How Legacy Brands Survive the Digital Switch with Josh Lee

Tenacity with Sonia C is a podcast for founders building real companies. Each episode explores how founders decide what to build, how they prioritize, and how they navigate uncertainty as they move from idea to product and from product to growth.Legacy brands aren’t failing because their products are bad; they’re struggling because their systems, habits, and leadership decisions move more slowly than the market.In this episode of Tenacity with Sonia C., Sonia sits down with Joshua Lee, an e-commerce operator who helps legacy manufacturers and multi-generational brand owners modernize for today’s marketplaces without losing the heritage and soul that made the business work in the first place.They get real about what actually blocks transformation (hint: it’s not tech, it’s fear), why manufacturers hesitate to sell on Amazon or Walmart Marketplace, and what happens when offline-first brands suddenly have to learn B2C, paid ads, fees, customer service, and channel strategy, all at once.If you’re a founder building in e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, or B2B, this episode breaks down the mindset shift and practical first moves that set brands that adapt apart from those that stall.In this episode, you’ll learn:-Why legacy brands delay digital moves for years, until a “life event” forces action-The #1 fear founders have about Amazon: conflict with wholesale distributors-Why strong offline brands struggle online: fees, ads, competition, and a new business model-How to think about marketplaces like Amazon vs Walmart (and why inventory = power)-The biggest mistake brands make when launching on Amazon: not taking the channel seriously-A smart “first step” for founders who feel behind: a leadership readiness assessment-Joshua’s definition of success: building a business with integrity, peace, and long-term visionIf you’re rebuilding, pivoting, or preparing a company for the next generation, this one will sharpen your thinking.Listen or watch full episodes: https://soniacouto.com/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands