Meet Aaron Potts, the GTM Associate Manager at HOKA, whose journey blends a passion for running, marketing expertise, and a commitment to fostering connections within the running community. Hailing from Ontario, California, Aaron, a prominent Black runner, brings a unique perspective rooted in his family’s rich history of Track & Field.

In addition to his corporate role, Aaron, alongside his brother Joshua, has made a mark in the podcasting realm with their show, “2 Black Runners.” In this Q&A spotlight, explore how Aaron’s experiences highlight the theme of ‘Connection’ in his professional journey, the vibrant running community, and the impactful world of podcasting. Recognizing the need for diverse voices in the running space, Aaron’s narrative aligns seamlessly with Deckers Brands’ commitment to an inclusive work environment.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role as a GTM Associate Manager, Specialty at HOKA?  

I am one of four brothers, and I grew up an hour inland of Los Angeles in Ontario, California. Early on in my life, my Dad got all of us into Track & Field, and I fell in love with it instantly. This passion helped me earn a college scholarship and inspired me to chase the professional ranks after college. Throughout this time, I worked at running stores, hoping to gain the experience needed to make it to HOKA. In my current role, I help strategize and execute marketing plans and projects in US wholesale accounts. I have learned a lot in my almost 4 years here and am grateful for my teammates.

Congratulations on the success of your podcast, “2 Black Runners”! How did the idea for the podcast come about, and what inspired you and your brother to start it?

The idea came about in 2019 when my brother, Joshua Potts, was relaunching his successful YouTube Channel. Initially, it began as a vlog with high school friends. However, since he was graduating, he decided to start a Track & Field show called Running Report. We had been working together behind the scenes for some time, and I knew we had the chemistry needed for a podcast. Additionally, I recognized that the running world lacked voices like ours in space, more than any other major sport. From there, Joshua came up with the name 2BlackRunners, and the rest is history.

Your podcast focuses on providing a Black runner’s perspective. How has the theme of “Connection” played a role in creating a sense of community and inclusion for Black runners within the broader running community?

We focus on being ourselves, creating an environment that allows both our guests and listeners to feel connected to who we are and what we’re doing. As Black individuals, our culture naturally influences how we speak on topics, and this is a new perspective for the running community, which has been dominated by white voices. We hope that 2 Black Runners can inspire other Black creatives and show them that there is space for them in the running industry and track and field media space.

In the running community, fostering a sense of connection is essential. How do you approach building connections with your audience through “2 Black Runners,” and how has this connection influenced the content you produce?

The 2 Black Runners Podcast also serves as a record of my brother’s and my personal growth. When we first started the podcast, I wasn’t at HOKA, and Joshua was just starting college. So, if you’ve been following since 2019, you’ve been with us through COVID, racial reckoning, career growth, graduations, and more. We’re real about the things going on in our lives, and we have dedicated episodes called “For The Real Ones,” where we just talk about personal growth and visions for the podcast and beyond. We may not have the most supporters, but we have the best ones, and they truly support us as people. It’s truly a blessing.

We understand that you will be participating in the Black Excellence Roundtable event in March. Can you share a bit about the importance of events like these and the contributions you hope to make through your participation?

God has blessed me with the gift of speaking and making others feel welcome, and one of the best ways to show gratitude is through action.   So, I hope I can make the colleagues on the roundtable feel comfortable and I aim to provide an eye-opening perspective to those listening.

Building connections often leads to professional and personal growth. Can you share a specific instance where a connection you made, either in your career or through the podcast, significantly contributed to your growth or learning?

Throughout the running industry and running media, there are so many connections for which I am grateful. One that comes to mind is Chris Chavez; he connected me and my brother to Magic Boost, a Track & Field content creator program. Through this program, I’ve made great friends who are making significant strides in the sport and running industry. Following their journeys inspires me, and it’s always great to see them at an event!

Mentorship is a powerful form of connection. Have you had significant mentorship experiences in your career or podcasting journey, and how have they influenced you?

I’ve had many leaders and mentors who have inspired me in my journey. A couple I would like to highlight are Stephanie Hillman, Alison Desir, Keith Peters, and Liz Dolan. When I think of these individuals, what comes to mind is kindness, empathy, and loyalty. These leaders truly serve their followers, and that is the type of leader I aspire to be.