HBR On Strategy

Mark Johnson, a senior partner at Innosight and co-author of "Lead from the Future," emphasizes the need for leaders to envision their desired future to craft effective strategies. He discusses how a 'future-back' approach, as seen in companies like Apple and Johnson & Johnson, can transform decision-making and innovation. Johnson highlights the importance of adapting to rapid changes in sectors like education and the power of grassroots innovation at organizations like Intel. By focusing on future possibilities, managers can lead teams towards greater adaptability and success.

Chris Zook, a partner at Bain & Company and a bestselling author, shares insights on redefining core businesses for sustainable growth. He identifies three critical warning signs that signal a need for transformation. Zook emphasizes the importance of uncovering 'hidden assets' within organizations to fuel future growth. He draws on examples from well-known companies like General Electric and De Beers, highlighting strategies for navigating market pressures and leveraging platform capabilities for success.

Bill Aulet, a seasoned entrepreneurship professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management and author of 'Disciplined Entrepreneurship,' shares his insights on launching a startup. He emphasizes strategic planning and the rising role of technology in lowering barriers to entry. Aulet discusses how entrepreneurship is evolving into a respected career path, highlights the challenges of commercializing tech innovations from research labs, and advocates for mission-driven initiatives that align with societal needs. His practical 24-step guide offers a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Shelle Santana, an assistant professor of marketing at Bentley University, dives into the evolution of branding through Super Bowl ads. She highlights how iconic commercials, like Budweiser's, create emotional connections. The discussion covers the staggering costs of ads and smart strategies for measuring ROI. Santana also explores the risks of bold storytelling, the timing of ad releases, and how cultural significance shapes consumer engagement. It’s a fascinating look at the art of short-form storytelling in a high-stakes environment.

Emily Hund, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and author of *The Influencer Industry*, dives into the evolution of influencer marketing. She reveals how economic challenges birthed this new career path and offers insights on finding the right influencers for brands. Hund emphasizes the value of long-term relationships over one-off campaigns. Discover effective strategies for small businesses, explore the rise of organic influencers, and learn how transparency in deals can transform brand-influencer dynamics.

Marco Bertini, a marketing professor at Esade Business School, dives into the intriguing world of dynamic pricing strategies. He cautions that while algorithms can enhance profits, they may hurt brand perception if not aligned with human psychology. Bertini emphasizes the importance of maintaining customer trust amidst fluctuating prices. He shares actionable strategies, including communication tactics and real-world examples, to strike a balance between profit maximization and customer loyalty, making it a must-listen for modern businesses.

Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten, Japan's largest e-commerce platform, and Tsedal Neeley, a Harvard Business School professor, dive into Rakuten's bold shift to English as its official language for global expansion. They discuss the initial resistance and productivity dips faced by employees, along with the long-term cultural transformation this decision ignited. The conversation highlights the importance of language in global strategy and the nuanced challenges of cross-cultural management in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Rayport, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, sheds light on the complexities of scaling startups. He emphasizes the critical phase of achieving 'profit market fit' for long-term success. The conversation dives into common pitfalls that hinder growth, such as demand management and capital constraints. Additionally, Rayport highlights the pivotal role of organizational culture in scaling, sharing insights from successful companies like ThreadUp and Netflix. Tune in for strategic takeaways on navigating startup challenges!

Wharton professor David Robertson discusses innovating around a core product by building a family of complementary innovations. Examples include LEGO, GoPro, and CarMax. Key topics: growth strategy, leveraging customer feedback, challenges in innovation, and successful strategies by companies like Victoria's Secret and Gatorade.

Yale School of Management professor Barry Nalebuff discusses the benefits of collaborating with competitors, highlighting successful examples like Apple and Ford. The podcast explores co-opetition strategies, negotiation tactics, and collaboration in various industries. Insights on mitigating risks through contracts and performance guarantees are shared, emphasizing the value of strategic cooperation in business relationships.