Episodes

  • Michael Tushman and Charles O'Reilly - Mastering Ambidexterity: Core And Explore

    Michael Tushman and Charles O'Reilly - Mastering Ambidexterity: Core And Explore
    Nov 15 2024

    🎥 Mastering Ambidexterity: How to Balance Core and Explore with Michael Tushman & Charles O'Reilly

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    The challenges of balancing innovation and efficiency.

    How Microsoft transformed its culture under Satya Nadella using the LEASH Model.

    The role of Corporate Explorers in driving change. Practical tools and strategies for structural ambidexterity.

    In this episode of the Corporate Explorer series, Charles O'Reilly III and Mike Tushman delve into the concept of corporate ambidexterity, focusing on how to balance core (exploit) and explore businesses. They emphasize the creation of separate units with distinct architectures, metrics, and cultures. The discussion explores the critical role of organizational culture and the 'LEASH' model for driving cultural transformation. Using Microsoft under Satya Nadella as a case study, they demonstrate how consistent behavior reinforcement can drive successful cultural change. This episode is essential for leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of innovation within established firms.

    00:00 Introduction to Ambidexterity

    00:25 Challenges in Implementing Ambidexterity

    00:59 Corporate Explorer Series Overview

    01:36 Guest Introduction: Charles O'Reilly and Mike Tushman

    02:05 Core and Explore: Research and Insights

    03:57 The Role of Culture in Ambidexterity

    06:14 Microsoft's Cultural Transformation

    07:32 The LEASH Model Explained

    09:23 Satya Nadella's Leadership at Microsoft

    16:51 Linking Personal and Organizational Renewal

    18:35 Closing Remarks and Resources

    💡 Learn More: Check out related episodes with Tushman & O’Reilly 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMxiNrgE29RLJmEfThOicSPPH972VP0U7

    Engage with Us: https://theinnovationshow.io

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-innovation-show/

    #Ambidexterity #Innovation #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #CorporateExplorer
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    19 mins
  • Technological Taylorism: How Modern AI is Reshaping the Future of Work

    Technological Taylorism: How Modern AI is Reshaping the Future of Work
    Nov 13 2024
      Technological Taylorism: How Modern AI is Reshaping the Future of Work In this episode, we delve into the concept of Technological Taylorism and how the advent of AI and automation is restructuring the workforce. We revisit Frederick Taylor’s principles of scientific management and examine their relevance in today's job market. The discussion covers the rise in workplace surveillance, the transformation of jobs into piecemeal tasks, and the increasing vulnerability of freelance and middle management roles. The episode also explores the larger implications of AI on job creation, economic growth, and the potential for a technological singularity. Featuring insights from experts like Paul Daugherty and Yossi Sheffi, this thought-provoking discussion questions the future of labor in an efficient, data-driven world. 00:00 Introduction: Technological Taylorism and the Future of Work 00:32 The Legacy of Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management 01:31 Modern Workforce Surveillance and AI 03:04 The Rise of Freelancers and Automation 05:39 Creative Destruction in the Digital Age 08:13 The Future of Work: Concerns and Predictions 10:24 Conclusion: Human + Machine Paradigm Technological Taylorism: The Automation of Efficiency and the Future of Work The philosopher and media theorist Marshall McLuhan contends that "we shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us", The idea suggests that we create and adapt to technologies. These technologies, in turn, shape our behaviours, perceptions, and ultimately, our societies. This goes for any technology from the stopwatch to the advanced artificial intelligence.  I hope I am wrong... In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Frederick Taylor introduced a management approach that would fundamentally change the industrial world. With tools as basic as a pen, ledger, and stopwatch, Taylor meticulously observed and recorded the activities of factory workers, aiming to enhance efficiency through what he termed "scientific management." This system dissected every action into its basic elements. Taylor's analysis led to the precise timing and reorganization of each task to maximize speed and efficiency. Initially, these changes led to significant productivity gains, but they also stripped workers of their autonomy and sense of craftsmanship. Understandably, Taylorism reduced skilled artisans to interchangeable cogs in a mechanized process. Fast forward to today, and Taylor's shadow looms large over modern workforce management. Today's management practices have evolved to slice jobs into ever-smaller tasks. In 2019, The Wall Street Journal highlighted a significant shift towards workplace surveillance, labelling employees as "workforce data generators." This marked a new phase in management's scientific approach, now armed with AI-driven tools far beyond Taylor's stopwatch. The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work turbocharged the use of these surveillance tools. A 2021 study by Gartner revealed that the adoption of technologies like facial recognition among employers had doubled to 60% during the pandemic, with predictions of continued growth. This surge in monitoring tools reflects a crisis-induced rush towards greater control, reminiscent of Taylor's response to perceived inefficiencies. The narrative has been that a surefire way to protect yourself in an age of AI is to have a complex, human job. However, when you really examine any complex job it is just a Gordian knot of simple tasks, tasks that can be cheese sliced apart. Consider, AI-powered project management software that eliminates middle management by automating tasks. Once it has unbundled jobs into tasks, it then assembles freelance teams. While these freelancers initially benefit, the software soon learns from their work, and gradually replaces them too. Freelancers are increasingly becoming a significant part of the workforce. A 2022 study by Upwork found that 38% of Americans engaged in freelance work. However, much of this work often involves performing highly specific, repetitive tasks—essentially slicing off a narrow piece of a broader job. These tasks are precisely the kind most vulnerable to automation, leaving freelancers not only contributing to efficiency but also unknowingly putting their own livelihoods at risk as machines learn to replace their roles entirely. This trend isn’t isolated. AI is transforming fields from journalism to radiology, steadily reducing human roles. Taylor’s stopwatch has become the algorithm, and while efficiency soars, the impact on workers echoes the mechanised dehumanisation of Taylorism. This wave will impact computer and software programmers, data analysts, a host of media and marketing jobs, paralegals, financial advisors, consultants, and functional specialists in large organizations. "One of the inevitable results of downsizing is plummeting employee morale. Employees have a hard time squaring all the talk about the importance of ...
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    11 mins
  • Paul R. Daugherty - Radically Human

