You lead BrightBound’s digital transformation while preserving its legacy. Simulation Details: BrightBound Publishing, a mid-sized company with a 55-year legacy, is celebrated for its exceptional print craftsmanship and high-quality content. Its flagship print magazine series, Timeless Chronicles, earned multiple National Publishing Excellence Awards in the 1990s, solidifying its reputation as a leader in traditional publishing. However, the rapid growth of digital platforms has disrupted the industry, with e-books and audiobooks seeing annual growth rates of 25% and 30%, respectively. BrightBound’s reliance on print, which still accounts for 85% of its revenue, has led to a 15% decline in sales over the past three years. Internally, BrightBound struggles with outdated publishing software and manual workflows, which hinder its ability to compete with digital-first rivals like DigitalReads Inc. and E-Publish Pro. These competitors have gained market share through subscription-based e-book platforms and AI-driven content personalization. Despite these challenges, BrightBound remains committed to its heritage of quality and tradition, with key stakeholders emphasizing the importance of preserving the company’s legacy while navigating the complexities of digital transformation. As the Innovation Manager at BrightBound Publishing, your mission is to lead the company’s digital transformation efforts while respecting its rich legacy. You’ll begin by engaging in a one-on-one conversation with Emily Cartwright, the Head of Marketing, to understand her concerns about digital initiatives and her priorities for maintaining BrightBound’s brand identity. Emily is skeptical of digital transformation, fearing it could dilute the company’s traditional values, so your approach must be thoughtful and data-driven. Next, you’ll propose one or two actionable digital initiatives—such as e-books or online magazines—that align with BrightBound’s heritage while addressing market trends. Your solutions must also consider the company’s financial constraints and anticipate potential objections from the board of directors, particularly regarding cost and operational feasibility. Success will require balancing innovation with tradition, building consensus with Emily, and framing your proposals in a way that aligns with BrightBound’s goals. - Engage in a focused conversation with Emily Cartwright to understand her concerns and priorities. - Propose one or two actionable digital initiatives that align with BrightBound’s traditional values and address market trends. - Frame your solutions to address potential financial and operational objections from the board of directors. - Build consensus with Emily to gain her support for the proposed initiatives.