What if everything you knew about strategy was wrong?

In this profound and candid episode, legendary Harvard Business School professors Joseph Bower and Clark Gilbertdismantle the myths of top-down strategy and reveal what actually drives innovation inside organizations — resource allocation.

Hosted by Aidan McCullen, this conversation connects over 50 years of organizational research with real-world disruption—from Clay Christensen’s disruptive innovation, to Intel’s strategic shifts, to why academic institutions resist change.

🔥 You’ll learn:

• Why strategy emerges from internal decisions—not just executive planning

• The role of middle management and customer capture in strategic failure

• How organizations can manage dual transformation

• The secret behind Harvard’s innovation blind spots

• Advice for innovators, executives, and scholars navigating complex systems

This is not your typical leadership podcast. It’s a masterclass in innovation thinking, organizational change, and deep system insights — directly from the architects of the field.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:21 Introducing the Guests: Clark Gilbert and Joe Bower

01:02 Clark Takes Over as Host

01:33 The Connection Between Resource Allocation and Strategy

05:26 Challenges in Strategy Implementation

09:03 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

11:11 Issues in Academic Research

19:48 The Harvard Business School Case

28:10 The Teradyne Case Study

32:41 Elon Musk's Unique Management Style

35:21 The Power of Structural Context in Education

37:50 The Concept of Undermining in Business

39:23 Managing Cognitive Framing in a Changing World

44:06 The Importance of Deep Industry Knowledge

49:16 Advice for Future Scholars

55:56 Final Reflections and Gratitude

📚 Resources and People Mentioned:

• Book: From Resource Allocation to Strategy – by Bower, Gilbert & others
• Dual Transformation – by Clark Gilbert & Scott D. Anthony
• The Innovator’s Dilemma – by Clayton Christensen
• Case Studies: Intel, Teradyne, Kodak, Harvard Business School

💡 Featured Thinkers Mentioned:

• Clayton Christensen – Disruptive innovation pioneer, HBS
• Tom Eisenmann – Strategy & entrepreneurship expert, HBS
• Donald Sull – Former HBS faculty, expert on execution and volatility
• Yves Doz – INSEAD professor, known for multinational innovation research
• Howard Yu – IMD professor; explored tech disruption in Asia
• Tomo Noda – Japanese academic and innovator in business education reform
• Robert Burgelman - MIT professor and prolific author 

We delve into Elise Loehnan's acclaimed book 'On Our Best Behaviour,' exploring the societal and cultural forces shaping women's behaviors and the concept of the 'seven deadly sins.' Elise discusses the ingrained cultural pressures that lead women to self-denial and the impact of patriarchal norms. We explore topics such as envy, pride, sloth, and the importance of embracing both masculine and feminine energies for a balanced life. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with insights on redefining cultural narratives and reclaiming full selves.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:35 The Cultural Conditioning of Women

01:39 Guest Introduction: Elise London

02:01 Personal Struggles and Panic Attacks

03:48 The Pressure of Perfection

07:53 The Concept of Goodness in Women

13:45 Historical Myths and Gender Roles

19:17 The Origins of the Seven Deadly Sins

28:47 The Witch Trials and Cultural Trauma

37:08 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

47:09 Embracing Discomfort and Presence

48:10 Understanding Envy as a Directional Signal

48:29 The Gateway to Other Sins: Envy

49:45 Women and Envy: A Cultural Examination

50:33 The Role of Envy in Personal Desires

53:21 Reframing Envy and Scarcity

54:28 The Impact of Cultural Narratives on Women

01:09:07 Pride and Gender Bias in the Workplace

01:17:13 The Importance of Sadness and Emotional Expression

01:28:23 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Find Elise:

https://www.eliseloehnen.com

Podcast:

https://eliseloehnen.substack.com/p/the-podcast

Substack:

https://eliseloehnen.substack.com

New Book: 

https://amzn.to/47pK7Mw

On Our Best Behaviour Book:

https://amzn.to/4owiQOH

Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: Dr. Steven Gundry on Leaky Gut, Microbiome, and Health

