Heavy Strategy HS118: Bricking the Company – Discussing Existential Threats with Leadership
Nov 25, 2025
The discussion dives into existential threats that could potentially cripple organizations. Concepts like 'bricking the company' and real-world examples, including Travelex and Codespaces, highlight the stakes involved. Insights on how to assess vulnerabilities and the implications of supply-chain risks provide crucial knowledge. The hosts emphasize the importance of framing these risks effectively for senior leadership, recommending concise communication and practical exercises to enhance awareness. The role of AI in amplifying threats is also thoughtfully examined.
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Define Existential Threats Narrowly
- An existential threat means the organization ceases to exist, not just a financial hit or layoffs.
- Treat 'bricking the company' as the narrow category of risks that truly end the business.
Travelex Ransomware Ended The Company
- Travelex suffered a ransomware attack that encrypted data and left them unable to fully restore operations.
- They entered bankruptcy and eventually folded after failing to recover.
Measure Recovery Time Versus Bankruptcy Window
- Ask how long the company can operate without access to data, desktops, servers, or web services.
- Prioritize recovery time against the time it would take the company to fail financially.
