21

Redefining their Game: How today's brands are disrupting themselves.

unisono strategic blog post on brand disruption
Filed Under
Posted by test test.

Redefining their Game: How Brands Are Disrupting Themselves

In today’s world, staying within the boundaries of your industry is a fast track to irrelevance. Modern brands understand this better than anyone. They’re not just innovating within their categories—they’re stepping out, disrupting their own markets, and launching entirely new businesses. The kicker? These new ventures don’t always align with their existing product lines, but they’re perfectly aligned with their brand’s core values and cultural DNA.

 

It’s All About the Why

Consumers connect with brands that stand for something bigger than just products. That’s why the most progressive companies are leveraging their brand essence to explore new frontiers. Look at Patagonia. Sure, they’re famous for outdoor gear, but what really defines them is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Enter Patagonia Provisions—a bold move into sustainable food production. It’s not just a random pivot; it’s a powerful extension of their mission to protect the planet.

 

From Product to Platform

Here’s the secret sauce: brands that truly get it don’t just sell products—they create platforms for experiences, communities, and cultural movements. Take Nike. They’ve always been about performance and empowerment, but they didn’t stop at shoes. Their suite of fitness apps turns every smartphone into a personal trainer, seamlessly blending tech with their core purpose: helping people become the best version of themselves. It’s a natural evolution that keeps the brand at the forefront of cultural relevance.

 

Betting Big on Bold Moves

Of course, stepping into uncharted territory is risky. But playing it safe is even riskier. Apple’s journey from computers to mobile devices shows how to disrupt yourself while staying laser-focused on your brand ethos. Every Apple product, whether it’s an iPhone or an Apple Watch, embodies their obsession with simplicity and seamless integration. They didn’t just follow the market—they created it, repeatedly.

 

The Power of Story

Brands that successfully break into new markets understand the value of storytelling. Lego is a masterclass in this. What started as a toy company has evolved into an entertainment empire, with blockbuster movies, games, and even theme parks. But the story has always stayed the same: unleashing creativity and imagination. Whether you’re building with bricks or immersed in a Lego movie, the experience is unmistakably Lego.

 

The Future Belongs to the Brave

Here’s the bottom line: the most exciting brands don’t wait for the future—they build it. They challenge the status quo, blur category lines, and create entirely new spaces where their values come to life in unexpected ways. For these brands, disruption isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mindset. The ones who dare to redefine themselves today are the ones shaping culture tomorrow.

Are you ready to disrupt yourself?

unisono strategic blog post on lego and branding

Lego land takes the brand’s friendly and charming cultural ethos from plastic bricks to real ones and created a robust revenue stream from scratch.

You've got to be a bit of a brave new cannibal to disrupt your own market but it can pay, day after day.
Anon.

More?

The power of brands as agents of change.
20
unisono strategic blog post on brands as agents of social change hero shot
Narrative Brands: How leaders differentiate and connect on a deeper level
22