In today's episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection with Dr. Steven Gundry, a prolific author and expert on the subject. Starting with a brief introduction about our sponsor, Kyndryl, we explore the historical context of medical insights from figures like Hippocrates and Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Gundry shares compelling stories from his practice, including miraculous patient turnarounds attributed to gut health. We discuss the latest in microbiome research, the concept of leaky gut, and how our gut's terrain influences overall health. Learn about the critical role of bacteria in our body's ecosystem, the intelligence of microorganisms, and their impact on our well-being. Join us as we unlock the secrets of a balanced inner terrain and its implications for a healthier life.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:30 Dedications and Historical Insights

02:06 Guest Introduction: Stephen Gundry

03:04 Remarkable Patient Stories

07:19 The Gut-Brain Connection

12:52 Historical Debate: Pasteur vs. Bechamp

16:58 Microbiome Discoveries and Implications

19:08 Bacterial Intelligence and Communication

26:29 Elephant Communication and Eavesdropping

27:04 Understanding Leaky Gut

27:52 Aging Research and Sea Elegans

29:45 The Role of Tight Junctions in Gut Health

32:46 Impact of Diet and Antibiotics on Gut Health

36:44 Environmental Toxins and Autoimmune Diseases

37:40 Lipopolysaccharides and Immune Response

42:03 The Rise of Food Sensitivities and Allergies

47:05 Gut Microbiome and Food Cravings

48:10 Conclusion and Resources

Find Steven: https://drgundry.com

In this episode of the Innovation Show  we delve into the myths and realities of business failures with Greg Satell and Paul Nunes.

Join us as we explore classic case studies of companies like Blockbuster, Kodak, and Xerox, and uncover the untold stories behind their perceived failures.

We discuss the complexities of decision-making, the importance of controlling the narrative, and the crucial lessons business leaders can learn from past mistakes. 

00:00 Welcome to the Innovation Show

01:55 The Innovator's Dilemma: A Classic Quote

02:05 Introducing the Guests: Greg Satel and Paul Nula

02:43 The Myth of Learning from Failures

03:07 Greg's Experience with Misaligned Case Studies

05:07 Paul's Perspective on Research and Interviews

05:17 The Complexity of Decision-Making in Organizations

15:30 The Blockbuster vs. Netflix Case Study

21:44 The Role of Leadership and Context in Business Decisions

43:45 Milking the Cash Cow: Challenges and Strategies

45:21 Blockbuster's Rapid DVD by Mail Transition

46:30 Adobe's Cloud Shift and Kodak's Digital Dilemma

48:42 Kodak's Struggle with Digital Photography

54:43 Fuji's Diversification Success

58:29 Intel's Missed Opportunities and Target Fixation

01:06:40 Xerox's Innovation and the Birth of the Laser Printer

01:20:44 Lessons from Xerox and Pixar's Origins

01:24:26 Empowering Emerging Leaders and Final Thoughts

Perfect for business leaders, strategists, and innovation professionals who want to move beyond the clichés and understand what truly drives long-term success—or failure.

Find Greg: https://gregsatell.com

Find Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-nunes-5351773/

🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or visit: https://theinnovationshow.io

🧠 Featuring:

• Greg Satell – Author of Mapping Innovation

• Paul Nunes – Global Managing Director of Thought Leadership, Accenture Research

• Host: Aidan McCullen – Author of Undisruptable

In this episode, we conclude the comprehensive series on Gary Hamel and 'Humanocracy,' diving deep into the principles and practices that can transform entrenched bureaucracies into more dynamic and innovative organizations. Host Aidan interviews Gary Hamel to discuss the persistent issue of bureaucracy stifling economic growth and the groundbreaking transformation at Roche as a case study. The conversation covers the increasing bureaucracy in global companies, the decline in productivity, and innovative methods like outcome-based planning and cross-functional squads to elevate organizational efficiency. The episode also emphasizes personal accountability and offers actionable steps for leaders aiming to foster a more adaptive and resilient work environment. This informative discussion is a must-watch for CEOs and business leaders looking to revolutionize their companies.

