The Innovation Show
Strategic Innovation and the Joe Bower Model Extended with Robert Burgelman In this episode, host Aidan McCullen delves into the intricacies of strategic innovation with Professor Robert Burgelman. The discussion focuses on the extension of the Joe Bower model, exploring organizational adaptation, strategic dissonance, and the strategic context process. Burgelman elucidates four types of strategic context processes: rationalizing new initiatives, dissolving core business contexts, the emaciation of strategic contexts, and the fizzling out of proactive strategic contexts. Key insights...
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In this episode of The Innovation Show, host Aidan McCullen is joined by Stanford’s Robert Burgelman, one of the foremost thinkers in strategy and organizational evolution. Together, they explore the idea of strategic dissonance—when a company’s day-to-day decisions conflict with its overarching strategy. Drawing from his research at Intel, Burgelman unpacks how induced and autonomous strategyinteract in complex organizations and how leaders like Andy Grove navigated high-stakes inflection points. We cover: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:42 Recap of Intel's History and...
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In this episode of the 'Hours of Bower' series, sponsored by Kyndryl, we delve into Chapter 3 of 'From Resource Allocation to Strategy' with Professor Robert Burgelman. The discussion centers around a revolutionary view of corporate strategy using Intel Corporation’s transformation over several decades. Professor Burgelman reframes strategy as an emergent and evolving organizational capability, influenced by Intel’s shift from focusing on DRAMs to microprocessors. Key topics include the intricate relationship between top-down planning and emergent strategies, the role of...
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In this episode, long time friend of the show, Clark Gilbert joins us to discuss his book 'Anomaly Seeking Research, 30 Years of Development in Resource Allocation Theory,' co-authored with Clayton Christensen and others. Gilbert elaborates on key themes from the book, including Joe Bower's groundbreaking 1970 resource allocation model, and how this framework has shaped decades of strategic management research. He provides valuable insights into the iterative and multi-level nature of resource allocation processes and how they influence organizational strategy. Real-world examples from various...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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In this insightful episode, Gary Hamel discusses the foundational ideas behind his book, 'The Future of Management.' Delving into the historical context and evolution of management principles, Hamel explores how long-standing conventions, established by early 20th-century theorists like Frederick Winslow Taylor and Max Weber, continue to shape modern companies. He underscores the need for a radical rethink in organizational management to address contemporary challenges such as innovation, strategic renewal, and employee engagement. Drawing parallels from history, Hamel illustrates how...
info_outlineThe Future of Foresight & Innovation: Insights with Gary Hamel | The Innovation Show
In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming back Gary Hamel, a leading expert in business strategy and management. Host Aidan McCullen and Gary Hamel dive deep into the concept of foresight, stressing the importance of understanding broad themes and emerging trends to guide companies toward future opportunities. They discuss companies' common blind spots and failures in anticipating the future, as well as ways to leverage resources effectively. Gary shares insights on the necessity of innovation at all levels of an organization, the perils of becoming too attached to current successes, and how organizations can think more creatively about emerging technologies. They also cover historical examples from companies like IBM, Kodak, and 3M to illustrate key lessons in foresight and innovation.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:20 The Importance of Foresight
02:19 Recognizing Emerging Trends
04:30 Challenges of Organizational Change
09:13 Cultural Perspectives on Innovation
14:31 Historical Examples of Foresight Failures
30:58 Innovation in Cost Structures
34:34 The Urgency of Innovation in Healthcare
35:10 The Need for Builders in Leadership
35:55 Resource Leverage: Doing More with Less
36:55 Learning from Guerrilla Warfare and 9/11
39:06 Speed to Market: Lessons from Japanese Companies
40:24 The Importance of Rapid Iteration
44:00 Building Consensus and Leveraging Employee Insights
47:47 The Role of Strategic Focus in Innovation
53:30 Learning from Kodak and 3M
57:48 Metaphors and Organizational Change
01:07:12 Predicting the Future: The Smartphone and Cloud Computing
01:10:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information