Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Leeper.
Hi Kris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My younger brother was born with the development of his lower limbs. He had surgery as a toddler to be fitting for prosthetics so he could have a chance at walking. Around the same time he received his first pair of walking legs our parents took us shoe shopping so we could match. It was then my interest in footwear started. This passion for footwear grew into fashion, upcycling and accessories. I find myself working at Nike in Sustainable Product Design supporting the Re-Creation Program where we focus on design and product exploration, upcycling Nike product to deliver to consumers in Los Angeles, London and Paris.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
An opportunity at Nike didn’t land in my lap as soon as I applied. I graduated from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee majoring in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. I found a job in the automotive industry working for tier 1 and 2 manufacturing supplier for Ford, Nissan, GM and Mercedes. While working I went back to school to get an MBA from King University and applied to atleast 40 jobs at Nike in a 8 years span. In 2019 I finally received an opportunity to work in the apparel industry at Vista Outdoor (Blackhawk, Eagle and Gun Mate) brands, work as a Sr. Business, Operations, Planning Manager with a focus on looking for new manufacturing capabilities and partners, managing inventory and working with design to bring new products to our consumers. While always having a dream of working for the brand, I had to gain new skills and different experiences. I said yes to many short term assignments and many temporary roles to put myself in situations that would challenge me and expose me to new things. I had to learn all the rejections letters was not personal – didn’t mean I wasn’t good enough.. I need to keep learning and growing, the adversity was fuel.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I was chasing my dreams of working at Nike. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, my pancreas stopped functioning producing insulin. I was 26 when I was diagnosed—I had to relearn a lot of things while giving myself insulin shots and pricking my finger and checking my blood sugar 8-12 times a day. In the very beginning I thought this was a death sentence.y wife and I received terrible information and it wasn’t until we moved from our hometown rural Church Hill, Tennessee to Virginia Beach, Virginia to get a new primary care doctor. The primary care doctor sent my wife to an endocrinologist for her own health concerns and that when my wife saw the advertisement for a CGM (Continous Glucose Monitor) and Insulin Pump. Having the access to updated tech changed my outlook, I started feeling like my pre-diagnosis self. The difference between multiple daily injections and how an insulin pump delivers the body insulin is night and day. The first 4 years of managing type 1 diabetes I had a cloud of shame and embarrassment. After gaining confidence I started sharing about my journey in person and on social media. My wife being a photographer, videographer and marketer helped me develop a social voice and following where I share all things T1D related, highs, lows and everything in between.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Ask, ask and ask!! Most successful people always have something in common, they had to work hard and go thru adversity to get where they are. Look for people who are in a position or opportunity you want to be in and learn from them. Be curious! My golf game got seriously better when I started playing with people who were better than me.
Don’t be afraid of challenges! The hard things in your life is a blessing and will help you grow.
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