00:00 Introduction and Giveaway Announcement

00:52 The Problem with Bureaucracy in Organizations

06:16 Case Study: Roche's Transformation

11:16 Leadership Reboot and Principles at Roche

20:31 Implementing Change: Design Teams and I Squads

26:34 Outcome-Based Planning and Resource Allocation

29:53 Resource Allocation and Organizational Ethos

31:16 Resilience in the Face of Challenges

32:59 Leadership and Change Management

37:47 Cross-Functional Squads and Collaboration

42:43 Patient-Centric Approach

46:31 Personal Accountability and Bureaucracy

50:30 Experimentation and Innovation

56:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find Gary 

https://www.garyhamel.com

In this episode of the Innovation Show, Aidan McCullen welcomes back Gary Hamel to dive deep into the updated release of his book, 'Humanocracy.' They explore the principles and practices of leading companies like Nucor and Haier that reject traditional bureaucratic models in favor of empowering every employee to be an entrepreneur. Gary Hamel shares insights into the mechanisms driving innovation and strategic shifts in these organizations. Find out how micro-enterprises, internal contracting, and a culture of trust and accountability can turn any organization into a breeding ground for innovation and sustained growth. Sponsored by the Kyndryl Institute, whose biannual journal offers thought leadership on AI, global trade, and transformation.

00:00 Introduction to the Innovation Show

00:49 Welcoming Gary Hamel and Discussing Humanocracy

01:55 The Need for Organizational Reset

02:35 Motivation and Models for Change

03:40 Deep Mindset Changes and Migration Path

04:08 Case Study: Nucor's Innovative Management

11:29 Nucor's Management Model and Success

13:01 Empowerment and Reward Systems at Nucor

16:35 Coordination and Trust at Nucor

27:25 Humanocracy Traits and Nucor's Approach

42:30 The Evolutionary Process in Organizations

43:18 Avoiding Over-Specialization in the Workforce

45:04 The Role of AI in Modern Employment

47:01 Haier's Unique Management Model

52:33 Micro-Enterprises and Market Discipline

58:47 Ecosystem Micro Communities at Haier

01:01:14 Entrepreneurship and Ownership at Haier

01:12:42 The Downfall of Intel: A Case Study

01:23:11 Conclusion and Future Discussions

#GaryHamel #Humanocracy #InnovationShow #FutureOfWork #OrganizationalChange #PostBureaucracy #Haier #Nucor #AidanMcCullen #FlatOrganizations #StrategyExecution #RadicalManagement

In this episode of The Gary Hamel Series, we explore the principles laid out in 'Humanocracy,' a manifesto that argues for liberating human capabilities from the stranglehold of bureaucracy. We delve into practical strategies for creating more dynamic, innovation-driven organizations. Special guest, Gary Hamel, discusses the economic and social implications of bureaucratic systems and presents alternative management models exemplified by companies like Morningstar and Nucor. We also reflect on personal anecdotes and shared experiences that highlight the soul-crushing effects of traditional bureaucratic structures. Thank you to our sponsor, Kyndryl, for supporting this series focused on harnessing technology for smarter decisions and faster innovation.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:58 Overview of Humanocracy

02:08 Gary Hamel's Return and Dedications

02:51 Audience Feedback and Testimonials

05:18 The Problem with Bureaucracy

09:46 Personal Anecdotes and Case Studies

17:37 Economic Implications of Bureaucracy

19:27 The Need for a New Management Model

38:26 Post-Bureaucratic Pioneers

39:28 The Shift in Mindset

39:45 Nucor's People-Centric Approach

41:01 The Bureaucratic Worldview

41:54 The Growth of Bureaucracy

44:04 The Persistence of Bureaucracy

45:44 The Role of Managers

55:29 Morningstar's Self-Management Model

01:01:58 The Importance of Principles

01:07:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

🎯 Subscribe now and follow the full Humanocracy playlist.

