Running the Long Game: Small Steps, Big Impact.
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In this episode of 'Take Command: A Leadership Podcast,' host Joe Hart interviews Jake Rawson, CEO of Craft Sportswear North America, about his 25-year journey from an entry-level role at Cutter & Buck to leading a global endurance sports brand. Rawson shares how his career was shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and a relentless commitment to learning, emphasizing the power of small, consistent steps in building long-term success. He draws parallels between endurance sports and business, advocating for a mindset of incremental improvement, persistence, and resilience. Rawson highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and customer-centric innovation, while also discussing how personal well-being—through walking, family time, and mental reset—fuels sustainable leadership. The conversation underscores the value of patience, emotional intelligence, and aligning organizational culture with long-term vision.
Success is built through consistent, small steps over time—focus on incremental gains, not quick wins.
Leadership is shaped by diverse experiences and relationships; the journey itself is the preparation.
Trust and transparency are non-negotiable in building strong teams and customer relationships.
Listen deeply to customers and use their feedback to drive innovation and differentiation.
Invest in personal well-being—walks, family, and mental reset are essential for sustained performance.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Positive Mindset and Appreciation
“Don't criticize, condemn or complain. And we have to teach that positive mindset, positive attitude, extremely important. And if you can take those things and think about giving honest and sincere appreciation, people that matter, it makes a big difference in their lives.”
Jake Rawson’s 25-Year Journey from Entry-Level to CEO
Jake Rawson shares his origin story—growing up in Park City, Utah, joining Cutter & Buck at 18, and spending 25 years rising through the ranks. He reflects on how early mentorship, company investment in education, and a passion for learning shaped his career.
Leadership Lessons from Mentorship and Curiosity
“I was super hungry to learn... I probably asked a lot of silly questions. I probably made a lot of silly mistakes, but I had people that were approachable, people that wanted to help me understand the bigger picture.”
Leading Craft Sportswear: Innovation, Trust, and Endurance Mindset
“We think of our business as an endurance athlete... it's not one moment. It's the stacking of goals. It's the removing friction. It's really working left foot in front of your right foot over and over and over until you reach whatever goal you're doing.”
Sustaining Leadership: Wellness, Reflection, and Long-Term Vision
Rawson closes by discussing how he maintains mental and physical health through daily walks, family time, and reconnecting with passions like golf. He reflects on the wisdom that comes from experience and the importance of patience in leadership.
“We think of our business as an endurance athlete... it's not one moment. It's the stacking of goals. It's the removing friction. It's really working left foot in front of your right foot over and over and over until you reach whatever goal you're doing.”
“It's not one moment, you don't sprint out of the block. It's the stacking of goals. It's the removing friction. It's really working left foot in front of your right foot over and over and over until you reach whatever goal you're doing.”
“Don't criticize, condemn or complain. And we have to teach that positive mindset, positive attitude, extremely important. And if you can take those things and think about giving honest and sincere appreciation, people that matter, it makes a big difference in their lives.”
Host
Guest
Jake Rawson
person
Craft Sportswear
organization
Joe Hart
person
Cutter & Buck
organization
Dale Carnegie
organization
Park City, Utah
place
Seattle
place
UTMB
other
REI
organization
Nordstrom
organization
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