Arne Arens (Nike, The North Face, Boardriders) on Resilience in the Face of Adversity, the Power of Presence and Empowering Your Team.

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Arne Arens, global executive and former CEO of The North Face, to explore the delicate balance between high-pressure leadership and the demands of family life.

Arne shares the personal experiences that shaped his journey, from the influence of his upbringing, to raising children with health challenges, to the evolution of his leadership philosophy from self-driven ambition to contribution and servant leadership. He reflects on the importance of being present as a parent, the resilience required to face adversity, and how definitions of success shift as children grow older and prepare to leave home.

Together, Kevin and Arne unpack the lessons of conscious parenting and the realities of executive leadership, offering insights into navigating transitions, maintaining connection with family, and leading with empathy.

Whether you’re an executive navigating your own career, a parent striving to stay present, or someone reflecting on what success truly means, Arne’s story offers wisdom and perspective that will resonate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why presence is the most important gift you can give as a parent
• How upbringing influences leadership and parenting styles
• Why resilience is a choice when facing life’s hardest challenges
• How servant leadership reshapes executive roles
• Why balancing work and family requires conscious, ongoing effort
• How a child’s health journey can redefine family dynamics
• The evolving meaning of success, from personal achievement to contribution
• The role of luck and hard work in career advancement
• How to instill the value of contribution and hard work in children

Top Takeaways:

• Parenting requires presence, even in demanding careers
• Leadership evolves from ambition to service over time
• Resilience is built through choices, not circumstances
• Success is not fixed, it evolves with life and family
• Contribution, not just achievement, defines true legacy

About Arne Arens:
Arne Arens is a global business leader and former CEO of The North Face. Over the course of his career, he has led iconic brands through periods of transformation while developing a leadership philosophy rooted in resilience, empathy, and contribution. Beyond the boardroom, Arne is a dedicated father who has faced the challenges and joys of parenting head-on, and who believes that presence and purpose matter more than titles or accolades.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Personal Background
• (00:02:08) - Navigating Parenthood and Career
• (00:19:27) - Reflections on Fatherhood and Leadership
• (00:36:08) - Teamwork and Leadership Evolution
• (00:43:53) - Evolving Definition of Success