Blake Mycoskie

Best known as the founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie is an esteemed author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and industry speaker. Globally respected for his business insight, he has set the standard for not just sustainability and business best practice, but charity fundraising also. For every TOMS product sold, the company gifts new shoes to disadvantaged children as part of their One for One business model. When booked for events, Blake inspires corporate audiences to give back to good causes, while providing invaluable business strategies for success.

When Blake visited Argentina in 2006, he witnessed the conditions many children in poverty were living in. He described it as "intense pockets of poverty", the experience raising his awareness of disadvantaged children. Out of the entire trip, Blake reflected upon the lack of shoes, which resulted in the children walking around barefoot, causing damage to their feet. Upon returning to America, Blake created Shoes for Better Tomorrows, a for-profit organisation that provided shoes for poverty-stricken communities. It was at this point in his career that Blake founded his One for One model, which later became TOMS.

TOMS has donated over 10,000,000 pairs of shoes, thanks to Blake's innovative business plan. His brand is featured in more than 1000 stores worldwide, a reflection of his global influence. When booked for events, audiences benefit from Blake's insight. His sustainable yet charitable strategies have created a positive reputation for his brand, firmly establishing TOMS as both respectable and successful. When booked for events, he bestows such wisdom upon his audience, revolutionising their business practices. In 2011, Blake expanded his brand's reach to sunglasses, prescription glasses and more, titled the Sight Giving Program.

Blake's entrepreneurial mindset started with EZ Laundry, a university dry-cleaning service that generated $1 million in sales. He later founded Mycoskie Media, a billboard and marketing company, followed by cable network Reality Central. Diversifying his career, Blake applied for Survivor in 2001 alongside his sister, and The Amazing Race, where he finished third. Continuing on his entrepreneurial journey, he later founded DriversEd Direct and Closer Marketing Group. In his book, Start Something That Matters, Blake discussed his experience with business, a topic that he expands upon as a speaker. With every copy sold, he donated children's books to those in need.

Booked to give an engaging keynote speech at the 2014 SXSW, Blake announced his new venture; sustainable coffee. Through TOMS Roasting Co, he donates essential water to communities in need. In response to his industry-defining speeches, Blake was honoured with the 2013 Five Best Communicators in the World, 2013 Humanitarian Award, 2011 ABC News Person of the Week, 2009 Secretary of State’s Award of Corporate Excellence and two-time SXSW keynote speaker. A New-York Times best-selling author, Blake Mycoskie is one of the most respected industry speakers available to book. Insightful and engaging, his passion for good causes and business success is infectious, inspiring corporate audiences.