Monday, September 9, 2024
Convocation Hall
4:30pm
Step into the room with Stuart Weitzman, the visionary behind a global luxury footwear empire. With an eye for fashion and comfort, Weitzman designed and sold his shoes for more than 50 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and creativity launched his company into over 70 countries with celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, and Taylor Swift, wearing his shoes on the red carpet, on volleyball courts, in sold-out arenas, and beyond.
Growing up with a father who owned a shoe factory, Weitzman inherited many tricks of the trade and a passion for design. At an early age, he set his sights on a career in investment banking and secured a job offer at Goldman Sachs during his senior year at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. A part-time gig creating sketches of women’s shoes for a friend’s dad turned into a full-time job designing shoes post-graduation. After six years, he had made connections in the shoe industry and earned enough money to boldly start a small business bearing his name. Weitzman sold his company to Coach in 2015 and continued as creative director until 2017. In retirement, he focuses on his charitable endeavors and enjoys advising students on their entrepreneurial and design aspirations.
During his extensive public speaking tours, Weitzman encourages his audience with sage advice, “Keep your eyes open for what inspires you,” and “Take the road less traveled.”
All are welcome to attend!
