I am a lifelong Nike veteran who recently opted to leave. I feel it is better to leave now while I still have fond memories rather than stay onboard a sinking Ship. My heart is saddened and disappointed to see the significant culture shift and the (forewarned) business challenges at Nike. I do not believe leadership has a strong and nimble plan to change. I believe old ways of doing things will no longer work. And neither will old leaders, and old thinking.
Nike has always been the marketplace leader; pushing the industry, disrupting, innovating and serving consumers. They no longer lead, they follow the competition and react. What's most sad is Nike no longer listens to the consumer. The consumer has shifted preferences in how they shop (digital) and what they demand (innovative/exciting product and right place/price) for a long time and Nike has not responded to their rapidly changing needs. Nike has ignored key retailers who have seen this coming for +2 years and now their businesses are also challenged. Additionally, the org is bloated with multiple functions performing the same task and fighting over "who owns what". How does anything ever get done if people are unclear on what their job truly is?
And in this re-org, it's odd the Exec Leaders remain the same. Do they really expect different results with the same people leading the team? Does this bring new and fresh thinking? Do we believe the company is nimble enough to respond to the consumer, and rapidly changing landscape / competition? Do we believe the "Boys Club" will ever go away? (*For those who don't know, the "boys club" at Nike is a dark secret; a tightly regarded group of men at the top who continue to stay there, look out only for each other, promoting only each other, protecting others who are "initiated in" and are threatened by most strong female leaders. Thinly veiled s-xism is tolerated and perpetual and this is why there is minimal female leadership at the top. The few who make it there either exit because they can no longer compromise their own values or are forced out. For a company who preaches "equality", this secret club is ironic and appears to be wildly noted on this forum" )
The plunging stock price is an indication of Wall Street's lack of confidence. The exorbitant and rapid consumer shift of $ to the competition is an indication of their lack of confidence. My personal exit is a result of my lack of confidence as well.
Do I wish Nike the best? Yes. Am I resentful or bitter? Not at all. Do I have years of great memories, strong work experiences and friends? Absolutely. Am I sad? A bit, yes. Sad that the younger people will never truly experience the DNA of what Nike's rich and unique heritage was about. And really sad at much we've disappointed our consumers. But - Am I ready for the next chapter after the Swoosh? Definitely, yes!
Good luck to those who've departed, and good luck to those who remain. Hope the best days are ahead for us all!