    Paul R. Daugherty - Radically Human
    Nov 10 2024

    Paul Daugherty - Radically Human

    In this episode, we dive deep with Paul Daugherty, Senior Technology Advisor to Accenture and author of 'Radically Human' and 'Human + Machine'. We explore the evolution of artificial intelligence, its impact on businesses, and how companies can navigate the AI-driven landscape using the IDEAS framework. Paul shares insights into human-centered AI, the importance of trust, and how organizations can reimagine work in the age of AI.

    00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered AI

    00:49 Guest Introduction: Paul Daugherty

    01:45 Context of the Books: Human + Machine and Radically Human

    03:06 Research Insights: AI's Impact on Business Performance

    04:38 Pandemic as an Accelerant for Technology Adoption

    06:23 Tech Vision 2024: Key Trends and Predictions

    09:47 Challenges and Opportunities for CTOs

    18:26 The Digital Core: Modernizing for the AI Era

    24:47 Every Company is a Technology Company

    28:30 Phases of Intelligent Technology

    35:23 The Digital Divide: A Growing Concern

    36:14 Supporting Displaced Workers

    38:30 The Trust Gap in the Workforce

    41:37 The IDEAS Framework: An Overview

    46:49 Deep Learning and Its Limitations

    53:14 The Role of Data in AI

    59:56 Machine Teaching and Human-Machine Hybrids

    01:02:03 Innovating in the Cloud

    01:05:18 Strategic Approaches: Forever Beta and Colabbing

    01:07:44 The Importance of Trust

    01:08:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • The AI Dilemma: Struggle or Shortcuts

    The AI Dilemma: Struggle or Shortcuts
    Nov 6 2024

    In a world of instant gratification and AI shortcuts, are we losing sight of the value of struggle? 🤔 Join us as we explore the importance of embracing challenges and the deeper connection forged through effort and perseverance. From personal anecdotes in sports to the insights of Naomi S. Baron, Albert Camus, Andrew Huberman, and Yuval Noah Harari, we uncover the transformative power of struggle in learning, creativity, and personal growth.

    Discover why "passing through the desert of boredom" is crucial for laying down neural pathways and achieving meaningful results. We'll also delve into the impact of AI on education and organizations, and how bypassing the struggle can lead to a sense of detachment and diminished ownership. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of why struggle is not just essential for success, but also for finding deeper meaning in our achievements. 💡

    🔗 Check out the full article here: https://thethursdaythought.substack.com/publish/posts/detail/151286406?referrer=%2Fp%2Fthe-ai-dilemma-struggle-or-shortcuts

    Find the Reinvention Summit here

    https://www.thereinventionsummit.com
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    9 mins
  • Naomi S. Baron - Who Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing

    Naomi S. Baron - Who Wrote This? How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing
    Oct 31 2024

    AI's Influence on Creativity, Writing, and Learning: A Deep Dive with Naomi S. Baron

    Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on writing, creativity, and education with renowned linguist and author Naomi S. Baron. Delve into key discussions from her book, 'Who Wrote This: How AI and the Lure of Efficiency Threaten Human Writing,' highlighting both the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of AI-generated content. Discover the complexity of copyright issues in the AI era, the importance of maintaining manual skills and personal touch in professional fields, and the significance of mental challenges in fostering authentic creativity. Learn about AI breakthroughs, such as AlphaFold in medicine, and real-world experiments like Google's Notebook LLM. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving role of AI in our lives, the protection of human authorship, and the vital interplay between technology and the human mind.

