Menu:

 

Wow. I started drafting this blog a week ago because I wanted to encourage the innovators and the thought leaders to continue to persevere despite the many challenges we face. Ironically, I had no idea how much it would be relevant for me personally.

Media Transcontinental, in a surprise move yesterday, decided to abolish the role of Director, Digital Strategies. It was a role I created to offer education, guidance, consulting and digital thought-leadership to all internal and external stakeholders: the many magazines, the business publications, the weekly newspapers, the advertising clients, etc.

I believe strongly (and I know I am biased) that in recessionary times, it is INNOVATION that will eventually determine the winners from the losers. When the dust settles, the one who will have prepared for the future will beat out the competition.

The proactive always bests the reactive.

Especially in fields like digital media where the consumers are evolving. Traditional brands need to be where the consumers are and will be migrating, now more than ever. It really is innovate or die.

While it is discouraging to see a big media company take that defensive approach, I do wish them well. They have amazing brands and great potential to change peoples lives with the information they are providing.

I feel like the missionary in the desert who was stopped before reaching the Promised Land. I can see it on the horizon, but I won't be able to step into it with them. Because of the tremendous respect and appreciation I have for the owner-family, I really do hope that they find their way there.

This does not, however, change my resolve to keep educating, innovating and guiding those who will want to embrace the digital revolution we are experiencing. Thankfully, I already have quite a few interesting opportunities in that respect.

So to those out there trying to promote change and innovation in a difficult context, keep persevering. I feel your pain.

After all, this was found on the wall in the late 1800's...

 


Comments

Chrystian Guy link
11/28/2008 04:48

Been there... done that... actually bought the t-shirt... I keep wearing it though... ;)

I am with you my friend.

Reply
Sarah S.
11/28/2008 06:42

Brilliant piece, Jean!

Don't give up!

Reply
Benoit Meuneir link
11/28/2008 10:42

We need more of guys like you in our life. Not just because you have a strong vision, but you have also a strong heart.

I will not miss you because I'll always be in your neighborhood.

Reply
Francois Limoges link
11/28/2008 15:02

Innovation is the art of seeing holes in the wall, of seeing pass the forest to find a spark that will bring people together and a business ahead of its competitors. It has a long term focus and brings long term benefits. You cannot get there by short term management, lack of vision or marketing myopia.

In economic downturns, it's innovators like you that are needed. Keep your head up and reinvent yourself!

Reply
Matyas Gabor link
11/28/2008 15:50

I totally agree ! You know how I am.. I was there a few month ago.

I didn't know. Very surprised and sad for 2 things:
- the feeling that you must have right now
- the difficulty for our state to find the good way: the way that will bring us farther.

hope to see you soon
take care
mat

Reply
Claude link
11/30/2008 10:51

Je suis vraiment désolé pour toi et supris de lire ça.

C'est sûr que l'innovation est très importante mais je crois que ça prend quand même des bases solides avant de commencer à rêver.

Pour l'instant honnêtement je comprends qu'ils veulent se concentrer à maîtriser la base. Nous sommes en 2008 et le time to market pour de simples sites est toujours très long. Penser médias sociaux quand tu as de la misère à lancer un blogue sur wordpress... ouf

Ensuite viendra l'ouverture d'esprit aux différents modèles d'affaires.

Et ensuite viendra l'innovation...

Reply
Tina Poitras
12/01/2008 08:21

Say what?!!! So disappointed to hear about this, Jean.
Innovation is increasingly becoming the most sought-after requirement in the workplace today, and any organization will be darn lucky to have you onboard.
The challenge lies in finding a company that has the capability to take in all the light that an old soul like yours shines in silence. I've had the privilege of knowing you just enough to discover that your approach to leadership is rich and unique. Although you are all about impactful results, your approach has a "higher purpose" than just profit or personal gain. Being a “Chief Spiritual Officer” transforms people and organizations. :) And as a leader with a higher purpose, you walk your talk in the marketplace too! Not many big organizations are ready for that yet. Too much light at once on a slow moving system can scald! But your short stay will have had more impactful repercussions than you can imagine.
Bottom line: I’ve learned one thing, life always brings us where we are supposed to be, in the most unexpected ways.
God's got big plans for you.
I know.
Because I know YOU. :)

Tina

Reply
Yves Lacasse
12/02/2008 10:48

Jean,

Je parlais justement de toi ce matin à JP...voulant te contacter, je réalise que tu as quitté TC!

D'accord avec toi que l'innovation est la dernière chose a couper if you want to stay in the loop...

Give me a call.

Y

Reply



Leave a Reply