How LEGO Built a Turnaround from the Brick Up

The Pivot Podcast with Fexingo: How Businesses Change Direction and Survive Disruption · Jul 21, 2026 · 3m · transcript

In 2003, LEGO was bleeding $1.8 million a day. By 2015, it became the world's largest toy company. This episode unpacks the specific, counterintuitive moves behind that turnaround: how a focus on the brick—not the theme—saved the company. We trace the story from near-bankruptcy to an 18 percent compound annual growth rate over a decade. Key decisions include the 'LEGO Elements' project that reduced parts by 30 percent, the shift to co-creation with adult fans, and the surprising role of a digital game in reviving the brand. We also explore why LEGO's turnaround is a…