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_outlineGary Hamel on Leading the Revolution Part 1
In this episode, renowned business thinker Gary Hamel discusses his book 'Leading the Revolution' with Aidan McCullen, offering an innovative action plan for companies or individuals aiming to stay ahead of the industry. Drawing on successful examples from companies like Charles Schwab, Virgin, GE Capital, and profiling innovators like Ken Kutaragi of Sony PlayStation, Hamel shares how to grow and innovate amidst market chaos. He explores the origin of revolutionary business concepts, key criteria for building activist-friendly and revolutionary-ready companies, the dangers of becoming ‘one vision wonders,’ and harnessing employee imagination. The conversation also reflects on business failures, the cyclical nature of market success, and the essential need for continuous reinvention. Join for invaluable insights on thriving in turbulent times.
00:00 Introduction to Industry Revolutionaries
00:41 Exploring Revolutionary Business Concepts
00:48 Key Criteria for Building Revolutionary Companies
00:55 Avoiding One Vision Wonders
00:59 Harnessing Employee Imagination
01:11 Practical Advice for 21st Century Success
01:23 Welcoming Back a Business Thinker
01:50 Insights from Leading the Revolution
02:37 Honoring Professor Paul Hamel
03:23 Corporate Climate in 2000
03:56 Technological Advancements and Market Shifts
04:43 The Importance of Innovation
05:16 Challenges for Established Companies
06:15 Digital Transformation and Its Pitfalls
06:53 Investment in Technology
09:04 Organizational Orthodoxies
10:42 The Danger of Unchallenged Assumptions
11:19 Examples of Missed Opportunities
15:25 The Future of Retail and Education
17:23 The Importance of Humility in Leadership
18:24 Case Study: Sony's Rise and Challenges
20:44 Leadership and Organizational Dynamics
23:31 Encouraging Innovation from the Periphery
24:32 Case Study: Haier's Entrepreneurial Platform
29:07 Changing the Rules for Success
31:17 Forming Partnerships with Young Companies
32:22 Understanding Innovation Risk
36:31 De-Risking Innovation
37:55 The Importance of Intellectual Commitment
39:17 Challenges of Business Model Innovation
44:37 Strategic Planning vs. Strategy
50:27 The Illusion of Corporate Vitality
59:11 The Need for Innovative Leadership
01:01:13 Conclusion and Next Steps
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