When It Doesn’t Stay in Vegas

Why David and Goliath are the Same!

In 2020, wildfires scorched 45 million acres (18 million hectares) in Australia, and fifty-eight thousand wildfires burned 10.27 million acres (4.16 million hectares) in the United States. California suffered an estimated $100B total economic cost from wildfires in a single year. Beyond numbers, people who faced incinerated homes and apocalyptic orange skies endure a lasting emotional impact.

With all the time that companies invest in strategic planning, it’s surprising how little true strategy emerges. We see financial plans and near-term tactics, but few firms position themselves more than one or two chess moves ahead. Then unexpected waves of change submerge plans and upend the competitive order.