Episode 116

Julian Birkinshaw: Fighting back in digital transformation

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Incumbent traditional organisations are doomed to failure.

That’s a misleading view that permeates the world of digital transformation. In fact, they can thrive if they develop the right mindsets and capabilities.

Julian Birkinshaw joins me to explore more of the myths and misconceptions surrounding digital transformation, the discipline of balancing today’s pressures with tomorrow’s opportunities, and the art of thoughtful experimentation. Julian draws on his research and his role as Dean of Ivey Business School to show how leaders can navigate profound change without rushing into costly mistakes.

We also examine the leadership qualities needed to inspire innovation across large organisations, the realities of tenure in academia, and his personal habits that fuel sustained strategic performance. If you lead a team or organisation wrestling with disruption, this discussion offers practical insights for staying relevant and resilient.

You’ll hear about:

Myths that distort the digital disruption narrative
Data revealing incumbent companies’ hidden resilience
Building a digital mindset across established organisations
Balancing present performance with future opportunity
Why ‘fast-second’ often beats first-mover advantage
Inspiring innovation with symbolic leadership actions
Low-cost experiments that signal serious intent
Managing change without rushing major decisions
Generative AI’s real impact on business schools

More about Julian

Julian is a world-leading scholar and dynamic academic leader. Appointed Dean of Ivey Business School at Western University in August 2024, he brings a 25-year legacy at London Business School where he was Vice Dean, Deputy Dean Programmes, and Deputy Dean Executive Education.

An internationally renowned authority on innovation, digital transformation, and the strategic agility of large firms, Birkinshaw has authored 16 books including Resurgent, Fast/Forward, and Becoming a Better Boss.

He has won best paper awards in leading academic journals, and practice-oriented journals. His is a Fellow of the British Academy, Strategic Management Society, American Academy of Management, and Academy of International Business, and holds honorary doctorates from Copenhagen and Stockholm universities.

Julian’s profile
Julian’s book Resurgent

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“Incumbents have strengths that start-ups can only dream of.”

Julian Birkinshaw — Dean, Ivey Business School, and author

VIEW RUNNING ORDER

00.00	Introduction and episode overview.
00.18	Myths of digital disruption and incumbent strength.
04.30	Lessons from Pearson’s digital transformation.
08.29	Balancing today’s demands with future opportunities.
09.02	Cultivating a digital mindset across large organisations.
11.25	Why being a ‘fast second’ can be smarter than first.
15.26	Early actions new CEOs should avoid.
17.40	Symbolic, low-cost experiments that inspire innovation.
20.07	Crafting a distinctive strategy in higher education.
22.30	Navigating institutional constraints and the tenure challenge.
27.44	Motivating tenured professors to keep performing.
29.58	Leveraging time and attention for strategic leadership.
32.51	Multitasking and clarity as leadership superpowers.
34.58	Building global recognition for Ivey Business School.
36.46	Personal practices that fuel sustained performance.
38.51	Final advice for leaders facing digital transformation.
41.11	Where to learn more about Julian’s work.