Part 6/11:
Commentators mock the company’s attempts to appear “woke,” referencing rainbow promotions and other diversity initiatives as misplaced distractions rather than strategic improvements. There’s a prevailing sentiment that the leadership’s focus on trendy branding tricks—like adding mimosas or enclosing the logo in a modern “geyser” motif—only serves to dilute the brand’s essence.
The Broader Industry Context
This corporate struggle echoes wider industry patterns, where legacy brands face the challenge of balancing modernization with tradition. The discussion touches on other major companies like Disney, which is perceived as being stuck in stagnation despite large ownership groups like BlackRock wielding significant influence.