    00:00 Introduction to AI Writing Tools

    00:52 Meet the Expert: Naomi S. Baron

    01:28 AI's Impact on Authorship and Creativity

    03:08 The Deep Dive Experiment

    06:05 Legal and Ethical Concerns

    14:24 The Value of Human Creativity

    28:46 The Struggle and Reward of Creativity

    31:48 The Creative Struggle: Is It Necessary?

    32:45 Artistic Mastery: From Bach to Picasso

    35:44 Innovation and Discipline: Insights from Peter Compo

    36:38 The Impact of AI on Education and Skills

    42:13 The Importance of Personal Voice in Writing

    44:35 The Physicality of Reading and Writing

    54:35 The Future of Jobs in the Age of AI

    01:01:51 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Navigating Change: The Hidden Scents, Sausages and Trip Wires

    Navigating Change: The Hidden Scents, Sausages and Trip Wires
    Oct 30 2024
    In this week’s Thursday Thought, we explore the crucial role of 'Helpful Cassandras'—individuals with heightened perceptions of change within business environments. Drawing on analogies from nature, quotes from visionaries like Warren Buffet and Andy Grove, and the concept of 'Umwelt' by Jakob von Uexküll, we discuss how different sensory frameworks shape our understanding of market shifts and disruptions. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting these perceptive individuals to stay ahead of crises and seize new opportunities. Don't miss out on the launch of The Reinvention Summit, featuring a workshop led by Rita McGrath on early warnings and trend detection. 00:00 Introduction: Focus on the Playing Field 00:30 The Role of Helpful Cassandras 00:46 Developing Organizational Antennas 01:53 Understanding Umwelt in Business 03:14 Rodents: Masters of Olfactory Perception 04:26 Economic Signals: Smelling the Sausage 06:45 The Cassandra Story: Andy Grove and the Helpful Cassandras 09:16 Embracing Early Warnings 10:51 Conclusion: Join The Reinvention Summit https://www.thereinventionsummit.com Article: Navigating Change: The Hidden Scents, Sausages and Trip Wires “Games are won by players who focus on the playing field - not by those whose eyes are glued to the scoreboard.” - Warren Buffet. Just as different species perceive their environments in unique ways, individuals within a business environment experience and interpret the world around them through their subjective lenses. Some of these individuals—like modern-day Cassandras—are particularly attuned to early signs of change or disruption, but their warnings are often ignored. Using the analogy of rodents' heightened sense of smell, we explore how these Helpful Cassandras can guide companies away from crisis or towards new opportunities.yet are frequently overlooked. Embracing their foresight is crucial to navigating an uncertain future. "The capacity of an organization to read its environment somewhere out there, which requires hiring some people whose sole job is to pay attention to the things that we're not paying attention to. If you think about any system, any [00:01:00] creature has only certain antennas. Which means that those antennas allow them to be in touch with this part of the world and not that part of the world. And they get in trouble when the world suddenly has something as a threat to them that they have no antennas for. So it's very important in an organization to develop the capacity here to have these kind of emergent antennas. And or to have at least parts of things that are paying attention to what people are not paying attention to, because, in most every case, when a crisis is coming, there are people who know nobody wants to listen to them because things are going well. And you certainly don't help your career by talking about them. So I think organizations, if they want to really be on the edge of things, have to build in as capacity here to surveil parts of environment. That it has not been paying very much attention to." - Stan Deetz, Innovation Show 559 Jakob von Uexküll was a pioneering biologist interested in how living beings perceive their environments. [00:02:00] He argued that organisms experience life through species-specific, subjective reference frames he called Umwelt (The German word for environment). Each species experiences the world through its own unique sensory lens. A tick, for instance, uses the smell of butyric acid to locate a mammalian host, while a star-nosed mole relies on touch to navigate underground. Despite sharing the same physical space, animals perceive their surroundings in vastly different ways. This idea of Umwelt applies not only to biology but also to how individuals in a business environment interpret signals of change. In the business world, we each operate with different sensory frameworks. Some colleagues are tuned into technological advances, others are adept at sensing shifts in consumer behaviour, and some focus on regulatory or financial changes. Like animals in nature, they have adapted to perceive the same "business environment" in their own distinct ways. These [00:03:00] individuals, with their heightened perception, act like von Uexküll’s animals—sensing things others might not. This diversity of perception is invaluable, yet, much like in nature, it is often underestimated. Rodents: Masters of Olfactory Perception The world of a rodent is defined by smell in a way humans can never fully understand. With around 1,200 functional olfactory receptors compared to the 400 that humans possess, rodents can detect a vast range of smells and subtle environmental shifts long before we ever would. Their survival relies on this heightened sense of smell, enabling them to find food, avoid predators, and navigate their world with precision. They have adapted for their unique experience of the world and this adaptation, in turn, ...
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    12 mins
  • Stan Deetz - Leading Organizations through Transition Part 2

