Join Rufus Griscom, host of The Next Big Idea podcast, as he dives into the creation of 'The Art of Business Wars,' a book that brings together thrilling tales of competition. He and David Brown explore the essence of a great business rivalry, tackling the dramatic clash between Gibson and Fender in the electric guitar arena. They also dissect Apple's strategic evolution under Steve Jobs, highlighting adaptability amid crises. With a sprinkle of humor, they discuss turning challenges into growth opportunities, making it a must-listen for any business enthusiast!
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Learning from Business Stories
Draw lessons from business stories to improve your own practices.
Focus on the human aspect and relatable narratives for deeper learning.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ford's Strategic Supply Chain
Henry Ford secured his business by strategically controlling the supply chain.
He created an engine company to gain capital and buy out investors.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Fender's Timely Innovation
Fender's success with the Telecaster demonstrates that innovation timing is key.
Leo Fender capitalized on Les Paul's rejected "Log" guitar idea when Gibson hesitated.
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In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
Blue Ocean Strategy
Renee Mauborgne
W. Chan Kim
Blue Ocean Strategy challenges traditional competitive strategies by advocating for the creation of new, uncontested market spaces. The authors, W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, argue that companies should focus on innovation to create 'blue oceans' of new demand, rather than competing in 'red oceans' of existing markets. The book provides a systematic approach and tools for successfully formulating and executing blue ocean strategies, including the strategy canvas and the six principles of blue ocean strategy. It highlights successful examples such as Cirque du Soleil and low-cost airlines, and offers guidance on overcoming organizational hurdles and aligning value, profit, and people propositions.
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
The Art of Business Wars
Battle-Tested Lessons for Leaders and Entrepreneurs from History's Greatest Rivalries
David Brown
This book, based on the *Business Wars* podcast, uses the insights of Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu to frame some of the biggest business rivalries in history. David Brown chronicles the rise of companies, their strategies, and how they adapted to societal changes to stay ahead of the competition. The book draws valuable lessons about determination, ingenuity, patience, grit, and subtlety from these business wars, making it invaluable for both freelancers and CEOs of multinational companies.
Our new book, The Art of Business Wars, takes fans through stories they've heard on Business Wars and some that are completely new. Host David Brown is joined by Next Big Idea's Rufus Griscom to discuss how the book came together, what makes a great Business Wars story, and preview some of the never-before-seen rivalries sure to thrill long-time listeners.
The Art of Business Wars is available now from all major booksellers.
Business Wars 
