But who’s counting? You know what goes well with this delicious, crisp Sauvignon Blanc? An interview. So let’s get down to it. What do you do here besides drink wine(s) and dress well?
JNA: I lead NIKE Running and other various NIKE programming. I worked a lot with NIKE Soccer during World Cup. I am also working on our FedEx program that is kicking off soon.
BLG: Running! Soccer! Office supplies! Oh my! Quite a diverse portfolio. What’s your favorite thing you have worked on?
JNA: NIKE 5K For Kids. It was a national race series focused on middle school and elementary school aged kids and their supporting communities. 100% of the race proceeds went back to PE, play and athletic programs designated by the participant – all in an effort to get kids moving and fight childhood obesity.
BLG: That sounds like a lot of fun. I think BLG would love that event – except when we were outrun by fourth graders.
JNA: They are closer to the ground, so it makes sense that they are faster.
BLG: You’re too sweet. Let’s see just how sweet. Final question: would you hamster-sit for me if i asked nicely?
JNA: Yes. But only for you – so don’t go spreading it around town.
why we won’t win the
world cup anytime soon
With the World Cup under way…interesting article in the NY Times about different national approaches to growing soccer talent. Seems we’re doing it wrong. It’s a long article, so if you can’t manage the reading, I broke it down.
3 million kids play soccer here—we play way too many games at the expense of training and teaching skills. We produce incredibly fit players with little imagination. The Dutch have an amazing system for churning out high level players. The Dutch are mirthless automatons. And college soccer is a complete waste of critical development time (I can attest to that).
THE BEAUTIFUL INFOGRAPHIC
Thierry Henry's 226 goals for Arsenal
Nothing catches my interest like a beautiful piece of informational graphic design, so when I came across Adrian Newall’s Scoreline series of illustrated soccer goals I found my new obsession! They’ve rolled out with the entire catalog of World Cup Series Finals since 1934, followed up with almost 10 years of Champions League Finals and topped it off with a stunning display of Thierry Henry’s career goals for Arsenal (226 in all – a team record). If you grab one now (£35 post included), they might just be here in time for kick-off!
Write The Future
Well played, Nike.
