Written By JR Robinson: The Broken CEO

I talk a lot about breaking. I talk about the moments where you hit the floor so hard you forget which way is up. But the reason I talk about the "break" is because of what comes after: The Build.

There is nothing in business—or life—more dangerous than a fighter who has been counted out. When the critics write the obituary, when the market whispers that your best days are behind you, that is when the real leaders step up.

I was reading a note from Brian Brockman over at Nissan Americas today, and it hit me right in the chest. Just one year ago, people were questioning Nissan’s future. The noise was loud. The doubt was heavy.

But here we are at the close of 2025. Nissan didn’t fold. They didn’t retreat. They didn't listen to the noise. They put their heads down, executed the "Re:Nissan" plan, and punched back.

Turnarounds don’t happen by accident. They happen through decisive moves and a refusal to compromise on the things that matter. For Nissan, that meant getting back to the heart of the business: the customer.

You want to know what "staying in the fight" looks like? It looks like results.

• Quality First: When you’re rebuilding trust, you have to be flawless. Nissan ranked highest among mass-market brands in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study. That is how you silence the critics.

• Safety Standards: They didn't cut corners. The 2026 Nissan Rogue and 2026 INFINITI QX60 earned top-tier safety picks from the IIHS.

• Innovation: They aren't just relying on legacy. The all-new 2026 LEAF and the 2026 Rogue Plug-in Hybrid are proving they can lead the electric transition without losing their identity.

Expansion in the Face of Contraction

While others pull back, fighters expand.

Look at what they did globally. The Nissan KAIT debuted in Brazil. The Kicks launched across Latin America, pushing them toward half a million units sold in the region.

And let’s talk about luxury. The renaissance at INFINITI is a masterclass in brand revitalization. From the QX80 SPORT to the bold concepts like the Terrain Spec and R-Spec, they aren't playing it safe. They are swinging for the fences.

The Lesson

Here is the takeaway for every leader, entrepreneur, and manager reading this:

Momentum is a choice.

A year ago, the narrative was fear. Today, the narrative is anticipation. Newsweek just named the Nissan Rogue Hybrid e‑POWER and the INFINITI QX65 to their "Most Anticipated New Vehicles 2026" list.

The script flipped because the leadership didn't accept the first draft.

So, if you are sitting there today feeling counted out—if your numbers are down, if your team is tired, if the market is betting against you—look at this roadmap.

You focus on quality. You deliver value (like the new 2026 Sentra). You innovate. And you keep moving forward until the only people talking are the ones asking how you pulled it off.

Congratulations to the team at Nissan Americas for a hell of a fight in 2025.

See you in 2026.

JR Robinson The Broken CEO