We're here at the uh LeBron James R&D lab and it's our advanced R&D center. We opened this up in in 2020. This is really the heartbeat of our innovation.>> You've basically been at Nike more than 35 years and you were brought back to fix a few missteps. How do you try to even reinvent a company that you know so well. >> It can overwhelm you, anybody, if you try to go, hey, we got to fix everything all at once.But what I tried to do is go back to what is essential to Nike and that is putting the athlete back ...

Core Insights - Nike is refocusing on its core mission of putting athletes at the center of its strategy after experiencing significant market value loss due to previous missteps [2][16] - The company is working to clear excess inventory, particularly for its major franchises like Air Jordan 1, Air Force One, and Nike Dunk, which have seen a decline in consumer interest [3][5] - Nike is re-engaging with retail partners to boost sales after years of focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies, ensuring a thoughtful assortment of products across different retail environments [12][14] Inventory Management - Nike has been slashing prices to manage excess inventory, particularly for the Nike Dunk, which generated an estimated $4 billion in fiscal 2025 but is now being phased out [3][5] - The company acknowledges the need to improve inventory levels for its key franchises, with ongoing efforts to restore the appeal of the Dunk and Air Jordan 1 [4][5] Product Development and Innovation - Nike is launching new products, including a 4-in-1 jacket for the upcoming Olympics and a shoe for athlete Caitlyn Clark, indicating a commitment to innovation and women's sports [6][7] - The company is enhancing its competitive edge in the running category by appointing a general manager for Nike running, focusing on product quality and storytelling [10] Retail Strategy - Nike is returning to retail partnerships with stores like Macy's and DSW, aiming to present its products in a premium manner while catering to diverse consumer needs [12][14] - The strategy includes ensuring that the brand's premium image is maintained across all sales channels, whether direct or through wholesale [13] Employee Morale and Company Culture - The leadership is focused on improving employee morale by emphasizing a return to the company's foundational mission of serving athletes, which has positively impacted the workplace environment [16][17]