The Innovation Show

• Joseph L. Bower on Resource Allocation and Strategy

  Joseph L. Bower on Resource Allocation and Strategy "Where you stand depends on where you sit." In this exclusive episode of The Innovation Show, Harvard legend Joseph L. Bower shares the untold story behind his groundbreaking work on Resource Allocation to Strategy — a theory that has shaped generations of business leaders, strategists, and scholars. Bower reveals: How real strategy emerges through the decisions of middle managers Why structure drives strategy more than PowerPoint slides do What we can learn from Lou Hughes at Opel, and the power of acting before HQ gives permission Insights into companies like GM, Timken, and even Tesla This is a masterclass in how strategy really works — not in theory, but on the ground. Revisit the origins of strategic thought that still matter today. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement 00:42 Introducing the Guest: Joseph L. Bower 03:16 The Origins of Resource Allocation Theory 05:30 Insights from the Field: Case Studies and Key Learnings 17:26 The Role of Empathy and Perspective in Management 20:57 Case Study: Opel's Strategic Response to the Berlin Wall 35:38 Case Study: Timken's Bottom-Up Acquisition 38:04 The Importance of Learning and Adaptation in Strategy 52:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 53:25 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Acknowledgment   Thanks to our sponsor Kyndryl:  https://www.kyndryl.com/us/en

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• Gary Hamel - Strategic Intent

  The Power of Strategic Intent: Insights with Gary Hamel | Aidan McCullen   In this episode, Aidan McCullen and Gary Hamel dive into the key principles of strategic intent and how companies can maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. They explore concepts like building layers of advantage, searching for vulnerabilities in competitors, and the importance of continuous learning and innovation. Using examples from the Japanese auto industry to modern companies like Komatsu and Roche, Hamel explains how ambitious strategy is vital for long-term success. This discussion is rooted in Hamel's acclaimed article 'Strategic Intent,' co-authored with CK Prahalad, offering timeless lessons for business leaders.   00:00 Introduction to Competitive Strategy 01:16 The Importance of Strategic Intent 05:14 Challenges in Modern Business Thinking 09:09 The Role of Ambition in Strategy 19:00 Case Studies: Komatsu and Beyond 25:39 The Need for Organizational Resilience 28:18 Komatsu vs. Caterpillar: Strategic Responses 28:52 Timeframes in Strategy: Short, Medium, and Long Term 29:25 The Importance of Ambitious Goals 30:56 Learning and Flexibility in Organizations 32:25 Strategic Intent vs. Strategic Planning 34:51 Challenges and Feasibility in Strategic Goals 36:41 The Role of Strategic Intent in Leadership 45:53 Building Competitive Advantage Through Skills 48:59 Global Competitors and Layers of Advantage 52:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations   The 1989 Article: https://hbr.org/1989/05/strategic-intent-2  The Small Book: https://amzn.to/4kMiDo4  

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• Gary Hamel - What Matters Now Part 2

  Gary Hamel joins us to delve into part 2 of his book 'What Matters Now,' exploring the crucial role adaptability plays in the modern world. Gary discusses how rapid, multifaceted changes define our age and the stress it places on individuals and institutions. Using various industry examples, from mobile phones to airlines, he emphasizes the importance of continuous reinvention and the challenges businesses face, such as strategic decay and the need for innovation. Hamel also highlights the impact of human foibles on organizational success and the necessity for honesty and humility in leadership. This conversation provides valuable insights into thriving in a world characterized by relentless change.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:10 Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World 00:47 Historical Perspective on Change 01:35 Technological and Social Upheaval 02:31 Examples of Industry Disruption 04:12 The Challenge of Continuous Reinvention 06:08 The Role of Values and Habits 08:54 Understanding Strategy Decay 13:51 The Predictable Demise of Strategies 20:26 The Corrupting Nature of Success 24:12 Identifying Defensive Language in Organizations 25:14 The Importance of Humility and Adaptability 25:34 Lessons from Radiohead and Resourcefulness 26:58 The Impact of Market Shifts on Companies 27:32 Strategic Agility and Human Foibles 28:07 The Changing Landscape of Education 30:44 Fashion Industry Trends and Predictions 33:56 Encouraging Innovation and Risk-Taking 40:28 The Farmer vs. Rancher Analogy 46:11 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

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• Gary Hamel - What Matters Now Part 1

  Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome back Gary Hamel, author of 'What Matters Now: How to Win in a World of Relentless Change, Ferocious Competition, and Unstoppable Innovation.' In this episode, Gary discusses his latest book, which provides an agenda for building resilient organizations amidst dynamic global challenges. The conversation delves into the importance of core values such as stewardship, accountability, and equity. Gary also reflects on the 2008 financial crisis and its lessons on ethical leadership and innovation. Tune in to explore how businesses can rehumanize their approach, foster a culture of innovation, and retain a sense of purpose and moral high ground.   00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author 01:22 Dedication and Personal Insights 02:13 Book Structure and Context 03:29 The Importance of Values 04:02 Capitalism and Ethical Challenges 10:50 Learning from the Financial Crisis 16:53 Rediscovering Farmer Values 21:19 Renouncing Capitalism's Conceits 29:16 Reclaiming the Noble in Business 38:07 The Importance of Innovation 45:07 Conclusion and Contact Information     Gary Hamel, What Matters Now, Reinventing Management, Future of Work, Innovation Culture, Organizational Change, Capitalism Reform, Moral Leadership, Business Ethics, Corporate Accountability, Management Strategy, Values in Business, Adaptive Organizations, Leadership Innovation, Future-Ready Companies, Strategic Agility, Purpose-Driven Leadership, Post-Crisis Management, Employee Empowerment, Organizational Renewal

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• Gary Hamel - The Future of Management Part 2

  Welcome to part two of our enlightening series with special guest, Gary Hamel. In this episode, we dive deep into Hamel's insights from his book and explore the evolution of unconventional management models through case studies of pioneering companies like W.L. Gore & Associates and Google. We discuss the principles that distinguish innovative organizations, the challenges of breaking free from traditional hierarchical structures, and the critical role of purpose in driving change. With real-life examples and practical advice, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in future-proofing their organization and reigniting the human spirit at work.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:39 Exploring Gore's Unique Management Structure 04:13 Leadership and Followership at Gore 06:26 Commitments vs Assignments at Gore 08:07 Innovation and Collaboration at Gore 20:13 Google's Evolution and Challenges 26:25 Management Innovation: A Critical Necessity 27:00 A Disenchanted View of Google 28:17 The Importance of Lateral Communication 29:51 Utilizing Technology for Collective Intelligence 33:18 Challenging Organizational Orthodoxy 47:20 The Role of Purpose in Driving Change 52:39 Concluding Thoughts on Management Reinvention   The Future of Management, Gary Hamel, Management Innovation, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Collaboration, Gore, Bill Gore, Gore-Tex, Decentralized Management, Employee Empowerment, Hierarchy, Organizational Design, Innovative Companies, Workplace Culture, Management Practices, Leadership Development, Decision-Making, Peer Evaluation, Team Dynamics

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