
Digital-First, Not Digital-Only
3. Nike – Storytelling in Every Step
Nike’s modernization efforts have focused heavily on inclusivity, digital transformation, and technology. From the Nike Training Club app to virtual try-ons using AR, they are redefining fitness retail. But Nike never forgets the emotional core of its brand: empowering every athlete.
Example: The “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign during the pandemic wasn’t about shoes — it was about human resilience. That’s modernization done with meaning.
Also, Nike’s partnerships with diverse creators and athletes shows they understand how culture moves today — not just where it’s been.
4. General Motors – Charging Ahead with Tradition
General Motors (GM), a staple of American industrial pride, is undergoing a quiet revolution. While embracing EVs under its new “Everybody In” initiative, GM is careful to bring loyalists along. The Chevrolet Silverado EV, for instance, carries the same rugged image — just now powered by batteries.
✅ Brand takeaway: It’s possible to electrify without shocking your base.
Continue reading… (Next, we’ll explore how brands misstep when chasing relevance and how to safeguard legacy while pursuing innovation.)