    Stan Deetz - Leading Organizations through Transition Part 2
    Oct 26 2024

    Stan Deetz 2

    Navigating Organizational Change: Insights on Leadership, Culture, and AI with Stan Deetz

    In this comprehensive episode, join renowned expert Stan Deetz as we explore the complexities of organizational change. Delve into the challenges leaders face when reshaping deeply ingrained cultural assumptions and managing innovation. Discover the impact of language in fostering change, the role of visionary leadership, and the importance of addressing environmental factors before they become crises. Learn about the significant influence of AI on organizational structures and the critical need for maintaining tacit knowledge and genuine communication in a digital age. Gain valuable perspectives on the intersection of leadership, culture, and technology in transforming modern organizations.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

    00:09 The Ugly Truth About Transitions

    00:51 Challenging Cultural Assumptions

    02:24 The Metaphor of Left-Handedness

    05:28 The Struggle of Change Agents

    11:35 The Role of Founders in Shaping Culture

    15:40 Generational Clashes in Organizations

    23:22 The Importance of Praising Mistakes

    26:42 Timing and Crisis in Organizational Change

    29:49 The Need for Vision in Transformation

    30:41 The Power of Vision in Leadership

    34:12 The Role of Language in Organizational Change

    35:15 Challenges in Communicating New Ideas

    47:17 Tacit Knowledge and Organizational Wisdom

    51:37 AI and the Future of Management

    53:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

    Find Stan here: https://www.standeetz.org

    Innovation, Change Management, Organizational Culture, Leadership, Communication, Transition, Transformation, Vision, Language, Learning, Tacit Knowing, AI, Diversity, Neurodiversity, Organizational Change, Culture Change, Innovation Culture, Digital Transformation, Future of Work, Change Leadership, Aidan McCullen, Stan Deetz, Aristotle, George Bernard Shaw, Jack Welch, Braverman, Chomsky, Giddens, Weber
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    57 mins
  • Build Before You Die: The Critical Need for Proactive Capability Building

    Build Before You Die: The Critical Need for Proactive Capability Building
    Oct 23 2024

    Build Before You Die: The Critical Need for Proactive Capability Building

    In this week's Thursday Thought, we delve into why building capabilities proactively is essential for companies to navigate disruptive change. Through quotes from Clayton Christensen, Stan Deetz, and the Spartan Warrior Mantra, we explore the concept of 'sweating in times of peace' to avoid future crises. Using the analogy of Conan the Barbarian, we examine how companies can strengthen their core competencies to stay competitive. We'll discuss how digital-first companies like Toyota have successfully prepared for technological shifts through early capability building, offering lessons that underscore the peril of waiting until it's too late. Join us to learn how to build for tomorrow, today, and avoid becoming a corporate cautionary tale.

    00:00 Introduction: Build Before You Die

    00:01 The Importance of Proactive Capability Building

    00:04 Quotes to Ponder

    00:47 Lessons from Conan and Spartans

    01:20 Digital Natives vs. Traditional Businesses

    01:55 The Cost of Waiting

    02:37 Strategies for Building Competencies

    03:03 The Role of Leadership in Capability Development

    03:52 The Predictable Pattern of Disruption

    05:19 Case Study: Toyota's Long-Term Vision

    08:21 The Essence of Organizational Capability

    09:07 Conclusion: Continuous Journey of Reinvention

    09:20 Join Us at The Reinvention Summit

    https://www.thereinventionsummit.com
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    10 mins