Stay True to Your Roots

The pursuit of trendy ventures during COVID highlighted a disconnect for Nike, as the company's aggressive foray into NFTs and the Metaverse signaled a desperate attempt to recapture its cool factor. The acquisition of a Metaverse design studio and the launch of an NFT collection suggested a misguided strategy driven by a desire to align with younger trends, similar to an older individual trying to fit in with a college crowd. In contrast, the appointment of Elliot Hill as CEO exemplifies the value of loyalty and long-term commitment, showcasing a career progression within Nike from intern to CEO. This model of nurturing homegrown talent offers a refreshing perspective in a landscape often dominated by external hires, indicating that sustained corporate culture and deep experience can be advantageous for leadership.