#GaryHamel #Humanocracy #Bureaucracy #FutureOfWork #AidanMcCullen #InnovationShow #OrganizationalChange #EmployeeEmpowerment #Leadership #PostBureaucracy #Decentralization #StrategyExecution #BusinessInnovation

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 include the balancing act between positional advantages and distinctive competencies, the dilemmas faced by multi-business companies, and the challenges of insufficient variation and co-evolutionary lock-ins. The episode also touches upon the importance of strategic leadership in navigating these complex dilemmas. This deep dive is a must-watch for anyone interested in organizational strategy and corporate innovation.

📘 Based on decades of research and experience alongside Andy Grove at Intel, Burgelman offers frameworks every leader needs to navigate uncertainty and disruption.

🎧 Hosted by Aidan McCullen 🎯 Featuring case studies from Intel, HP, Nokia, Apple, JetBlue & more

#RobertBurgelman #OrganizationalAdaptation #StrategicDissonance #AidanMcCullen #InnovationShow #IntelStrategy #NokiaCaseStudy #ClarkGilbert #GaryHamel #AndyGrove #StrategyExecution #CorporateInnovation #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessTransformation #InnovationLeadership

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:45 Welcoming Professor Robert Burgelman

00:59 Strategic Dissonance and Context Processes

02:35 Intel's Strategic Context Evolution

07:13 Clark Gilbert's Duality Insight

09:07 Disruption from Above and Below

16:58 Intel's Competency and Position Traps

27:51 Multi-Business Dilemma

39:35 Adapting Organizations to Changing Environments

40:42 Case Study: Swedish Media Company ER Bony News

42:23 Challenges of Biased Leadership

42:51 Intel's Strategic Shifts and Learning Curves

44:47 Co-Evolutionary Lock-In Dilemma

46:06 Exploration vs. Exploitation in Organizations

47:25 Narrow Business Strategy Benefits

50:44 Corporate Venture Capital and AI

57:08 Disruptive Technology Dilemma

58:21 The iPhone's High-End Disruption

01:00:45 Nokia's Missed Opportunities

01:08:34 Strategic Leadership and Emotional Attachment

01:13:02 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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 Strategy

02:15 Intel's Early Innovations and Challenges

07:20 The Rise of Microprocessors

09:19 Strategic Shifts and Market Dynamics

14:36 Intel's Strategic Inflection Points

17:26 Internal and External Ecological Systems

24:55 Missed Opportunities and Strategic Inertia

30:23 Analyzing Strategy Models

37:06 Innovative Gel Product Failure

38:49 Forces in R&D and Management

39:30 Resource Allocation and Product Championing

40:50 Strategic Forcing and Market Growth

42:09 Challenges in New Business Development

44:05 Organizational Championing and Strategy

49:36 Cognitive and Political Dynamics

52:39 Navigating Corporate Innovation

01:00:28 Evolutionary Perspective on Strategy

01:01:47 Prospector, Defender, Analyzer, Reactor

01:06:28 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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 internal and external selection environments, and the concept of strategic dissonance explained through examples from Intel’s history. Join host Aidan and Professor Burgelman as they explore how strategic leadership and innovation can coalesce to drive corporate success in a competitive business landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:30 Overview of Today's Episode

01:50 Guest Introduction: Professor Robert Burgelman

02:21 Early Career and Influences

04:07 Collaboration with Joe Bower

07:11 Intel's Strategic Shift

09:27 Andy Grove and Strategic Dissonance

19:35 Framework for Strategic Leadership

33:32 The Importance of Aligning Actions with Strategy

34:25 Intel's Strategic Shifts and Missed Opportunities

35:35 The Dangers of Dominance in an Industry

37:47 Disruptive Innovation and Strategic Inertia

51:04 Balancing Induced and Autonomous Strategy Processes

52:51 Organizational Ecology and Internal Selection

59:22 HP's Strategic Evolution and Corporate Splits

01:04:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts