Leap: How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied

During a recent visit to IMD Business School, I had a discussion about competitive advantages with Proof. Tawfik Jelassi, Professor of Strategy and Technology Management who was a Minster of Higher Education in Tunisian Government in 2014. Professor Jelassi has recommended me to read a book published by Professor Howard Yu, Lego Professor of Management and Innovation at IMD Business School and author of Leap – How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can be Copied.

I have had the privilege to e-meet with Proof. Howard Yu, Lego Professor of Management and Innovation at IMD Business School and author of Leap. What makes a company successful in the long-term and how do companies actually thrive in an age when everything can be copied. This is question which has inspired Proof. Howard Yu to write his famous book, Leap How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied. 

In depth case studies with various examples were shared from different periods of time, diverse locations, several business environments and various industries such as textile (e.g. race to the bottom), Pharmaceutical (e.g. Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz), Automotive industries, etc. Case studies of various companies such as Steinway, Procter & Gamble, Novartis, WeChat, Recruit Holdings, John Deere and many others were discussed. The book shares insights which explain why companies like Kodak, Nokia, and Blackberry struggle get displaced while others like Apple and IBM are able to adapt over time. These examples show the in-depth research made by the writer as well as his inspiration to seeing opportunities from challenges and obstacles. The author has also looked at companies operating in the 21st century such as WeChat and highlights the knowledge funnel they should follow (e.g. craftsmanship, outside developers, and automation). 

Professor Yu claims that businesses should embrace change and leaders need to move outside their comfort zones and act, not just to think. Professor Yu has identified five key clear principles (i.g. LEAP) which help leaders to predict how firms can thrive and success within a business environment where workforce, data and money move without restriction, inexpensively and rapidly.

These five pragmatic principles to LEAP are as following:

1-   Understand your firm’s foundational knowledge and provide continuous assessments of core competencies.

2-   Investigating new segments: Preparing to leap to new segments when rivals grow in the existing field

3-   Leverage seismic shifts: Continuously review and learn from historical data to identify patterns that allow you to predict seismic shifts in the industry ahead of competitions

4-   Experiment to gain evidence: Be ahead of the game by acting and experimenting various leap scenarios before a crisis take place.

5-   Dive deep into execution

This book will demonstrate the fact that change is the only constant in a global marketplace. The Financial Times featured LEAP as a June Business Book of the Month in 2018. The book was named as Best Business Books 2018: Strategy. I highly recommend this book for business leaders who want to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can be Copied.

Regards,

Jasim Aal Muhammad

[email protected]

Sultanate of Oman

Consultant in Strategy and Competitive Advantages