The risks of promoting change and innovation OR Media Transcontinental abolishes my job

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...