Permission to fail and after-action reviews

In this special Thinkers50 edition of Innovation Show X, sponsored by Kyndryl, host Aidan McCullen brings together three of the world's most influential management thinkers—Alex Osterwalder, Howard Yu, and Sangeet Paul Choudary—to explore how AI is transforming the architecture of business.

What makes this conversation extraordinary is that, unknown to everyone at the time of recording, each participant would receive a major Thinkers50 recognition just hours later:

• Sangeet Paul Choudary — Thinkers50 Strategy Award

• Howard Yu — reaffirmed in the Thinkers50 global ranking

• Alex Osterwalder — reaffirmed in the Thinkers50 global ranking

• Aidan McCullen — Thinkers50 Innovation Award

This episode captures four award-winning perspectives before the accolades were announced—an unfiltered, spontaneous exchange on the real work of reinvention.

🎙️ Episode Overview

AI is reshaping the business landscape, but most organisations focus on tools rather than the deeper question: How must business models, organisational structures, and leadership mindsets evolve in an AI-driven world?

Together, Alex, Howard, Sangeet, and Aidan unpack:

• Why 95% of GenAI projects fail and what organisations miss

• How AI reshuffles entire industries, not just processes

• The hidden role of corporate antibodies in killing new ideas

• Why visionary leadership matters more than ever

• How modular, fluid organisations create a real edge

• What learning engines look like in practice

• Why the real value moves from "answers" to sensemaking

• How leaders can place better bets in uncertainty

• Why it's not an "AI strategy" you need, but a strategy for the world AI creates

This is a masterclass in strategic reinvention from four globally recognised thinkers.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Sponsor Message (Kyndryl) 00:41 The Confusing Landscape of AI in Business 01:20 Amara's Law & Business Impact 01:43 Panel Introduction at Thinkers50 02:25 Sangeet on Containerisation & Second-Order Effects 06:59 Osterwalder on Business Model Innovation 09:34 Yu on Capabilities & Industry Shifts 12:51 FOTO, Metaverse Missteps & Strategic Priority 15:21 Leadership Vision & the Capability Gap 21:32 Modularity & Learning Engines 37:00 Codifying an Innovation Culture 38:20 Vision Cascading Through Organisations 40:01 Why Good Ideas Fail to Scale 41:41 Leadership's Role in Innovation 43:13 From Sensing to Sensemaking 44:31 Exploration, Exploitation & Fluid Organisations 46:37 Continuous Change & Industry Reshuffling 49:04 The Future of AI in Business 50:33 Killing Projects & Resource Allocation 01:02:27 Closing Thoughts — Business Basics in an AI World

🌍 About the Guests

Alex Osterwalder – Prolific Author, Creator of the Business Model Canvas and co-founder of Strategyzer; Thinkers50 global thought leader.

Howard Yu – Author of Leap, LEGO Professor of Management & Innovation (IMD); Thinkers50 global thought leader.

Sangeet Paul Choudary – Author of Platform Revolution and Reshuffle; Thinkers50 Strategy Award winner.

Aidan McCullen – Author of Undisruptable, Host of The Innovation Show and Innovation Show, keynote speaker, and Thinkers50 Innovation Award winner.

📚 Resources & Links

• Strategyzer → https://www.strategyzer.com

• Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Reshapes the Knowledge Economy → https://amzn.to/3HWwj1I

• Platform Revolution → https://amzn.to/4mBq2aQ

• Sangeet's Substack → https://substack.com/@platforms/posts

• Howard's Substack → https://howardyu.substack.com

• Aidan's show notes → https://thethursdaythought.substack.com

• Undisruptable → https://amzn.to/4pCEhgH

💡 About Our Sponsor: Kyndryl

Kyndryl designs, runs, and reimagines the mission-critical technology systems that power the world's largest organisations. Their AI-powered consulting and unmatched managed services help leaders make smarter decisions, accelerate innovation, and build enduring competitive advantage. Learn more at Kyndryl.com.

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