# @professorlawrencenorman on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dez8eTWoosD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/75979842-professorlawrencenorman-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6df0838718.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-22T21:37:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Professor Lawrence Norman (@professorlawrencenorman) — https://gondola.cc/professorlawrencenorman

## Caption

“I still want to be a sneaker designer, to this day.”

Spoken like a true sneakerhead.

Rah Mahtani describes himself as a “curious sh-t starter” — driven by creativity, curiosity
and a willingness to disrupt to get results.

I had read about Rah before we ever met. His Syracuse Industrial Design background,
career journey and love of sneakers made him a natural guest for my Signature Shoe
Playbook and Professional Development courses.

There was only one catch: I had never met him. We met just before class, then let the conversation fly. I love that challenge - and with the best guests, it feels seamless. Rah was one of them.

Now Head of Marketing and Commercial Strategy, US at Alibaba.com, Rah talked about
what he looks for in people: curiosity - especially about the business and customer - and proactivity.

Our Falk students showed both - with great questions and ideas for continuing the
conversation after class.

Rah has built an incredible career. But I loved that there’s still a fire in him to live out his
initial dream.

Design sneakers.

I wouldn’t bet against him.

P.S. Rah’s Top 3 Hall of Fame Shoes of All Time? Jordan 1, Jordan 3, Kobe 4.  My top 2 are Jordan 1 and Rose 3.  What are your top 2 or 3? 🎥 The Awesome @isabela.cobley.  #falkcollegeofsport #syracuseu

## Stats

- **Views:** 5,110
- **Likes:** 176
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 15

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Isabela Cobley | @isabela_cobley | https://gondola.cc/isabela_cobley | Videographer |
| Isabela Cobley | @isabela_cobley | https://gondola.cc/isabela_cobley | Video Editor |

## Tags

falkcollegeofsport, syracuseu

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