Nike used to lead trends. Now it feels like Nike is chasing them because it fell behind after years of bad product, uninspired colors, and questionable fashion decisions (lead by a mass wave of DEI initiatives).
And look at New Balance and Adidas. There’s nothing particularly flashy or revolutionary about what they’re doing, yet they’re eating Nike’s lunch because they’re executing better and giving consumers products they actually want.
Nike doesn’t need more discounts. It needs better product and a clear point of view. Lower the prices, stop training consumers to wait for sales, overhaul the board, and bring in a CEO who understands product, innovation, and the brand, not just sales.
Look at Apple. Steve Jobs was pushed out and replaced by a Pepsi executive focused on selling more product. Apple lost its way. When Jobs returned, he rebuilt the leadership team and focused on innovation, creating products people didn’t even know they wanted.
Henry Ford famously said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”
That’s the problem with Nike right now. Nike shouldn’t be asking what consumers want from Nike’s competitors. Nike should be creating what comes next.
Nike needs real leaders. Smart leaders. Forward thinking innovators who understand that the answer isn’t selling more of what isn’t working. The answer is creating something people can’t wait to buy.
Phil built a company that changed the world. Nike needs to find its next generation of leaders before that legacy gets lost.
Perfectly said, @fe+1m0mxdc30.