Pankaj Ghemawat, a Professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a globalization expert, dives into the intricate world of strategic planning reshaped by globalization. He discusses how companies need to rethink supply chains and embrace localization following NAFTA. The conversation highlights public distrust towards large entities and sheds light on Walmart's impact on lower-income populations. Ghemawat also emphasizes India's growing potential in global trade while addressing the myths surrounding technology's role in overcoming trade barriers.

Renée Mauborgne, a strategy professor at INSEAD and co-director of the Blue Ocean Strategy Institute, challenges the notion that innovation must be disruptive. She introduces the concept of 'nondisruptive creation' as a way to foster new markets without harming existing industries. Mauborgne highlights successful examples like Square, illustrating how innovation can thrive alongside job preservation. She also discusses the advantages of this approach, encouraging a shift in mindset to spot opportunities that enhance rather than displace.

Mark Kramer, former Harvard Business School senior lecturer and co-founder of FSG, delves into Enel's remarkable transformation from a major coal polluter to a leader in renewable energy. He explains the strategic changes that facilitated this shift, such as innovative long-range planning and addressing the innovator's dilemma. Kramer discusses the cultural shifts necessary for embracing sustainability and how traditional industries can adapt to modern challenges while balancing business needs and environmental responsibilities.

Stefan Michel, a professor of marketing and strategy at IMD Business School, dives into the essentials of not just creating but capturing value in business. He argues that many companies miss the mark by focusing solely on innovation without a strategy to capture that value. Michel shares a framework for defining the value of innovations and highlights real-world examples from companies like Nespresso and Google. He discusses value-based pricing, collaborative strategies, and the need to rethink innovation for enhanced competitive advantage.

Forest Reinhardt and Michael Toffel, Harvard Business School professors, dive into the Navy's approach to climate change. They discuss how the Navy's proactive strategies can inspire private sector adaptations. The talk highlights balancing short-term mitigation efforts with long-term adaptation investments. They also explore the potential shifts in market demands and supply chains due to climate impacts. Listeners will find valuable insights on merging scientific decision-making with strategic planning in a rapidly changing environment.

Paul Saffo, a renowned technology forecaster, discusses the art of forecasting and the difference between accuracy and effectiveness. He emphasizes that while accurate forecasts are nearly impossible, effective forecasting helps to consider a broader range of future possibilities. Saffo shares his six rules for better forecasting, highlighting the importance of recognizing historical patterns and embracing uncertainty. He advocates for being critical of one's own predictions and discusses how anomalies can signal significant changes in trends.

Kalam Dennis, co-founder of AptDeco, a peer-to-peer marketplace for used furniture, joins Ayelet Israeli, an associate professor at Harvard Business School, to discuss turning startup failures into stepping stones for success. They share AptDeco's journey and strategic lessons learned while navigating challenges in the complex used furniture market. Highlights include utilizing data analytics for value enhancement and emphasizing sustainability. They also explore the dynamics of platform companies and the circular economy, showcasing how these elements drive innovation and growth.

Mark Johnson, co-founder of Innosight, emphasizes the power of 'future-back' thinking in strategy development. He advocates for leaders to visualize their desired future and work backward to achieve it, a critical mindset during crises. Johnson shares insights on innovation and adaptability, drawing from real-world examples like Apple and Intel. He highlights the necessity for organizations to engage with emerging trends, restructure strategies, and encourage grassroots innovation to foster long-term growth and success.

Join Chris Zook, a partner at Bain & Company and a best-selling author, as he reveals how businesses can breathe new life into their core strategies. He discusses three critical signs that indicate it's time for transformation. Zook shares insights on Fortune 500 companies adapting to crises and highlights examples like Home Depot and De Beers. He emphasizes the importance of unearthing hidden assets within organizations to fuel growth and the practical steps for CEOs to navigate turbulent times effectively.

In this discussion, Bill Aulet, a seasoned entrepreneurship professor at MIT and author of 'Disciplined Entrepreneurship,' shares invaluable insights. He highlights the appealing yet risky nature of launching a startup and outlines 24 essential steps to success. Aulet emphasizes the role of technology in democratizing entrepreneurship and talks about the rise of mission-driven ventures tackling societal issues. He also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs and the need for customer-focused innovation to attract funding.