UCSD - University of California - San Diego

01/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2026 04:21

From Wharton to Women’s Fashion: Designer Stuart Weitzman Inspires Rady Students

Published Date

January 15, 2026

Article Content

Men buy around one to two pairs of shoes a year. Women purchase around 13 pairs annually. This was the data point that inspired Stuart Weitzman to create a business centered around women's footwear. Making data-driven business decisions is central to the University of California's San Diego Rady School of Management - where Weitzman recently spoke.

The iconic designer and entrepreneur Weitzman shared his story with Rady students, bringing more than 50 years of insight into creativity, innovation and problem-solving.

Known worldwide for building a footwear brand rooted in both comfort and craftsmanship, Weitzman emphasized that entrepreneurship begins with curiosity and the courage to solve problems others overlook. "One of my truisms for being an entrepreneur is to solve a darn problem," he said.

Rady School dean Lisa Ordóñez (left) with Weitzman. Credit: Joel Ackerman/Rady School of Management.

Innovation Starts With Seeing Differently

Weitzman studied finance at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Design and illustrating had always been a hobby of his, so after graduating in 1963, he decided to focus on designing women's shoes. However, he saw that the women's footwear market was crowded, which pushed him to think beyond traditional product categories.

"I knew I had to create a niche," he explained.

His first opportunity to break into the market was in bridal shoes, which at the time were plain, uncomfortable and lacking individuality. After observing brides spend heavily on dresses but settle for basic footwear, he traveled to Switzerland to commission a lace strong enough for shoes. This decision led to his first major industry award and a loyal customer base early in his career.

Because he was able to blend his business acumen with a passion for design, he used his problem-solving instinct to create a defining innovation: making stylish shoes genuinely comfortable. To understand the mechanics of foot pain and pressure, Weitzman enrolled in a four-month anatomy course at a Boston hospital. The experience reshaped his design approach and solidified his brand's identity: a balance of fashion and function.

For Rady students - and for entrepreneurs across industries - the takeaway is clear: innovation begins with curiosity, empathy and a willingness to learn far outside one's comfort zone.

A Creative Mindset for a Changing World

Weitzman also highlighted how embracing new technology helped his brand stand out. He pushed manufacturers to use Thermoplastic Polyurethane materials -better known as TPU - which are typically used in work boots. He was the first to adapt the materials into thin, flexible soles for women's dress shoes and he championed latex insoles long before comfort became a fashion trend.

"When new technology opens up opportunities, those willing to experiment gain an advantage," Weitzman said.

This mindset resonates deeply at Rady, where students are encouraged to approach challenges with both analytical rigor and imaginative thinking.

Audiance members posing with Weitzman wearing his own designs. Credit: Joel Ackerman/Rady School of Management.

On Leadership, Students, and the Future of Innovation

Throughout the conversation, Weitzman shared how inspired he is by the energy and ambition of today's students. Their enthusiasm and dedication to improving the world gives him genuine optimism for the future, which is why he takes the time to be a frequent guest speaker at top-tier business schools like Rady, around the nation.

"Students are so enthusiastic - they can't wait to better the world or build a great business."

In one of his talks at a college campus, one student's question even changed the way he now defines success. He was asked how he measures achievement after decades in the industry, to which Weitzman responded with unexpected simplicity: "If the people who are supposed to love you do, take that with you."

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

For those beginning their entrepreneurial journey with limited resources, Weitzman offered a human-centered strategy: bring together a small group of potential customers, show them a set of designs, and listen - really listen - to what resonates. He described it as "a focus group that doesn't know it's a focus group," a subtle way to uncover authentic preferences without over-engineering the process.

His closing message championed the creative, purpose-driven approach Rady champions: find work that makes your heart sing. Passion fuels persistence and persistence fuels innovation. His final remarks echoed this sentiment. "If you really love it, you'll do it better than the guy who's just there for the money."

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on January 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 15, 2026 at 10:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]