In “Hidden Scents,” Aidan McCullen explores how individuals with heightened perception—dubbed “Helpful Cassandras”—can guide organizations to recognize early signs of disruption or opportunity. Drawing on insights from visionaries like Andy Grove and researchers like Rita McGrath, this piece emphasizes the importance of valuing diverse perspectives to navigate an uncertain future effectively.
Posted 4 weeks ago Tagged adapting to change Aidan McCullen business resilience Business Transformation Change Management communication in organizations Corporate Culture corporate restructuring cultural transition Employee Engagement Innovation Culture Leadership Leadership Development managing conflict managing diversity Organizational Change organizational strategy Stan Deetz storytelling in business tacit knowledge The Innovation Show Thursday Thought vision in business
Continuing our conversation with Stan Deetz, we delve deeper into the challenges and strategies of leading organizations through transition. Stan emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, understanding deeply held assumptions, and the power of storytelling in reshaping company culture. We also discuss the impact of leadership, vision, and the language used to communicate change effectively within organizations.
Posted 4 weeks ago Tagged Aidan McCullen Business Development Business Strategy capability development Clayton Christensen Conan the Barbarian core competencies corporate reinvention digital natives Digital Transformation Disruption Leadership long-term strategy Organizational Change organizational resilience proactive capability building Spartan Warrior Mantra Stan Deetz technological shifts The Innovation Show Thursday Thought Toyota
In this week’s Thursday Thought, we explore the importance of building capabilities proactively to help businesses navigate disruption and remain competitive. Through insights from Clayton Christensen and Stan Deetz, along with the lessons of the Spartan Warrior Mantra, we emphasize the value of ‘sweating in times of peace’ to avoid future crises. Featuring examples like Toyota’s long-term vision and strategies for strengthening core competencies, this episode offers actionable insights for leaders to prepare their organizations for the future.
Posted 2 months ago Tagged Aidan McCullen Business Transformation Cognitive Styles Corporate Explorer Corporate Teams Football Team Analogy Human Insight Ideation incubation Innovation Innovation Ecosystems Leadership Managing Complexity Organizational Change Richard Robertson S-Curve scaling Strategic Diversity Team Building
In this episode, Aidan McCullen welcomes Richard Robertson, co-author of ‘The Corporate Explorer Fieldbook,’ to explore the role of strategic diversity in building effective teams for innovation. Drawing from his extensive experience, Richard shares insights on navigating the different phases of the S-curve and managing human behaviour in change processes.
Posted 2 months ago Tagged Aidan McCullen bottlenecks Business Strategy crisis management emergent strategy execution executive decision-making goal setting Innovation Leadership management theory Organizational Change Peter Compo Scenario Planning strategic consulting strategic leadership strategy alternatives strategy frameworks systemic issues Thought Leadership
In the final episode of our series with Peter Compo, we dive deep into the emergent approach to strategy. Together, we explore how leaders can maintain course amidst turbulence, engage teams to embrace strategy as their own, and avoid the pitfalls of complacency in both crisis and success. Essential insights for anyone navigating strategic leadership.
Posted 3 months ago Tagged Aidan McCullen aspirations bottleneck constraints cascading goals central rule complex adaptive systems decision making deviations from diagnosis Digital Transformation emergent approach granularization Innovation investment in new products metrics nested systems Organizational Change Peter Compo plans real time guidance rule adherence Strategy
In this episode, Peter Compo discusses the limitations of traditional strategic frameworks and offers insights into how organizations can embrace an emergent approach to overcome innovation challenges. Learn about the power of central rules in guiding real-time decisions and unifying actions.
Posted 3 months ago Tagged adaptive systems Aidan McCullen aspirations bottleneck business leadership Business Strategy Charlie Parker complex adaptive systems Corporate Strategy creativity in strategy decision making discipline in strategy DuPont emergent approach execution goals Innovation innovation challenges innovation process jazz improvisation long-term planning Michael Porter Mintzberg Organizational Change Peter Compo Roger Martin Strategic Planning Strategy strategy definition strategy framework
Peter Compo, author of ‘The Emergent Approach to Strategy,’ discusses the chronic failures in strategic planning and how his new book aims to redefine strategy through the lens of complex adaptive systems.
Posted 4 months ago Tagged Aidan McCullen Bureaucracy Business Strategy Employee Empowerment Employee Engagement Erin Clark Harvard Business School Human Potential Innovation Jonathan Clark Kim Clark Leadership Leading Through Management Consulting Modularity New Paradigm Organizational Change Organizational Transformation Power Over Paradigm professional development Workplace Culture
In this episode, we delve into a profound moment of opportunity in human history, examining how organisations can harness leadership to help people and communities thrive. The discussion centres on the new book, ‘Leading Through: Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership,’ authored by Kim, Jonathan, and Erin Clark. The Clarks share their experiences from diverse fields to propose a shift from the outdated power-over paradigm to a more human-centric, flexible, and adaptive way of leading. Topics covered include the challenges and potential of the new paradigm, real-life examples from the authors’ professional journeys, and the enduring need for empathetic leadership even in the face of daunting organisational inertia.
Posted 4 months ago Tagged Agile Methodology Aidan McCullen Business Validation Corporate Innovation Customer Validation David L. Rogers Digital Transformation Roadmap Book Interview David Rogers Digital Transformation Executive Insights Innovation Boards Innovation Governance Innovation Stack Innovation Strategy Iterative Funding Organizational Change Product Validation Psychological Debt Smart Shutdowns Startup Culture Strategic Priorities Technical Debt
Aidan and David Rogers, the author of ‘The Digital Transformation Roadmap’ delve into the significant challenges and strategies for digital transformation within organisations. Key topics include overcoming psychological and organisational debt, technical capabilities required for transformation, the importance of suitable technology, retaining key talent, and evolving organisational culture. David also shares insights on governance and iterative funding, emphasising the need for smart shutdowns and resource allocation. The episode is packed with practical examples, including successful digital transformations at Walmart and Netflix. David’s profound experience and practical tools make this essential listening for business leaders and innovators.
Posted 5 months ago Tagged Aidan McCullen Both and Thinking broadening perspectives Business cognitive approaches creative problem solving dynamism in innovation embracing tensions emotional dynamics Honda's strategy Innovation Leadership leadership insights Organizational Change paradoxical thinking pausing to reflect Transformation uncertainty Unilever case study Wendy Smith
Explore the transformative potential of Both/And Thinking in creative problem solving with Wendy Smith. Discover how embracing emotions drives innovation and gain practical tools to navigate uncertainty, broaden perspectives, and foster dynamic organizational change. Join us as we delve into real-world case studies and leadership insights to inspire paradoxical thinking in your organization.