Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman,Yvon Chouinard

1. In his article, Michael Porter states that strategy (1) rests on unique activities, (2) requires trade-offs, and (3) combines the activities to generate competitive advantage. Using this framework, assess the strategy of Patagonia. What have they done to be successful? How have they generated a competitive advantage? Is it sustainable, and what opportunities are available for them to pursue?
2. Frichol outlines the characteristics that a market-driven company embody. How has Patagonia (knowingly or unknowingly) developed capacity in these areas? Are there any where they currently fall short and, if so, how might they better align their activities to be in support of this area?
3. Take one story or quote from the first chapter of Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman,Yvon Chouinard that stood out to you. Discuss how this story or quote reflects either how you currently approach business and leadership, or how it inspires you to change the way you think about business and leadership.