Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, and the person behind the idea of One for One™, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased. A simple idea has grown into a global movement: TOMS Shoes has provided over 45 million pairs of new shoes to children since 2006, TOMS Eyewear has helped to restore sight to over 325,000 since 2011 and TOMS Roasting Company has helped provide over 175,000 weeks of safe water since launching in 2014. In 2015, TOMS Bag Collection was founded with the mission to help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that help a woman safely deliver her baby. This Christmas, don't miss TOMS Gift Guide and be part of the movement to gift with purpose.

Blake is an avid reader and traveller. He is passionate about inspiring young people to help make a better tomorrow, encouraging them to include giving in everything they do. His hope is to see a future full of social-minded businesses and consumers.

BLAKE'S FAVOURITE SITES

Huffington Post – My go-to site for news. It’s responsive and diverse – a reflection of how we consume news today.

Cool Material – Simple, nicely curated, and finished with an ode to quality and craft. Life isn’t about things, but this website does a great job of finding the little things that inspire life. Plus, features on everything from craft beer to wanderlust-worthy reads, it’s a favourite for a mid-flight browse.

Good – Good’s online magazine is the perfect example of featuring important political and social issues in a modern and impactful way, and giving recognition to people and projects that push for a better world. They say it best, it’s 'a magazine for the global citizen.' I definitely feel a synergy with Good and the core essence that inspired me to start TOMS. Reading about all of the positive change being sparked across the world, I can’t help but be inspired about all the giving and positive change yet to come from TOMS in the future.

Patagonia – Patagonia has always been a great source of inspiration to me. They do a fantastic job of telling their story through inspiring imagery and video far beyond just product and they are best in class in sustainability – although they are revolutionising the industry through that too. Everything comes with a strong dose of adventure and purpose, and that’s something we can all admire.

Amazon – Convenience isn’t always king, but when I’m on the go, especially as a new dad, it softens the blow of all the last minute shopping. They have everything you need and literally dominating the customer service experience. I’m a fan of their recyclable lower-impact packaging too.

Monocle – One of my favourite online (and print) reads. Monocle is a playful yet serious publication for everything from culture, business, travel, design, and international affairs. They have a truly global perspective, which as you’ve probably noticed is always captivating for me. Aside from fantastic written features, they produce great film and radio content.

Favourite App... Instagram – Tried, but true. I’m fascinated by Instagram and the way we can share information and show gratitude and empathy through images. I’ve always been a visual person and captivated by the idea of presenting the world through your own lens, getting inspired and maybe even inspiring others. I love browsing through travel-inspired accounts, day dreaming and reminiscing, as well as seeing what our Giving Partners are doing all around the world. We work with them to give shoes and improve lives in the big picture, but they do a lot of incredible stuff day-to-day that an app like Instagram gives us the chance to see.

10 December 2015