Dan Wong

Dan Wong, a strategy professor at Columbia Business School, dives into the intricate dance between technology and entrepreneurship. He discusses the innovator's dilemma, underscoring how established companies, like Kodak, often struggle with disruptive technologies. Wong also explores consumer resistance against new innovations, using humorous examples like the dishwasher and driverless cars. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for businesses to adapt to tech advancements while navigating ethical considerations and the psychological challenges of consumer trust.

Dan Wong, a strategy professor at Columbia Business School, dives into the world of competitive markets. He discusses the fascinating rise and fall of the Starbury sneakers, an attempt to offer an affordable alternative to the iconic Air Jordan. The conversation highlights the critical balance of differentiation and price in marketing. Additionally, Wong shares insights from the rivalry of bell manufacturers, illustrating how brand loyalty can be shaped even in a crowded marketplace. This exploration reveals valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in making their mark.

In this discussion with Dan Wong, a strategy professor at Columbia Business School, the podcast dives into the fierce world of sneaker competition. Wong shares insights on how the Starbury sneaker aimed to carve a niche in a market dominated by the Air Jordan. The conversation also highlights the importance of differentiation, with two handbell manufacturers facing their own rivalry while navigating product uniqueness. Ultimately, listeners get a front-row seat to the complexities of establishing brand identity in saturated markets.