Embracing Ecosystems: Issue #20

Author: Michael Sinz

It started with a headache. Not the kind that comes from missing your morning coffee, but the kind that happens when you have too many conversations, too many different strategies, and meetings that seem to go in circles. Mark, a CTO at a big retail company, was struggling to handle discussions with ten different vendors. They all had their own ideas, but none of them were working together. He felt stuck until he had a simple but powerful thought: What if the vendors talked to each other before coming to him?

That small change made a big difference. Instead of spending his time trying to coordinate different vendors, Mark asked them to figure things out among themselves first. Suddenly, his team had fewer meetings, more focus, and faster results. His company wasn’t just working with an ecosystem—it was leading one.

Mark’s story shows how important ecosystems are today. Business is no longer just about one company selling to another. Now, success comes from working together, sharing knowledge, and growing as a network. But how do we move from a good idea to making it work in reality?

The latest Think Ecosystem podcast episode talks about what makes ecosystems work—and what holds them back. One of the biggest challenges is trust. Companies often hesitate to share information with partners because they’re afraid of losing control. But as Laura Atkinson from EY explained, the best ecosystems are built on honesty and open communication. Look at cloud service providers—they don’t just offer technology, they create ways for different companies to work smoothly together. Trust doesn’t come from contracts—it comes from creating value together.

AI, especially Generative AI (GenAI), is also changing how businesses work in ecosystems. The podcast talks about how AI can save time and increase efficiency, but it also brings big questions and risks. Companies need to think carefully before jumping in:

• Who owns the data and AI models?
• How do we make sure AI follows our business values?
• Are we using AI to help people, or are we replacing them without thinking of the consequences?

Handling these challenges properly can create new opportunities. But companies that move too fast, without clear rules, could face problems later.

Another key takeaway from the podcast is leadership. As Forrester’s Ted Schadler shared, companies that succeed in ecosystems have a top executive in charge of ecosystem strategy. Without clear leadership, things can become messy and inefficient. Companies need to set clear goals—whether that’s keeping customers happy, improving innovation, or growing into new markets.

Ecosystems are not just a trend—they’re the future. Companies that understand this will create strong and lasting business models. Those that don’t may find it hard to keep up. The good news? There’s a way to do this successfully.

Mark’s experience is just one example of how businesses can make ecosystems work in real life. If you want to hear more real-world stories and insights, check out the latest Think Ecosystem podcast episode here. The conversation gives a step-by-step guide on how to bring ecosystems to life, with expert advice from industry leaders.

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